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HAIR LOSS TREATMENT
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Although thinning hair is not usually associated with any organic disease, full or partial hair loss can cause social trauma and lower self-esteem. It can be embarrassing and traumatic for both men and especially women. Whether hair loss is caused by genetics or external/environmental reasons, there are many treatments and solutions available to help prevent and stop hair loss or improve your hair's overall appearance.
While it is normal to lose up to about 100 hairs a day in the simple brushing and washing of hair there are other causes for hair loss that need to be addressed. Hair loss outside the norm can be caused by dietary insufficiency, disease, trauma, injury, pregnancy, even stress or other external agents. Hair loss can be acute or chronic and scarring or non-scarring in nature. The most common cause of hair loss is due to genetics and is commonly referred by hair restoration doctors as Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL). The Norwood Hamilton system of hair loss classification is useful in determining objectively, the severity of hair loss in males.
For females, the Ludwig system of hair loss is more applicable in classifying Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL).
Call us to see how we can help restore a more youthful hairline today! 6346-7752
Surgical options: Hair Transplantation Surgery
Hair restoration surgical treatment, or hair transplant surgery for hair loss, involves moving healthy hair follicles from one site on the scalp to another. In other words, our surgeon moves hair from an area where hair is more plentiful and less likely to be lost to areas where hair is thinning or missing. As technology and surgical skills have advanced, it is now possible to achieve natural-looking and long-lasting results. Two methods are employed at Freia, namely the
1) Strip method (sometimes referred to as follicular unit transplantation or FUT)
2) Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique or the scar-less method.
These 2 techniques have made Hair Transplantation the most effective and widely used surgical procedure for diminishing the problem of hair loss.
Strip Method
As the name implies, the strip method involves taking a strip of healthy hair from the back of the head. The scalp is then carefully and meticulously stitched to close the space where the strip was removed. The wound heals very well in the majority of patients to leave a very inconspicuous line, which we find hard to locate after a few years.
Our hair technicians will then skillfully and painstakingly prepare the grafts by dissection under microscope magnification. They will prepare hair grafts that will contain between 1 to 3 hair shafts. The next process involves planting the hair grafts into the recipient area. The entire process is performed under local anaesthesia, so it is highly comfortable and tolerable.
Call us to see how we can help restore a more youthful hairline today! 6346-7752
Follicular Unit Extraction "FUE"
FUE is a newer technique, fast gaining a lot more popularity in recent times. In FUE the hair grafts are randomly harvested from the back of the scalp. Using very special precision instruments to remove each hair graft individually, we can avoid any noticeable scars. In addition, the rate of hair transection is minimized so your precious grafts are fully utilized.
The next step is the same as for the strip method, where the harvested hair grafts are then implanted into the recipient site.
The advantage of FUE is that it does not leave any noticeable scar on the back of the scalp, where the hairs were harvested. However, a larger proportion of the scalp would have to be shaven very short to facilitate the harvesting process. The hair grows out in the next few weeks. At Freia, we have developed certain strategies to blend the short hair with the rest of the scalp, so that you don't have to draw the wrong attention as your hair grows out. On the other hand, the strip technique will leave a very faint and inconspicuous line on the back of the scalp, where the strip of hair was harvested. Some patients prefer the strip method because a smaller area of hair is shaved, and very often, it can be covered by the unshaven hair.
As the hair grafts are extracted from the back of the scalp, they will usually come in groups of between 1 to 3 hair follicles. Our technicians will group the hair grafts according to the number of hair follicles. In good hair design, hair grafts with one hair follicle are good for creating a natural hair line. The 2's and 3's are best used further back in the main body of hair to create the natural and full volume.
Some clinics will give quotations of charges based on total number of hairs extracted or transplanted (versus number of hair grafts at Freia). At Freia, we believe in charging patients only for the number of grafts transplanted. Ultimately, it's what goes into your head that counts. Be sure to clarify this with your doctor.
Notice how the harvested grafts have been grouped into singles, 2's and 3's hairs in each graft
Fox test
In the early days when FUE was first developed, some hair transplant surgeons would try extracting a few hair grafts to ascertain suitability for FUE. This is known as the Fox test. Nowadays, we find that this is largely unnecessary as most patients are suitable for FUE, save a very few for whom the strip technique is better.
Natural long lasting results
Gone are the days of the "plugs." Hair transplantation today achieves a natural look and is made possible by a better understanding of the scalp and hair biology, refined surgical techniques and ever-improving surgical instruments. Hair line design is crucial to achieve that confident look. The scars from both techniques are hardly perceptible and none will ever know you had hair transplant surgery, except to wonder with envy why your hair is looking fuller and fuller with time.
This technique is used to treat both men and women with very satisfying results. We have successfully transplanted hair to restore the scalp hairline, restored thin eyebrows, defective moustaches and even created a beard. The possibilities are endless when it comes to hair transplantation at Freia. Speak to our doctor today to see if you are a suitable candidate for hair restoration surgery.
Our dedicated hair transplant team working on a patient as he reads on comfortably
Call us to see how we can help restore a more youthful hairline today! 6346-7752
Non-surgical options:
Whilst surgery will give the best result in improving your appearance, not everyone is suitable for that and there are alternative treatment options available today. These include scientifically proven medications such as oral Propecia (finesteride) and Growell (minoxidil) in 3% and 5% hair spray preparations. These are the only two treatments approved by the FDA for hair loss treatment and numerous articles have been published on the efficacy of the treatments.
Oral medication
There is only one oral medication that is FDA approved and used specifically for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (MPHL). This comes in a tablet form that is taken once a day. In MPHL, there is an over production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is produced when testosterone is converted by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. DHT causes hair loss and thinning in susceptible males and to a lesser extent, females as well.
The oral medication works to stop the 5-alpha-reductase enyme action. As a result, there is a drop in DHT levels. This will lead to hair growth and thickening of existing hairs. The medication needs to be taken continuously for at least 6 months in order to achieve results.
The oral medication has been prescribed for more than 10 years successfully. There have been reports of men experiencing some sexual dysfunction as a side effect. Very often, the side effects are transient, meaning that they go away as the body gets accustomed to the medication. In others, the side effects stop only when the medication is discontinued. Thankfully, the number of patients affected remain a small proportion, at around 1%. The majority of patients will benefit from oral treatment without any side effects at all.
To date, oral medication is prescribed mainly for men, but in certain instances, post-menopausal women have also benefitted too. This is based on a case-by-case basis, subject to a thorough evaluation by the doctor in charge.
Our medication now comes in a convenient 3 month pack. $210 for a box of 84!
Call 6346-7752 to find out more
Topical Minoxidil
Minoxidil 5% is a topical hair spray that has been proven to stimulate hair growth. Applied once or twice a night, men and women will benefit from thicker, fuller hair after 6 months of continuous use.
Minoxidil is very well tolerated, but occasionally, some may develop scalp irritation with prolonged use. This is very rare.
Friendly reminder
Though international pharmacies do sell generic versions of finasteride and minoxidil via the internet, we encourage you to be extremely careful when purchasing this or any other prescription medication online. Discerning whether or not medication is legitimate is very difficult.
Hair Growth Laser therapy
If you are losing your hair, and want a convenient, non-surgical yet cost-effective solution, consider the iGrow Low Level Laser Hair Therapy that will deliver real results, fast. The iGrow is a breakthrough in the techonology of hair growth. It gives hope to those suffering from hereditary hair loss by providing a cost effective, convenient treatment that can be used in the comfort of your own home, handsfree.
Studies have shown that Low Level Laser Hair Therapy (LLLT) can be effective in stimulating hair growth. At the correct wavelength (wavelegth equivalence of red light between 595nm and 695nm for laser-induced hair regrowth) and energy output, the laser and LED energy can activate cell mitcochondria. Mitochondria are involved in hair growth and it is shown that laser energy positively stimulates hair numbers and hair calibre. The laser and light energy can activate dormant cells back into the anagen growth phase, resulting in hair that is fuller, thicker and more manageable, with that luscious shine.
iGrow laser therapy is a first of its kind hands-free hair laser device that can be used at home with full convenience and privacy. It is used twice a week for at least 6 months. Both men and women can benefit, be it for maintenance of hair volume, or to stimulate hair growth.
- Designed to cover the entire scalp with 51 lasers/LEDs
- Stops the progression of hair loss in 85% of the patients
- Increase in hair tensile strength
- Increase in volume (clibre/thickness) from improved/repaired hair shaft quality
- Increase in scalp blood flow
- No prescription required
- Pain free - No Surgery - No Side effects
- Stimulates Hair Follicles
- Great for patients who are not willing or suitable for surgery
- Post hair transplant surgery – laser therapy aids newly transplanted hair and existing hair
Low Level Laser Hair Therapy (iGrow) is a non-drug treatment for hair growth, scientifically proven to promote hair growth after six months of continued use. iGrow stops the progression of hair loss in the majority of clients. In addition, there is an increase in hair tensile strength and hair thickness or calibre. The treatment is pain free, does not involve surgery and best of all it is risk free. There is no side effect, except that some patients report a mild tingling sensation after each session, due to the increased blood flow and scalp cellular activity. Many of our post operative transplant surgery clients use it to support existing hair, stimulate faster growth of the newly transplanted hair and aid the healing process.
The following is a typical account of what our clients will experience
First 2 months: As early as the first treatment, users report that their hair feels more lively, is more manageable and that their scalp feels some tingling with each session. You may begin to notice more shine and fullness and a slight increase in shedding. This tingling sensation and increase in shedding is only temporary and should not be cause for alarm. It is actually a good sign that the iGrow treatment is working. The laser technology of the iGrow targets the hair at the follicular level. The focused laser energy gently and effectively stimulates your hair follicle to grow. The new healthy hair will push out the “resting” hairs. The new hair will be stronger, healthier and thicker. The hair that was shed would have been shed anyway.
2nd to 3rd months: Consistent with laboratory data, our clients start seeing noticeable hair growth in this period. It may begin with small baby hairs sprouting from the scalp as well as a general thickening of the existing hair. In addition, improved manageability, increased shine is further evidence of a positive response to treatment.
4th to 6th months: Based on our experience, iGrow users experience optimum benefits of the treatment. These benefits may include new hair growth, minimized hair loss and most importantly, hair that is healthier, thicker and more manageable. It is not uncommon for some users to require more than 4 months to experience the full benefits.
Post 6 months: If you don’t see results within the recommended 6 months of usage, do feedback to the doctor in charge for a review. But we encourage you to continue iGrow on a regular basis. Many of our users report that with continued use, they slowly start to notice thicker, denser hair and signs of new growth. The most important thing is to use the iGrow consistently twice a week, following the prescribed programme. If you stop using iGrow prematurely, any potential benefits may not be realized fully.
One year warranty
With a one-year warranty against manufacturer's defect, you can be assured of the quality and reliabilty of iGrow.
Other alternatives
Other options include using camouflage or hair thickening fibres to give a temporary but instant result. We also stock a range of hair care products to ensure optimal scalp and hair health.
We believe that every little helps. While hair transplant surgery remains the most effective solution, the non-surgical options are just as important to keep your existing hair in the best shape. We are confident that we can help you to feel good again about your hair.
We have all the above solutions to help you feel better and look younger.
Call us to see how we can help restore a more youthful hairline today! 6346-7752
*Due to MOH guidelines in Singapore, accredited medical clinics are not allowed to show before and after photos on websites, social media and marketing materials. We apologize for that. We would be delighted to showcase our photographs and actual results during the consultation in our clinic.
