Understanding hair loss
Hair loss, known as alopecia, is a common condition affecting men and women of all ages, with as many as one in three people struggling with the condition during their lifetime. Hair loss is a sensitive issue and can be a major contributor to insecurity to those experiencing it. Our team caters to the individual needs of each client in a sincere, discreet and professional manner. We strive to ensure not only a natural and satisfying result, but also guarantee the utmost comfort throughout your hair restoration journey.
What causes hair loss
There are many possible causes contributing to hair loss which include hereditary baldness, hormone-related hair loss, stress, vitamin deficiencies and underlying chronic medical disorders. A thorough medical history, microscopic examination and laboratory investigations assists us in ensuring the correct diagnosis is made. Our team at Aesthetic Options prides themselves in staying up to date with latest methodologies to diagnose and deliver evidence-based treatments that yield real, lasting and natural results to restore confidence in your hair.
Hair Conditions
Male Pattern Hair Loss
Male pattern hair loss is the most common type of hair loss experienced in males. In severe cases it may start as soon as puberty but typically increases…
Female Pattern Hair Loss
The incidence of female hair loss is increasing and can effect women of all ages, starting as early as their 20s. There are many contributing factors that influence hair…
Excessive Body Hair
Laser hair removal is a convenient and efficient solution to the frustration of unwanted body and facial hair. Laser hair removal has become one of the world‘s most…
Male Pattern Hair Loss
Male pattern hair loss is the most common type of hair loss experienced in males. In severe cases it may start as soon as puberty but typically increases…
Female Pattern Hair Loss
The incidence of female hair loss is increasing and can effectwomen of all ages, starting as early as their 20s. There are many contributing factors that influence hair…
Excessive Body Hair
Laser hair removal is a convenient and efficient solution to the frustration of unwanted body and facial hair. Laser hair removal has become one of the world‘s most…
Hair Treatments
Surgical Hair Restoration
Hair transplant surgery provides a permanent, safe and virtually painless solution to restore hairlines, revive crowns and improve the overall density…
Medical Hair Restoration
PRP Hair Restoration is a non-invasive outpatient procedure whereby microneedles are used to inject the Platelet Rich Plasma(PRP) into the scalp.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is one of the world‘s most popular aesthetic procedures. At Aesthetic Options, we use Alma Laser’s Soprano ICE, a clinically proven…
Prosthetic Hair Restoration
The hair replacement procedure is non-surgical, non-invasive, pain-free and only takes about 90 minutes from start to finish. Using natural human hair that matches…
Surgical Hair Restoration
Hair transplant surgery provides a permanent, safe and virtually painless solution to restore hairlines, revive crowns and improve the overall density of hair or beards.
Medical Hair Restoration
PRP Hair Restoration is a non-invasive outpatient procedure whereby microneedles are used to inject the Platelet Rich Plasma(PRP) into the scalp.
Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is one of the world‘s most popular aesthetic procedures. At Aesthetic Options, we use Alma Laser’s Soprano ICE, a clinically proven…
Prosthetic Hair Restoration
The hair replacement procedure is non-surgical, non-invasive, pain-free and only takes about 90 minutes from start to finish. Using natural human hair that matches your exact hair characteristics…
Our Hair Restoration Team
Our team consists of Dr. Vincent Ehlers, our hair expert and chief surgeon, who is assisted by two advanced practitioners Tumelo Motlatla (Registered Somatologist) and Dr. Kajal Bisseru (MBBS) who have all worked with renowned local and international hair transplant surgeons in South Africa, The UAE, Georgia and Italy to ensure they deliver only the highest quality transplant results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FUE hair transplant surgery?
Hair transplant surgery is a procedure whereby we are able to restore hair loss that occurs as a result of male patterned hair loss. The hair loss on the top of the scalp occurs due to a hormone known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone), certain hair in the body is able to resist this hormone, such as that on the sides and back of the scalp. During the procedure we remove hair from these resistant areas and implant them into the areas that have experienced loss. These new hairs in the area retain their ability to resist DHT and will grow permanently in the new sites.
FUE (follicular unit extraction) refers to a safe and effective modern technique for hair transplantation that allows for a natural looking result and minimises the potential for scarring. In FUE hair follicles are extracted individually with a small device (0.8mm) to allow for the dense re-insertion of follicles. This is a major improvement from older techniques such as FUT or strip type transplants which leave visible scarring.
Who is a good candidate for hair transplant surgery?
Males who have or are experiencing male patterned hair loss. This typically starts with thinning at the temple area or over the crown and tends to spread towards the opposite end. Hair transplant can be done for female patients for hairline lowering.
It is advised to wait until at least the age of 25 before having a transplant, this allows us to project how the hair will change over time to ensure we give a natural and lasting result
Very advanced patterns of baldness
Hair transplant is not advised for certain causes of hair loss such as alopecia of a scarring nature.
Is a hair transplant painful?
The procedure is done under light sedation and local anaesthetic, which makes it virtually painless. Majority of patients tend to sleep through the entire process.
The most uncomfortable part of the procedure is the first 5-10minutes when we administer the local anaesthetic.
Post-procedure minor discomfort can be experienced in the donor site if direct pressure is applied for long periods of time, such as when sleeping directly on this area. This discomfort tends to resolve within the first few days following the transplant.
How much does a hair transplant in South Africa cost?
The cost of a hair transplant depends on the number of follicles that are required to fill the area of concern.
It is not more expensive to do a transplant in South Africa than it is to do overseas.
Previously people frequently travelled to Turkey to get hair transplants done, but this is no longer necessary due to highly skilled surgeons being available in South Africa at the same price as international clinics.
Typically a hair transplant will cost between R35 000 – R75 000 at our clinic in South Africa depending on the size and complexity of the case. These cost are all-inclusive of the procedure, post care package and follow-up at 1,3,6 and 10 months.
What results can you expect from FUE hair transplant?
What is important to remember is that the end result is highly influenced by how healthy the quality of hairs that remains on the back and sides of the scalp are. The more healthy follicles a person has, the more the surgeon can lower the hairline and create a higher overall density of follicles. It is not advised to exceed 3000 grafts in a single session to avoid over-harvesting the area and to allow for adequate healing. 3000 grafts is enough to densely cover two thirds of the top of the average scalp.
How much downtime do I need after hair transplant?
The first 72 hours following a hair transplant procedure are the most crucial to the survival of the newly placed follicles. Extra caution is advised that for this period in order to allow the swelling to reduce as well as the grafts to be able to be secured in place by the skin. If our after care instructions are followed then the scabs will tend to fall off within 7 days following the procedure. Some redness might remain on the underlying skin but you will have the appearance of a full head of shortly shaved hair.
Hair transplant in Turkey vs South Africa
Turkey has long been known as a hotspot destination to undergo cheap cosmetic surgical procedures, along with locations such as India, Mexico and Brazil. The original Turkish hair transplant doctors pioneered the technique known as FUE which is widely used today in hair transplant surgery. Turkish clinics offer large sized procedures that can be completed in short periods of time. The concern arises that medical regulation in these cosmetic hotspots is not well governed and that over the years quantity has become more of a focus than quality, where procedures are often performed by technicians (non-medically trained personnel) in order for the clinics to be able to perform multiple surgeries every day.
South Africa is globally known for it’s high quality of surgically trained doctors and strict adherence to medical regulations. We offer a safe and hygienic environment in one of South Africa’s most premium locations at more affordable rates when compared to European and American clinics. Our experienced surgical team is lead by our doctors every step of the way, ensuring only the highest standard of medical care is delivered. 24/7 access to follow ups and consultations with our team is available following your procedure which can be done in-person and/or by an electronic basis to provide you with support throughout your hair restoration journey.