What to Look For In a Hair Transplant Surgeon
1. Can your hair transplant doctor provide you with a minimum of 10 sets
of before and after photos taken at the same angle, the same background
and the same lighting? These picture specifications are important
to ensure that there are no possible discrepancies when looking
at the individual cases. Be sure that the photos provide a clear
view of the hairline,
as
well as the mid anterior scalp. If possible, ask your doctor to
provide you with photographs of donor scars.
2. Ask for the names and phone numbers of at least 6 patients that
you can contact to discuss their experiences with the hair transplant physician
and staff that you are considering. If possible, ask to speak with two physicians
who have had the procedure performed by the hair transplant doctor you are
researching. Last but not least, ask to meet patients that have similar
hair and skin characteristics as you. It is very important to view patients
with these similar characteristics in order to assess your hair transplant
physician's ability to provide you with a realistic and beneficial outcome.
3. If the hair transplant doctor or hair transplant group you are
considering claims to be performing follicular
unit hair transplantation,
ask the following questions:
a. Are the grafts microscopically dissected?
b. Do all the technicians use stereo-microscopes?
c. How long have the technicians been using microscopes to dissect
follicular units?
d. How many stereo-microscopes are being used during a procedure?
e. Does your hair transplant doctor use a single bladed knife to
excise the donor strip?
4. Contact your state medical board to see if any complaints have
been filed against your hair transplant doctor or hair transplant group.
5. (Consultation) It is imperative that you meet with the actual
hair transplant doctor that will be performing your surgery on the day of
your initial consultation. If you meet with a "medical consultant" remember
the following:
a. The consultant should be there to provide you with basic information
on the hair transplant procedure.
b. He/she is most likely not a medical professional and should
not provide you with specific medical or surgical recommendations.
c. If your hair transplant doctor is not available for your initial
consultation, leave immediately and do not have a hair transplant performed
by that hair transplant physician or hair transplant group.
d. Consultants do have their place in this field, but cannot replace
a consultation with a medical professional.
Is your hair transplant doctor's practice dedicated solely to surgical
hair restoration? If not, what percentage of his/her practice is?
Credits
- Information Provided By The American Hair Loss Association
Hair Transplant Adviser Blog
Provided by The International Alliance of
Hair Restoration Surgeons,
the Hair Transplant Adviser blog provides the opportunity for prospective
hair transplant patients to ask questions and find answers.
