Ask your Hair Restoration Surgeon: Questions to Have Confidence Before Surgery

There’s no such thing as a dumb question…

Before you make a final commitment for hair restoration surgery, it’s a good idea to ask your hair restoration surgeon a lot of questions so you can have confidence in your decision. If you need a starting point, here are some concerns that go through patients’ minds:

1. How do I choose a hair restoration surgeon? Who will evaluate my hair loss and recommend a course of treatment? What is their education, training, licensure, and experience in treating hair loss? What should I look for when selecting the right surgeon for me?

2. Who will be involved in performing my surgery, what role will they play, and what is their education, training, licensure, and experience performing hair restoration surgery? No doubt you are doing your homework to choose a highly-regarded and credentialed surgeon – he/she should be the one doing your surgery. Read more here: https://ishrs.org/article/consumer-alert-false-advertising/

3. Is everyone involved in my surgery covered by malpractice insurance?

4. What are my surgical options? What is the difference between FUT (strip) and FUE? The following articles provide an unbiased, fair, and truthful comparison.

Comparison between Strip Harvesting and FUE: Part 1

Comparison between Strip Harvesting and FUE: Part 2

Comparison between Strip Harvesting and FUE: Part 3

5. It is important to know that both FUT (strip) and FUE results in scars. There is no such thing as “scarless” surgery in hair transplantation. The ISHRS is concerned about false and exaggerated advertising claims related to hair restoration surgery such as “scarless surgery” or the claim that the surgery can be completely performed by a machine. The fact is that any incision whether by machine or hand that enters the skin beyond the most superficial of depths causes a scar to form, and there is currently no machine capable of automatically performing all the aspects of the hair restoration surgery. Available technology can only assistant trained surgeons performing hair restoration surgery. Click for Red Flags and Misleading Messaging.

6. How long will my procedure last? Many surgeries require multiple procedures. Patients should have a clear understanding of the time commitment necessary to achieve their desired results.

7. Will people notice my hair transplantation? Patients should feel comfortable addressing this significant concern upfront because a hair restoration surgeon can suggest options for making the transplantation less noticeable.

8. How much will it cost? Surgeons encourage patients to be open about financial questions before the surgery. Though rarely covered by insurance, deductible and co-pay questions are best handled early on. If a payment plan is required, both patient and surgeon benefit from a clear discussion on this matter.

9. Will it be painful? Many patients, men in particular, may be reluctant or hesitant to ask about what level of pain they should expect during the procedure. Fortunately, today’s hair restoration surgeons have a number of pre- and post-operative methods that can make you comfortable and ease your mind about your surgery.