One of the reasons why having a hair transplant is popular is because it is a permanent solution to hair loss. That takes away a lot of concerns like time, effort, and money. But on the other hand, because it is permanent, you cannot take any chances with errors. The results are often irreversible, and even if corrective surgery can be made, it will cost you more than the original procedure. So before getting hair transplant surgery, be sure to ask your surgeon the following questions to be sure that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into.
Who should you meet first?
You are not about to meet a new friend, but a professional who will perform a life-changing operation on your scalp. And because of this, it would be ideal to talk to the surgeon first, instead of an adviser or sales agent. These people might know the right words but their technical knowledge is nowhere near that of the surgeon. Some clinics have this set-up and it would be best for you to avoid such a provider.
How long have you been doing this and how often do you do it?
Like all the other skills out there, the amount of experience should be a factor in choosing the right hair transplant surgeon for you. A lot of surgeons are qualified, but if they are just starting out, you do not want to be their guinea pig. This kind of procedure is very exacting, and you just cannot leave anything to chance.
The lack of experience would also affect the outcome of the procedure in terms of how the patient would like it to look. Desired outcomes are achieved with very specific steps and the clinical eye that can determine if the desired look is feasible based on the possible approaches that can be taken to address the patient’s problem.
More than the experience, it would be wise to check the frequency of his operations. If he does not do it on a regular basis, he might lose his touch and create problems for the patient.
Once he gives you satisfying answers, feel free to ask more specific questions like his experience in the particular procedure that you are seeking. If, for example, you want to get an FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), ask him for the specific number of cases he has handled for that kind of procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask for his success rate, too. It would not be rude to ask for this because it is also important for you to know if he is worthy of your trust.
What are your credentials?
Because you want to know more about your surgeon, do not hesitate to ask for his degrees and certifications. By knowing the institutions that educated and trained him, you will have a fair idea of what kind of procedures he is capable of performing. It would also be great to know his professional associations and fraternities because they indicate that your surgeon is in good company, if he is indeed associated with m. Most importantly, make sure he is a licensed professional and do not settle for those who are still in training.
What’s the aesthetics of your doctor?
Nothing can be more important than seeing how your surgeon does his job. The process of transferring hair from one part to another sounds relatively straightforward. But when you get down to the nitty-gritty of things, you miss out on knowing if the surgeon needs a certain kind of skill to perfectly engineer the hair that is supposed to be revived and make it as natural-looking as possible. Without an eye for detail, there might be some complications or he might not deliver the results you want.
Who are qualified for hair transplants?
If your doctor is a phony or someone who never had professional training to perform the procedure for you, he will not tell you who are qualified for the procedure you want, because he just wants to perform iton pretty much anyone who wants it. On the other hand, a true professional would enumerate the conditions and concerns of the procedure in the most detailed manner, because they do not want to be responsible for any mishaps before, during, and after the procedure.
Where will the procedure take place?
Aside from the surgeon, the next concern should be the capabilities of the staff who will be assisting your doctor. This is why it is better to have it done in a medical institution that can guarantee such expert personnel. Far from being picky, this helps ensure the success of your operation.
And as you would the surgeon, be sure to determine whether the facility is recognized by the proper authorities and has the proper. Make sure that the clinic that you are considering provides the services that you need and that not just one of those that offer a limited range of cosmetic procedures.
Does your doctor make you feel comfortable?
It usually takes time for a patient to warm up to his doctor, but when you are about to get a life-changing procedure from him, it would be a good idea to establish good rapport with him.
What are the details of the operation?
Some might find it too much to ask very specific questions about the procedure. But, you can never be too careful because by knowing how many sessions you need,you get to form a more realistic impression of the procedure and not just the phony vibe that the provider wants you to feel.
How much will it cost?
To make an informed decision, it would be really important for the patient to get a quotation for the desired procedures. With such figures on hand, it would be easy for the patient to make a comparison with the other providers. Besides, you do not want to be shocked as soon as you receive the bill.
If you are looking for a hair transplant clinic in Australia, visit us at the Australian Institute for Hair Restoration. Our resident hair transplant surgeon, Dr. Andrew Kim, is ready to answer your most important questions during your thorough consultation.
