Not all hair transplants are the same. Patients considering hair transplant surgery should research several doctors and make an informed decision based on a variety of personal factors. Given that the results will last a lifetime, price and location should be nonentities.

Companies like Bosley Medical and New Hair Institute are recognized around the world for their extensive ad-campaigns and large market share. Unfortunately, their legacy has been tainted by a history of false advertising and patient dissatisfaction. Because of their large size and high-visibility, these organizations are often unable to provide the personalized care that patients deserve during invasive elective procedures.

Although Bosley and NHI have many happy customers, patients considering this hair transplantation need to be aware that there are other options available. For a more comprehensive look at hair transplant surgery, make sure to visit this important post.

Looking for a place to start your research? The following physicians are world-renowned for their consistent, high-quality results and innovative contributions to the hair transplant industry:

Dr. Rahal (Ontario, Canada) – Strip

www.rahalhairtransplant.com

Drs. Hasson and Wong (Vancouver, Canada) – Strip

www.hassonandwong.com

Dr. Antonio Armani (Toronto, Canada; Beverly Hills, California; Dubai, United Arab Emirates) – FUE

www.alviarmanihairtransplants.com

Dr. Alan Feller (Great Neck, New York) – Strip and FUE

www.fellermedical.com

Dr. Bijan Feriduni (Hasselt, Belgium) – Strip and FUE

www.hairdocs.info

Had experience with any of these doctors? Have a doctor we should add to our list? Leave a comment and tell us what you think!

Hair Transplantation is currently the only method of restoring terminal hair growth to patients with established baldness. Although the process still has many limitations, recent advances in medical technology have made hair transplantation much more desirable. So long as it is performed by a reputable surgeon, a hair transplant can provide noticeable and natural results.

There are two primary methods of hair transplantation surgery, defined in terms of how hair follicles are harvested from the “safe zone” donor area:

1. Strip (FUT, FUSS) – A hair-bearing strip of scalp is surgically removed from the back of the patient’s head. This strip is microscopically dissected into grafts (small pieces of tissue) that are subsequently transplanted into balding areas. The Strip method of hair transplantation results in an unavoidable linear scar that spans from ear to ear.  These scars are easily concealed by existing hair, but are clearly visible if hair is shaved down. This treatment has an approximate recovery period of 2 weeks.

2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) – Hair follicles are individually removed from the patient’s donor area with tiny punches typically .7 mm to 1.2 mm in diameter. These follicles are then inserted into the patient’s recipient (balding) area. Since this micro-removal harvests hair follicles one by one, the resulting scars resemble miniature dots. These scars, like those that form after Strip excisions, are usually concealed by existing hair. This treatment has an approximate recovery period of 7 days.

Although this method is superior in many respects (more hair is available for harvest, shorter down-time, less-visible scarring) it does have several caveats. In general, FUE procedures last longer, cost extra, cause more scalp trauma and have higher graft transaction rates.

Make no mistake, both methods of hair transplantation are invasive surgical procedures. Like any other operation, there are many important risks and considerations; results cannot be 100% guaranteed. If you are considering either treatment, here are some things you should look for in a hair transplant surgeon:

(the following considerations are available courtesy of the American Hair Loss Association)

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.

6. Is your hair transplant doctor’s practice dedicated solely to surgical hair restoration? If not, what percentage of his/her practice is?

The practice of hair transplantation has come a long way from the “plugs” of yesteryear. Ultra-refined techniques are employed by many surgeons across the globe and patient satisfaction has increased dramatically. Nevertheless, this process must be researched extensively before the decision to undergo a hair transplant is ultimately made.