Dr. Alan J. Bauman

RDC, I was disappointed to read your review of your hair transplant procedures. Today, modern methods of transplantation (called follicular unit micrografting) when properly combined with medical therapies to stop the progression of hereditary hair loss, has the ability to comfortably and effectively restore a full-looking head of hair for the vast majority of patients. Not every patient is a good candidate for hair transplantation. There are many different surgeons who perform this procedure and they all have different backgrounds, experience, artistic skill and expertise. Often, if you visit a large national clinic, you will have little interaction with the surgeon performing your procedure--so it can make it more difficult to judge. Be sure to research smaller, more personalized clinics as well. Caseload is also important--you don't want to be operated on by a surgeon who does hair transplantation once or twice a month. You need someone who peforms this procedure once or twice A DAY. A clinic with steady surgery will also typically have full-time technicians (not people flown in from around the country) so ask about this. Each surgery does take a lot of man-hours so it will be your doc + a team, always. The American Hair Loss Association is a good place to start researching. Also check the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. Hair transplantation should be able to give you visual coverage in the treated area--even with much less density than you were originally born with--this is the skill of a good transplant surgeon. Your DOCTOR (not a salesperson) should give you appropriate expectations of what the procedure can provide. Another point, bargaining with your surgeon is probably not a good idea. Use the prescribed healing treatments which usually accelerate recovery, decrease discomfort and help with the dissolvable stitches. Computerized injections should make the whole process completely painless. Do your research--photos, videos, consults. Be prepared to travel if necessary. Good luck!