Undergoing surgery isn’t a decision one can take without investing serious thought, weighing the pros and cons, and performing all essential research. This rule applies to all sorts of surgery, including cosmetic procedures, such as hair transplant. Knowing what you’re getting into and understanding the procedure’s long-term effects is essential.
The more the experience, the better. A certification from a recognized medical board/organization is a formidable addition to any surgeon’s portfolio.
Also, it’s equally important to gauge the openness and expertise of a surgeon before you can entrust yourself in their hands. Again, even if it’s just a hair transplant surgery.
So, how does one go about gauging this openness and expertise? By asking the surgeon the following 10 questions.
Do I really need a hair transplant now to make my hair regrow?
The degree of your hair loss and scope for hair regrowth are what can determine if hair transplant is required at any stage. All honest surgeons make it clear beforehand if a case of hair loss can be treated without hair transplant. After all, hair transplant is a kind of a last resort and not the first step for treating hair loss.
How long have you been performing hair transplant surgeries and what certifications do you hold?
This question helps you get a basic idea of the surgeon’s qualifications and credentials. The more the experience, the better. A certification from a recognized medical board/organization is a formidable addition to any surgeon’s portfolio.
How natural will the new hair look after the surgery?
This question helps the surgeon set realistic expectations regarding the outcome of the surgery. You can go a step further and ask for a lot of before-after photos and references of past patients from the surgeon.
How many support staff will be available during the surgery and what’s the role of each person?
This question helps you assess the availability of essential experts and other personnel at the clinic. The support staff are as important as the primary surgeon.
What is the percentage of wastage at the center?
One important practice in hair transplant surgery is minimal use of graft from the donor area of your body. Excess use of graft from the donor area would lead to a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul, which is neither right nor acceptable. This question helps you understand if the surgeon can guarantee a successful outcome through minimal use of graft.
This question helps you have realistic expectations on the procedure.
How much does the procedure cost, inclusive of taxes?
Not all hair transplant surgeries have the same requirements. Some patients may require hair growth in a small space, whereas some would require the same in a bigger patch. Logically, the cost of the procedure varies accordingly. This question helps you estimate the amount of money you’d have to spend to ensure that your requirements are fulfilled.
Do I need to undergo another round of transplant in the future?
Though not a norm, multiple sittings for hair transplant is sometimes advised for people with extreme levels of hair loss. After assessing the degree and pattern of your hair loss, the surgeon can let you know if more sittings are required.
How long is the procedure?
This question helps you determine the number of days you need be off from work or any other regular commitment you have. The answer to this question depends on the number of hair required and the area covered by the surgery.
How long will it take to see the results of the transplant?
This question helps you have realistic expectations on the procedure. Often, patients tend to feel disappointed after a hair transplant surgery, mainly as a result of unclear communication on when they can expect to see the results. Keep in mind that it takes minimum one year to see the full result of a hair transplant surgery.
What steps should I take to contain hair loss and sustain hair growth after the transplant?
This question helps you know tips and best practices that help you maintain your hair after the transplant – the most difficult part because hair maintenance requires disciplined, consistent effort.
