In Australia, you can find a long list of surgeons, all with varying credentials under their belt. As a potential patient in search for a way out of your hair loss dilemma, finding a hair transplant surgeon is the most critical aspect. To make an informed decision, here are important pointers you need to keep in mind.
Training
Hair transplant is a specialized practice, which means that it is not enough for a doctor to be a general practitioner, he must also possess the necessary training and skills to perform surgery. Furthermore, not every surgeon is also qualified to perform hair transplant surgery because this practice requires a subspecialty to ensure that the surgeon has the expertise to perform this meticulous procedure.
When you do your research for a hair transplant surgeon, don’t set your foot down simply because he is a surgeon. Take a look at the finer and important details. Aside from the actual consultation, you can rely on references through word of mouth, Google, or you may look them up at the ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) website. The ISHRS is a global non-profit medical association which is the leading authority on hair loss and replacement.
Experience
A hair transplant surgeon’s length of practice is also a good way to gauge his skills and expertise, although, this shouldn’t be the only factor to assess a surgeon’s experience. His knowledge and exposure to a variety of hair loss cases are also pertinent in knowing the kind of work he is capable of. For example, if you prefer an FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) over the traditional FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), it is important to have a surgeon who is well versed in the former. See to it that he has handled a good amount of cases where he used the approach you prefer and was able to create highly satisfying results out of it.
Clinics that specialize in FUE hair transplants are far and few between. This is a tricky procedure to perform, especially among patients with textured hair types, and there are not that many hair transplant surgeons in Sydney who are trained in FUE. Therefore, make it a point that you research or bring this up in your consultation.
If you choose an FUE you might want to ask the following questions:
- Will the doctor be the one to extract the grafts?
- Are the hair grafts extracted using a microscope or automated device?
- What are the roles of technicians in the process?
- Does the doctor use different methods for hair extraction?
- How does he minimize resection rate?
For those who would opt for an FUT, here are important questions to ask your surgeon:
- Will the grafts be microscopically dissected?
- Do you use different methods to extract donor grafts?
- Does technicians use stereo-microscopes?
Certification
A physician who can perform minor procedures such as a lipoma excision is not the same as a surgeon certified to perform a hair transplant. That piece of paper makes a world of difference that can either make or break your hair transplant results. It’s one thing for a surgeon to claim that he can perform hair transplant, and it’s another to have the concrete evidence to prove it. A certification means that he has passed the stringent criteria set by a governing body to be able to earn it.
When you visit or research a surgeon, always see to it that he is duly certified. You can look for these information on a clinic’s official website or you may also fact check these credentials in different medical directories online. With a lot of shady practitioners preying on people’s ignorance, it pays to be a step ahead of doing your homework.
Further Training
Hair transplant surgeons have conferences that are conducted for the sole purpose of advancing their knowledge, skills, and expertise for their practice. Continuing education is a critical aspect of making sure that your surgeon of choice keeps himself abreast of the latest developments in his field of practice. Hair transplant has undergone extensive refinement in techniques over the years. When you are under the care of one who hones his skills and expertise, it gives you a better chance at achieving a more natural-looking result.
Knowing the basic principles may no longer be enough when there is constantly new knowledge coming out. You would want to be under the care of someone who keeps his practice on point with further training, either locally or abroad.
With everything pretty much displayed online nowadays, you can find this information on a surgeon’s website or LinkedIn page. Again, we highlight the benefit of extensive research.
Number of Surgeries Performed
Don’t easily fall for the bait when surgeon’s say that they can finish an astounding amount of surgeries in one day. A good surgeon should not treat his practice like a race, instead, he should give each patient ample time to ensure that the desired results are achieved. You wouldn’t want to pay top dollar for something rushed, would you?
Furthermore, the number of surgeries performed also reveals a lot about the surgeon’s experience, especially on a particular procedure. In addition to that, it is also important to ask a surgeon’s success rate and revision rate.
Reputation
How the surgeon is perceived by his peers and the community is an important consideration for potential patients. Reputation is built on how the surgeon conducts his practice over the years and the results that came out of it. You can personally ask other patients or look into online forums and pages. Sites like RealSelf offers insights about surgeons and their practice which could be very helpful in your decision-making process.
Portfolio
A hair transplant surgeon’s portfolio is the best way for you to assess if the kind of results he is able to create is in tune with your aesthetic goals. Some surgeons show these on their official website, or you may ask for it during your consultation.
Bedside Manner
Good bedside manners is what sets a typical surgeon from those who practice with a heart. The way they treat you, answer your questions, or provide the necessary details to allay your anxiety is a major plus on top of his credentials. A good surgeon also takes the time to educate a patient, clarify any misconceptions, and mindful of a patient’s aesthetic preferences is someone who should be on your list.
Professional Fee
A surgeon’s professional fee is also worth considering. You need to keep your guard up from surgeons who offer you a hair transplant at a remarkably cheaper price compared to others in that region. It may benefit your budget, but it doesn’t necessarily translate to success. Hair transplant surgeons will put a premium on their service due to the amount of training and experience required of them. This explains why their professional fee also comes at a price. It is true when they say that, if it sounds too good to be true, chances are it actually is.
Hopefully, these tips will help narrow down your list as you continue your search. Don’t just jump into a hair transplant just because you want to get on with it. Put yourself under capable and experienced professionals.
If you are looking for a hair transplant surgeon in Sydney, visit Dr. Daood today for a comprehensive evaluation. An ISHRS member with experience in both FUT and FUE call 1300 656 236 today for more information.
