Hair Treatments
Hair Loss Treatment – FUE & iGrow
Hair Loss
While there are many causes for hair loss, from fungal infections, to stress and malnutrition, the most common cause of hair loss in men is still androgenetic in nature (due to DHT). The effect of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) on hair loss may be reduced by taking DHT blockers, such as finasteride and dutasteride. These medications may only be used by men. For topical application, minoxidil remains the most effective treatment.
Although the actual cause is not fully known, it has been shown to stimulate vasodilation and this increase the blood flow which in turn helps to supply more oxygen, blood, and nutrients to the follicle. Low level laser treatments (LLLT) have also been shown to improve the hair condition by stimulating the small hairs (vellus hair) to thicker hair (terminal hair) for some individuals.
These treatments are found to be more effective for younger men and
over the vertex area. However, continuous treatment is required.
1.FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
A hair transplant works by transplanting stronger hair follicles from the occiput area (back of head) to the front or vertex (top of the head), because these hairs are generally more resistant to DHT and will continue to grow, as if they are still at the back of the scalp.
The standard method of cutting off a strip of scalp from the back to obtain the hair follicle has been effective. However, there is a risk associated with the excision of the scalp, as it may result in a visible scar, numbness and in some instances cause damage to the blood vessels, resulting in bleeding and possible tissue injury to the area supplied by this blood vessel.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) circumvents most of the risks of strip technique. It works by extracting the hair follicle one unit at a time by using a small puncture between the size of 0.8mm to 1.3mm. As a result, there is no obvious scarring, minimum risk of nerve or blood vessel injury and the area heals rapidly without any stitching. The down-side is more time is required to complete the procedure as each follicle is extracted individually. The result is natural and the transplanted hair will grow by itself.
Besides hair loss, hair transplants may also be used to cover-up scars caused by burns or surgical procedures like a facelift or thread-lift. There are also individuals who are born with sparse eyebrows, sideburns, and eyelashes, who may benefit from a hair transplant to these areas. For those who may not have enough donor’s hair, follicles can even be harvested from the body.
Although a better result could be achieved from hair harvested from the beard, as follicles harvested from the arms and legs can prove to be unpredictable. Because it takes several months before the transplanted hairs start to grow, advanced planning is required if you have a targeted date to achieve your desired result.
Just like any other medical procedures in Singapore, FUE hair transplant has its pros and cons.
Pros of FUE Hair Transplant
One of the most obvious benefits of this technique is that it leaves minimal, barely visible scarring. In some cases, patients are scar-free and if scarring occurs, it is more easily concealed.
This method is also less invasive, decreasing the chances of nerve damage.
Cons of FUE Hair Transplant
One of the main disadvantages of FUE is that follicles can be more easily damaged. Hence, if you seek the help of a less experienced doctor, less hair can be obtained compare to other hair treatments. FUE generally cost more than other hair treatments in Singapore.
2.iGrow
iGrow is an effective and safe treatment that uses a combination of red therapeutic light to rejuvenate the hair follicle. This treatment uses high quality lasers and LEDs to provide low-level light therapy (LLLT). The lasers produce a wavelength of 655 to 670 nanometers that has been shown to
increase cellular activity within their broader array of light energy which provides complete scalp coverage. The LEDs, with their broader array of light energy, help provide complete scalp coverage. Effective and perfectly safe, this combination of red therapeutic light helps to rejuvenate the hair follicles.
Disclaimer : FUE is not provided by EHA Skincare. Feel free to email us at skincare@eha.com.sg for recommendations to our trusted service providers.