Hair again
Losing hair and experiencing a drastic receding hairline earlier than most was troublesome. Unfortunately, genetics made it a natural course that I involuntarily had to undergo. I had a phase where I was extra conscious of myself every time I attended meetings and events; I knew I had a visible uneven hairline that was still actively receding. Daily, I had to allot a longer amount of time to fix my hair and hide the hairline before leaving the house. Eventually, it became a challenge for me and my then hairstylist to constantly style it to hide it. Sadly, it was becoming more and more obvious.
Years after, I’ve had not just one, but two successful hair transplants. And, no—I didn’t have to fly all the way to Türkiye to have it done. Contrary to popular notions that it is better done abroad, one of the best Direct Hair Implantation or DHI clinics in the world—currently ranked third globally—is situated here in the Philippines.
I am always proud to share my transformation journeys with Clinique de Paris. It’s international sounding—French, to be accurate—but very Filipino in its warm and thorough medical service. What I initially hesitated to have done became positive life changers that I always say are some of the best decisions I have ever made.
Around that time, I mentioned to my friends Ludo Branellec, founder and managing director, and Dr. Rafael Fortus, medical director, both of Clinique de Paris, that I wanted a consultation. They both were ecstatic. My donor area, the hair at the back of the head, was quite healthy. Harvesting a good number of hair follicles to transplant to the front can easily be done. Amid the good news, I had doubts.
Will it be painful? Will the hair stay? Will it look natural? It wasn’t an easy decision. I checked with friends who underwent the same procedure with the clinic, and took quite some time and additional consultations with the clinic’s country manager Nicole Sheker before finally saying yes.
All details were clearly laid out. Come transplant day, I went from the final consultation on the expected hairline, taking meds, harvesting hair; rest and lunch; transplant proper, then putting bandages on my head before going home. It went by so quickly.
A few months after, I underwent Platelet Mesotherapy as maintenance. After extracting blood from my elbow crease, it was placed in a centrifuge to separate the plasma. The gold liquid was then injected to my scalp to stimulate better hair growth.
Debunking misconceptions, I experienced very little pain during and after the procedure. My experience went wonderfully and whatever minor discomfort was very manageable. I now tell people to schedule the free consultation at the clinic to understand the procedure better. Getting the consultation and transplant earlier helps address the problem a lot faster.
For someone who already has a lot of will power to work in PR for years, I felt my confidence heightened even more. People were always surprised when I mentioned my hair transplant. Turns out, it grew quite naturally and seamlessly. Plus, it took less time to style my hair since I no longer have to hide my hairline.
Four years later this 2026, I agreed to do my second. Why another one? Did the first one not work?
Well, I am all for aesthetics! I took the chance to lower my hairline further and make the transplanted area even fuller. I knew I would achieve a more youthful look, so I excitedly agreed.
This time, I had it done at the new clinic situated high up at The Penthouse of the Alveo Financial Tower in Makati. Comparing my first experience to my latest, I immediately saw the beautiful progression of the clinic. What once was a modest, very clinical interior has now become a chic pocket of serenity in the bustling business district. The panoramic view from the waiting area is actually a perfect spot to just chill and admire Manila’s beautiful sunset. All the treatment rooms were updated to have a more spa-like ambience, creating a very relaxing mood.
Complementing the more modern look were procedural upgrades. I didn’t have to completely shave my head anymore unlike the first time. I was only required to shave the donor area and retain a shorter length on the top and front. I also felt the procedure was faster; the doctor went through it with more ease. Even with all the new approaches, I still felt the consistent and sincere care from everyone like before.
Today, Clinique de Paris has already expanded into a center for medical tourism. Foreigners are now flying to Manila to have not just hair transplants but also face treatments like Exosomes, Platelet Mesotherapy, and even the sought-after Rejuran. These all are expertly performed locally, with arrangements coordinated easily by the clinic’s team. Having been a patient, I’m quite ecstatic that Clinique de Paris has transformed into a center of medical excellence that the Philippines can be proud of.
