Hair loss is something many of us face at one point or another. But not all hair loss issues are created equal. Rather, each has its own set of complexities and requires a unique solution. Do you suffer from early to moderate androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) or telogen effluvium (stress-related hair loss)? If so, read about this stem cell hair treatment developed by Dr Bernard Tan of Bay Aesthetics Clinic in the financial district. It combines the potency of a hair serum, microneedling and laser to offer an effective hair loss treatment in Singapore. Naturally, the EL team had to find out more!
A stem cell hair treatment programme
Dr Bernard has been treating hair loss for men and women alike in Singapore for years. Passionate about this condition, he developed the Bay Clinic Hair Restoration Programme. It’s a medically supervised protocol incorporating clinically-backed hair growth treatments working together to deliver results.
For this stem cell hair treatment, the Calecim Advanced Hair System is the key component. This is a hair growth serum packed with what are known as mesenchymal stem cell growth factors used to treat hair loss in both men and women. And – just to dig a bit deeper into the science! – this potent blend of growth factors and cytokines includes vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, platelet derived growth factor, transforming growth factor, insulin-like growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor.
“All these work by stimulating hair follicles to increase blood supply and promote cell proliferation, encouraging hair growth. They also help extend or revive the anagen phase (the active growth phase of hair) on dormant hair follicles,” says Dr Bernard.
A great option for those with androgenetic alopecia
The primary focus of this stem cell hair treatment is to address hair loss associated with androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss) and telogen effluvium (acute hair loss induced by stress and severe illness). According to Dr Bernard, patients are advised to undergo proper diagnosis to rule out other potential causes of hair loss.
He explains that early to moderate stages of hair loss due to the above conditions respond well to this treatment. That’s because hair follicles are still viable and can be stimulated. Patients can expect hair density to increase by 20 to 30 percent after a course of treatment. However, advanced cases, for example with large areas of exposed scalp, are less likely to respond well because there aren’t enough viable hair follicles.
How does this programme compare to other common treatments for hair loss? “Hair transplants remain the solution for advanced hair loss, but most people cannot accept the pain, downtime and high cost,” explains Dr Bernard. “Laser hair growth treatments – for example, laser helmets – do work but may take a longer time.”
A six-to-twelve-week hair loss treatment in Singapore
For early hair loss, Dr Bernard recommends a six-week programme, with weekly in-clinic treatments. For moderate hair loss, a twelve-week program is recommended, also with weekly treatments. The time between treatments should be one to two weeks. Once a good result has been achieved, treatments can be spaced out to every two to three months for maintenance.
The Calecim Advanced Hair System can be self-administered at home…
… but Dr Bernard doesn’t entirely recommend it, especially if you’re a first timer! “In-clinic treatment is more effective due to the meticulous microneedling and serum application by clinic staff, combined with laser hair growth therapy using Dermalux LED,” he explains.
“Home-based treatments involve self-application of the Calecim Hair Serum with self-administered derma-stamping, which is less effective and can lead to wastage. At the same time, they are more economical and convenient. I would recommend patients complete a series of in-clinic treatments, then transition to home-based treatment for maintenance.”
Rebecca recently gave this stem cell hair treatment a go with Dr Bernard at Bay Aesthetics Clinic. Here’s what she thought:
My hair got quite thin on top after having children. I did a few hair growth sessions at a hair clinic back then, which really helped. Recently, I have noticed that under a light I can see my scalp clearly, and even on the sides where it’s pulled up with a hair grip.
I went for a consultation with Dr Bernard at Bay Aesthetics Clinic to look at the cause of this hair loss and did a screen for underlying medical conditions, such as hormone disorders or nutritional deficiencies. Under his microscopic attachment, it was easy to see the difference between the top and sides compared to the back, which looks thick and healthy. So, I wasn’t imagining the difference.
To stimulate hair growth, Dr Bernard suggested the Bay Clinic Hair Restoration Protocol, which has been clinically proven to deliver results. The Calecim Advanced Hair Serum is applied with microneedling to the thinner areas to promote hair growth by increasing blood flow, stimulating cellular activity in hair follicle stem cells and reducing inflammation. This is followed by low-level laser therapy.
The whole treatment takes about an hour. It’s not painful but a bit stingy, and I found it a little itchy for a few days after. There’s no real downtime though; just don’t wet your hair on the first day.
Once the blood tests are back, medications and hair growth supplements can also be prescribed if you want more ‘internal assistance’. Dr Bernard suggests six sessions for a really good boost to your hair growth.
The cost
The first in-clinic treatment of the Bay Clinic Hair Restoration Protocol is $388 nett. Six to twelve treatments over the course of three months are recommended. In-clinic blood tests (screenings for iron deficiency, thyroid hormone dysfunction, anaemia and mineral deficiency) are $200 to $400.
Bay Aesthetics Clinic
#B2-12 Marina Bay Link Mall, Marina Bay Financial Centre
8428 7811 | bayclinic.sg
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