Hair transplant is a surgical technique that involves moving hair follicles from one part of the body to another.
Methods of hair transplant vary from extending scalp to increase the area of hair growth, to transferring individual hair follicles to desirable areas.
Hair strands that have been moved. to another part of the same person's body continue to grow looking natural with very little side effects.
Why does hair transplant prevent further hair loss?
Even those with severe symptom of hair loss, usually called 'baldness,' still have good amount of hair remaining on the center back and temporal part of the head. Those areas consist of embryo logically different tissues, which are less affected by hormone changes.
Follicles that are harvested from these areas continue to grow hair on other areas, unaffected.This is the principle under which hair transplant is operated.
Method of Hair Transplant
Human hair grow in groups of 1-4 strands from each follicle, which are called “follicular units.”
50% of Koreans usually grow two hair strands from each follicle, 30% one per follicle, and those with three to four strands per follicle consist of 20% of the population.
This knowledge has made follicular unit-based hair transplant a popular practice these days.
Follicular Unit Hair Implant vs Single Hair Implant
Procedures of A Hair Transplant Operation
1. Consulting
Progress of hair loss, drug treatment options, and other possible illnesses are fully discussed with patients before the amount of follicles for implantations are decided.
2. Measuring and crafting a transplant design
The hair density and size are calculated before the removal of a donating scalp piece.
The scope, shape, and direction of hair for implantation are determined as well.
3. Collecting a scalp piece
A carefully measured section is removed and stitched under topical anesthesia.
Patients need not worry as scar is concealed by hair.
4. Extracting follicular units
Follicular units are carefully extracted under a microscope to avoid damaging follicles.
5. Implantation
Follicles are implanted with the angle and density considered. Hair transplant requires doctors to work with highly trained
technicians for the operation to be swift and successful.
Process of Hair Transplant
Right after Hair Transplant
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After the operation, where a scalp piece has been removed needs to be bandaged to absorb blood and other discharge. The transplanted area needs antibiotic ointment applied and bandaged as well for protection and to avoid any loss of newly implanted hair.
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Bandages may be removed at the clinic the day after surgery.
2 weeks after Hair Transplant
Implanted hairs begin to fall out 2 weeks after surgery, resulting in 60~70% of hair loss within 3 to 4 weeks. However, implanted follicles are not lost - new hair starts to grow after 3-4 months. Hair transplant requires 1 year to get a satisfactory result.
Pre & Post Operative Instruction
Pre-Operative Instructions
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Minimum hair length of 5cm is recommended on the back head to conceal the follicle extraction wound.
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Use of minoxidil must be stopped 2 weeks before surgery (exception -.Prepecia)
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Refrain from using any medical products such as aspirin that may suppress blood platelet cohesion.
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(Please let us know If medication for hyperpiesia, diabetes, cerebral infarction, angina, or any other cardiovascular activity-related disorder, is urgently in need within 2 weeks of surgery)
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Avoid consumption of alcohol 2 days before the operation.
Instructions on Operation Day
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You must avoid eating and drinking including water 6 hours prior to surgery.
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One may still be under the influence of anesthesia after surgery, do not drive to and from the hospital.
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You may wash your hair in the morning/night before the operation, without using any products afterwards.
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Bring any medication that you are currently taking.
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Bring a large hat/cap to wear after the surgery.
Post-Operative Care Instructions
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Brief showering (not bathing) is permitted on the day of hair transplant.
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Washing hair is allowed 24 hours after surgery.
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Carefully dry hair with a hairdryer at a low temperature during three days after operation.
How to Shampoo
1 to 6 days after operation
7 to 13 days after operation
2 weeks after operation
Wash hair as usual
Availability
Hair transplant is NOT performed in our Singapore clinic.
However, we will be more than happy to help you liaise with BK Korea for further information or treatment.