Guide To Seeing a Hair Transplant Doctor in Singapore
Are you considering a hair transplant in Singapore but don’t know where to start? Like any surgery, a hair transplant is a procedure that requires careful consideration and is not something to be trifled with. Choosing the right hair transplant doctor in Singapore is crucial to achieving the optimum results for you. At Dr Tyng Tan Aesthetics & Hair Clinic, we understand the dilemma of resorting to a hair transplant surgery. With so many clinics and doctors to choose from, it can be overwhelming.
In this blog post, we will talk about the key factors in choosing the appropriate hair transplant doctor in Singapore for your particular goals — from the hair transplant method to the doctor’s experience and qualifications, we will cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision. So, whether you are looking for FUE or FUT, read on!
Implications & Possible Complications Of Hair Loss
Hair loss can have different symptoms and causes. Inevitably, it comes with a myriad of possible challenges, including physical and psychological effects. The complications may vary depending on the type of hair loss and what’s causing it and, of course, a person’s unique circumstances .
The primary physical challenge is baldness, as some types of hair loss can eventually lead to this, which in turn can influence self-esteem. Moreover, hair loss can expose the scalp to the sun more than usual, which could put a person at risk for skin damage or scalp infections, such as folliculitis, in severe cases.
Meanwhile, psychological complications may include anxiety and depression, as hair loss can be emotionally difficult for some people. Sometimes, the self-consciousness borne of hair loss can potentially lead to avoidance of social activities and even social isolation.
Hair Transplant Method
In general, hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves the transplantation of hair follicles from a donor site to a recipient site. When scouting for the right hair transplant to handle your case, the first thing to consider is the hair transplant method in which the doctor specialises — the most common methods available in Singapore being Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) involves removing a strip of hair from the donor site and then dissecting it into individual follicular units. The follicular units are then transplanted into the recipient site. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), on the other hand, involves extracting individual hair follicles from the donor site using a micro-punch tool. The follicles are then transplanted into the recipient site.
FUE is a popular method in Singapore due to its potential advantages over FUT, which include increased number of grafts that are harvestable, less apparent scarring, and less postoperative pain and healing time. Nonetheless, FUT may be preferable to FUE given its reported advantages such as a higher yield of grafts and a lower transection rate.
A Comparative Analysis of FUE and FUT Hair Transplant Methods
| Feature/Criteria | FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) | FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) |
| PROCEDURE | Individual follicles extracted one by one | A strip of skin with hair follicles is removed then dissected |
| SCARRING | Multiple tiny dot scars | Linear scar |
| RECOVERY TIME | Generally shorter | Might be slightly longer due to sutured area |
| GRAFT SURVIVAL RATE | Potentially lower if not handled properly | Typically high since follicles are surrounded by protective tissue |
| SURGICAL TIME | Might be longer due to individual extraction | Generally quicker because a strip is removed and then dissected |
| SUITABILITY | Good for smaller sessions, or when wearing short hair | Best for larger sessions |
| POST-SURGICAL PAIN | Typically less pain as there's no large wound | More discomfort possible due to sutured wound |
| HAIRCUT AFTER PROCEDURE | Can wear hair very short without revealing much scarring | Might need longer hair to hide linear scar |
| FLEXIBILITY | Allows surgeon to pick best hairs for extraction | Gives large number of grafts from one extraction |
| COST | Often more expensive due to labour-intensive nature | Might be less expensive due to less time-consuming procedure |
| DONOR AREA | Can potentially be from various parts of the body | Typically limited to the back and sides of the scalp |
Ultimately, the choice of hair transplant method will depend on the patient’s individual needs and the doctor’s recommendation.
Professional Medical Experience
When choosing a hair transplant doctor in Singapore, check the track record of the doctor and clinic staff, specifically technicians’. Generally, it takes a good technician a minimum of 500 cases, on average, to pick up the art of handling the grafts quickly and adeptly.
Look into the doctor’s experience in performing hair transplant procedures. Rightly so, choose a doctor who has performed a significant number of hair transplant procedures and has consistently proven successful outcomes.
It is prudent to choose a doctor who specialises in the hair transplant method you are interested in, whether FUE or FUT. Do your homework — read independent online reviews and reviews of the doctor and clinic. This can give you an idea of the doctor’s reputation and the level of patient satisfaction they can deliver.
Qualifications & Credentials
Check the doctor’s qualifications and credentials, such as being registered with the Singapore Medical Council and issued a Practising Certificate in accordance with the Medical Registration Act, which ensures that the doctor has met the necessary requirements to practise medicine here.
An essential hair transplant doctor qualification is postgraduate training in dermatology or plastic surgery. Dermatologists are natural choices because they have extensive training in the skin and hair. Some hair transplant doctors in Singapore have undergone advanced hair transplant training courses, such as a Master’s course in Hair Transplantation.
Dr Tyng Tan is one of the few doctors approved by the Singapore Medical Council to carry out both FUT and FUE hair transplants — including no-shave FUE, where donor hair length is preserved. Reduction in downtime after surgery is possible.
Clinic’s Reputation
For the best possible patient care, yes you need a skilled and licensed doctor, but also a well-equipped clinic conducive to healing. Start by going through independent online reviews, or perhaps ask to see the doctor’s portfolio. See also if the clinic is accredited by a reputable organisation.
This can give you an idea of the clinic’s quality of service, patient satisfaction, and success rate. Likewise, ask to see before-and-after photos of previous patients — to give you an idea of the doctor’s skill and experience in performing hair transplant procedures.
You can also check the clinic’s reference photos on Google Business Profile. These usually include photos of the clinic’s facilities and location. It doesn’t hurt to ask the right questions and do your own research.
Cost & Other Considerations
The cost of hair transplant in Singapore can vary depending on several factors such as the procedure chosen, extent of hair restoration, surgeon’s expertise, and clinic locale. 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.
Additionally, the cost per graft is about $5 for 1,500 grafts, and prices may be slightly higher for lesser quantities. The total price of the procedure varies on the extent of work needed to cover the affected area, including the number of grafts needed and the surgeon fees.
Then again, the cost of hair transplant surgery is not the only factor to consider when choosing the right hair transplant doctor in Singapore. Hence, it is important that you ask the right questions, such as whether there is a pre-surgical consultation, the surgeon’s certification, and the clinic’s success rate.
Understandably, some would find the cost of hair transplant steep, which is why there are hair transplant clinics in Singapore that offer financing options to make it more affordable. Some common financing options available include payment plans or deferred payments. However, financing options may vary depending on the clinic, so it is best to ask at the onset.
Who Can You Trust With Your Hair Journey?
There are many ways to measure the success of a hair transplant, but at the end of the day, what matters most is achieving a result that looks completely natural and leaves the patient feeling happy and confident — and here at Dr Tyng Tan Aesthetics and Hair Clinic, that is our commitment.
Dr. Tan is one of a few doctors who is approved by the Singapore Medical Council to carry out hair transplantation with specialisation on both FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) techniques and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation). Dr. Tan also offers 3 techniques from her training with Dr Cole, the fully shaved, partially shaved, and non-shaved hair transplant techniques. In her effort to polish her skills and keep abreast of current technology, Dr Tan regularly attends scientific meetings dedicated to hair restoration surgery. She currently holds active membership in the following associations:
- International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery
- Asia Association of Hair Restoration Surgeons
- The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
- The American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
Do you need more information about your hair transplant options? Please get in touch with +65 6235 0010 today to book a consultation with Dr Tyng Tan.
About Dr Tyng Tan
Dr Tyng Tan has over ten years of experience treating male pattern baldness with the minimally invasive, non-strip method known as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) Hair Transplantation.
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