The shock of hair loss is difficult enough, planning your Hair Transplant surgery can be just as difficult. With the intent to avoid any worse case scenarios, here are 5 things you should be sure to ask during your consultation:
1) Does an actual doctor perform the hair transplant surgery?
In the US, it is required that all hair transplants are performed by the physician. Most hair transplant surgeons are assisted by highly experienced hair transplant technicians, who typically dissect out the hairs under microscopes and help with the planting of the grafts. Doctor Jack Fisher explains that 'There are phases in a hair transplant where non MD assistants are participating in the procedure, but the doctor is in complete control at all times.' [Read more]
2) Does the clinic use travel technicians for their procedures?
When it comes to hair restoration, it's all about teamwork. In most cases, when there is a long lasting relationship between the doctor and their technicians, the work is more consistent, resulting in a succsessfful transplant. A clinic that uses traveling technicians can lead to problems, since the doctor is not accustomed to working with the technicians.
3) What experience does the hair transplant technicians have?
Doctor Samuel Lam tells us that 'having an excellent team is mandatory'. They play a key role in the surgery to ensure the best outcome. They are responsible for carefully dissecting and caring for the delicate grafts under the microscope so they can be transplanted faster to maximize graft survival. [Read more]
4) What are the doctor’s credentials to perform hair restoration surgery?
Any physician can technically do a hair transplant. Doctor Ken Anderson informs us that 'In the USA, in order for a person to call themselves a 'hair restoration surgeon', one only needs two things:
1) a medical license (e.g.: graduate medical school and do one single year of internship in any area of medicine)
2) the desire to call oneself a 'hair restoration surgeon' — and he is not kidding. He further goes on to say that 'You should feel perfectly comfortable asking your doctor for his resume, and whether he or she has earned an ABMS-recognized Board Certificate in a surgical specialty.' [ Read more]
5) Does the doctor attend regular training and medical conferences?
The hair restoration industry has come a long way as far as technique is concerned, so having a surgeon who is up to date with the latest techniques, and has the most advanced technology is key. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor what training and medical conferences they have attended. If the doctor mentions either the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, the European Society of Hair Restoration Surgery or the ISHRS Live Surgery Workshop - it's highly likely they are involved in the field beyond just performing hair transplant procedures. For your information, the ISHRS released a consumer warning on Oct. 17, 2014. Read warning.
Hair transplant surgery is a complex cosmetic procedure that requires lots of training, experience and attention to detail. Qualified physicians are those that have extensive training in the hair restoration field and are educated about the causes of hair loss. They will take time with the patient to educate them on what constitutes a natural hair line to ensure the patient has a natural result.
Do you have any consultation questions to add, please share in the comments section below.
Have you had a hair transplant? If so, please take a moment and share your story by writing a review - here is a link to get you stared.
1) Does an actual doctor perform the hair transplant surgery?
In the US, it is required that all hair transplants are performed by the physician. Most hair transplant surgeons are assisted by highly experienced hair transplant technicians, who typically dissect out the hairs under microscopes and help with the planting of the grafts. Doctor Jack Fisher explains that 'There are phases in a hair transplant where non MD assistants are participating in the procedure, but the doctor is in complete control at all times.' [Read more]
2) Does the clinic use travel technicians for their procedures?
When it comes to hair restoration, it's all about teamwork. In most cases, when there is a long lasting relationship between the doctor and their technicians, the work is more consistent, resulting in a succsessfful transplant. A clinic that uses traveling technicians can lead to problems, since the doctor is not accustomed to working with the technicians.
3) What experience does the hair transplant technicians have?
Doctor Samuel Lam tells us that 'having an excellent team is mandatory'. They play a key role in the surgery to ensure the best outcome. They are responsible for carefully dissecting and caring for the delicate grafts under the microscope so they can be transplanted faster to maximize graft survival. [Read more]
4) What are the doctor’s credentials to perform hair restoration surgery?
Any physician can technically do a hair transplant. Doctor Ken Anderson informs us that 'In the USA, in order for a person to call themselves a 'hair restoration surgeon', one only needs two things:
1) a medical license (e.g.: graduate medical school and do one single year of internship in any area of medicine)
2) the desire to call oneself a 'hair restoration surgeon' — and he is not kidding. He further goes on to say that 'You should feel perfectly comfortable asking your doctor for his resume, and whether he or she has earned an ABMS-recognized Board Certificate in a surgical specialty.' [ Read more]
5) Does the doctor attend regular training and medical conferences?
The hair restoration industry has come a long way as far as technique is concerned, so having a surgeon who is up to date with the latest techniques, and has the most advanced technology is key. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor what training and medical conferences they have attended. If the doctor mentions either the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, the European Society of Hair Restoration Surgery or the ISHRS Live Surgery Workshop - it's highly likely they are involved in the field beyond just performing hair transplant procedures. For your information, the ISHRS released a consumer warning on Oct. 17, 2014. Read warning.
Hair transplant surgery is a complex cosmetic procedure that requires lots of training, experience and attention to detail. Qualified physicians are those that have extensive training in the hair restoration field and are educated about the causes of hair loss. They will take time with the patient to educate them on what constitutes a natural hair line to ensure the patient has a natural result.
Do you have any consultation questions to add, please share in the comments section below.
Have you had a hair transplant? If so, please take a moment and share your story by writing a review - here is a link to get you stared.