Hair loss is a serious issue that affects millions of people, both men and women. It is caused by various factors such as genetic predisposition to medical issues such as alopecia areata or an autoimmune ailment. Hair loss, in most cases, does not have a particular cause. Hair transplants have proven effective in restoring lost hair volume and thickness, replacing thinning hair with new growth. But it is vital to choose the right surgeon because not all surgeons are equal in their skills and experience. This article will discuss tips for finding the best hair restoration specialist.
Who Conducts Hair Transplants?
Hair restoration surgery is performed by a certified dermatologist or a plastic surgeon with years of experience. If you want to take the hair transplant route, finding an expert with the necessary qualifications would be best. The hair transplant cost varies per clinic and depends on the method used, the doctor’s experience, and many other reasons. Ensure you do proper research before choosing the hair transplant clinic and surgeon. You can also seek recommendations from friends who have already had hair restoration surgery. Suppose you know no one, research online for the expert in the field. You will find hair transplant doctors with detailed procedures and testimonials.
Steps to Find the Best Hair Restoration Specialist
Here are tips to help you find the best hair transplant specialist to handle your hair restoration requirements :
1. Education
Before settling for a hair restoration surgeon, inquire about their medical background since proper dermatology and plastic surgery training is only sometimes enough to offer the desired outcome. Hair transplant has its training and mentorship programs. Inquire about their training to determine if they have the right fellowship training in hair restoration.
2. Certifications
The hair restoration specialist should be licensed in the state where they practice medicine. Most doctors are certified by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS) or the Fellowship of the International Society of Hair Restoration (FISHR):
3. ABHRS
This is the only qualifying board certification for hair transplant surgeons. Among the qualifying factors for the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery is hair restoration training through fellowship training or the experience gained over years of performing hair loss treatments. The surgeon must provide documentation of a minimum number of hair restoration procedures they have conducted. They must also pass both written and oral examinations. When selecting a hair transplant doctor, check their certification status on their website.
4. FISHRS
This is a recognized certification established in 2012 by ISHRS to recognize members who have a unique set of educational criteria, leadership positions, scientific achievements, publications, and the quest for excellence in hair restoration procedures.
5. Experience
It is critical to ensure that the hair transplant surgeon has enough relevant experience to provide you with the desired outcome. Usually, the experience does not mean the years of conducting the surgery. In the past few years, the hair restoration field has experienced a radical transformation, and many doctors performing hair transplants for years were required to upgrade and enhance their skills. The ideal hair transplant surgeon has years of experience but remains current with the most advanced hair restoration techniques. Education, experience, and innovation go hand in hand and are the main elements of a technologically advanced hair transplant practice.
Hair Transplant Methods Used
Always go for a doctor who is experienced with several hair restoration techniques instead of only being familiar with one method. This allows them to be flexible when deciding the best hair restoration techniques to suit your needs. Ensure the surgeon is knowledgeable about the technique by asking questions.
For example, if you want to undergo follicular unit extraction method (FUE) or follicular unit transplantation (FUT), make sure to ask the following questions :
- Are they extracting hair grafts using automatic or microscopic methods?
- Is the doctor going to extract the hair follicles?
- What is the technician’s role in the process?
- Will the doctor use other methods when extracting the hair follicles?
- Is the graft dissection done microscopically?
- Will all doctors use stereo microscopes?
- How long has the specialist been using microscopes to separate follicular units?
Final Thought
Now that you know what you need to find a hair restoration specialist make sure to find the best provider by scheduling a consultation session. Also, remember to ask for before and after photos of previous patients who had the same hair transplant method you are opting for. Hair restoration is a huge investment, and natural outcomes are permanent. Therefore, it is worth your time and effort to research the best hair restoration surgeon to provide the hairline you need.