Hair Transplant Frequently Asked Questions

Hair transplants require relocating grafts that are resistant to hair loss to the balding areas of the scalp. To be a suitable candidate for a hair transplant in the Philippines, the condition of alopecia should have predictability, stability, and sufficient donor regions. specialists at our hair transplant clinic in Manila need to identify genetically stable follicular units, making male androgenic alopecia mostly reversible with hair transplants, while female pattern hair loss often requires a different approach. Stability refers to stable follicular units, as conditions like alopecia areata result in sporadic hair loss patterns. Having sufficient donor regions is crucial, as conditions like alopecia universalis and alopecia totalis lead to the complete depletion of donor regions, making patients with these conditions unsuitable candidates.

We extract follicular units from areas of healthy hair growth and transplant them to hair loss areas during your hair transplant in the Philippines. Initially, the transplantation process may cause some trauma to the follicular units. Still, within a few days, the grafts connect to the blood supply and integrate with the surrounding tissue in the new region. Our specialists will provide detailed aftercare instructions to protect the transplanted follicular units. The follicular units should remain intact, but if there is physical trauma and significant displacement of grafts, you should not try to reposition the hair roots yourself and should contact our clinic immediately.

The success of a hair transplant at our Manila clinic depends on various factors, so it is subjective to say if they can "fail." The underlying cause of hair loss significantly influences the success of the procedure. Two conditions must be met for a successful hair transplant in the Philippines: a predictable hair loss pattern and a stable pattern. Conditions like male androgenic alopecia, traumatic alopecia, and traction alopecia meet these criteria, allowing our specialist to locate anti-hair loss follicular units and transplant them to the treated regions. We estimate that the graft development and viability success rate in these cases is 96% on average.

On the other hand, conditions like alopecia areata lack stability and predictability, making patients with this condition unsuitable candidates for surgery. Another critical factor is the number of available donor regions. Even cases of androgenic alopecia may be deemed irreversible with a hair transplant if the donor regions are in poor condition.

FUE hair transplants are minimally invasive procedures performed under local anesthesia at our state-of-the-art clinic in Centuria Medical, Manila. Aside from the initial, minor puncture of the injection needle, patients should not feel any significant pain or side effects during the procedure. There might be some discomfort after the surgery, but our specialists will provide painkillers and clear instructions on how to manage it effectively.

Hair transplant procedures consist of multiple steps and can last an average of six to eight hours. The duration depends on factors such as the progression of hair loss, the size of the area being treated, and the technique used. The extraction and incision-making phases are typically the longest, lasting two to three hours each. The surgery is not continuous; we provide patients with comfortable resting breaks in between the phases. The entire procedure can typically be completed in one day, with the following day scheduled for a clinical washing and potential adjunct treatments at our hair transplant clinic in Manila.

The visibility of scars depends entirely on the technique used. FUT hair transplants, an older and more invasive technique, can leave a noticeable linear scar on the donor region. In contrast,(however, it is not available in our clinic) and the advanced FUE hair transplant in the Philippines that we specialize in leaves only tiny, dot-like wounds on both the donor and recipient sites, which heal quickly and become virtually invisible over time, concealed by your existing hair.

Patients with diabetes can opt for hair transplants at our Manila clinic. However, they must be under proper diabetes medication, and their sugar levels should be well-maintained and stable. It is essential to consult with your endocrinologist and our surgical team before proceeding.

FUE hair transplants are inherently successful. Statistics show that 90% of transplanted follicular units survive even before the grafts connect to the direct blood supply in the new region, providing a relatively dense result. For specific individuals, that remaining 30% can be the threshold between optimal success and mediocre results.

The minimum number of follicular units that can be transplanted is around 2000 grafts, while the maximum can be up to 7000 grafts at Academic Istanbul Clinic Manila. However, these numbers are estimates, and the actual number depends on the patient's ratio of the balding scalp to the available donor regions. A patient may need 7000 grafts for ultimate density or fewer grafts based on their specific case. The final decision is made by the specialists at our hair transplant clinic in Manila and heavily depends on the characteristics of the hair loss and the capacity of the donor regions.

Yes. Since we extract the grafts from the patient's own scalp, the transplanted hair grows to blend in naturally in terms of texture and color with the remaining hair. The artistic design of the hairline also plays a significant role in achieving authentic results, which is why it is vital to seek specialists of high caliber, like those at our Manila clinic, to ensure a natural-looking hairline. The permanency of the results depends on the condition of hair loss. For example, in androgenic alopecia, we transplant genetically resistant hair roots to areas of hair loss, where they are likely to continue growing for a lifetime. Similarly, for traction and traumatic alopecia, we relocate stable follicular units to the treated areas, where they will continue to grow permanently.

Patients can often resume daily activities right after surgery if their specialists approves, as long as they avoid strenuous activity and strictly follow their specialists instructions. However, the recovery period varies from one individual to another. On average, patients need about 7 to 10 days to recover from initial swelling and irritation, and it takes around a month for the wounds to heal completely.

Yes. The final results of a hair transplant rely, to a certain extent, on proper aftercare and recovery. Both smoking and alcohol consumption can negatively impact how wounds heal by restricting blood flow and oxygen supply to the body, which is vital for healing. It is strongly advisable to refrain from smoking and alcohol consumption during the recovery period to optimize the healing process and ensure the best possible outcome.

Minor bleeding is a common symptom in the first few days after surgery, but it is typically not severe and appears as small spotting. It is not a cause for concern. If you experience bleeding, you can apply light pressure using the sterile gauze provided to alleviate it. It is essential to handle the gauze gently and avoid rubbing to prevent disturbing the newly implanted grafts.

Yes. You should expect hair shedding (often called "shock loss") around two to four weeks after surgery, which can be a cause of worry for patients. However, it is essential to remember that this shedding is a completely normal and natural part of the process. The hair root, which is responsible for generating growth, remains viable and intact. New, robust hair will soon replace the hair that falls out.

After your hair transplant at our Manila clinic, we provide you with a comprehensive aftercare package that includes various products essential for a smooth recovery. These products include:

• An anti-microbial solution to apply to any regions of spotting and treated areas using gauze to alleviate bleeding and scalp irritation.
• A disinfectant spray to be used twice daily for three days. It is advisable to apply the spray on a gauze instead of spraying it directly from the bottle to avoid dislocating the grafts.
• An anti-inflammation serum provided primarily for the extraction site to minimize the risk of infection.

Swelling is an inevitable symptom after the procedure. We give patients special headbands to compress the area and prevent swelling from becoming more pronounced. Sleeping at an inclined angle of 45 degrees and applying a cold compress on the forehead for 15 to 20 minutes can also help reduce swelling. Typically, the swelling subsides within five days.

Infections after hair transplants are rare but possible. It is crucial to avoid frequent scalp touching, ensure that hands are washed and sterilized before applying any ointments or treatments to the scalp, and avoid exposure to dust and sand for two weeks after surgery to prevent infection. Our sterile clinical environment at Centuria Medical minimizes this risk significantly.

Itching is a typical symptom of healing that occurs as the micro-wounds are in the initial closing process. Refraining from scratching the scalp is vital as it could damage the grafts. Following our aftercare instructions, such as gently washing the recipient and donor regions as demonstrated at our hair transplant clinic in Manila, can help accelerate the shedding of scabs and crusts, which often cause itching. If the itching becomes unbearable, consult your specialists for medicated ointments.

We do not recommend strenuous activity in the first two weeks after surgery. While most patients can resume light daily activities after 2 to 3 days, some prefer to take a 7 to 10-day break to ensure that scabs have fallen off. Swimming, jogging, weightlifting, and any activity that requires significant effort should be completely avoided for 10 to 14 days post-surgery.

Academic Istanbul Clinic Manila schedules a clinical washing session for the patient the day after surgery. During this session, our nurses will use select products designed for the tender scalp after a hair transplant to remove blood clots and some scabs. After this session, patients will need to maintain the hygiene of the scalp on their own by following our instructions. It is essential not to apply water directly from a high-pressure showerhead, as the force can harm the grafts. Instead, gently pour water from a bowl to rinse the scalp. We also advise avoiding using heat on the scalp for the first two weeks, whether from blow dryers or direct sunlight.

Online consultations serve the purpose of extending our expert knowledge and providing help beyond geographical limitations. Patients from all over the Philippines can book an online consultation with one of our medical specialists to have their inquiries addressed and to discuss their eligibility from the comfort of their own homes. The initial evaluations will rely on pictures taken by the patient.

To book an online consultation with the best hair transplant clinic in the Philippines, you can visit our official website's contact page. A medical specialist will be at your service to assist you and schedule your virtual appointment.

Because we are evaluating your case virtually, the pictures must be as authentic and close to reality as possible. Please take clear photos of your scalp from the top, sides, back, and front. Avoid using a camera flash, as it can distort the appearance of hair thickness, donor regions, and the balding scalp. Use consistent, bright, natural lighting for all photos. This will allow our experts to make the most accurate initial assessment.