Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) - Another Hair Transplant Technique

Salman Khan had hair transplant in 2007 using DHI method after botched hair transplant in 2003. 

Surgical hair restoration surgery has come a long way over the years, with a number of techniques available today. One that has surfaced to be a promising approach is DHI or Direct Hair Implantation. It was founded by the DHI Global Medical Group which was led by Mr. K.P. Giotis. It was their goal to focus on scientific research, diagnosis and treatment of scalp and hair disorders.

After 41 years of studies they were able to develop a patented technology which was developed to treat hair loss around the world. It was designed to provide a painless treatment and natural-looking results which could last a lifetime.

It was also concluded that DHI technique delivers a superior success rate compared to FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). DHI reduces the handling time of the grafts, or the time they stay out of the skin, which also means that they have increased survival and growth rate.

As the name implies, with Direct Hair Implantation, the grafts are extracted directly from the donor area to be transferred to the recipient site. The hair surgeon performs this follicle by follicle, with the use of punches that are smaller in diameter to create a more refined result.

This less invasive approach also promotes higher success rates because human error is also significantly minimized. The entire operation is said to last for less than three hours, which cuts back on the factor of human fatigue that the surgeon is subjected to.

With its simple nature, the procedure doesn’t utilize any scalpel which means it is pain and scar free. This also means that the risk of infection, bleeding, and trauma is reduced. They also claim that this procedure no longer needs the application of local anesthesia.

The instruments also make it possible for the hair to be handled less because the grafts will no longer undergo a process under the microscope. This means that it has a better survival rate. Adding to that, DHI technique can also be commended for its efficiency because it can remove up to 6000 individual hairs, while FUE is only limited to 2000 follicles per day.

Aesthetically, DHI is also more appealing because the patient no longer have to shave his scalp. So it can be less uncomfortable for the patient going in public during the immediate days after surgery.

DHI allows the surgeon to fashion the hair better while taking close consideration of its depth, angle, But what is important to ensure successful results is the proper placement of follicles. This is a major factor to guarantee an aesthetically pleasing result.

The number of sessions for a DHI technique would depend on the extent of the balding area, the yield of the donor grafts and what the patient particularly wants.

After 16 weeks, one can already notice growth with the transplanted hair but this will be largely dependent on the capillaries that form around it. Hair growth is sure to be expected for years to come because the hairs from the donor region are genetically programmed against hair loss.

When Will Hair Growth Fully Mature After Hair Transplant Surgery?

Waiting for your hair transplant results can feel like a drag, especially when you desperately want to get the coverage that you so longed for. But you must understand that it takes a considerable amount of waiting to achieve the final results. See the chart of hair growth after hair transplant below.

Source: www.hairandlaserclinic.com

The process of hair growth post-transplant

The moment your grafts are transferred to its new site, you can be sure that how it thrives will depend on a number of factors. A minor trauma, like surgery for instance, can send these follicles to resting phase.

Just think of it like a transplanting a plant to another soil. There is a high likelihood that the flowers and leaves wither at first, but the roots beneath the surface are still thriving. In time this will soon grow to be a new plant sprouting fresh leaves and flowers.

With hair, transplanting it causes an interruption in blood supply which can result in hair shedding after 2-3 weeks’ time. This is a normal phenomenon, and it is only temporary because the root of the hair still remains alive underneath the scalp. This part of the hair cycle can be a three-month resting phase.

In time, new hair will start to grow and will follow the cycle that it is programmed to follow. This usually happen around 3-4 months after surgery. It starts of as fine soft hair, which in 4-12 months’ time would already grow thicker, fuller, and coarser.

But you have to know that these hair follicles or grafts go through varying stages through the entire healing period. Doctors would tell you to give it a full year to achieve the results.

This information will be part of the explanation that the surgeon gives you during the process of obtaining your informed consent. You should be instructed not only on the aftercare procedures, but also on the natural progression of hair growth afterwards.

After a year or a few months more, you can even get your first haircut with the length that the hair grafts are able to grow into. And they will indeed continue to mature in time.

Some surgeons advise patients about LED light therapy. This device can help hasten the healing process while at the same time promote hair regrowth. The LED light helps stimulate the mitochondria found in the cells which increase cellular activity which results to improved hair production. Adding to that, revitalized hair follicles can grow to be thicker and stronger.

After a year of recovery from hair transplant surgery, the hair that now thrives will continue to grow for life. Depending on the type of technique used, the patient can style his hair better now.

Doctors don’t really provide a special regimen for the new hairs, you just have to keep maintain basic hygiene and care. However, for those who are taking hair loss medications they might still be advised to continue this even after surgery. This is to prevent surrounding hairs from being affected by any progression of hair loss.

Can hair transplants look natural?

See more hair transplant videos from ISHRS

If you’d like more information about hair transplant, or to find out more about what can be done for thinning hair, contact The Hair and Laser Clinic on +65 6235 0010 or send an email today.

What is C2G Hair Transplant?

Dr Tyng Tan was invited to the AAHRS Conference in Seoul to demonstrate the latest Hair Transplant techniques (C2G  Technique)  to an International delegation of Hair  Transplant doctors.

Hair transplant surgery has indeed come a long way from the primitive and less impressive results that it once provides. Today, there are a number of techniques introduced by experts aimed at creating an efficient hair transplant process and improved results.

Aside from the usual FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) or “strip method” and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), another method called C2G has also been used today.

C2G prides itself by providing the patient with the same benefit of a CIT and FUE without the need to shave the head. This means that the patient can look better immediately after the surgery.

Prior to surgery, the patient is instructed to grow his hair as long as possible. This allows the surgeon to harvest a good amount of grafts at the donor areas, which include the back and the sides of the head. This technique doesn't leave any evidence of the surgery afterwards because the surrounding hairs can conceal the area better.

This differs from the usual technique because older approaches would have the patient shaved on both donor and recipient areas of the head. This can leave him pretty much bald and in worse shape before surgery.

C2G is actually a CIT (non-strip) preparation method which utilizes advanced technology which allows the surgeon to harvest over 1500 grafts in a day. Adding to that, it doesn't even expose any scalp because it doesn't leave any trace of extraction.

What makes this procedure unique is that Dr. Cole utilizes a set of special instruments which he developed himself. These are called the Cole instrumentation and it is specifically designed to create the least trauma to the scalp in order to achieve a good harvest and graft survival rate. As a result, this can add a thousand or more grafts within a single procedure.

If you are someone who runs a busy schedule and suffering from hair loss, a C2G would suit you best. You are only able to keep your normal hairstyle without having to put up with the pain or the strip of scar associated with older techniques.

But it is also true that the number of graft limits also changes for each day and for every patient. Some may receive 500 in one sitting, while some could receive well beyond that.  A thorough evaluation is necessary so that appropriate graft harvest, arrangement and distribution are achieved.

The procedure also allows the hair transplant surgeon to “cherry-pick” the grafts that will allow the best yield afterwards. This is also improved further with the low transection rate it provides, which also leads to a faster and less painful surgery.

Those patients who have a rather tight scalp can also benefit from this procedure.

But another thing that has to be considered is the price. With the kind of technology required and the quality it produces, C2G also comes at a rather expensive price. Discuss this with a surgeon who has the training and skills to perform this particular hair transplant procedure and to handle the unique instrumentation necessary.

Dr Tyng Tan’s The Hair & Laser Clinic is affiliated to the renown Cole Hair Transplant Group based in the USA.

Platelet Rich Plasma Provides Hair Loss Victims New Hope

Hair loss is a problem that has been widely common ever since. But the problem with this condition is that it has slowly crept its way to a much younger generation. What used to be something often associated with old age has been affecting men in their early twenties today.

But as much as the condition changes over time, science and experts found ways to create various ways of overcoming it. Today, one can get their hair restored through injections which is comprised of their own blood.

This is called PRP injections and has been around for quite some time now. It is often used for medical conditions such as cosmetic treatments to reverse aging on the face and hands, nerve injury, tendinitis, cardiac muscle injury, bone repair and regeneration. But it is now being considered as a promising treatment to hair loss.

PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma is a process that where a certain amount of the patient’s own blood is extracted. It is placed into a machine called a centrifuge which separates the different blood components. The material that is used for the hair restoration process is the plasma. It is then injected into the scalp to help stimulate hair regrowth. (See PRP hair loss treatment process below)

A study was conducted to determine the effectivity of the treatment.  It comprised of 45 people suffering from alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that disrupts that normal function of the follicles resulting to hair loss). Half of the patients were given a PRP treatment, while the other half was only injected a placebo.

Each of the study participants were treated once a month for a span of three months. After the study the researchers found that those who received a PRP treatment had a re-growth particularly on the bald patches of their scalp. 

Platelet Rich Plasma hair loss treatment process

Source: www.paphosspa.com

The good thing about this is that there are no scars involved and the risk for allergic reactions is eliminated. This is for the reason that the blood used is the patient’s own.

These results urged scientists to conduct further research on how the treatment can be effective for men with receding hairlines. They are also looking into much less invasive ways such as developing a cream instead of administering it through a needle.

Now isn't that a very promising solution to your hair loss problem?

But even with the success that PRP treatments provide, procedures such as hair transplant surgery still proves itself to be a successful solution. Researchers are still claiming that more research is needed to see if PRP would prove to be more effective than other current options.

Compared to hair transplant surgery, PRP is new and still subject to further research. Also, it is deemed to be a bit pricey because it entails a process requiring high end technology.

Therefore if you are not too open about hair transplant surgery, and you have the extra money to spend, PRP treatment is a good non-invasive option.

Talk to your doctor today for a comprehensive advice on solutions that would suit your particular case. 

If you’d like more information about hair loss, or to find out more about what can be done for thinning hair, contact The Hair and Laser Clinic on +65 6235 0010 or send an email today.

List of Hair Transplant Clinics/Surgeons in Singapore

Singapore is considered as one of the top medical tourism destinations for hair transplant surgery in Asia. Listed here are the six of the best hair transplant clinics/surgeons in the country.

Clinic	Hair Transplant   Doctor	Clinic Address	Phone Number	Website	Email
The Hair and Laser Clinic	Dr Tyng Tan	391B Orchard Road Ngee Ann City Tower B, #08-04 Singapore 238873	+65 6235 0010	Website	Email Us
Alaxis Medical & Aesthetic Surgery	Dr Donald Ng	360 Orchard Road  04-02 International Building  Singapore 238869	+65 62350880	Website
Bosley Hair Restoration Clinic	Dr R Sundarason	#04-28 Delfi Orchard 402 Orchard Road Singapore 238876	+65 6235 9658	Website	Email Us
Dr. Eileen Tan Skin,  Laser and Hair  Transplant Clinic	Dr. Eileen Tan	38 Irrawaddy Road, #05-38 Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital Singapore 329563	+65 62238898	Website
Freia Medical Aesthetics	Dr Harold Ma	77-79 East Coast Road #01-01 Singapore 428783	+65 8223 0609	Website	Email Us
Hair Synergy		370 Alexandra Road #B1-36 Anchorpoint Singapore 159953	+65 6337 8066	Website	Email

10 Hair Care Misconceptions Corrected!

Is your current hair care routine making you feel frustrated because your hair isn't getting any better? Then you must still be holding on to poor hair care practices. If you really want to get that healthy and beautiful hair with all the effort that you've been doing, let’s start by correcting some misconceptions that you might be holding on to.

1. You should wash your hair daily.

If you think washing your hair everyday can keep it clean and healthy by removing the oil buildup that makes your hair greasy you are on your way to committing the very first mistake. Cleansing doesn’t always have to be done every day, and you should wash your hair when needed. It is even suggested that you do it every 2-3 days. This is so that the hair doesn’t get dry due because you keep the natural oils which is also beneficial for hair moisture, shine and strength.

2. Using the same shampoo will make it less effective in the long run.

There is no evidence that says repeated shampoo use can eventually make the product less effective.  What is important to remember is that you just use a shampoo that suits your hair type. A lot of products today are formulated to work on dry, frizzy, straight or curly hair. It may be nice to try something new, but it is safe to use something that has been proven to work good on you.

3. You can get better hair when you lather, rinse and then repeat the process.

Some people say that repeating the process of washing your hair can make it healthier. But in reality a simple lather and rinse is already enough to keep the hair clean and gorgeous. Doing it twice in one shower will only leave the hair and scalp dry, making it more prone to damage.

4. Exposing your hair to sunlight can help you lighten the hair effectively.

If you want to lighten your hair, there are actually a lot of products in the market today that are formulated to be gentler to your locks. You don’t have to spend hours basking under the sun just to achieve the color that you want. This can lead your hair to become brittle and can even expose your sensitive scalp to sunburn.

5. If you want to minimize dandruff, try tying your hair.

Tying your hair won’t do anything to get rid of the dandruff. It will only hide it but it won’t cure the problem. The perfect solution however is to use a good anti-dandruff shampoo. Once you see the level of flaking going down, you can use this once a week already.

6. A ponytail can eventually lead to bald spots.

Wearing the generic ponytail is not a crime to your hair. It may only be considered a safe choice, but it can be a problem if you constantly wear this very tightly. The tension created on the roots of the hair can pull them out which can lead to some hair loss. But really there is nothing wrong with the occasional ponytails.

Read: How to check if you are suffering from hair Loss?

7. Sleeping with wet hair can cause you to get fungal infection on your scalp.

You don’t get fungal infection when you fall asleep with a head of wet and newly shampooed hair. Fungal growth occurs when moisture, warmth, grease, and dirt are present. This is more aggravated if you fail to cleanse your hair and scalp for several days due to buildup. Also make sure that you don’t vigorously rub a towel to your hair, but rather squeeze out the excess water. Doing this helps you avoid breakage.

8. You can always trust brands that have “natural” on the label.

You may want to rethink this idea because the real natural products are actually the ones that you whip up from your garden or kitchen. The ones that you see in store aisles actually have little of the “natural” ingredients and may still contain some preservatives or coloring agents. Real natural products spoil easily and have to be stored at room temperature. Be sure to choose wisely.

9. You can repair split ends even without trimming it.

If you are suffering from split ends this could mean that you are not grooming your hair properly. If you don’t trim this, it could lead the hair shaft to split to its entire length. This results to a frizzy hair, dry and dull appearance which no amount of conditioning or hot oil could repair. You just have to trim off the problem to restore your hair’s health and beauty.

10. Comb your hair from top to bottom.

If you want to avoid breakage or aggravate hair loss due to the tension applied upon brushing, you need to comb your hair going upwards. Work on the little tangles at the tips and gently work your way up. 

Dr Tyng Tan Invited to Speak at Lianhe Wanbao Health & Beauty Fair 2013 for Mid-Life Hair Crisis

Dr Tyng Tan Invited to Speak at Lianhe Wanbao Health & Beauty Fair 2013 for Mid-Life Hair Crisis from Kathleen Lim