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What should I consider when researching hair transplantation? - Thursday, November 01, 2007

People ask a lot of questions about hair transplantation on our hair restoration discussion forum. Before giving any advice, there are many things to consider. I have composed a list of standard questions to be answered below, however, it’s important that they consider the answers to the following standard questions:

Age: How old are you? Younger patients may not be good hair transplant candidates for a hair transplant.. The younger a hair loss sufferer is, the riskier it is to undergo hair transplantation. Hair loss is a progressive condition and therefore unpredictable. A person's donor supply (the area on the sides and back of the head where hair is removed for hair transplantation) is also finite. Young people should always proceed with caution when considering a hair transplant. I recommend that the younger folks read: Am I too young for a hair transplant.

Norwood Scale and Graft Calculation: The level of hair loss you fall on the Norwood scale of hair loss will help determine the number of follicular unit grafts needed. As a guide (though this is far from a definite rule as hair characteristics play a significant role in determining the number of follicular unit grafts needed), take your calculated Norwood level and multiple it by 1000 follicular unit grafts on the conservative side to 1500 follicular unit grafts on the liberal side and that will help determine the approximate number of hair grafts needed to achieve “decent” hair coverage and hair density of your balding areas. Additionally, I recommend using our animated graft calculator. Additional animations can be found by clicking here.

Hair Loss Medication: Many have asked, is it necessary to continue to use Propecia (finasteride) and/or Rogaine (minoxodil) if I get a hair transplant? Though neither of these hair loss treatments are needed to maintain or grow the transplanted hair, these treatments for hair loss MAY be necessary In order to keep any native hair (natural hair) one might have. Using hair loss treatments such as finasteride and minoxodil can be an important step to consider for long term hair restoration. Hair transplantation is NOT a cure for baldness. It is a surgical procedure to move hair from one area of one’s scalp to another. Because hair loss is unpredictable, there is really no way to determine with certainly how much hair loss one will experience. So to lower the risk of losing hair, hair loss remedies such as Propecia and/or Rogaine might help slow down or stop hair loss. One might even regrow hair.

Family History of Both Sides: What is your family history of hair loss on both your mother and father's side? Don't limit the answer to this question by looking at only the men or the women in your family. The genetic link is to both men and women as they can both carry the gene responsible for hair loss. Remember however, that hair loss is unpredictable - but family history of hair loss can be used as a guide in determining where you MIGHT fall.

Hair Loss Pictures: Many will ask whether or not hair transplantation is right for them on our hair restoration forum. Pictures of one's hair loss condition will help the veteran members and hair restoration doctors give more accurate advice on your specific hair loss situation. I recommend posting higher resolution photos that shows hair loss in detail, different angles and lighthing. NOTE: Most people on discussion forums are NOT hair restoration professionals and should not be taken as medical advice. But those who have gone through hair transplantation and are knowledgeable about hair restoration should be able to give some sound advice. Always double check the advice given with a hair restoration physician.

Hair Restoration Goals and Expectations: It is extremely important to know what you expect and want out of hair transplant surgery. Discuss your goals and expectations with your hair restoration physician in order to ensure that your expectations are realistic. Understand that donor supply is limited. The amount of hair loss, the amount of available donor hair, and your hair restoration goals will determine whether or not you will be satisfied with your hair transplant(s)..

Hair Transplant Costs : Hair Transplantation should be seen as an investment and is no doubt expensive for the average consumer. Typical costs are between $4-$5 per graft for the first 2000 grafts and $2.50 per graft thereafter per hair restoration surgery. Taking into consideration your level on the norwood scalel, your expectations and goals, your available donor hair (based on donor laxity and donor density), the cost of such a surgery CAN end up being well over $10,000. Often times, patients with a LOT of loss, end up needing two or three hair transplant sessions to achieve their hair restoration goals. This will of course become a separate fee. Read more about the cost of hair transplantation .

Selecting the right hair restoration physician is vital in ensuring a successful and natural hair transplant. This is why the Hair Transplant Network has extremely high membership standards for our hair restoration physicians who are members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians. I highly recommend consulting with and selecting one of our coalition hair restoration doctors who have a proven track record of performing consistent and quality state of the art hair transplantation. To view hair transplant patient photos posted by real patients of these physicians, use the find feature of our hair restoration forum.

Research, patience, and education is the key to a successful hair transplant surgery. Research and find a hair transplant clinic that has a proven track record and one that has personally impressed you. Look for consistency in hair transplant results rather than looking at one particular hair transplant patient. Research a dozen or more real patients to see their final results. Remember, hair transplants are considered "mature" at approximately 12 to 18 months. Following a hair transplant patient's progress that has just undergone hair transplantation surgery is often beneficial as you can view their progress step by step. This will ensure the hair restoration results are the real deal and not doctored in any way! Be sure to ask questions and participate in our hair restoration discussion forum.

Please do NOT let emotions rush you into a decision. Take your time, learn, and educate yourself. An educated patient becomes a satisfied patient.