Dermatology

Individual hair follicles (follicular unit extraction) or a strip of donor-area scalp (follicular unit transplantation) are harvested and implanted one by one into the balding or thinning area.

Recommended for men and women with pattern hair loss, receding hairlines, or scarring alopecia who have sufficient donor hair density and wish to restore a natural-looking hairline or fuller coverage.

Under local anaesthesia, the surgeon extracts follicular grafts using a micro-punch or strip technique, prepares the grafts under magnification, and implants them at a calculated angle and density; a full-scalp session typically takes 4-8 hours depending on graft count.

New hair growth typically begins at 3-4 months, with the majority of transplanted follicles establishing permanent growth and visible density improving progressively over 9-12 months.

A fractional CO2 or erbium laser delivers controlled micro-columns of energy into the skin, removing damaged surface layers and stimulating new collagen formation beneath.

Considered for acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, uneven texture or pigmentation, once active acne or skin infection has been brought under control.

Under topical anaesthetic cream (occasionally combined with local injections for deeper treatments), the practitioner passes the laser handpiece over the treatment area in a controlled pattern; a session typically takes 20-45 minutes depending on the area treated.

Most patients notice smoother texture and reduced scarring over several weeks, with fuller improvement in tone and firmness continuing for 3-6 months as new collagen forms.

Pigment-producing cells are harvested from a small area of the patient's own healthy skin, processed into a cellular suspension or thin graft, and applied to the depigmented patch after gentle surface preparation.

Recommended for stable vitiligo patches (unchanged for at least 6-12 months) that have not responded adequately to topical treatment, light therapy, or medication.

Under local anaesthesia, the surgeon harvests a thin donor-skin sample, separates and prepares the pigment cells in the laboratory or at the bedside, and applies them to the dermabraded recipient area, which is then covered with a protective dressing; the procedure typically takes 1-3 hours depending on patch size.

Repigmentation typically begins within 3-6 weeks and continues to spread and blend over several months, with outcomes varying by body site and the underlying stability of the condition.

The lesion is removed either by a shave excision at the skin's surface or a full-thickness excision with surrounding margin, with the tissue sent for laboratory analysis where clinically indicated.

Recommended for moles or lesions showing changes in size, shape or colour, lesions that bleed, itch or catch on clothing, suspected skin cancers, or benign growths the patient wishes to have removed.

Under local anaesthesia, the dermatologist or surgeon removes the lesion with a scalpel or curette, closes the wound with sutures if needed, and sends the specimen for histopathology; the procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes per lesion.

Most excisions heal with a small, flat scar that continues to fade over several months, and laboratory results confirm whether the lesion was benign or requires further treatment.

A chemical solution (such as glycolic, salicylic or trichloroacetic acid, at superficial, medium or deep strength) is applied to the skin to remove damaged outer layers and encourage regeneration of clearer, more even-toned skin.

Recommended for melasma and other pigmentation concerns, post-acne marks, mild acne, dull texture, or fine surface lines, with peel depth selected according to skin type and concern.

The skin is cleansed and degreased, the chosen acid solution is applied for a controlled period and then neutralised or allowed to self-neutralise, and a soothing dressing or ointment is applied; a session typically takes 20-30 minutes.

Superficial peels give a brighter, smoother appearance within days, while medium peels show more pronounced improvement in pigmentation and texture over 1-2 weeks as the treated layer sheds.