Scalp Reductions are a related technique in which bald tissue between permanent hair-bearing areas is removed followed by suturing the perimeter together. While this procedure has is not offered by many surgeons today, the results of this procedure in the right hands can be very effective. I know. I’ve had them performed on me.

Patient undergoing hair transplant procedure

Hair transplants have been performed in the U.S. for some 50 years and, handled correctly, are proven to be permanent. The fact that the results are permanent, makes the selection of the surgeon significant, to say the least.

Q. Aren’t all Hair Transplants the same?

A. The major difference between good and bad results from hair surgery is the result of:
a) The expectations and resources of the patient and,
b) The ability, experience and artistry of the surgeon doing the work.

First of all, unless you have a realistic idea of what to expect from the procedure and what you have to work with, that being donor hair and money, your chance of disappointment is great.

Secondly, choosing the right hair transplant surgeon, one

who is well thought of by both his patients and his peers, is crucial. I’m amazed that patients often don’t scrutinize the credentials and training of a surgeon they might be considering for this life-changing experience.

For those of us who had the procedure done correctly, the results are to be enjoyed for life. For those with an obvious or unnatural result, it can be traumatic!

Any doctor with a medical license can legally offer the service and many practice it on a very limited basis. Typically, the best and most experienced hair transplant surgeons have participated (lectured, demonstrated, etc.) in the major hair surgery meetings and keep up with the radical changes and improvements of the technique in this evolving field. It is not uncommon for a successful hair transplant surgeon to perform more than 500 procedures per year. After all, you don’t want to be his or her first!

While the technical side of the procedure can be mastered by most doctors in a short time, the artistic result of the procedure comes from instinct and “trial and error” (hopefully his/her teacher’s errors!).

I suggest you look for lots of examples of the doctor’s work on other patients. Don’t buy the “my patients don’t want anyone to know” excuse. There should be a number of happy patients available to talk to.

Q. What does this cost?

A. The extent of your hair loss, your resources and your expectations will all play a part in determining the cost of the procedure.

For more information about hair transplant procedures, or for a free consultation, please visit Dr. Kurgis' site: www.drkurgis.com/