Hair loss is a common concern affecting both men and women across Singapore, often leading to a loss of confidence. Factors such as genetics, hormonal changes, and even environmental stressors contribute to the rising cases of hair thinning and baldness.
For many, finding a reliable solution to hair loss can seem overwhelming since there are a lot of treatments to choose from. One treatment option is hair transplant, a technique that can help to promote hair growth.
Dr Justin Boey, Medical Director of Sozo Clinic, is known for his precision and customised approach to hair restoration treatments, including different types of hair transplant techniques. His commitment to patient-centred care and thorough understanding of hair physiology allows him to provide personalised solutions tailored to each patient’s hair loss patterns and goals.
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What is a Hair Transplant?
Hair transplant surgery is a specialised procedure aimed at restoring hair to areas affected by baldness or thinning. This surgical process involves taking individual follicular units, which normally grow in groupings of one to four hair follicles, from a donor site—typically the back or sides of the scalp.
These healthy hair follicles are meticulously transplanted to the balding or thinning regions of the scalp. This process effectively redistributes hair, enhancing density and coverage in areas where hair growth has diminished.
Using the patient’s own hair ensures a natural-looking outcome, as the transplanted hair integrates seamlessly with existing hair. Dr Boey’s expertise in hairline design and follicle placement ensures natural results, giving patients the confidence to move forward without the stigma associated with hair loss.
Benefits of Hair Transplants
Hair transplants offer numerous advantages to individuals seeking effective solutions for hair loss. Apart from restoring natural hair density, the procedure contributes significantly to both appearance and confidence. Here are some of the primary benefits of hair transplants:
- Natural Results: Since the transplanted hair is sourced from the patient’s own scalp, the results look natural and blend seamlessly with existing hair. Dr Boey’s attention to the natural direction and pattern of hair growth ensures realistic results.
- Long-term Solution: Unlike temporary solutions, such as wigs or hairpieces, hair transplants offer a long-term solution to hair loss. Once the transplanted hair follicles take hold, they grow naturally over a lifetime.
- Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem: Hair loss can significantly affect self-esteem for many individuals. Restoring a full head of hair often leads to enhanced confidence, improving overall quality of life.
- Minimal Maintenance: Post-transplant, the new hair requires no special maintenance beyond regular hair care. This convenience adds to the appeal of hair transplants as a sustainable solution.
- Cost-Effective in the Long Run: While the initial investment may be higher than other hair restoration methods, the permanent nature of hair transplants means individuals often save money over time, avoiding ongoing costs of temporary treatments.
- Scar Minimisation Techniques: Modern hair transplant techniques, such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), leave minimal scarring, ensuring the donor areas heal well with little evidence of surgery.
Types of Hair Loss that Needs Treatment
There are many types of hair loss, each with its own causes and treatments. Here are some of the most common types of hair loss that can benefit from hair transplant surgery:
Androgenetic Alopecia / Pattern hair loss
The most common reason for hair loss is androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss. Up to 80% of men and 40% of women experience significant hair loss and stunted growth due to this hereditary condition linked to the hormone di-hydro-testosterone (DHT).
Pattern hair loss features progressive thinning of hair shafts because of hair follicle damage, a process called ‘miniaturisation’.
It’s called ‘pattern’ hair loss because it follows a specific thinning hair pattern. In men, male pattern baldness usually starts at the hairline or crown and spreads across the scalp, making hair growth difficult in affected areas. In women, female pattern hair loss starts at the center parting and spreads outward, sometimes with noticeable shedding.
Involutional Alopecia
Involutional Alopecia is a type of hair loss that occurs in the natural ageing process. It is when the hair spends more time in the resting phase (telogen) or the shedding phase (catagen) instead of the growth phase (anagen).
Hair is constantly in the growth phase. However, hair growth becomes less frequent with age, and the shedding or resting phase intervals are longer.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Areata is an auto-immune disease that affects more than six million Americans. The skin disease causes hair loss on the scalp, face, and body. While it can be a hereditary disease, it is also a polygenic disease. This means that both parent’s genes should be responsible for passing it to the offspring. Because of that, scientists believe that Alopecia areata is not purely hereditary and can also be environmental.
There are three types of Alopecia areata. There’s Alopecia areata patchy; Alopecia areata totalis, which is total baldness in the scalp; and Alopecia Areata Universalis, where baldness extends from the scalp to the face and body.
Receding Hairline
While a receding hairline is more common in men than women, both genders are affected. This is the first sign of pattern hair loss and can be caused by factors such as age, hormonal changes, heredity, medications and illnesses, or an unhealthy lifestyle.
Telogen Effluvium
Other reasons for hair loss include telogen effluvium, where shedding of hair is the main feature and does not follow any particular pattern. This type of hair loss is often seen around 3-6 months after a sudden stressful event such as childbirth, major surgery or severe emotional stress.
If the shedding is severe, it can reveal more areas of the scalp, causing the appearance of balding.
Suppose telogen effluvium persists for more than 6 months. In that case, hair restoration practitioners deem this as ‘chronic telogen effluvium’; further investigations, such as blood tests, are warranted.
3 Types of Hair Transplants
When choosing a hair transplant procedure, knowing the different methods available is important. Each technique has benefits and considerations, helping you find the right option for your hair loss and goals. Here are the main types of hair transplant techniques commonly offered:
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a common hair transplant technique that involves extracting individual hair follicles directly from the donor area on the patient’s scalp. The surgeon carefully removes each follicle using a small, punch-like instrument, leaving minimal scarring.
These individual follicles are then implanted into the areas experiencing hair loss. This allows for a natural-looking hairline and distribution with minimal downtime and rapid recovery.
FUE is particularly advantageous for those wearing short hair, as it produces negligible visible scarring.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), often called the strip method, involves the removal of a small strip of scalp tissue from the donor area. The strip is then dissected into individual follicular units under a microscope. These units are carefully implanted into the balding areas, ensuring a natural hairline and density.
While FUT can sometimes leave a linear scar at the donor site, it typically allows for a larger number of hair grafts to be transplanted in a single session, making it a suitable option for individuals with substantial hair loss.
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) is a recent advancement in hair transplant techniques. It involves using a specialised tool called a Choi pen, which allows for the simultaneous extraction and implantation of hair follicles. This method enhances the placement precision, ensuring optimal angle, depth, and direction of the implanted follicles.
DHI often results in faster recovery times and reduced trauma to the surrounding scalp tissue, making it an appealing choice for those seeking innovative solutions to hair restoration.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Hair Transplant?
When considering hair transplant procedures, several factors determine whether an individual is a suitable candidate for the procedure:
- Stage of Hair Loss: Ideal candidates typically experience stable hair loss, meaning their pattern of baldness has plateaued and is not rapidly progressing. This stability helps ensure long-term results, as further hair loss could affect transplanted areas.
- Age: While hair transplants can be performed at various ages, candidates should ideally be over 25. This age allows for a better understanding of the extent and pattern of hair loss.
- Scalp Health: A healthy scalp without significant conditions such as dermatitis or psoriasis contributes to a successful transplant. Proper vascularity is also essential to support new hair growth.
- Donor Hair Availability: Candidates need a sufficient amount of healthy hair follicles in the donor area, typically the back or sides of the scalp, for a successful transplant and natural-looking results.
- General Health: Good health is crucial as certain medical conditions or medications may affect healing and outcomes. Candidates should discuss their medical history with their doctor or surgeon.
- Expectations: Suitable candidates have realistic expectations about what hair transplants can achieve, understanding they can improve but not completely restore hair density and appearance.
Dr Boey conducts a thorough evaluation to determine if a patient is suited for a hair transplant, discussing realistic expectations and tailoring the procedure to the individual’s hair loss pattern and lifestyle.
How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost?
The cost of a hair transplant can vary significantly based on several key factors, including location, the surgeon’s expertise, and the procedure’s complexity.
Typically, the cost in Singapore is broken down into different components. The initial step involves a consultation and hair assessment, averaging between $50 and $100. During the aesthetic surgery, the price depends on the number of hair grafts needed, with an average cost of roughly $5 per graft.
For a standard procedure on the scalp, about 2000 grafts are typically required, leading to significant variance in the total surgery cost. Post-surgery recovery medications can cost between $40 and $200, depending on the types and quantities of painkillers or other medications required.
Additionally, follow-up medical reviews after the transplant surgery usually range from $50 to $80 per session. It is crucial to consider that individuals with extensive hair loss may need a second transplant to achieve optimal results, which would further impact the overall cost.
Side Effects of Hair Transplants
Though generally safe, hair transplant surgeries do carry some potential complications. One common risk is infection, which can occur at the graft site or donor area if proper hygiene and aftercare are not maintained. Surgeons typically prescribe antibiotics to mitigate this risk.
Scarring is another concern; although modern techniques like FUE are designed to minimise visible scars, some individuals may still develop noticeable scarring, particularly with the FUT method. This may affect hair’s appearance, especially if hair is worn short.
Shock loss is another potential complication, where existing hair in the transplant area falls out due to trauma to hair follicles during surgery. While typically temporary, it can be distressing for patients who might not see visible improvement until hair regrows.
Discussing these risks with an aesthetic practitioner before undergoing the procedure is crucial to ensure well-informed decisions and reasonable expectations.
How Long Do Hair Transplants Last?
Hair transplant results are generally long-lasting, with most individuals experiencing significant hair growth within a year following the procedure.
Initially, between the first 1 to 4 months, patients may notice hair shafts shedding from the implanted roots. This is a normal part of the hair follicle’s cycle, including shedding and regrowth phases. By 4 to 6 months, transplanted hairs typically grow stronger and healthier, emerging visibly from the scalp.
Around the nine-month mark, approximately 80% of the transplant’s positive effects become noticeable, culminating in full results in about one year. Some patients may continue to see improvements for up to 18 months post-surgery as the hair matures and fills out.
Several factors can impact the longevity of hair transplant results:
- The skill and experience of the surgeon for optimal follicle implantation and minimal trauma
- The patient’s natural hair characteristics, including thickness and texture
- Ongoing hair loss due to genetics or hormonal changes
- Consistent post-operative care and a healthy lifestyle
- Proper nutrition and avoiding stress
Conclusion
Hair transplants have evolved significantly, providing a permanent and natural solution to hair loss. While not suitable for everyone, they can be life-changing for individuals struggling with thinning or balding hair. With proper care and follow-up, hair transplant results can last a lifetime, restoring confidence and self-esteem for those who undergo the procedure.
With a skilled practitioner like Dr Justin Boey at Sozo Clinic, patients receive a personalised treatment plan that considers their unique hair loss patterns and aesthetic goals. Whether you are considering a hair transplant (or hair loss solution), seeking effective acne scar treatments, or exploring options to improve skin laxity, Sozo Clinic offers comprehensive solutions to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
So, if you are considering a hair transplant or any other aesthetic improvements, consult our experienced practitioners at Sozo Clinic to determine if it’s the right option.
