Hair Transplant Blog

Everything You Need to Know Ultimate Hair Transplant Guide

Everything You Need to Know: Ultimate Hair Transplant Guide

Doing your homework before undergoing any major medical procedure isn’t just a smart thing to do, but is absolutely essential. Knowing what to expect and what’s expected of you goes a long way toward achieving the best possible results.

Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about getting a hair transplant in Sydney, whether you’re still debating the merits of a hair transplant, or are already shopping around for where to have it done.

  • Answers to Common Hair Transplant Questions
  • Considerations Before Getting A Hair Transplant
  • Costs Involved in Hair Transplants
  • Preparation and Aftercare
  • Variations in Hair Transplant Procedures

Answers to Common Hair Transplant Questions

Just like any surgical procedure, a hair transplant can be intimidating—however badly you might want one, wondering about things like where the hair will come from and how much it’s going to hurt can make you hesitate.

Among the Frequently Asked Questions about hair transplants are how old you have to be, or whether you can have it done if your hair loss isn’t that bad, yet. Most surgeons don’t recommend a transplant for patients under 23, and you could actually have a transplant if your hairline is already starting to recede, depending on the surgeon’s assessment.

Other questions involve how much time it will take for results to show, and how natural the transplant will look. After all, nobody wants to have someone go up to them and say, “Hey, that’s a great-looking transplant.”

There are also gender-specific hair transplant concerns such as differences in hair loss progression and ideal donor sites for the transplant. The focus of the procedure also differs between men and women—men usually focus on their receding hairline while women focus on restoring volume on top and behind their heads.

Considerations Before Getting A Hair Transplant

Surgery isn’t usually something people have done on the fly, and a hair transplant is no exception. Even if the reasons for getting one are fairly obvious, many people wonder whether it’s a good idea to have a transplant when it comes right down to it.

In the first place, you’d have to consider whether you’re eligible for the procedure, as not everyone can get a hair transplant because of factors such as the number of donor sites and overall health. You might also be too young to get a hair transplant, as most surgeons agree that 40 and up is the ideal age.

But arguably the most important considerations before undergoing the procedure involve the reliability of the clinic where you’ll be having it done. You should think twice if clinic doesn’t have hair transplants as its speciality, or have a portfolio that showcases its work. Other warning signs include having no contact with previous patients or professional affiliations.

Costs Involved in Hair Transplants

Perhaps the most pressing consideration is how much a hair transplant costs, especially since there are a lot of things apart from the procedure itself that you’ll have to pay for. There’s the consultation, the surgeon’s fee, anaesthesia fees and GST, not to mention the medications you’ll need such as antibiotics.

 

The factors that affect how much you’ll end up spending include the size of the area to be treated, the surgical technique to be used, the number of grafts to be made, and how many sessions you’ll have to undergo.

 

While it can be tempting to cut corners for cost-cutting’s sake, bear in mind that these penny-pinching ploys are not without risk—you could end up with an incompetent surgeon, or worse, surgical complications.  

 

The good news is that while hair transplants aren’t currently covered by insurance, there are payment options that can help such as loans offered by financing companies.

Preparation and Aftercare

Once you’ve settled on having the procedure and on a reputable surgeon to perform it, there are several things you’ll have to do to prepare for your hair transplant. You need to make sure you’re healthy enough to withstand surgery, and provide your surgeon with your complete medical history. Naturally, your surgeon will also have to evaluate your hair, which may include a biopsy.

Being aware of the risks involved or as the possible complications should be part of your preparation. Be sure to discuss this thoroughly with your surgeon, as well as the possibility that you might not be satisfied with the outcome of the transplant.

Be sure to prepare well for after the surgery. You will need someone to drive you home, as the anaesthesia might have lingering effects even after the surgery. Be sure not to schedule any activities that will make you sweat, or involve swimming. Your scalp is basically an open wound after the surgery, and you’ll need to keep it dry and clean to avoid infection. You may also want to take a few days off work to give yourself time to heal, so schedule around the surgery accordingly.

Variations in Hair Transplant Procedures

When people think of hair transplants, they often think of older folks and receding hairlines. But a hair transplant can be done on virtually any part of the body that grows hair.

Eyebrow hair transplants, for instance, is one such procedure that has gained popularity over the years, thanks to celebrities with fuller eyebrows. The procedure is often done by women who want bushier eyebrows, or those who want to fix eyebrows that have gone patchy due to years of overplucking.

Men who aspire for majestic beards but have been saddled with genes for baby smooth chins can now grow the beard of their dreams because of facial hair transplants. And the procedure is not limited to beards–you can have hair follicles transplanted to form goatees, mustaches, or some sick sideburns.

What all hair transplants have in common is that the procedure boils down to using two methods: follicular unit extraction (FUE) or follicular unit transplant (FUT). FUT is the traditional method for hair transplants which uses strips of skin grafts. FUE extracts individual hair follicles using a special tool, and injects them on the donor site.

Have questions that our guide hasn’t answered yet? Call us at 1300 656 236, or book an appointment for free with our hair transplant consultants.

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Is Hair Transplant Really a Good Idea

Is Hair Transplant Really a Good Idea?

Hair transplant has earned its place for being among those reliable treatment for hair restoration today. However, despite its promise, this procedure has its limitations that will serve as important considerations for potential patients.

So, is a hair transplant really a good idea with the kind of follicular dilemma you have right now? Let’s tackle the matter further.

Check your expectations

As much as your eligibility for this procedure rely on the physical factors, the psychological aspect is just as important. Your surgeon will see to it that you have realistic expectations on the outcome of the procedure. Otherwise, you would not be considered a good candidate for surgery.

For instance, it is important to keep in mind that in hair transplant you have to contend with a finite amount of donor hairs. Hence, there is an apparent need to ensure that the hairs are used in an efficient manner. Therefore, you cannot just expect to keep having small surgeries to keep up with your hair loss. Aside from being impractical, you must also consider of the donor hairs if you keep on exposing your scalp to trauma.

If you fully understand what the surgery entails, what it can or cannot do, and even how long you would wait for results then you are a good candidate for a hair transplant.

Got Donor Hair?

The condition of your donor hair is a significant determining factor on whether hair transplant is the appropriate procedure for you. Those with low hair densities doesn’t make good candidates for hair transplant.

Normally, the donor hairs (also called terminal hairs) come in a uniformed diameter, but the action of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in androgenetic hair loss causes some of the terminal hairs to decrease in length and diameter too until they eventually succumb to miniaturization. These changes are first observed as thinning until it eventually leads to complete baldness. While this process may usually affect the front and top portions of the scalp, it can also wreak havoc on the donor areas. If these areas show thinning, particularly when a person is young, then a hair transplant may not be successful because the transplanted hair will continue to thin.

Men who are affected with diffuse unpatterned alopecia (DUPA) also have an unhealthy donor supply, making them poor candidates for a hair transplant. Therefore, make sure that you ask help from a hair transplant doctor who makes the extra step to carefully assess your entire scalp. A densitometer or an equivalent instrument can help do the job since miniaturization is not easily visible to the naked eye.

Flexible Scalp

The flexibility of the scalp or looseness of the skin is called scalp laxity. This is a relatively simple requirement in determining if a hair transplant will be appropriate for you. The looser your scalp is the easier it is for the surgeon to insert the new hair follicles. Conversely, the tighter the scalp and the lower the density, the more difficult it is to harvest your donor hair or close the donor area after surgery particularly in an FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) technique. If your scalp is exceptionally tight, them a hair transplant may not be a good option for you.

Looking for Instant Results?

No one can blame you if you want results now. However, the fact of the matter is that long-lasting results take time. If you want it to happen now, there are temporary solutions, but that’s also the catch – it won’t last you very long.

Depending on other factors, hair transplant surgery results will start to become apparent during the 4th to 8th month post-op. It is only around the 12th month, or sometimes 18th month, where you can already appreciate the final outcome. It may be a longer journey than most course of action, but it can give you natural-looking results that can last longer. This may not be the right treatment for those who are looking for quick fixes.

Got Funds?

Hair transplant is considered the last resort in hair restoration owing to the fact that it is an invasive procedure. The complexity of this surgery demands skills and meticulous effort from a trained, experienced and certified surgeon. This explains why it comes at a certain price too. So, if you are interested in undergoing surgery, be sure you have the funds to see it through.

Since hair transplant has gotten so popular, it is also hounded by substandard practitioners that will offer you remarkably low prices, but with not much to show for it. Some may even tempt you with package deals where you can get a certain number of hair grafts at a low price. With all these eye-catching offers that appeal to your pockets, it is always important for potential patients to know better.

It is never wise to spend your money on cheaper treatments or packages because hair transplant is not a cookie cutter procedure. If you want to commit to surgical hair restoration be sure that you have enough funds on stash to afford a reputable surgeon and good quality results. Otherwise, it would be for your own good if you go for other measures instead.

Hair transplant cost is no joke, but when done right, it is a smart investment. Remember that if you don’t have the luxury to spend on a good surgeon, you also don’t have the luxury of donor grafts. Therefore, you must to utilize resources wisely. It would be wiser that you wait it out until you can afford a good hair transplant rather than jumping right into cheap procedures that seems too good to be true.

On the question whether hair transplant is a good idea for you, it begs every hair loss sufferer to stop and reassess their situation. The question you can answer up front is whether you can afford a reputable surgeon. Your answer can already set you towards the next step. For the other considerations mentioned above, it helps that you get professional help so you can be guided accordingly.

While it is true that hair transplant is a treatment that has left many satisfied with their results, it is not always for everybody. What you must understand is that if you want to get your money’s worth, you need to know if you are a good candidate.

Book your consultation  with Dr. Daood of the Sydney Hair Transplant today to know if this is the hair loss solution that is right for you.

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5 Ways to Make Your Hair Transplant Scar Less Obvious

Both methods of surgical hair restoration (FUT or FUE) carry a risk of forming a hair transplant scar. While our aim is to create natural-looking results without any of the obvious signs of surgical intervention, is a reality that waits on you at the end. However, that is not a sentence because there are several ways to conceal the scars better. Here are five ways that can help you do it.

What Type of Hair Transplant Scarring Should You Expect?


The type and extent of scarring will depend on the hair transplant method you choose.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUT), which is also called the “strip method” is the more invasive approach in donor hair removal. It involves a linear scar at the back of the head from which a piece of scalp, containing the donor hairs, is removed. Meanwhile, in a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), multiple dot-shaped scars are left from which donor grafts are removed using a punch-like instrument.

The type of hairstyle a patient prefers will determine the approach that will be most suitable for them. For example, if a client prefers to wear their hair very short, he might choose FUE because the small circular scars are spread out across the donor area and are smaller in size making them less visible – or they are less likely to be noticed.

Since a hair transplant scar is possible with any surgical intervention to address hair loss, here are 5 ways to make the problem less visible.

1. Make Your Aesthetic Preferences Clear with Your Surgeon

A hair transplant procedure is largely done for cosmetic purposes. It is for this reason that you should express to your surgeon what your aesthetic preferences are. Realistically, scars will be inevitable, but there are different methods a surgeon can do to make the outcome suitable for you.

One way to minimize scarring is the tricophytic closure. It is an advanced surgical method that allows the scalp to heal tightly leaving it with the thinnest linear scar possible. Once the flaps of the scalp are closed, the two sides are held together with surgical staples for 14 days while it heals. After the staples are removed, what is left is a thin white line which will be barely perceptible. A tricophytic closure attempts to allow the hairs to grow directly through the scar line.

If you are serious about keeping your hair transplant surgery a secret, this will be a good method to discuss with your surgeon during your consultation.

2. Follow Proper Post-Operative Care for the Surgical Site

Patients can do several things after the surgery to optimize the appearance of scars. One of the basic, but most important, reminder is to keep the incisions clean. This is a cardinal rule in proper wound care which can save you from several potential problems that might worsen the appearance of a hair transplant scar. One of these problems that you should be wary about is infection. Prolonged wound closure due to an infected surgical site will most likely result in poor wound healing. Therefore follow proper wound care and ensure that you take the entire course of antibiotic that was prescribed to you.

You should also avoid exposing the surgical area to tension/pressure. This may cause the flaps to heal poorly or uniformly. Therefore, avoid bending over or carrying a heavy load to avoid disrupting the integrity of the skin any further.

It is also wise to minimize sun exposure while the incisions heal. Since the skin in these areas will be more delicate as it heals, premature and prolonged exposure to the sun will make the scars more prone to darkening.

3. Be More Flexible in Choosing Hairstyles

Since the donor hairs are often found at the back portion of the head, specifically at the lower area of the scalp, the scar will be easily visible for those who will wear their hair short. The easiest way to conceal a scar would be to grow your hair just a few centimeters longer. Even with the more inconspicuous FUE scars, the tiny dot-like remnants will still be visible if you buzz all your hair off. Your efforts to make surgical scars less obvious may call on some minor hairstyle adjustments, only if you are open to it. It will be the fastest, easiest, and less expensive way that will do the trick.

4. Scalp Micropigmentation

If you have the extra buck to spare, scalp mircropigmentation (SMP) is a reliable method to camouflage hair transplant scars. It can disguise both linear strip scars as well as FUE scars. This procedure is appropriate only in scars that are flat. If the scars are raised (particularly in FUT scar repair) and are looking like they are forming to be keloid scars, additional treatment is needed to flatten it before SMP can be done.

SMP has been lauded by many to do a terrific job in concealing scars. But, there are very few practitioners that can provide you with quality service. Some may leave it looking like a black blotchy mark that only makes the appearance of the scar worse.

If you are thinking of getting it at a much cheaper price at a tattoo parlor, then you better think twice because this is a permanent process that you must get right the first time.

5. Steroid Injections

As mentioned earlier, raised scars can be flattened with additional treatment, and this is through steroid injections. Doctors use steroid injections to induce shrinking, flattening, and fading of hypertrophic (raised or keloid-type) scars. There are clinical studies that has proven the efficacy of steroid injections for this type of scar. It works mainly by decreasing collagen synthesis and reducing the inflammatory phase of wound healing. As a structural protein, collagen is formed at the site of the wound to mend or seal it. The problem is when the body produce too much collagen which results in a raised and discolored scar. Steroid injections inhibit collagen synthesis thereby preventing raised scar formation.

This treatment scalp scar revision, however, should be taken with a grain of salt. It is not faultless because it also comes with side effects and complications. The efficacy of steroid injections can also be unpredictable, and it is not known to work on older scars. This treatment should also be discussed thoroughly with your surgeon during the consultation.

Surgeons have their own approach to hair transplant or even scar treatment, and the best way to know if fits perfectly with your goals is to go for a personal consultation.

Get advised today and learn how you can best prepare against scarring beforehand. For more information about the procedure, the hair transplant price in Sydney, or how to improve your chances for surgical success book your consultation at the Sydney Hair Transplant clinic today.

Book Your Private Consultation Today

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Hair Loss Is Yours Genetic or a Thyroid Problem

Hair Loss: Is Yours Genetic or a Thyroid Problem?

Hair cells are some of the fastest growing cells in our body. However, for some people, it doesn’t grow fast enough leaving them bald after a certain age. Do we have genes to blame for this phenomenon or can it be thyroid hair loss? Let’s take a closer look and differentiate these two potential causes.

 

Why is this an important topic for conversation?

 

It is to understand the hair loss problem better and the type of treatment that is appropriate. You don’t want to shell thousands on hair transplant cost when your condition only needs pharmacological intervention. It does pay to be aware, and it will save you from a lot of frustration and wasted effort.

 

Androgenetic Alopecia

 

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), commonly known as female or male pattern baldness, is a condition characterized by a progressive hair loss, especially of the scalp hair. It comes with distinctive patterns in women versus that of men, but in both genders, the scalp hair is the area that is severely affected. Over time, the hairline recedes forming a characteristic “M” shape. In some cases hair thinning may also start at the crown (the top portion of the head), progressing to partial to complete baldness. However, this condition rarely leads to total baldness in women.

 

Causes

 

Research found that this kind of hair loss is related to hormones, particularly an androgen called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a more potent form of testosterone. Androgens play an important role for normal sexual development in males before birth and during puberty. These hormones also holds important functions in both sexes, such as regulating hair growth and sex drive.

 

DHT has many roles too, such as the development of the penis and prostate gland. This is why it is also linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement, and prostate cancer.

 

In men, the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (5-AR) converts testosterone into DHT in the testes and prostate. Up to 10 percent of testosterone is converted into DHT under normal conditions. However, when things go awry and DHT formation goes overboard, is when the hair starts to get affected. Increased levels of androgens in the hair follicles can lead to a shorter hair growth cycle. It stunts its growth and it creates thinner strands. Additionally, there is also a delay in the growth of new hair to replace those that have shed.

 

In men, androgenetic alopecia can start as early as a person’s teens and the risk increases with age. In women, this kind of hair loss is most likely to occur after menopause.

 

Symptoms

 

You will notice more hairs fall on the pillow, the shower, or on your comb. However, when checking these symptoms you must take other factors into consideration because there are other reasons why people lose more hair than usual, such as childbirth, medications, or a serious illness.

 

In men, hair loss usually starts at the temples and the crown. It then progresses in an M-shaped pattern. In advanced stages, only a small rim of hair that lines the side and back of the scalp remains. In women, hair loss tends to be more diffused and better hidden. It affects the top of the head and down the middle, while the hairs along the temples and forehead remains normal.

 

Diagnosis

 

Androgenetic alopecia is usually diagnosed by its pattern and history of a similar type of hair loss affecting family members. A thorough and standardized diagnostic approach is an essential step in developing a successful therapeutic concept.

 

Treatment

 

Hair loss of this nature has the following treatments:

  • Medications

Minoxidil (Rogaine) or Finasteride (Propecia) are the two popular medications that prevent hair loss and promote new hair growth. However, this effect can be quite unpredictable from one person to the next.

  • Scalp Reduction

This procedure involves the surgical removal of strips of bald skin to decrease the size of a bald spot.

  • Hair Flaps

Using a strip of skin which contains good hair growth, it is excised from a less cosmetically important area to a more prominent one like the head. This has been considered an outdated hair restoration method because it can result in permanent shock loss (loss of some or a significant amount of existing hair) and extreme scarring.

  • Hair Transplants

A hair transplant procedure is considered the last resort in hair restoration. There are two different approaches to this treatment and these are, the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). FUT is more invasive and more prone to scarring because it involves incisions to remove a piece of scalp which contains the donor hairs. FUE, on the other hand, is less invasive because it uses a punch tool to remove the grafts directly from the scalp. These techniques can harvest a number of grafts that could go by the thousands, making it a time-consuming process, but often a successful one at best.

 

One thing worth noting about androgenetic alopecia is that it is progressive and it creates permanent results. Treatments would either have to be maintained or it has to give long-lasting results like what you can get out of a hair transplant.

 

Thyroid Hair Loss

 

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland that is positioned in front of the lower neck. It lies along the front of the windpipe and just below the Adam’s apple. Such a small body part plays an important role by producing various hormones that are released into the bloodstream and  responsible for different body functions.

 

Hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overproduction of thyroid hormones) are just two of the different thyroid diseases. Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can eventually cause hair loss. It can affect the entire scalp with the scalp hair becoming uniformly sparse. However, thyroid hair loss can only become apparent several months after the onset of the disease itself.

 

Causes

 

The best way to address thyroid hair loss is to look at the root cause of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. With proper diagnosis, an appropriate treatment can be provided, which will ultimately address the hair loss issue.

 

  • Hyperthyroidism

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is the autoimmune disorder Grave’s disease. It is where the body makes an antibody called thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) that causes the thyroid gland to make too much thyroid hormone. This disease runs in families and it is more common in women who also display a significant amount of hair loss.

 

Toxic nodular or multinodular goiter can also result in hyperthyroidism, where nodules or lumps cause the thyroid hormone to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. High iodine consumption and Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) can also result in the same problem.  

 

  • Hypothyroidism 

Different causes behind hypothyroidism include autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), hyperthyroidism treatment, thyroid surgery (the partial or total removal can halt or diminish hormone production), Radiation therapy, and medications.

 

In lesser instances, hypothyroidism can be caused by a pituitary disorder, a congenital disease (a defective thyroid or no thyroid gland), pregnancy, and iodine deficiency.

 

Diagnosis

 

With hyperthyroidism diagnosis can be confirmed through blood tests that measure the levels of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) in the blood.A diagnosis for hypothyroidism is done along with routine annual physical examinations since this is mostly common among older women. The same blood test will also be done because this can determine a condition called subclinical hypothyroidism which usually doesn’t have any obvious signs and symptoms, so, it may not necessarily reflect on your hair.

 

Treatment

 

One thing promising about thyroid hair loss is that it is temporary. You have to address the thyroid problem to fix the accompanying symptoms.

 

Hyperthyroidism can be treated using anti-thyroid drugs (methimazole and propylthiouracil), radioactive iodine treatment, and the surgical removal of gland. However, there are rare cases where anti-thyroid drugs, such as carbimazole and propylthiouracil can cause diffuse hair loss. Hence, it can be difficult to tell whether the hair loss is due to the effects of the thyroid overactivity or anti-thyroid drugs. There is a high probability that anti-thyroid drugs are not the cause and you can find other alternative treatments while you sort it out. Radioiodine is one treatment that does not cause hair loss.

 

For hypothyroidism, the standard treatment involves the daily use of synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine (Levothroid, Synthroid, etc).

 

So, whether the cause of your hair loss is genetic or as a result of a disease process, the most important step is proper diagnosis. Androgenetic alopecia is a progressive condition that lead to permanent baldness, while thyroid hair loss is reversible with proper treatment of the underlying causes.

 

If you are unsure of the kind of hair loss you are experiencing now, talk to your GP or approach a hair loss expert right away so you can already undergo the proper diagnostic tests. The earlier you address the problem, the better your chances with hair restoration.

 

For more questions, talk to Dr. Daood today of the Sydney Hair Transplant Clinic.

 

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7 Factors that Affect the Total Cost of Hair Transplant in Sydney

7 Factors that Affect the Total Cost of Hair Transplant in Sydney

Hair transplant cost in Sydney is one of the many factors that can determine whether a person would go for the drastic step of surgery or opt for other options instead. If you are mulling over your budget and how you may be able to afford a procedure such as this, it is important to also be knowledgeable of the details that come into play. There is a good reason why surgical hair restoration comes at a cost, and here are 7 reasons which explain why it is so.

 

1. Consultation Fee

Expect to pay a fee for your preliminary hair transplant consultation. In Sydney, the cost varies between surgeons and where the clinic is located.

 

2. Size of the Area that Requires Treatment

Every patient who comes in presents various levels of baldness. Through a personal consultation, a surgeon can properly assess the problem and the extent of work that needs to be done. So, you should expect that there is no cookie-cutter treatment plan especially if you go with a good surgeon because they will customize their approach to your needs. The cost will vary depending on the amount of work that needs to be done based on the area that must be covered.

 

3. The Type of Sessions

Some surgeons will perform “megasessions”, while in some cases, a patient’s surgery may be divided into two sessions.

Megasessions

These are surgical sessions in hair transplant where approximately 3,000-5,000 grafts are used. It requires enormous amounts of time, quality control, and organization ability. This approximately takes about 12 hours to perform. This is considered a significant leap in surgical technology.

The advantages of megasessions include:

  1. Fewer surgeries, hence there will be less scarring on the back of the head
  2. The convenience of doing a single session instead of several sessions
  3. Results that are faster to achieve
  4. Overall cost savings for the patient

Despite the advantages these kinds of sessions were able to produce, only a few surgeons are able to perform it successfully.

Multiple Sessions

There are also chances that you may require multiple sessions for your hair transplant surgery. Hair transplant surgery is performed to cover the bald areas by harvesting the hair from donor areas and transplanting them to recipient sites. If the bald areas are not covered completely in one session, the surgeon will ask for multiple sessions. Individuals with advanced form of hair loss are most likely to require several grafts which means several sessions.

The type of approach also plays a role. If you opt for a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), then you can expect several sessions to achieve the results you want. Young patients may require more than one hair transplant sessions because baldness is a progressive condition which would call on additional coverage in the future. The surgeon will discuss this with you in detail during your consultation.

 

4. Number of Grafts Needed

Each patient comes with their own concerns and desired aesthetics. These play a part in determining the number of grafts needed. You also have to factor in the very delicate extraction process which takes skill and expertise to avoid resection and ensure graft survival. Expectedly, the more grafts that are needed the more you must pay for your surgery. This can only be determined after a surgeon has evaluated your case.

 

5. Technique Used

There are two techniques used in hair transplant surgery, the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction). The two comes in varying levels of expertise and difficulty which also determines the cost.

FUT, or the strip method, is the traditional approach in hair transplant surgery. This involves creating an incision across the back of the scalp to remove a strip of skin which contains the donor grafts. Since the extraction process of the hair grafts are done microscopically, this is relatively easier to perform. It allows the hair technician better control and less chances of resection. The cost per graft in an FUT approach is around 7 AUD for the first 500 grafts, and it can go as low as 5.50 AUD per graft if more coverage is needed.

FUE costs more than FUT because the donor grafts are removed directly from its original location using a special punch-like tool. The results have better aesthetics since it doesn’t involve a linear scar across your scalp, but it has a high risk for resection, making it more challenging than FUT. The cost per graft is around 12 AUD to 18 AUD per graft.

 

6. Surgeon’s Fee

A surgeon’s professional fee will expectedly vary depending on the region where he is practicing, his expertise, and even his reputation. The professional fee for surgeons in Sydney may differ from that in Adelaide or Melbourne.

Surgeons will put a premium on their work, which explains why a hair transplant procedure doesn’t come cheap. So, if you ever come across someone who will market their services at a significantly lower price than the usual in your region, should already be a red flag for you. Always remember that the thousands you are paying envelopes the training, experience, expertise, and your doctor’s reputation. You just can’t ask any surgeon to perform a hair transplant on you since expertise is demanded of this procedure.

On another note, just because the surgeon charges high, doesn’t automatically mean that they offer quality results. Remember to take other factors into consideration, such the doctor’s portfolio, his aesthetics, and his reputation.

 

7. Anaesthesiologist and Aneaesthesia Fees

Typically, the anaesthesia fees are between the hospital charges and surgeon’s fees. Anaesthesiologists are paid similarly or more than the surgeon per case.  Also, the type of anaesthesia will also affect the total cost. This will be determined on the kind of surgery you will have. Generally, a hair transplant is done under local anaesthesia, which allows a patient to go home immediately after surgery. Aside from the fact that it has lesser side effects, local anaesthetics are also relatively cheaper than being put through general anaesthesia.

 

A Quick Reminder

You can find out clinics that offer hair transplant surgery in Sydney through the ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) website. This is the best organization that will help you along when finding surgeons who keep themselves abreast of the recent technologies and advances in the field.

You may also send in your questions here and let Dr. Daood of the Sydney Hair Transplant Clinic help you with your hair loss concerns.

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10 Post Hair Transplant Questions, Answered

10 Post Hair Transplant Questions, Answered

Hair transplant surgery is a very precise and delicate process that also requires patience for you to achieve your desired results. The post-surgical phase is the final stretch that calls on every patient to be extra careful and mindful of the surgeon’s instructions. Here are 10 of the common questions that some of you have asked us, and we will tackle each of them here.

What happens after a hair transplant?

After the surgery, it is the protocol that you will be advised a personalized program which involves a course of antibiotics to prevent infection. As an option, you may also be instructed to take medications that can prevent post-operative swelling.

How does a hair growth timeline after a hair transplant look like?

It is true that your patience can be tested after the procedure is done. You may constantly look in the mirror carefully checking out the changes as they come. Hair transplant growth has several phases, and you just have to give it some time and patience. The phases include the following:

  • Dormant phase

This is within 0-4 months after surgery. This is a point where one experiences shedding or shock loss. Typically, there is still no hair growth seen yet at this stage.

  • Emergent phase

This falls within 4-8 months after surgery, and it is when new hairs eventually appear. Around 80% of the hairs emerge for most patients at the 8-month mark, and hair growth will be characteristically fine. It is also expected that the grafts on the crown area have the slowest growth.

  • Maturation phase

This is within 8-12 months after surgery. The new hairs eventually thicken, and those who naturally have frizzy hair will notice it to be frizzier for a few months. Due to the erratic pattern of hair growth, surgeons would tell people to expect that results would take a full year to realize.

How long after hair transplant surgery can a person comfortably go out in public?

This will depend on the approach that was used. If you had an FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplant done, then you most likely had the back and sides of your head shaved. The tiny holes or incisions in the donor areas heal remarkably fast within 24-48 hours. However, your hair does not grow that fast, so,  you have to sport the shaved look. You may feel comfortable being seen in public after 2 days or so.

If you had the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) or strip method, the donor site will be completely hidden with your existing hair above it. This means that the site is completely hidden immediately after the surgery because it is still possible to keep your hair long. However, you will have tiny crusts in the recipient areas which you may or may not be able to hide depending on the amount of existing hair that you can style over it. If it is not possible to conceal this area, then y expect it to be visible for a week or two after the procedure.

Will people know I had a hair transplant?

In most practices, the surgeon would prefer to shave off the area for them to perform the procedure better. You may need a minimum of three weeks of downtime due to the healing process. The surgical area will be red and scabbed. After the procedure, the hair growth occurs slowly. As more growth occurs people may notice ‘something’ different about you, but won’t be able to pinpoint the exact physical change in you, especially if you had minimal work done.

How long does hair transplant last?

Hair transplantation is a permanent solution for hair loss. The transplanted hairs generally retain the characteristics of the donor hair in terms of color and texture. If your hair loss is progressive, a combination of laser treatments and medications are recommended to help solidify the transplanted hair follicles and aid in slowing hair loss from untreated areas that are prone to it.

What are the side effects associated with a hair transplant?

Generally, hair transplants are safe procedures with few side effects. The most common ones include swelling, minor discomfort, numbness, itching, and local inflammation. However, they are not severe and they are temporary. The patient may also experience shock loss, but this is temporary since the hair will grow back around 3-6 months.

Unnatural results or a bad hairline design is also a risk factor but this can easily be avoided by choosing an experienced surgeon and by establishing good communication. Scarring is also a risk, especially with strip procedures or FUT. Meanwhile, FUE procedures can create hypopigmentation once the scabs have healed. Cysts may also form due to a graft placement that is too deep or the partial removal of hair transplant grafts. In some cases, numbness may also be experienced, especially in strip procedures.

When can I start working out again after hair transplant surgery?

This may vary depending on the surgeon. However, in most cases, one may already be allowed to exercise if it has been 1 month after the hair transplant. For those who have undergone FUT, it is best to avoid strenuous physical activity or heavy lifting because it might cause stretching on the incision line and result in scar widening.

Patience is the key to any surgery while waiting for results. It is best to wait for longer periods, but one can already start with light exercises after 2 weeks and strenuous one after 4 weeks at the least.

How will I groom my hair after a hair transplant?

The instructions will vary for each surgeon. Some doctors allow patients to resume normal hair care after two weeks. However, remember that new grafts will not start growing hair for three to four months, so in such cases, proper wound care would be the main focus.

The basic rule of thumb for grooming in this situation is that there should be no chemicals for 5-6 weeks. From the 2nd to 10th day, a gentle baby shampoo that has the least amount of additives is advised so that the delicate hair transplant sites aren’t irritated. Combing, brushing, or blow drying should also be avoided until the small scabs and flakes have healed.

Will wearing a hat after hair transplant affect growth?

Wearing a hat after surgery does not affect transplanted hairs. Some surgeons allow their patients to wear hats after surgery, while others suggest waiting at least a week before doing so.  It is also specified that should you wear one, at least make sure that it is not so tight that it rubs on your scalp causing traction and irritation.

Is it possible to have more than one hair transplant session?

Yes, there are cases when the needed coverage will need more than one session. There are instances where the surgeon wants to assess the growth of the first session first before he decides to proceed with another session or not.

The post-surgical stage can be very delicate, and it is one where the patient is now the biggest role player. If you think you have other questions in relation to this phase in the hair transplant process, feel free to send them to us and we will be more than happy to address them.

For more information, book your consultation at sydneyhairtransplant.com.au today.

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7 Common Questions Before Your Hair Transplant Surgery, Answered

7 Common Questions Before Your Hair Transplant Surgery, Answered

Are you planning on getting a hair transplant anytime soon? Then you may now be swimming in questions and tallying a list of concerns. Allow us to address seven important queries that most potential patients ask. We hope that this can enlighten and help you in your decision-making process.

At what age can I have surgery? When is young, “too young” for a hair transplant?

This has always been an ethical dilemma for hair transplants. Hair loss in men often starts at the frontal hairline. When the regression is obviously progressing is when the patient would start to ask for professional advice. However, approaching a frontal hairline reconstruction in younger patients should always be approached with caution and prudence.

The problem with hair transplant in a young person is that there is no solid idea of how much hair loss is going to occur over the next several years. This is why hair specialists advise patients to first undergo preventive therapy to see if the progression of the hair loss can be controlled by medications, LLLT or PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy. You may have to wait for at least a year to see the results of the treatment.

However, this decision differs from doctor to doctor. Most surgeons do not recommend a hair transplant in patients younger than 23 years of age. The reason being that a definite hair loss pattern and degree of hair loss has not been established at that young age.

Is there a minimal amount of surgical hair restoration that can be done if my hair loss has not advanced yet?

Yes, there are hair transplant procedures that are done to cover small areas like scars on the scalp. Even though it is done rarely, but during these situations, the hair transplant surgeon use as little as 50-100 hair grafts all the way up to 3,000 grafts. However, if you are under 35 years of age with a noticeably receding hairline, there really is no minimum amount of work to consider. You will be committing yourself to more procedures in the future to create an aesthetically pleasing outcome. Potential patients should consider at this point that if you are now showing signs of hairline recession, what is going to happen to you tomorrow, the next month, or the next year?

You should be evaluated by a hair specialist or a hair restoration surgeon so that you can be informed or advised of all your options – medical, surgical or even doing nothing at this point in time. A personal consultation will also allow the surgeon to assess your case more carefully since each patient is unique. Your pattern of hair loss, current hair density, personal history of hair loss, and expected future hair loss based on your family’s history are all taken into consideration to address this matter alone.

What makes a natural-looking hairline?

A natural-looking hairline is where nobody ever comes up to you and says, “Wow, you had a great hair transplant”.

A natural-looking hairline is influenced by different factors like age, hereditary traits, and ethnicity. The surgeon’s expertise also plays an important role in ensuring that the new hairline will be suitable for the patient’s face and age.

Without a doubt, a natural-looking hairline is crucial to the success of surgical hair restoration. There is no technology, no matter how aggressively promoted, that can replace the skill and artistic ability of an experienced and reputable hair transplant surgeon. As the techniques advance, skilled surgeons should not only restore the previous appearance but also enhance it to make it look more aesthetically pleasing. Also remember that no two doctors, even with the same training, will produce the same results. A surgeon who is artistic and who has an understanding of proportions and aesthetic design can give you a better result. The devil is definitely in the details, so choose your surgeon wisely!

How can I avoid a pluggy look with a hair transplant?

A hair transplant that results in a pluggy look is a technical complication that caused by unskilled surgeons or hair technicians. It also stems from antiquated methods, but you can spare yourself from this trouble when you make an effort to find a hair restoration surgeon with the skill and artistic propensity.

A good outcome should go unnoticed by others. Therefore, research hair transplant surgeons extensively, and do not just pick anybody arbitrarily. Furthermore, modern techniques like the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) offer a better capacity to create natural-looking results. So, be sure to do your homework to achieve undetectable results!

How much time does it usually take for a hair transplant to show results?

Typically, no growth or very little growth can be seen before three months pass, since many of the hairs go into Telogen or the sleeping phase following surgery. It often takes 3-4 months to start growing. You can see about 60-70% of the results at the 6-month mark, while a full response can be noticed within 9-12 months. The best option would be to talk to the doctor who performed your procedure. Overall, patience is key.

Do you always have to shave before an FUE hair transplant?

In an FUE method, you will need to shave the donor site which is at the back of the scalp before your procedure. However, the good news is that the rest of the head doesn’t necessarily have to be shaved, especially in the hairline area. There is also no need for this if the recipient site is easily accessible.

If your hair is long enough at the back, you can camouflage your donor site. In fact, there are patients who are not able to tell their hair was even shaved. With the right hair length, it can be very discrete. Shaving the head may not be required, but some patients decide to cut their hair short to facilitate the procedure. The non-shave FUE technique is not offered by most hair transplant surgeons as it requires a carefully trained team to work around the existing longer hairs, plus takes somewhat longer to perform.  This is why you should express your concerns with your surgeon so you can both arrive at a treatment plan which you can be comfortable with.

Is FUE the best hair transplant technique?

The FUE technique isn’t necessarily the best – it’s just different. It is important that patients who are considering surgical hair restoration understand the unique differences between these two procedures.

The advantage with FUE is that there is no linear scar as is typical of FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), but multiple minute scars that are generally not visible. This is suitable for individuals who want to wear their hair short. With FUE it is more about answering the question of how short do you want to wear your hair.  However, you must expect that the cost of FUE is often three times the FUT hair transplant cost in Sydney.

The preference will depend on the patient. Both techniques are valuable, but the comparison of each technique and the criteria for each technique’s suitability is a complicated topic. But, you can discuss this extensively during a face-to-face consultation.

We hope that these questions were able to shed light on some of your concerns. For advice on your next step, talk to Dr. Daood of the Sydney Hair Transplant Clinic today. Whether you go for an FUE or FUT hair transplant in Sydney, we customize our approach to address your hair loss concerns. Book your consultation now, here.

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Seasonal Hair Loss and How You Can Prepare for It

Seasonal Hair Loss and How You Can Prepare for It

It has been established that hair loss can be caused by different factors, but one reason comes unexpectedly – the time of year. According to recent studies, seasonal hair loss is real. If you think that a wrong diet, poor hair care, or genes are more than enough reasons to keep you on your toes, you must now count in the time of year.  But instead of cursing nature, why not take this new information to good use and be more prepared.

Normal Hair Loss

It has been established that we lose up to a hundred hair strands a day thanks to the hair growth cycle. This may seem like a substantial amount, but the loss is barely noticeable. Just like humans inhabiting the earth, each strand in your head is going through different stages in their life cycle. At any given time, about 90% of your hair is in the growth stage, while 6-8% are at rest, and it is the point where shedding occurs.

The cycle of growing and shedding is happening on top of your head with you unaware of the changes happening. As you are losing around a hundred strands per day, others are also growing in its place.

Male Pattern Baldness

If you notice your hair loss becoming more noticeable, and the affected areas taking a certain shape, this is an indication that you could be affected by male pattern baldness. Also known as androgenetic alopecia, this type of hair loss is a genetic condition that is common in men. In fact, statistics revealed that more than 50 percent of all men over the age of 50 will be affected by it to some extent.

Aside from genetics, male pattern baldness is associated with a male sex hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes the hair growth cycle to weaken resulting in the follicles shrinking with finer or shorter strands. Eventually the hairline recedes to form the characteristic “M” shape, while in some cases, the thinning is focused on the crown area (or the top of the head). Unfortunately for others, the condition progresses to partial or complete baldness.

Seasonal Hair Loss

Now that we are well into the “Ber” months, the leaves have fallen, the air starts to get a bit frosty than usual, and some of us notice the amount hair loss to be more obvious. If this is happening to you, a recent study confirmed that you are not imagining things.  Seasonal hair loss is real, and it could happen to anyone of us.

Researchers explained that the hair’s role is to cover the scalp and protect it from the harsh rays of the sun. This is the reason why hair growth is faster during the summer months, because it serves as an adaptive mechanism to protect the scalp from the sun and ultraviolet radiation. As the cooler season rolls around, the additional growth is no longer required the hence shedding is more intense.

What is also interesting is that even animals are affected by these seasonal variations in hair loss. It has been noted in studies with cats, rhesus monkeys and dogs. However, seasonal hair loss is not only restricted to Autumn. Some may also experience a slightly higher levels of hair loss during the Spring, although the shedding during Autumn is more noticeable.

How to Lessen or Slow Down Seasonal Hair Loss

So, what then is the implication of this study for us?

Researchers believed that the findings may help patients to better assess the effectiveness of their current hair loss treatments. This may also come as a relief to some individuals, who will now take this factor into consideration and not cause undue panic. Aside from being a temporary phenomenon, there is something that can be done about it to lessen the damage.

Here are some tips that can help you hold on to your strands:

  • Castor oil

The restorative power the castor oil has been relied on since ancient times. It has a high concentration of vitamin E, which is a potent antioxidant. It promotes hair regeneration as it nourishes the roots and fortifies each strand.

  • A gentle massage

To complement the benefits of castor oil, or simply just a soothing exercise for your head, a gentle massage promotes better blood circulation to the area. This means that your care can be properly oxygenated. A simple 2-3- minute massage can help counteract the seasonal hair loss phenomenon.

  • Avoid heavy styling products

Styling products can be very harsh on your hair which could add to its vulnerability at this time. It is advised that you steer clear from sticky styling products such as mousses or hair gels. Don’t worry, this is not something you have to give up in the long term. It’s just a temporary adjustment to help your hair along in this rough season.

  • Let your hair down

Cut your hair some slack. You only want to lose the hairs that are naturally read to fall off. Styling it with tight braids and ponytails can damage your fragile hair. This can cause even more hair to fall as you also increase the risk of damaging otherwise healthy hair.

When Should You Be Worried?

If your hair continues to fall out ever after six weeks, you could consider other potential factors that is causing your hair loss. It could be stress, any new medication you are taking, diet, etc.  If you think the amount of hair loss has risen at an alarming rate, it is time to consult a professional, so you can get specialised treatment that will help control or slow down the shedding.

As Sydney is slowly enveloped by a chilly cloud this holiday season, give your hair the extra care it deserves. But if you think that your hair is showing signs of vulnerability with the changing of the seasons, or something else entirely, get expert advice at the Sydney Hair Transplant clinic today. Book an appointment now, and let’s see how we can help you in your follicular dilemmas.

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Medical Issues and Hair Transplant Surgery What You Need to Know to Keep You Safe

Medical Issues and Hair Transplant Surgery: What You Need to Know to Keep You Safe

Before you go in for surgery, it is important to discuss a range of medical issues with your doctor or surgeon. Remember, you are not coming in to simply tape those new strands of hair on your head. A hair transplant is an invasive treatment that your body should be able to deal with to achieve successful results. Here is a list of concerns you need to cover during a consultation.

Physical Health

Before an operation, a physical examination is important to assess whether you are physically fit for surgery. A hair transplant may not be as invasive as other cosmetic procedures, like breast augmentation or tummy tucks, but the fact remains that it disrupts skin integrity. In line with this purpose, the surgeon will prescribe that you undergo blood tests, cardiac testing, or pulmonary clearance. This step is essential in minimizing the risk for complications like excessive bleeding or infection at the surgical site.

Your general health can also determine how you recover after surgery. For the new hair grafts to grow healthy, you need to have a healthy system to nourish it from the inside. Consequently, good physical health will also allow incisions to heal faster.

Diabetic patients, for instance, are given special instructions because the disease can impair their ability to heal properly. Prominent factors that affect the rate of healing in a diabetic include poor circulation, immune system deficiency, and infection.  This is the reason why a personal consultation is always necessary so that you can discuss your specific concerns with your surgeon.

Medical History

Gathering your medical history is also an important step because this helps the surgeon to be aware of pre-existing conditions and surgery you have had in the past. This influences decisions about the operation you will have or the type of anaesthetic to be used.  A complete medical history record should include information like:

  • Diagnosis
  • Known Allergies
  • Current Medications
  • Past and Present Illnesses
  • Previous Surgery
  • Family Medical History
  • Current History
  • Medication History
  • Immunization Records
  • Insurance Information

Hair Evaluation

A hair evaluation is a step in the surgical process that is unique to hair transplant surgery. The information gathered will help the surgeon determine the extent of your hair loss, the history of hair loss in your family, and any prior surgical or medical treatments for hair loss that you have had. Furthermore, this will also help the surgeon map out a surgical plan based on the unique characteristics (e.g. hair distribution, angle, or direction) he observed upon assessment.

These hair evaluation methods are grouped into three main categories: non-invasive methods (e.g. questionnaires, daily hair counts, standardized wash test, hair weight), semi-invasive methods (e.g. trichogram or unit area trichogram), and invasive methods (e.g. scalp biopsy).  When interpreted with caution, these methods are valuable tools in making a diagnosis and monitoring.

Risks and Possible Complications

A realistic approach to hair transplant surgery is to consider the possible complications aside from its obvious benefits. Knowing the risks will help you weigh whether a hair transplant is right for you or not.  Just because it has been a highly successful surgical procedure, doesn’t mean that it is your best option. You need to weigh the risks against its potential benefits to see if it is worth going into.

Potential complications associated with hair transplant include, infection, excessive bleeding, swelling, scarring, itching and numbness.  Dissatisfaction is also possible with any type of cosmetic surgery, although this is avoidable.

These matters need to be discussed to avoid exposing the patients to these risks and potential complications. On one hand, this information can also determine if you are a good candidate or not.

Medications and Supplements

If you are taking medications, tell the surgeon what you have been taking on a regular basis, or have taken recently. Over-the-counter preparations and even supplements must be disclosed because these can also put you at risk during and after the surgery. For example, supplements with gingko biloba may increase the risk of bleeding. Even your vitamin E supplement poses a certain risk for bleeding.

Past Reactions to Medications

If you have had any bad reactions, or have experienced certain side effects with a certain medication, inform your surgeon during consultation. This warning should include anaesthetics or any solution used during surgery. Any reaction to shellfish should also be disclosed because in some surgeries, an Iodine solution would be applied on the surgical site, which has similar components.

Your Habits and Health

Smoking and drinking too often is a habit that can steer you away from surgical success. As a matter of fact, these habits can increase your risk for complications.

The nicotine in cigars is a vasoconstrictor (constricts blood vessels) which reduces nutritional blood flow to the skin. A study showed that slower healing has been observed clinically in smokers with wounds that are a result of trauma, disease, and surgical procedures.  Compared to non-smokers, smokers also have a greater degree of complications following breast surgery. This is why smokers are advised to stop smoking at least 4 weeks prior to surgery, or even when recovering from it.

Alcohol, especially when consumed in copious amounts regularly, can worsen medical conditions and also delay wound healing. The presence of alcohol in large quantities in the body can damage the immune system increasing the risk for infections, bleeding, and other complications. Binge drinking alcohol significantly reduces the levels of key components of the immune system that are involved in healing.

Physical preparedness is definitely an important aspect for you to consider in deciding on a hair transplant procedure. Not every patient comes in with a squeaky clean bill of health, so we ensure that we have the right candidates before we even move forward with surgery. This is why we want to talk to you so that we know how best we can approach any existing issues that may affect the procedure or its outcome.

Talk more about your hair transplant concerns with Dr. Daood today. The Sydney Hair Transplant team aims at giving each patient that walks through our doors a customized approach to hair transplants. We ensure that everybody is given the care they deserve to achieve the results they desire. Book your appointment today, and let’s map out a plan suited to your unique needs.

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What Should I Look for in my Hair Transplant Surgeon

What Should I Look for in my Hair Transplant Surgeon?

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.

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