When you look in the mirror, do you like that you see? Sure, maybe you’d like to do something about those crow’s feet or sunspots. Or perhaps you wish you’d like to stretch yourself another inch or two in height. But overall, you’re pleased with the person looking back at you.
Yet for those suffering for hair loss, seeing a receding hair line, bald spot, or overall loss of volume can have negative effects on their self-esteem, and inserting a downer into their social and professional lives.
If you’re dreading mirror time even a little, and thinning hair is at least part of the reason, then you’ll want to move forward a step at a time. Step one? Finding that one medical team you trust completely and feel most comfortable with.
Choosing the Right Hair Transplant Surgeon
Did you know that just about any licensed physician can perform a hair transplant? But being able doesn’t always mean “should do.” So, when choosing a hair transplant surgeon, look for one who has gone through rigorous training, passed board exams, and held at least one recognized medical residency. To avoid the hair-plugged look from decades past, your doctor should be up to date and experienced in the latest hair restoration treatments and techniques a doctor who can explain all treatment options and recommend one that will deliver the best possible results for your specific situation.
Are You an Ideal Candidate?
An experienced hair transplant doctor will thoroughly assess your scalp to determine whether you are a candidate for surgery in one of two ways.
- Determine whether you have enough hair on your scalp to use as donor hair. Your surgeon will need to harvest enough hair from an area on your scalp, usually the back, to naturally fill in the area where you’re experiencing hair thinning or loss. You also need to be able to successfully grow hair in the area that will receive the harvested follicles. A qualified surgeon can determine whether you meet these criteria.
- Investigate the cause of your hair loss. Hair transplant surgery may not work on individuals who have certain medical conditions. Your doctor will want to discuss your medical history and may want to order blood work to determine if surgery is a viable option.
Recovery and Results
When performed properly and by an experienced surgeon, hair transplants are virtually pain-free. While they take several hours to complete perform and require an incredible amount of knowledge and skill, these out-patient procedures require very little down time. Your doctor should also provide you with detailed instructions to help you recover as quickly and pain-free as possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for and check education and certifications, and always request to see before and after photos.
Comfort is Key
Discussing hair loss can be uncomfortable, but you need to have an open dialogue with your transplant physician about the process, your concerns, and the results you can realistically expect. If you feel rushed, judged, or otherwise uncomfortable with the doctor or support staff during your initial consultation, they’re probably not the right practice for you.
Then again, DiStefano probably is – the right hair transplant medical practice, that is. Job number one for us is making you not just feel comfortable, but fully confident that you’re in highly capable and experienced hands. And yes, we will answer all your questions and give you all the input you need to make a wise and satisfying decision. So, take that important next step and contact us today for a free consultation.
