FEATURED IN PHILIPPINE TATLER - YOUR CROWNING GLORY

Robby Carmona, Tedrick Yau and Jun Sunga take us through their transformative hair transplants at Clinique de Paris, the premier choice for quick and natural-looking results in the metro

Hair is an integral aspect of our identity, appearance and self-esteem. Having control over the way it looks is perhaps one thing we might be taking for granted, and so its sudden or gradual loss is distressing and heart-breaking at any age. While there are many possible reasons for this such as genetics, hormonal changes and stress, treatments like hair transplants work to empower men and women through the gift of choice.

Clinique de Paris, a French- Filipino clinic in Makati City helmed by co-owners Ludovic Branellec and Dr Rafael Fortus, specialises in a revolutionary Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) technique. Here, hair transplants are done under microsurgery, using local anaesthetic to achieve high-density and natural- looking hairlines in just a few hours. With the procedure and recovery period smooth and painless as possible, their permanent solutions are desired by many of today’s sharp and busy individuals, such as fashion show and event producer Robby Carmona, photographer Jun Sunga and marketing and PR specialist Tedrick Yau.

Jun Sunga

While Carmona and Sunga experienced signs of hair loss later in life, Yau conversely had it earlier due to his family’s history of alopecia. “I just didn’t expect that it would Tatler begin in my early thirties—I guess 1 it doesn’t really choose one’s age,” he candidly shares. As a friend of Dr Fortus, Yau recently placed his trust in Clinique de Paris. “Like anyone else, I would simply want to work with the best. Especially since this is health related, I would only go for an institution that is globally trained with state-of-the-art facilities,” he relays. “I’ve heard great feedback from friends who underwent hair transplants at the clinic. The doctors and the services are first class. I also felt like I was never kept in the dark because everything was explained to me in full detail.”

Still eagerly waiting the full results of his procedure, Yau enthuses about the aftercare service and how he appreciated receiving an in-depth day-to-day guide on his necessary medications, his body’s expected reactions, and how to properly care for the transplanted area. He says, “Two months later, the doctors still check on me to see if everything is alright. More than their skills and specialisation, I really appreciate the empathy and responsibility they extend to patients like me.”

Tedrick Yau

As the founder of boutique marketing agency IMPRINT Media Group and a seasoned professional in public relations and events, Yau adds that he has always seen the value in devoting time and care to his physical appearance: “Some might think this is a vanity issue but it goes deeper than what we see outside and feel inside. Getting the look you want or an enhancement that suits you boosts your confidence when you face people, no matter what your profession is. It simply makes you happy.”

In a similar way, Carmona has long been in the limelight as the brilliant mind behind illustrious projects like the Miss Universe Philippines, Ballet Philippines’ 50th Anniversary Gala with Michael Cinco and the Red Charity Gala, Tatler among many others. Beyond the demand to look chic, fresh and modern in this industry, he muses about how this career keeps him on the lookout for ways to improve himself while staying true to his persona. He says, “When you live optimistically, there is a different glow and energy in you. The people around you can see and feel that.” With this, he feels that he underwent his hair transplant at just the right time. “It helped me get back on track and feel younger and more energised,” he relays. “While looking for a clinic for my hair restoration, I did a lot of research and even considered having the procedure done abroad. It was a good thing I was able to come across Clinique de Paris. We had a meeting where they explained to me the procedure thoroughly. That same day, I decided I was ready.” Considering his hectic schedule, Carmona delighted in the quick recovery period post-procedure. Just a day after the transplant, he was able to attend virtual meetings; and the next day, he was already back to in-person meetings. “This was beyond my expectations,” he reveals. “There was not much of a transition period, and I was even able to fly and travel around Japan six days after my session.”

Clinique de Paris was likewise a chance discovery for Sunga, who stumbled upon it on social media. Having done a previous procedure with a different clinic a few years back, the father of three was instantly curious about their DHI technique. “With my previous Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) transplant, the recovery period was gruesome. It took a toll on me, and I really felt like I went to battle. In contrast, after my procedure at Clinique de Paris, I was so giddy and excited as I walked to my car without assistance. I would take DHI’s patented tools any day over a scalpel.” He adds that, beyond the clinic’s luxurious and relaxing ambience, it was the team’s professionalism that stood out and sealed the deal. “It is important that people who suffer from hair loss know that a world-class clinic is available in the Philippines,” he remarks. “There’s no need to fly abroad or elsewhere.” Through institutions like Clinique de Paris, hair transplants in the country are also drawing an international market. Sunga finally says his only regret is that he did not find the clinic sooner. As a message to anyone with hesitations still, he advises, “Ignore the stigma, do it for you. Simply put, self-care is more than an aesthetic need. For men, it reflects confidence and character.”