When hair loss happens, everybody sees it. Not so much when it comes to the solution for hair loss that occurs behind the private doors of a clinical treatment room: a hair transplant.
Perhaps it’s why we all know a thing or two about thinning hair but are almost completely clueless about and somewhat resistant towards its surgical remedy.
Since a hair transplant is a generally safe procedure that can effectively improve the appearance of thinning hair or a receding hairline in both men and women, we’re shedding light on this solution, fast.
Here’s how this procedure actually works to restore your hair’s volume, and hair transplant clinics in Singapore to visit.
What You Need to Know About Hair Transplant
1. It Doesn’t Give You More Hair
Marking out the scalp. Photo source: freiamedical/Instagram
A hair transplant involves moving hair follicles from sites of the scalp that yield healthy hair growth, such as the back and sides of the head, to the thinning areas, which are usually the front or crown.
Since healthy hair follicles are transferred from another part of your scalp, the total number of hairs on your head won’t get more or less. Rather the thinning areas of your head become filled with more hairs, giving an overall appearance of a fuller head of hair.
2. It Can Be Performed in 2 Ways
If you’re hazy about how the procedure actually works, here’s where we get into the nitty-gritty. There are two ways to take the healthy hair follicles, either as a strip of skin or as single clusters of hair follicles.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
FUT is a traditional method of hair transplantation that involves removing an entire strip of skin from the back of the head, usually 1.5 to 3cm in width.
The strip of skin is then cut into follicle units, carrying clusters of one to four healthy hair follicles, before they are implanted into the “recipient sites” of the scalp.
Since the incisions are closed with stitches or staples, this procedure is likely to leave a scar on the back of the head.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
Individual hair follicle units are extracted from the back of the scalp. Photo source: joshchongbl/Instagram
Unlike FUT, FUE doesn’t leave obvious scarring as it involves extracting individual clusters of hair follicles from parts of the scalp with healthy hair growth.
During the extraction process, a punch is used to create a precise column around each healthy hair follicle cluster. After the grafts have been taken from the donor site, they are carefully examined and placed in a specialised solution to maximise their survival.
Finally, a punch is used to create new columns for the grafts to be implanted. The doctor should take into account the angle, density, and direction of surrounding hairs during the implantation process to ensure a natural-looking result.
3. The Results Don’t Last Forever
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Unfortunately, even though this procedure yields long-lasting results, it isn’t a permanent solution to hair loss, which will continue to occur over time.
Individuals typically have to undergo another treatment after five to 10 years, depending on whether enough healthy follicles are present on potential donor sites.
4. It Shouldn’t Hurt During The Procedure, But It Might After
Local anaesthesia is used for the procedure. Photo source: freiamedical/Instagram
As the procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic (or, in fewer cases, under general anaesthetic), the patient should feel no pain during the procedure.
However, after post-operation, it is normal for patients to experience mild pain, itch, a tingling sensation, or numbness that lasts for one to two weeks.
Right after the procedure, the doctor will bandage the scalp in the affected areas. The patient will usually return one day later to have their bandages removed and wounds inspected, and the doctor will advise them on post-treatment care.
5. It Might Take An Entire Day
Designing the hairline. Photo source: freiamedical/Instagram
Don’t be surprised if the procedure takes as long as half a day to a full day. The doctor must carefully harvest the grafts, design your hairline, decide where the grafts need to be placed, and, finally, implant them in the recipient area of your scalp.
Some clinics excel at ensuring their patients’ comfort during the entire procedure, such as by providing Netflix entertainment and food during the lunch break.
6. It Isn’t The Only Solution for Hair Loss
Did you know that there are various causes for hair loss, and a hair transplant is but one solution to increase the volume of hair at the balding areas of the scalp?
Depending on your reasons for hair loss, doctors might advise on other treatment methods such as topical medications like Minoxidil, oral medications like Finasteride, or laser therapy, to name a few.
Some hair loss patients may also consider a Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) procedure, which involves the tattooing of tiny dots on the scalp to mimic hair stubble. This treatment is less expensive than a hair transplant and is a great choice for those who have a tighter budget and want to conceal the appearance of hair loss.
Related read: 5 sneaky reasons why men and women experience hair loss, & what to do about it
Cost of Hair Transplant in Singapore
The cost of a hair transplant in Singapore varies based on factors such as the technique used, the number of grafts required, and the clinic’s expertise. Here’s an overview of common hair transplant methods and their associated costs:
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): S$4,000 to S$15,000, depending on the number of grafts and patient-specific requirements.
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): S$5,000 to S$20,000, depending on number of grafts and case complexity.
- Robotic Hair Transplantation: S$7,000 to S$30,000, depending on case complexity
Where to Get a Hair Transplant in Singapore?
Dr Tyng Tan Aesthetics and Hair Clinic 4.6/5 stars on Google
Dr Tyng Tan is a doctor approved by the Singapore Medical Council to carry out both FUT and FUE procedures and with over 10 years of experience in hair transplants under her belt.
Dr Tan is equipped to perform fully-shaved, partially-shaved, and no-shave FUE hair transplant surgery, enabling patients to enjoy reduced downtime after surgery whenever possible.
Reviews
Dr Tan is very professional, and at the first consultation will offer a full plan to address your issues. She recommends medical treatment before surgery, and does not try to push or oversell. –Alex Smith, Google
Dr Tyng Tan took her time to explain all the details about the procedure, [as well as] the different options that I had. She is very professional and has a very objective opinion and great experience. –Baptiste Kerouanton, Google
What We Love
1. Dr. Tan and her team is described as warm, attentive, and patient.
2. Patients often compliment Dr. Tan on how detailed she is in explaining treatment procedures, and suggesting alternatives based on patient’s comfort level, budget, and necessity.
3. Follow-up sessions are described as comprehensive, and Dr. Tan is said to check in on her patients’ progress to ensure results.
What To Consider
1. There are a few reviews pertaining poor service and unsatisfactory results. Clinic representatives provided thorough replies and invite reviewers to contact them.
Service Details
Freia Medical 4.8/5 stars on Google
Freia Medical offers specialised solutions for hair loss issues, such as male or female pattern hair loss and deficient facial hair, alongside other treatments for the face, eyes, and body.
The medical director and doctor in charge of all hair transplant procedures at the clinic is Dr. Harold Ma, who first learned about the treatment over 17 years ago in Europe.
An experienced doctor in hair transplantation, Dr. Ma decides the angle, direction, and density of the implanted grafts to ensure the most natural-looking results, as well as uses a no-touch technique to protect the hair bulbs from damage.
Reviews
I had an exceptional experience at Freia Medical for my hair transplant procedure. The results have been fantastic, and I’m thrilled with how natural my hair looks now. –Eternity L, Google
Dr. Ma is friendly, nice to talk to and professional. The whole journey was smooth and assuring. Every detail from steps to take before to after the procedure were thoroughly explained and carefully planned. –Bryan Tay, Google
What We Love
1. The clinic offers a suite of procedures but there are many positive reviews related to hair transplant on Google.
2. Consultation has been described as detailed and comfortable.
3. Besides the doctor, praises are also given to the professionalism of the rest of the team.
What To Consider
1. There are a few complaints of unsatisfactory results.
Service Details
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Location
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- Novena: 101 Irrawaddy Road, #14-11/12/13, Royal Square Novena, Singapore 239565
- Freia Medical also has a branch at Wisma Atria Office Tower, however, hair transplant consultation is only available at its Novena outlet
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Opening hours
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- 9am – 7pm (Mon & Thu)
- 9am – 9pm (Tue & Fri)
- 10am – 3pm (Sat)
- Closed on Wed and Sun
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Contact details
Sage Medical Clinic 4.9/5 stars on Google
Focusing on all things hair, Sage Medical Clinic is a hair specialist clinic in Singapore serious about providing customised treatments to boost hair growth for each individual.
Reviews
Unlike other clinics, [the staff] wasn’t pushy at all about the packages but instead was willing for me observe and respond if the issue persists. –Manish Upadhaya, Google
Explanations [by the staff] were super detailed and easy to follow. –Revina Tay, Google
What We Love
1. Hair transplant may not be the first solution proposed by the medical team, which will conduct various test to understand the reasons for your hair loss, including a video trichoscopy, blood tests, and an assessment of your medical history.
2. Procedures and what to take note of are said to be explained very clearly.
3. Reviewers say that pricing is transparent and upfront.
What To Consider
1. There are few reviews online (only 28 Google reviews), so you may want to seek out other patients to get a more thorough insight into how this clinic is.
Service Details
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional diagnosis or medical advice.
Featured image credit: freiamedical, sagemedicalsg/Instagram
Related reads:
- How to prevent hair loss with these 8 simple steps in and out of the shower
- 4 things doctors really want you to know about hair loss – you might be getting it all wrong
