Image: SL Aesthetic Clinic
Hair loss is one of the consequences of aging. For some, hair loss could be an adverse effect of a certain illness or medication.
There are many options available in Singapore to address hair loss. If you are looking for a permanent solution, why not go for a hair transplant?
For those who are planning to get a hair transplant, this article can help you come up with a more informed decision.
Read on to learn more details about hair transplants and relevant information about the best clinics for hair transplant in Singapore.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF HAIR LOSS?
The symptoms of hair loss can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include receding hairline, continuous thinning of hair, abrupt loosening of hair, and appearance of bald spots.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS IN SINGAPORE?
Hair loss is often caused by the following factors:
- Genetics – Certain hormones in your body can affect your hair follicles negatively.
- Medicinal side effects – Certain drugs used to treat cancer, heart problem, high blood pressure, and depression can lead to hair loss.
- Poor diet – Vitamin and mineral deficiency can cause hair loss
- Stress – Physical and emotional stress can lead to thinning of your hair.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF HAIR TRANSPLANT IN SINGAPORE?
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): A strip of skin with hair follicles is taken from the donor area. Hair grafts are then separated and inserted into the target area. This procedure leaves a scar at the site where the strip of skin was taken.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): Individual hair follicles are harvested from the donor area and transplanted to the hair loss section. This procedure takes longer to perform but leaves no scar and heals faster.
WHAT TYPE OF HAIR TRANSPLANT IS MORE POPULAR IN SINGAPORE?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) has become more popular in Singapore and is often requested by hair transplant patients.
WHO IS SUITABLE FOR FOLLICULAR UNIT EXTRACTION (FUE)?
You are a suitable candidate for Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) if you meet the following criteria:
- You have no existing medical condition that may complicate the procedure.
- You have a healthy donor site with viable hair follicles.
- You have healthy blood vessels in the hair loss area.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS OF FUE HAIR TRANSPLANT?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Transplant follows these steps:
- Injection of a local anaesthetic to the harvest area
- Punching of incisions around the hair follicles using a pen-like tool
- Extraction of follicular units
- Preparation of hair grafts for transplant
- Preparation of transplant area
- Insertion of hair grafts in the transplant area
- Cleaning and bandaging of scalp
HOW MANY GRAFTS WILL I NEED?
The Hamilton-Norwood Scale is used to classify the severity of hair loss and to estimate the number of hair grafts needed for transplant. Hair transplants can require between 500 to 3,600 hair grafts.
HOW LONG WILL A HAIR TRANSPLANT PROCEDURE TAKE?
Hair transplant procedures can take 4 to 8 hours.
WHEN WILL THE RESULTS BE VISIBLE?
Results of successful hair transplants can be visible after 9 months to 1 year after the procedure.
IS THE HAIR TRANSPLANT PROCESS PAINFUL?
A local anaesthetic is used so you will not feel any pain. After the transplant, you may feel discomfort and your scalp may be swollen.
IS THE HAIR TRANSPLANT RESULTS PERMANENT?
Hair transplants are permanent. However, this may not be the case if your doctor did not insert your hair grafts deep enough or did not properly anchor your hair implants.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF FUE TREATMENT IN SINGAPORE?
The cost of your hair transplant depends on the severity of hair loss and the number of grafts needed for treatment. The average price per graft is $5.
Below is the estimated cost if one needs:
- 1,000 grafts: $5,000
- 2,000 grafts: $10,000
- 3,000 grafts: $15,000
Additional costs include:
- Consultation: S$50 to S$100
- Medication: S$50 to S$200
- Post-surgery review: S$50 to S$100 per session
Your total bill can fall between S$5,150 and S$15,400
WHERE TO HAVE HAIR TRANSPLANT IN SINGAPORE?
Listed below are the top aesthetic clinics to get hair transplant in Singapore.
Image: SL Aesthetic Clinic
An experienced surgeon who obtained his training in Australia, Dr Kelvin Chua, is the founder and medical director of SL Aesthetic Clinic.
Over the past 11 years, Dr Chua has performed more than 1,000 liposuctions, Botox, and filler procedures as well as hair loss management and treatment for Singaporeans.
Dr Chua is renowned as a mentor for upcoming Aesthetic doctors, and he is also a lecturer at aesthetic institutions.
SL Aesthetic Clinic is also home to Dr Sue Ho, Dr Charlene Goh, Dr Mark Lim, Dr Gabriel Wong, and Dr Ashley Yuen. They all have a strong passion for aesthetic medicine.
Highlights:
- SL Aesthetic Clinic staff is professional in the hair transplant field.
- The clinic has a total of 7 locations, making it easy to access services.
- The procedure will take place on the premises.
- Open 7 days a week
- Serving customers till 21:30 (weekdays)
HAIR TRANSPLANT SERVICES
SL Aesthetic Clinic offers the following services:
1) FUE Hair Transplant
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) offers a long-term solution and involves obtaining groups of 1-4 hairs (grafts) and transplanting them.
There is minimal trauma to the scalp, and harvesting is performed randomly; hence there are no patches. In addition, there is little downtime, and the end result is an attractive natural look.
2) Regenera Activa Hair Restoration
This procedure reactivates the cells under the hair follicles. Healthy tissue possessing growth factors is extracted and grafted to the treatment area to enhance growth.
DOCTOR PROFILE:
- MBBS (Australia)
- Certified Laser Physician
- Certified Laser Lipolysis Physician
COST:
- FUE costs $5 per graft
- Regenera Activa Hair restoration costs from $2,800
The doctor in charge of hair transplant at Freia Medical is the renowned Dr Harold Ma, who is also the facility’s medical director.
A general practitioner whose focus is on hair transplant and restoration, Dr Ma is a graduate of the National University of Singapore and is fully experienced in surgery and patient care.
He is passionate about hair restoration science through transplant and brought the technology to Singapore in 2006. He works with a team of staff who are well-trained in hair restoration techniques. Dr Ma regularly appears in media discussions about this topic.
Highlights:
- Offering various hair transplant solutions for patients with hair loss of different kinds
- The lead physician personally marks the sites where the grafts will be planted and harvests the grafts for all cases.
- Only science-backed procedures are performed.
- Open till 21:00 on Tuesday and Friday
HAIR TRANSPLANT SERVICES:
Freia Medical offers the following treatments:
1) Follicular Unit Extraction FUE
This is the redistribution of hair from the back of the head to treated areas at the front. It is a minimally invasive procedure that transplants the hair and ultimately restores your natural hair. Grafts are implanted through a no-touch technique, leaving no scar. The results are natural and long-lasting.
2) ARTAS Robotic Hair Transplants
Follicular units are harvested using digital technology after which transplanting of the grafts is completed manually. There is minimal wastage of follicular units.
3) Scalp Micro Pigmentation (SMP)
Korean, American, and European technology is used to place temporary pigments that mimic hair follicles in the scalp. The result is a natural look.
4) Laser Therapy
This procedure is used to improve thinning hair. Cool laser energy is used to stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, which reactivates growth. The treatment is performed on a weekly basis for 24 weeks.
DOCTOR PROFILE:
- ISHRS
- SAMS (Executive Committee Member 2012-present)
- Asian Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons
- FUE Europe
- AAAM
- SMA
- MBBS (Singapore)
- Dermatology (Wales, UK)
LANGUAGE SPOKEN
Image: Terra Medical Clinic
Dr Joshua Chong, who is accredited by the Singapore Medical Council, is a graduate of Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He obtained a degree in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of surgery and subsequently underwent training in various fields, including anaesthesia and general surgery.
He now focuses on aesthetic medicine and hair restoration and often lectures at Aesthetic Medicine & Dermatology conferences on hair restoration.
At the clinic, he is backed by Fazilah Iqbal, a hair restoration specialist.
Highlights:
- The Terra Medical Clinic is a facility that specializes in hair restoration.
- The procedure is performed in a way that has minimal impact on the hair roots.
- The transplant will not leave scars.
- You are guaranteed a painless experience under gently experienced hands.
HAIR TRANSPLANT SERVICES
The Terra Medical Clinic offers the following services:
1) Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
This is a hair restoration technique that is minimally invasive and leaves no scars. Careful analysis is undertaken of each patient before a surgical plan is formulated.
The procedure involves the harvesting of individual follicular units and implanting them in areas of the bald scalp. The innovative instruments used by the clinic ensure gentle penetration into the skin.
2) FUT Strip Harvesting Method
A strip of scalp-containing skin is removed and dissected. After that, it is replanted where there is balding.
DOCTOR PROFILE:
- MBBS (Hons) (Monash)
- SMC
- APOC
- ISHR
COST: From $6,000 to $20,000, depending on the number of grafts needed by the individuals.