REGAINING MY CROWN

By Tedrick Yau
This article was originally published in Art of Living

People still get surprised whenever I say I had a hair transplant. I will celebrate a full year after my DHI or Direct Hair Implantation at the end of September 2023 and I do not regret this life-changing decision. To some, it’s a vanity choice for aesthetic purposes. For me, it’s the extra boost of confidence that helps me be my best.

I suffered from androgenetic alopecia which caused my receding hairline. If my hairstylist wasn’t good, I wouldn’t have been able to cover it up properly with bangs. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough and it was a temporary fix.

I first had my consultation with Clinique de Paris in 2011. I was first invited by the medical director Dr. Rafael Fortus to have a consult. Back then, the receding hairline was already bothering me because the balding on my forehead was becoming evident. It took quite a lot of pondering before I eventually decided to go for it in 2022. I had to mentally and emotionally prepare myself because I knew it would be a significant change. And although it was for the best, I still had hesitations because it was a slightly invasive medical procedure.

Dr. Rafael Fortus and Dr. Nico Dela Cruz assessing the balding area

Being technical, the direct hair transplant or DHI method was pioneered in Europe using a 1mm punch to isolate follicles. Afterwards, the follicles are placed in HypoThermosol for safe preservation before the implant. Each follicle is implanted one at a time to allow for maximum density and proper distribution on the areas to achieve natural-looking growth.

My procedure started with the nurse shaving off all my hair. I had to accept the fact that I would be bald for a good three months while the hair starts to grow back. The doctors then assessed the balding area and drew the new hairline to show the area to be filled. After taking all the needed medications, I was ready for the extraction of the hairs on the back of my head. The operating bed was like a massage bed that had an opening on the top part where my face rested. I was asleep, lying face down the entire time, and only woke up to have a quick lunch. Next, the implantation began. Lying on my back, it was a long procedure that tested my patience. I simply took that time to leisurely watch movies I haven’t seen on Netflix. When it was over, I simply changed back to my clothes and was picked up to go home. I received a care package that included all the things and instructions I needed to recover. I remember reading the guide on what to expect in the next few days and was really amazed by how accurate the schedule was.

(L-R) Receding hairline before the transplant, designing the hairline before the implantation

One of the main reasons that persuaded me was the personal feedback of friends who did the procedure. It all boiled down to the trust they had with the clinic and the doctors. For a decision like this, adding to the research to understand the science and expectations, it’s the experience of people that matters most. Responses were a unanimous yes to do the hair transplant. I felt more at ease and I knew I was in capable hands.

Today, I truly feel more empowered. I think of this experience as an expression of love for myself and becoming a better version of me. I look good, I feel great, and the people around me are sincerely happy with the outcome.