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For men suffering hair loss in Singapore, hair transplant is often seen as a “one-time” fix. But patients are often surprised when doctors ask them to continue taking hair loss medications such as Finasteride. Here, we uncover the one hidden cost of hair transplant that your doctors may not be sharing with you – that you may still need to take Finasteride.
If you have already undergone hair transplant and need maintenance, there are affordable and convenient ways for you to obtain finasteride in Singapore.
Transplanting hair? But from where!
Hair transplantation was first developed by Japanese dermatologist, Dr. Okuda, in the late 1930s. Back then, it was used to help restore hair for burned victims.
Only in the early 1950s did US specialist Dr. Norman Orentreich began performing hair transplantation for male pattern hair loss.
The pioneers of hair transplant
But don’t worry, your new hair is not coming from a foreign land!
Singapore dermatologists have been performing hair transplant for decades. And in more recent years, started offering it to the general public.
What they do is to harvest donor hair from other sites of your body. Some common areas are the back of the head, neck and above the ears.
And over the years, different methods of hair transplantation have resulted in better cosmetic outcomes.
Machines now make it possible to harvest hair grafts from just about anywhere! And it is done even quicker, making it possible to do a full session in a day.
Types of Hair Transplant in Singapore
In Singapore, there are various hair transplant techniques.
FUE Hair Transplant (Follicular unit extraction): FUE comes from the technique, which consists of extracting the follicular units required to implant in the donor area and then implant in the recipient area. This is the most advanced and less invasive technique among all the options because it does not leave visible scars, although it still leads to bleeding.
DHI hair transplant: This modification of the FUE technique consists of using a specialized pen-shaped tool that replaces the manual work of cutting the scalp canals before implanting the follicles. This method has a faster recovery time with less bleeding than the FUE method.
FUSS Hair Transplant: A follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS) removes a scalp strip from the donor area. The hair follicles will be separated one by one and then implanted in the receiver area. This strip is usually 20 to 25 cm long and 1 to 2.5 cm wide and will produce a visible scar.
BHT: Body Hair Transplant extracts hair with the FUE technique from other body areas without extracting it from the scalp in case of no optimal donor area. This can be a great option, especially for those with excessive body hair.
Photo credit: Terra Medical
The upfront cost of hair transplants in Singapore
The price of hair transplant in Singapore ranges from $2000 to $20000.
Why the big contrast? It depends on the technique used and the severity of your hair loss.
The more severe the hair loss, the more grafts required.
Each graft cost from $5 to $10. And the total number of grafts required ranges from 500 to 2000 grafts.
Usually, the procedure is done in a single session. Time is also money, so that definitely is a plus.
The cost of hair transplant depends on the number of hair grafts required.
Find out the costs of hair transplant overseas here.
Hair transplant may not be a permanent solution
Star football player Wayne Rooney is the perfect example of why hair transplants aren’t a one-time fix.
People often gravitate towards hair transplant, thinking that it will be permanent, and just a once-off spending, but that may not be entirely true.
When undergoing a hair transplant, your doctor may only recommend doing it for areas where the hair loss is most significant.
This helps to minimize cost and time. But this leaves some areas untouched.
Hence over time, new bald spots may still appear. At least it is a slow process that might take another 10 to 15 years.
Photo credit to TheSunUK
In most cases, a repeat hair transplant procedure might be recommended to restore your hair loss.
Unfortunately for Wayne Rooney, his options are becoming limited. Over time, there will be fewer places to harvest donor hair.
Therefore, even after you undergo hair transplant, you must be mentally prepared to take measures to maintain it.
Hair products and medications after hair transplant
Most doctors would usually recommend investing into hair products or medications after your hair transplant.
One study found that 94% of men who took Finasteride before and after transplant had increased hair growth, as compared to 67% who took a placebo.
This works because Finasteride (Propecia) helps lower the hormone called DHT, which is responsible for male pattern hair loss.
This is important since hair transplants do not change your genetic susceptibility to DHT, which is the most common cause of hair loss in Singapore men.
Your physician may also suggest topical medications like minoxidil, DHT-blocker shampoos or biotin supplements.
As mentioned, you will need to invest in maintaining your new hairdo. And these medications don’t necessarily come cheap.
In Singapore, a month of finasteride ranges from $45 to $100 a month for finasteride, while minoxidil ranges from $30 to $80 a month.
Price varies depending on branded or generic versions.
Most physicians will recommend at least taking finasteride as long as you can, as it is the best proven way to reduce hair follicles overstimulation by DHT.
Meaning that would set you back close to $1000 every year!
So, considering that you are about to invest 20 grand on a new hairdo, be aware of these maintenance costs.
Delaying hair transplant – Rely on a daily habit to keep your hair
Before you jump straight into a procedure that burns a hole in your pocket, you should consider prescription medication to prevent male pattern balding.
Finasteride, or branded Propecia, is a once daily medication that is widely used for androgenic alopecia.
According to the FDA label of Propecia, men taking finasteride 1mg experienced decreased further hair loss at 86%, 83% and 65% at intervals of 1 year, 2 years and 5 years respectively.
A pill a day to keep hair loss at bay!
In Singapore, there are various options as to how you can obtain Finasteride. And with the introduction of telemedicine, it is actually possible now to get prescription hair loss medications online.
Going for a hair transplant is a big step. The results are very promising, but be sure that you know what the other options are and what you are getting yourself into.
If you are still undecided, you can always speak to a doctor first to discuss the option of taking prescription medication like Finasteride first.
Sire – A digital clinic for hair loss in Singapore
Sire is a digital men’s health clinic based in Singapore, specializing in home-based prescription treatment for hair loss. We believe that simplicity is the key to making healthcare accessible.
In 3 simple steps: Survey, Consult, Deliver – we provide legitimate healthcare all in the comfort of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a hair transplant, and how does it work?
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves relocating hair follicles from a donor area to areas with thinning or no hair. It’s a popular method to address male pattern baldness and restore hair density.
Q: What are the visible costs of a hair transplant?
The visible costs of a hair transplant include surgeon fees, facility charges, anaesthesia costs, and pre- and post-operative care. These expenses are typically outlined in the procedure’s pricing.
Q: What are the hidden costs associated with a hair transplant?
Hidden costs can include additional follow-up appointments, medications, specialised hair care products, potential revision procedures, and time taken off work for recovery.
Q: How do I budget for the hidden costs of a hair transplant?
When budgeting, consider not only the upfront costs but also potential post-operative expenses. Consultation with the clinic can help provide a more accurate estimation of the complete cost.
Q: Are there any ongoing maintenance costs after a hair transplant?
Yes, post-transplant care involves purchasing specific hair care products, medications, and potential touch-up procedures to maintain the results over time.
Q: How can I choose a reputable and cost-effective hair transplant clinic?
Research clinics thoroughly, read patient reviews, and inquire about the full cost breakdown, including potential hidden costs. Consultation with the clinic’s experts can provide valuable insights.
Q: What factors can influence the total cost of a hair transplant?
The total cost can vary based on the extent of hair loss, the number of grafts needed, the clinic’s location and reputation, and the surgeon’s experience.
A tablet a day keeps the baldness at bay.
Consistent daily usage is key to help you slow down your hair loss.
Months 1-2
You may not be able to see any visible changes within the first 1-2 months of usage. Some people may shed more fine hairs than usual. This is completely temporary and normal.
Months 3-6
Your hair loss may have slowed or stopped. Take a photo every month to track your progress. Stay the course!
Months 7 and beyond
Hair loss might have considerably slowed down or stopped. Some people might even see signs of regrowth. Don’t stop now, keep going!
Sire is part of the MOH’s list of direct telemedicine providers.
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