How can I verify I'm getting the number of grafts I paid for?

Dear calmclear,Thank you for writing in with this question. It’s actually a question I’m surprised hasn’t been asked before. The short and simple answer is that you really can’t verify the number of grafts. If the surgeon is out to deceive you it’s just a matter of words. Everybody knows you can’t really get in there and count every last graft. So, it’s about trust. Doctors are just people. You can get a good feeling from any particular doctor when you spend time with them in consultation. If you don’t meet a doctor, well, there’s your answer. In some practices, the doctor has no idea what the “counsellor” (read: commissioned salesperson) says to the patient. If a red flag is going up in your gut, that’s your indication to not have a transplant done by that particular clinic. Hair restoration surgery is an elective, cosmetic procedure, the results of which are permanent. If at your initial consultation appointment you are not able to meet with the doctor who’s going to be performing your surgery, that to me is a huge red flag. Since the doctor didn’t speak to you, then really no promises whatsoever have been made to you, as a “counsellor” is not the doctor and not held to the same standards of patient communications. Doctors know this and sometimes don’t meet with their patients for this very reason. All this being said, ethical doctors do keep count sheets, and you can ask to see them At our clinic we keep a record of not only how many grafts, but the distribution in terms of how many single hair follicles, 2 hair follicles, and so on. I hope this information is helpful to you.

Hello,Density is one of the most critical factors after hair transplantation.  Early on you may not be able to fully determine your density.  Density depends on various factors including the number of hairs  per cm squared, the thickness and vibrancy of hair, direction and design of hair.  Techniques for density vary from surgeon to surgeon.  In my office, we utilize a specialized technique that allows for optimizing density and found it to be helpful.  Best Dr. Anil Shah

That is a good question, you certainly want to be sure that you are getting what you are paying for.  But are you more interested in getting a certain amount of grafts, or are you purchasing the desired effects of the grafts?  To me that is a more important issue and hopefully your expectations are met.John Frank, MDNew YorkOhio