Hair Loss Treatments in South Korea

27 Jul Hair Loss Treatments in South Korea

According to recent studies, hair loss is far from rare and targets more than 34 million men and 20 million women across the world. With the advancement of technology more and more hair restoration treatments have surfaced in the medical industry, bringing new hopes to hair loss victims around the globe. Thanks to the continuous investment in innovation and a long list of highly qualified medical professionals, South Korea has become one of the top industry leaders in hair loss treatments.

What is Hair Loss?

Hair loss or alopecia is defined by the loss of hair from part of the head or body. According to Harvard Medical School, hair loss varies from person to person and can be classified from mild hair thinning to total baldness.

7 Types for Hair Loss

Hair loss can occur through a variety of different settings. These are the 7 most common forms of hair loss:

• Hereditary Pattern Baldness
• Telogen Effluvium
• Alopecia Areata
• Traumatic Alopecia
• Drug Side Effects
• Poor Nutrition
• Scalp Fungal Infection

1. Hereditary Pattern Baldness

Also known as androgenetic alopecia, hereditary pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss for men and women. The condition is the result of inherited tendency toward baldness, male hormones and increasing age. It leads to a gradual baldness in male and female victims. In the case of men, the pattern of hair loss is often presented through receding hairline or loss of hair on the crown of the scalp. While in the case of women, hair loss pattern is mostly correlated with hair thinning across the top of the scalp.

2. Telogen Effluvium

This hair loss condition is the result of major stressful events on the body (e.g. surgery or long term illnesses) or abrupt shifts in hormonal levels (e.g. post childbirth). Those affected see temporary hair loss until stress and hormone levels reach normality once again.

3. Alopecia Areata

This form of hair loss condition is classified as an autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall in patterns of bald patches. The cause of it is still unknown, however it mostly affects people with pre-existent autoimmune disorders.

4. Traumatic Alopecia

This form of hair loss is caused by damage to the hair and scalp. Examples of such are hairstyle techniques like tight braiding or cornrowing which facilitate hair loss by over pulling/pressuring the hair follicle and scalp. Other examples are the excessive usage of heat and strong chemicals (e.g. bleach or perming solutions) in the hair. Psychological conditions like trichotillomania, which induce compulsive hair pulling to the point of creating bald spots, are also another element to this condition.

5. Drug Side Effects

The side effects of certain pharmaceutical drugs can be a source and a cause of baldness. The amount of hair loss depends on the type, strength and dosage of the drug. But in many cases the hair loss side effects can be reversed by stopping the medication. Some examples of such drugs are antidepressants, birth control, acne medication and anticonvulsants.

6. Poor Nutrition

Malnutrition and restrictive diets can cause hair loss. A poor diet leads to a deficiency in important nutrients and minerals that help stimulate the hair growth cycle. This makes the hair fiber lose strength and shed easily.

7. Scalp Fungal Infection

Also known as tinea capitis, this hair loss condition consists of the spreading of a fungal infection on the skin of the scalp. The infection attacks and breaks off the hair follicle creating bald spots in return.

How to Treat Hair Loss

In order to prevent further balding there are numerous medical procedures available for patients across the globe.  Some of the most popular medical treatments in the market are hair strengthening drugs, hair transplant, laser therapy and scalp micropigmentation.

1. Hair Strengthening Drugs

A popular way to prevent further hair loss is through prescribed medication. Minoxidil and Finasteride are the most common doctor-prescribed hair loss drugs and require long-term usage to see proper results. In the case of Minoxidil both men and women can utilize it. Meanwhile in the case of Finasteride only men are recommended to use it. Although both drugs are FDA approved, the severity of the side effects (e.g. sexual dysfunction in Finasteride) are something to take into account before starting any treatment.

2. Hair Transplant

Another way to treat and prevent further hair loss is through hair transplant. The two most popular hair transplant procedures are follicular unit transplant and follicular unit extraction. Despite divergence in techniques, the main purpose of these surgical procedures is to insert hair follicle from abundant areas of the head to balding regions of the scalp. The high success rates and lack of serious side effects makes hair transplant procedures one of the most recommended treatments to hair loss patients. The price of the surgery depends from case to case. However, the high fixed costs of it make this hair loss solution not attainable to all.

3. Laser Therapy

This is one of the most recent hair loss treatments science has developed. In short, laser therapy consists on the irradiation of photons into the scalp material in order to improve circulation and stimulate hair follicles to grow. When comparing to other procedures this is one of the least invasive hair growing methods out there. Still, due to its recent history, there are not a lot of studies to support its effectiveness.

4. Scalp Micropigmentation

Scalp pigmentation consists on the tattooing of tiny, layered dots on the scalp. The main goal is not to replicate lines of hair but rather the look of a shadow on the scalp. This method does not cure hair loss, but creates the natural illusion of a fuller head of hair. In terms of the durability of the results, scalp micropigmentation is semipermanent. This means retouch sessions are necessary throughout the years. Nevertheless, it is still a great alternative for those looking for an extra boost of confidence.

Why Korea?

As mentioned in one of our previous posts, South Korea is the plastic surgery capital of the world. The reason for it lies on the important aspects of affordability, expertise, and technology that surround the Korean plastic surgery industry.

1. Affordability

One of the reasons as to why South Korea is considered an attractive place to undergo cosmetic procedures is the affordability factor. This level of expenditure tends to be lower in all medical specialties, including hair restoration fields. In fact, when comparing hair loss procedures in the US, hair transplants in South Korea cost 3 times less!

2. Expertise

Adding to the price advantage is the highly awarded list of doctors in Seoul Korea. Korean professionals have years of experience and numerious academic distinctions in a variety of fields. Choosing to undergo hair restoration in Korea is more than a safe bet. But rather a smart and responsible choice.

3. Technology

Lastly, the technology factor. Since the balding population in South Korea underpasses the 10 million mark, demand for hair restoration procedures is more than popular. Being one of the most technological innovative countries in the world, this has allowed South Korea to develop new and effective hair loss treatments to hair loss patients across the globe.

How Seoul Cosmetic Surgery can Help you

The three factors of affordability, expertise and technology make South Korea the best place to undergo any type of hair loss treatments. Seoul Cosmetic Surgery is just the right medical tourism agency to help start your hair restoration journey today!

As a premium service, we believe no two cases are the same. In this respect, we aim to find the best clinic and medical professionals for each client’s unique needs. So get in touch with us and start your beauty journey today!