Are you trying to find the best hair transplant clinic? There is no question that today’s hair transplantation surgery is light years beyond the “doll’s hair” procedures of the 1960s and 70s. However, there is still a large amount of artistry and skill required to create a natural-looking hair transplant with the minimum amount of scarring. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly research hair transplant clinics before choosing one.
Meet with Several Hair Restoration Clinics
Most experts recommend meeting with at least three clinics for consultation appointments. This can be challenging because surgeons are only making money when operating, not when they perform evaluations. Many hair transplant surgeons have hired staff to perform non-operative tasks like discussing payment options, estimating the number of follicular units required for transplantation, and even diagnosing types of alopecia (hair loss). You should insist that you meet with the surgeon performing your surgery, at least when you discuss diagnosis and surgical planning.
Get a Diagnosis for Medical Hair Restoration
During this consultation (with the actual hair transplant surgeon), be sure to receive your actual baldness type/diagnosis. If you hear androgenetic alopecia, you are in the right place—if you hear diffuse alopecia or some other diagnosis, ask if hair transplant surgery is appropriate or effective in your case. Be sure to find out if your donor’s hair is sufficient for a good outcome. If your donor’s hair is “marginal” or not terribly dense, the chances for a great surgical outcome are much lower. Discuss strip harvesting versus FUE—FUE being the more expensive but generally more attractive approach. Finally, most surgeons have software or other means of showing your face with the projected, surgically-enhanced hairline. Make sure you are happy with these (putative) results.
- See Examples
It is also critical to see representative examples of past work. If you are presented with a “Before and After” photo book, make sure that the pictures are from your surgeon’s actual patients. Ask about the surgeon’s personal complication rate and if the results that you see in the book can be expected in your case.
- Contracts
In terms of paperwork, thoroughly read the contract before signing. If there is a language that you do not understand, ask a staff member to explain it to you. Since we live in a litigious society, virtually every side effect and complication will be listed in the contract to protect the doctor (and to meet their insurance standards). Unless the doctor is willing to negotiate the contract (very, very unlikely), you should focus on if the risk is worth the reward to you. Since the risks associated with hair transplant surgery are generally minor and infrequent, for most people, the contract will not be a deal-breaker.
Conclusion
A good clinic to start with is Bosley Medical. They offer a free consultation and have offices all over the United States. During the consultation, they will also write you a prescription for Propecia (for free) and provide you with a thorough hair analysis that you can take home. Request their free information package today.
