Hair Transplant Doctor Qualifications to Look For In Singapore

As embarking on hair loss treatment will be one of life’s major decisions, it would be prudent to recognise and understand the qualifications of the hair transplant doctor that you will be choosing.

Who is qualified to perform hair transplant surgery?

Technically, any physician can perform a hair transplant however that will not guarantee good results. In order to avoid wasting money and your limited donor hairs, it would be in your best interest for a qualified surgeon to perform the surgical hair restoration.

Most hair transplant doctors that are practising today did not start in their careers as hair restoration surgeons. They may have trained in general medicine, family medicine, dermatology, etc.

However, their previous specialisation does not limit their ability to learn and perform hair transplant surgery. Some would even move on to specialise in this field. It is important that these doctors obtain the necessary training and experience required for surgical hair restoration.

What makes a doctor qualified to do hair surgery?

An essential hair transplant doctor qualification is postgraduate training in dermatology or plastic surgery. Dermatologists are natural choices because they specialise in conditions that affect our skin, hair, and nails. As such, they are knowledgeable about hair loss, and they can also determine if you are a good candidate for a hair transplant. Alternatively, plastic surgeons focus on cosmetic enhancements, including hair transplants.

However, plastic surgery and dermatology are very broad fields. So it doesn’t follow that every doctor within these specialities performs hair transplants. However, qualified practitioners understand all aspects of hair loss, having undergone specific training.

These doctors must complete courses, fellowships, and other types of training in various modalities of hair restoration to gain the necessary skill sets and certifications. In addition, governing entities such as the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) also certifies surgeons who meet strict standards for training and experience.

These certifications and affiliations are all verifiable. As such, you can check with the doctor or go online.

How do I select the right surgeon?

You must understand that a doctor’s ability to perform a procedure and the capacity to do it well are two very different things. Some are skilled in performing minor surgical procedures and the nuances of hair transplant surgery, while others are not. Therefore, training must accompany some artistic skills.

Two equally trained doctors will not give you results that are of the same quality. For this reason, make an effort to review a surgeon’s portfolio and client feedback. These sources can help you gauge the quality of their work and if they have a track record of successful results.

How do I find a qualified hair transplant surgeon in Singapore?

According to the Medical Registration Act, all medical practitioners must be registered with the Singapore Medical Council and issued a Practising Certificate (PC) before practising medicine in Singapore.

To avoid those fly-by-night operations that often lure clients with attractive deals, you need to check the facts first! You can make a local search on registered hair transplant doctors through the SMC’s online registry. They should be on the list if they have a valid practising certificate. Furthermore, you can check if your doctor is affiliated with the ISHRS through their database.

What other relevant experience should I look for in a hair transplant surgeon?

While it’s easy for us to focus on the benefits, it’s There are two main approaches in surgical hair restoration. One is the traditional Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), also called the strip method, and the other is the relatively newer option called Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).

Since there are different techniques in hair transplantation, surgeons also gain competencies based on their preferences. For instance, some of them specialise in the less invasive Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method. This focus is an indication that they have the skills and experience on this approach.

Furthermore, some surgeons train in techniques designed to lessen downtime, minimise complications and improve aesthetic outcomes. Besides the two main methods (FUT & FUE), some doctors perform either shaved, partially-shaved or non-shaved hair transplants. That means you have options if you want a discreet process.

Some practitioners perform robotic hair transplantation. However, the ISHRS has raised concerns about non-physician personnel doing the surgery itself, particularly those that involve automated devices. In addition, some doctors delegate the work they should be doing to technicians to cut corners. Such practices may jeopardise patient safety and results.

With or without these devices, harvesting scalp tissue is considered surgery, and it must be within the practice of medicine. Hence, it should not be a delegated process. So before you sign up for surgery, always clarify if the hair transplant surgeon will perform it personally.

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What’s the importance of having a good team in a hair transplant surgeon’s practice?

It’s almost impossible for practising hair transplant doctors to do the job well without competent and experienced staff supporting them. Unfortunately, it is here where some fall short because hiring, training, and maintaining a team can be a gargantuan task.

As part of the doctor selection process, it will be important to ensure that they are supported by well-trained staff. Those who did were able to establish a safe and thriving practice that patients would be confident to trust.

Now that you are aware of the qualifications that a hair transplant doctor should possess, we hope that you will make wise choices as you move forward in your journey. If you have other related concerns, we would be happy to assist you. Do get in touch with our team today. Call us at +65 6235 0010.