Hair Transplant Doctors Transforming Patients' Lives and Restoring Confidence with Every Glance in the Mirror
Hair thinning, patchy hair loss, and baldness are not just minor concerns for those with sparse hair; they are nagging issues that can profoundly impact appearance and emotional well-being.
Often, individuals experiencing thinning hair, receding hairlines, or bald spots may receive well-meaning questions from friends and family. While these inquiries are well-meaning, they can leave small emotional scars, stirring up concerns about self-image. Which, in turn, can erode confidence, hinder social interactions, and prompt a search for ways to regain thicker, healthier-looking hair. One of the most effective solutions available today is hair transplantation.
This time, MedPark Stories invites everyone to join a conversation with Dr. Oat or Dr. Pasu Piamphongsant, a dermatologist with extensive experience in hair treatment and transplant and dedicated to helping his patients regain their confidence and recoup their smiles every time they step out the door.
A Disciple of Dr. Damkerng Pathomvanich, a Hair Transplantation Legend
After practicing dermatology for some time, Dr. Pasu realized that treating patients with hair loss, thinning hair, and baldness with medication alone had its limitations.
“In Thailand, general medical practitioners can treat hair loss, but since I had a keen interest in this field, I wanted to pursue a deeper, more specialized level of expertise. That was why I decided to study hair transplant surgery, which offers another viable option for patients with more severe hair loss.”
Dr. Pasu decided to train under the tutelage of Dr. Damkerng Pathomvanich, a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) in the United States and a pioneer of hair transplantation in Thailand. Under Dr. Damkerng's direct guidance, Dr. Pasu acquired invaluable knowledge in patient care and various hair transplant surgical techniques.
FUE/FUT: Techniques That Demand Expertise
The More Grafts, the Greater the Challenge.
Dr. Pasu shared one particularly challenging hair transplant case that tested his skills and left a lasting impression on him and his team.
“There was a patient, a medical doctor from Italy, who traveled to Thailand for hair transplant surgery. This case required as many as 6,000 grafts—a procedure that demanded the full spectrum of techniques we have learned, combined with our experience. We chose to use the FUE (Follicular Unit Excision) technique, utilizing a device to harvest scalp hair as well as beard follicles, alongside the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) method, in which we harvested grafts from the occipital scalp. This integrated approach allowed us to achieve an excellent outcome. Where there had once been extensive baldness, the patient now enjoys a full, thick head of hair. He was so delighted that he sent photos back to me and the team to share his results.”
Reflecting on this case, Dr. Pasu further noted that while many hair transplant surgeons might typically opt to use just one technique, the extensive number of grafts required—up to 6,000—would have resulted in significant thinning of the donor area, compromising the aesthetic outcome and potentially impacting the overall appearance in the future.
“The combination of FUE and FUT techniques requires not only the expertise of the surgeon and the surgical team but also exceptional patience, as the procedure can extend over several hours. Especially in cases involving a large number of grafts like this one, the hybrid approach helps minimize the potential complications associated with using a single technique while delivering satisfactory results as planned.”
Hair Transplant Cost Is Secondary to Standards and Safety
For those seeking a hospital or clinic for hair transplantation or wondering where to undergo the procedure, the doctor advises thorough research. It is essential to choose a facility that meets international standards and prioritizes patient safety rather than relying solely on influencer reviews or making decisions based on appealing promotional offers.
The key consideration is to verify the credibility of the medical facility. It is crucial to research whether the treating doctor possesses substantial experience and expertise and whether they have graduated from or been certified by accredited institutions that uphold rigorous standards for assessing knowledge and competency in hair restoration surgery.
Furthermore, it is crucial to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure that the surgical procedures are performed directly by a qualified surgeon. Unfortunately, there are cases in the black market where doctors act merely as consultants while non-medical personnel carry out the actual procedures. This issue is a serious concern.
“Failures of hair transplants performed at facilities lacking proper standards are unfortunately common occurrences that frequently require corrective treatment. These complications often stem from unsatisfactory outcomes, unnatural hair orientation, and adverse effects from surgery and follicular extraction. The latter can tragically lead to the loss of healthy hair follicles.”
“Cheap and good do not coexist,” Dr. Pasu emphasizes. For those considering hair transplantation based on enticing promotional offers, he urges caution, as the consequences may extend far beyond financial cost and time lost.
Genetic Baldness Demands Specialized Expertise
Individuals experiencing extensive baldness or androgenetic alopecia often require a large number of grafts. Such cases demand management by highly experienced doctors, as they necessitate the use of complex, combined hair transplantation techniques.
“The Hair Restoration Center at MedPark Hospital is fully equipped to diagnose and treat hair health issues at all levels. Our hair transplant specialists work closely with a highly experienced team of nurses and assistants. The center features an internationally accredited, sterile operating theater that ensures the highest standards of safety and is fully prepared to manage any potential complications effectively.”
Post-Hair Transplant Care: How to Manage and Duration of Medication
Post-transplant hair care varies depending on the technique used, with doctors scheduling regular follow-ups during the first year after surgery.
“Hair that has undergone transplantation may still shed naturally. However, some patients require personalized care, especially those with a family history of genetic hair loss, thinning, or baldness. In such cases, we recommend concurrent medication to regulate hormonal levels.”
Hair Health Tips from a Hair Transplant Specialist
For individuals with healthy hair, hair care is relatively straightforward. Avoid prolonged and repeated exposure to harsh chemicals, which can cause dryness and damage. However, for those experiencing hair loss, thinning, receding hairlines, or genetic baldness, frequent exposure to chemicals can exacerbate the condition and accelerate hair loss.
Dr. Oat recommends simple hair care techniques that anyone can follow: “When using a hair dryer, opt for cool instead of hot air. If possible, one should strive not to be overly stressed or anxious, as stress is a significant contributing factor that can weaken the hair and increase the likelihood of hair loss.”
Sometimes, patients ask which shampoo or hair care products are most suitable for them. Dr. Oat advises, “It is crucial to choose products that match your hair type—whether dry, oily, or regular.” For those experiencing dandruff, Dr. Oat recommends shampoos containing active ingredients such as zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole. Avoid products containing sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and parabens. For individuals with hypersensitive skin, observe if there is increased hair shedding, irritation, or itching after using a product for 1 to 2 weeks.
Beyond his role as a hair transplant specialist, Dr. Pasu also embraces the cherished role of a father to two children. He enjoys spending quality time with his family through simple activities such as solving puzzles, watching movies, traveling, working out, and savoring the simple pleasures of Japanese cuisine.
