Hair Loss
April 8, 2024
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5 Mins
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The Different Hair Transplant Surgeries Available In Singapore And Its Costs
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Hair loss can be a frustrating experience for both men and women, and it can have a significant impact on one's confidence and self-esteem. Luckily, hair transplant surgery has become an increasingly popular hair loss treatment option. In Singapore, there are several types of hair transplant surgeries available, each with its own unique approach and benefits.
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Are you finding hair everywhere but on the top of your head? Do you feel extra self-conscious worrying about people noticing your bald spot? Hair loss is not just an old man’s problem, but also affects many young men today. When you’re suffering from hair loss, time is of the essence. The earlier you nip it in the bud, the more likely it is that you’ll be able to preserve more hair. At Noah, our doctors can provide you with hair loss treatment options that won’t leave the contents of your wallet as sparse as your scalp.
There are actually many different types of hair loss, but the most common type in men is androgenetic alopecia - the infamous male pattern baldness. Another type of hair loss that men suffer from is alopecia areata, which occurs because the body is attacking its own hair follicles - a ‘friendly fire’ of sorts. Alopecia areata usually presents in patchy hair loss, complete loss of hair on the head, or even total loss of body hair (American Academy of Dermatology, n.d.).
In this guide, we'll be focusing on androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) and some of the causes and signs of balding, diving into what sort of treatment is available in Singapore, and debunking a common myth about hair loss amongst bodybuilding circles.
According to the National Skin Centre (NSC) of Singapore (2013), the 3 main causes of Androgenetic Alopecia are age (20 and above), testosterone, and genetic inheritance. Some other reasons for hair loss include chronic illness, scalp diseases, side effects from medication and excessive pulling of hair from tightly bound hair styles (man buns - we’re looking at you).
FUE is a minimally invasive hair transplant surgery that involves extracting individual hair follicles from the scalp and implanting them into the areas of the scalp that have experienced hair loss. This type of hair transplant is known for its natural-looking results and fast recovery time.
FUT is a more traditional hair transplant surgery that involves removing a strip of scalp from the back of the head and dissecting it into individual hair follicles for implantation into the balding areas. This procedure can leave a scar on the scalp, but the results can be quite impressive.
DHI is a hair transplant technique that involves implanting hair follicles directly into the scalp using a specialized tool called a Choi Implanter Pen. This technique is less invasive and can result in faster healing times and less scarring.
Robotic hair transplantation is a cutting-edge hair loss treatment that involves using a computer-guided robotic arm to extract hair follicles and implant them into the scalp. This technique is highly precise and can achieve very natural-looking results.
The cost of hair transplant surgeries in Singapore varies depending on several factors, including the type of procedure, the extent of hair loss, and the surgeon's experience and reputation. On average, the cost of FUT in Singapore can range from $6,000 to $12,000, while FUE can cost between $8,000 to $15,000. These prices are based on a typical hair transplant session, which can involve the transplantation of anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 hair grafts.
It's important to note that the cost of hair transplant surgeries can vary significantly from one surgeon to another, so it's essential to do your research and compare prices before choosing a surgeon. It's also important to ensure that the surgeon you choose has the necessary experience and qualifications to perform hair transplant surgeries safely and effectively.
When choosing a hair transplant surgeon in Singapore, it's essential to consider their experience, reputation, and qualifications. Look for a surgeon who is board-certified and has a track record of successful hair transplant surgeries. You can also ask to see before-and-after photos of their previous patients to get a better idea of their work.
It's also a good idea to read reviews and testimonials from previous patients to see what their experiences were like. Look for a surgeon who takes the time to listen to your concerns and answer any questions you may have, as this is an indication that they care about their patients' well-being.
Finasteride (also known by brand names Propecia and Proscar) is a prescription-only medication, meant to be taken orally. Classified as a 5α-reductase inhibitor, it works by binding itself to the 5α-reductase enzyme and effectively blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT. The prevention of this conversion thus prevents DHT from binding itself to the receptors found in hair follicles, preventing the miniaturization process and stops them from shrinking.
According to a clinical study done by Adil and Godwin (2017), it was found that Finasteride, used in combination with Minoxidil (otherwise known as Rogaine - a peripheral vasodilator that helps promote hair growth by widening and loosening blood vessels to allow blood to move more easily) was found to be the most effective way of treating for slowing down and preventing male pattern baldness.
Taking a daily dosage of 1mg of Finasteride is able to block DHT production to prevent most male pattern balding. There is also a possibility that taking a daily dosage of 1mg of Finasteride can also cause hair follicles affected by the minustraization process to slowly grow back.
Minoxidil is another widely used hair regrowth treatment for male pattern hair loss. It has an immediate effect but can take a few months to show noticeable changes, like other hair loss treatments. Minoxidil reduces elevated systolic and diastolic BP by decreasing peripheral vascular resistance via vasodilation. Applied topically, it stimulates hair growth secondary to vasodilation, increases cutaneous blood flow and stimulates resting hair follicles.
Unlike finasteride, a DHT conversion blocker, minoxidil works by improving the environment for your existing hair follicles to facilitate hair growth (Goren et al., 2017). Minoxidil is thought to trigger and prolong the initial phase of hair growth called anagen, thereby causing your hair follicles to restart the hair growth process prematurely (Messenger and Rundegren, 2004). This may cause some hair shedding for some when first using minoxidil. However, although this process may make it seem like you’re dropping more hair, minoxidil is actually working to produce a rise in hair diameter and length.
Essentially, minoxidil begins taking effect immediately, but you won’t see noticeable results for the initial 3 to 6 months of use. After which, the improvement should become more obvious and the full effects of minoxidil will usually be visible after a year of continued use.
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication that’s used as a treatment for nail and skin conditions such as ringworm, candidiasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis. Ketoconazole shampoo is also promoted for the treatment of male pattern baldness as well, used once a week. and also helps with dandruff since it’s used for seborrhoeic dermatitis.
However, its effectiveness is limited in comparison to finasteride and minoxidil - it's for dandruff, so it won't do much for male pattern baldness. Existing literature is limited in showing that ketoconazole is as effective as medication like minoxidil in stimulating hair follicles and finasteride is in preventing the testosterone to DHT conversion causing male pattern baldness. If you’ve already been experiencing hair loss, it would be beneficial to speak to one of our doctors to see if your treatment should include medication to prevent further hair loss.
If you are experiencing hair loss it is advisable that you consult a doctor. Here at Noah, our doctors are best equipped with the knowledge to help you ascertain the root cause of your hair loss. They will be able to advise you on the best treatment suited for you, and can also prescribe you the right medication should you need it.
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Articles featured on Noah are for informational purposes only and should not be constituted as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. If you're looking for a healthcare provider, click here.
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