Regenera AMT vs FUE Hair Transplant: A Detailed Comparison

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Male and female pattern hair loss can be a distressing experience, often affecting both confidence and self-esteem. It is entirely natural to seek solutions to enhance the appearance of your hair. 

In Singapore, two of the most recognised hair restoration treatments are FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplants and the more recent Regenera AMT (autologous micrograft transfer). This article aims to guide you through the distinctions between these procedures, detailing every step of the process, from pre-surgery preparation to post-operative care.

Regenera AMT (Autologous Micrograft Transfer)

Regenera AMT (Autologous Micrograft Transfer) is a minimally invasive method to help your hair grow naturally. It uses your body’s own regenerative abilities to stimulate hair growth, offering a safe option without medications or surgeries.

The process typically begins with a thorough examination of the patient’s hair and scalp by medical professionals. Following this assessment, a specialised suspension containing regenerative cells sourced from small grafts is prepared. This suspension is meticulously administered to the patient’s scalp, aiming to foster natural hair growth, enhance hair thickness and promote scalp health.

Procedure

These are the steps involved in an autologous micrograft transfer.

  • Initial Examination

A comprehensive subjective history will be taken, during which you will provide information regarding your personal experience with hair thinning, previous medications or medical treatments, family history of baldness, and lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and stress. 

Following this, an objective assessment will be conducted through the use of a high-powered microscope designed specifically for hair diagnoses, known as ‘trichoscopy.’ This diagnostic tool allows the confirmation of suspected causes of hair loss and offers hair loss practitioners a precise evaluation of your hair and scalp condition, thereby facilitating an accurate and tailored treatment plan.

  • Preparing the Regenerative Suspension 

After assessing the patient’s condition, a specialised suspension is prepared. This suspension contains regenerative cells sourced from small grafts.

  • Administering The Suspension

The prepared suspension is meticulously administered to the patient’s scalp. This step aims to foster natural hair growth, enhance hair thickness, and promote scalp health.

  • Post-Procedure Care

Immediately following the procedure, the dressing applied to the extraction site should remain in place for 24 hours to allow the wound to heal and prevent bacterial contamination. 

After this 24-hour period, you may gently shampoo your hair and remove the dressing on your own.

The hair loss practitioners will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions for the days following the procedure. This may include avoiding any pool activities or submerging yourself in the sea for a week after the treatment and lifestyle changes, among others.

  • Hair Growth & Results

The wounds at the extraction site will heal naturally.

After three to four weeks, you may observe the shedding of ‘miniaturised’ or weaker hairs. This is a normal part of the process, so there is no cause for concern. The shedding indicates that the stem cells are signalling the hair follicles to transition into a new anagen (growth) phase.

New and stronger hair may grow over the treated area after three months. A follow-up review will be scheduled to capture clinical photographs for comparison of hair growth progress. 

Results may vary between patients and treatments.

Risks 

Regenera AMT is generally considered a safe procedure; however, like any medical intervention, it carries certain risks. These risks are rare and can be significantly minimised by consulting with an experienced medical professional.

  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Scarring

FUE Hair Transplant

FUE hair transplant has been a popular hair restoration technique in Singapore and elsewhere since the early 2000s. It has helped many regain their receded hairlines and improve their overall appearance. 

An FUE hair transplant procedure, or follicular unit extraction, involves harvesting hair follicles from the back or sides of your scalp and transplanting them to the areas experiencing hair loss. The newly transplanted hair follicles will then grow to fill the thinning areas of the scalp, potentially improving the appearance of your hair.

The process of extracting hair follicles is meticulous and requires surgical expertise to avoid damaging the follicles. Typically, the hair follicles are extracted in groups to increase survival rate. 

After extraction, the healthy hair follicles called ‘grafts’ are assessed under a microscope and stored in a specialised solution.

The procedure is minimally invasive. You can go home without a hospital stay or prolonged bandaging after the procedure.

Pre-Surgery Consultation

Prior to discussing the surgical process, you will undergo a consultation with your hair loss practitioner. This step is essential to determine your suitability as a candidate for the procedure and to review your specific goals, as well as the anticipated outcomes of the hair transplant.

Here is what you can expect during the consultation:

  • Evaluation of hair loss condition: The doctor will assess your hair loss condition, the quality of your donor hair (from the back of the head) and the potential coverage area.
  • Discussing your goals: It is important to communicate your expectations. Your doctor will guide you in setting realistic goals based on your situation.
  • Medical history and examination: You will be asked about your medical history, medications, allergies and any pre-existing conditions that might affect the surgery.

Instructions For Preparing For The Surgery

For a successful hair transplant surgery, you must adhere to these pre-surgery instructions:

  • Avoid alcohol and tobacco: It is advisable to refrain from alcohol and smoking, as these substances can lead to increased bleeding and may lead to other post-operative complications. Smoking, in particular, also significantly reduces graft survival, so it is best to refrain from smoking for at least one month before and after the procedure. Given that you are already on a two-month abstinence, it might be the perfect time to quit altogether for improved long-term health benefits.
  • Hair maintenance: Depending on your surgeon’s recommendation, you may need to shave your head, which can be done in the clinic, to help with the extraction and implantation process. Shaving the scalp may allow for easier access to the donor area and quicker extraction and transplantation of grafts, reducing the overall procedure time.
  • Medications: Your doctor will provide guidelines regarding which drugs to stop taking before and after the surgery.

Medications To Avoid Before The Surgery

Certain medications can interfere with the hair transplant surgery and may need to be avoided. If you are taking any of the medications listed below, please disclose this information during your consultation to avoid potential complications and ensure the best possible outcome of your surgery.

  • Blood thinners: Drugs like aspirin and certain supplements that may raise the risk of bleeding. 
  • Herbal supplements: Herbs, such as ginseng and ginkgo biloba, can affect blood clotting and should be discontinued before surgery.
  • Beta blockers: Beta blockers like propranolol can interact with epinephrine used intra-operatively, potentially leading to a hypertensive crisis.

It’s important to inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter and herbal supplements, as this will allow for proper adjustments in your treatment plan.

During The Surgery

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the FUE hair transplant procedure:

Step 1: Hair Line Design and Planning

  • The doctor will personally design the hairline and discuss the transplantation areas with you, the patient.

Step 2: Donor Preparation

  • The donor area is assessed for scalp health, and hair is trimmed to a specific length.
  • Grey or white hair may be coloured for precise harvesting.

Step 3: Donor Anaesthesia

  • A mild sedative is given to help relax during local anaesthesia injections in the donor area.

Step 4: Sterility

  • The scalp is thoroughly cleansed with a disinfecting solution.

Step 5: Harvesting

  • Tumescent fluid is injected to support grafts.
  • Motorised FUE punch scores the skin, while a technician removes and places grafts in a chilled solution.

Step 6: Quality Assessment

  • Grafts are assessed for quality and trimmed if needed.
  • They are categorised based on the number of hairs per graft and stored in a solution.

Step 7: Recipient Anaesthesia

  • Nerve blocks and a ring block are used for complete numbness in the recipient area.

Step 8: Recipient Site Making

  • Customised blades create tiny incisions based on the pre-planned design.
  • This step determines the natural look of the result.

Step 9: Lunch Time

  • Patients relax with lunch and medications to minimise swelling.

Step 10: Graft Placement

  • Technicians place grafts back into the scalp using surgical forceps.

Step 11: Application of Healing Serum

  • This stem cell conditioned media is applied for optimal healing and growth factors.

Step 12: Bandaging

  • The donor area is loosely bandaged.

You may experience some discomfort during the surgery but should only feel minimal pain due to the local anaesthesia. The number of grafts being transplanted determines the length of the procedure, and it typically ranges from a few hours to a full day.

After The Surgery

After your hair transplant procedure, there are some common side effects and aftercare procedures to be aware of.

Common Side Effects and How to Manage Them

  • Swelling: It is normal to experience some swelling in the transplanted areas. You can address swelling by applying a cold compress and keeping your head elevated while sleeping.
  • Pain and discomfort: You may experience mild pain or discomfort in the affected areas. You can manage it with pain medications prescribed by your surgeon.
  • Scabbing and crusting: Small scabs and crusts may form around the transplanted hair follicles. It’s important not to pick at these, as it can damage the grafts. They will naturally fall off in a week or two.

Follow-up Appointments and Aftercare

Follow-up appointments will be arranged to monitor your progress and provide guidance on post-operative care. Following these instructions diligently is essential to ensure the best possible results from your hair transplant surgery:

  • Avoid strenuous activities that could increase blood flow to the scalp and potentially dislodge grafts is advisable.
  • Avoid wearing headgear for the first week after your hair transplant to prevent pressure or irritation on the grafts during the critical healing period. After this period, the doctor may advise you to protect your scalp with a wide-brimmed hat to shield your scalp from the sun’s rays. 
  • Gentle and careful washing is essential to avoid damaging the grafts.
  • You may need antibiotics to prevent infection and medications to promote hair growth. Here in Terra Medical, we provide antibiotics to all patients.

Risks

An FUE hair transplant, although more invasive, is generally safe like the autologous micrograft transfer. It, too, however, comes with a few risks, albeit rare.

  • Damage to hair follicles
  • Post-procedure swelling
  • Infection
  • Bleeding

Seek help from your doctor or qualified healthcare provider if you experience any of these issues after the procedure. Early intervention can help prevent further complications.

Which One Is Right For You?

Although a brief comparison will show that you may get quicker results with Autologous Micrograft Transfer than with an FUE hair transplant, one may be more suitable for you than the other.

Invasiveness and Downtime

FUE: FUE is more invasive than Autologous Micrograft Transfer. It requires more downtime due to incision healing and can cause mild to moderate discomfort during the procedure.

Autologous Micrograft Transfer: Autologous Micrograft Transfer is less invasive compared to FUE. Patients typically experience minimal discomfort and less downtime.

Effectiveness

FUE: More significant and noticeable results, especially for advanced hair loss and balding.

Autologous Micrograft Transfer: Results may vary depending on the extent of hair loss and individual response to the treatment. It may be more suitable for individuals with early-stage hair loss.

Longevity of Results

FUE: Permanent results which may continue to grow naturally.

Autologous Micrograft Transfer: Multiple sessions may be required for optimal outcomes. The results typically necessitate regular maintenance every 1 to 3 years.

Final Thoughts

Both procedures can treat male and female pattern hair loss, but which is ultimately most suitable for you depends on your health profile and needs. It is best to make an appointment with a hair transplant clinic in Singapore and weigh your options after a thorough assessment of your condition.

At Terra Medical, we will do a thorough analysis to account for factors such as the extent of your hair thinning, the quality and quantity of donor hair, your scalp’s condition and expected outcomes.

Book a consultation with us today.

About Terra Medical

Terra Medical is a dedicated hair loss clinic that specialises in various hair restoration treatments, as well as a holistic approach to overall hair wellness. The hair restoration clinic is led by an internationally credentialed (ISHRS) doctor, Dr. Joshua Chong alongside our resident doctor, Dr. Jia Cheng Heng and a team of hair restoration technicians. The clinic aims to provide treatment options focused on achieving results that align with each patient’s unique needs and circumstances.

We offer comprehensive consultations and personalised treatment plans tailored by the doctors. These treatment plans can be a combination of the following: FUE hair transplant, Regenera Activa (AMT), TrichoPAT, Post-Natal Hair Loss Solution and more.

We understand how challenging it is to face hair loss alone. As a hair restoration clinic, our specialised team aims to provide compassion, empathy and ongoing support throughout your journey, ensuring you feel heard, empowered and informed every step of the way.

Rediscover the joy of fuller, healthier hair. Schedule consultation with Terra Medical today.

consultation with Terra Medical today.