10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Hair transplant surgery provider: Sign in or join to view
My hair loss problem is in the back of my head. I've had three procedures over the last five years, and that area of my head is still very noticeably thin. Here are some things to keep in-mind:
1. Current procedures will not make your hair thick enough to cover your scalp. You will have a fine "see-through" layer - escpecially in the back.
2. Beware of pricing schemes! Bosely got me for $8,000 for 1000 grafts the first time and a little over $5000 for the second 1000 grafts. MHR prices differently, and I got 1300 for $6000 plus they required me to buy a $400 healing kit that did nothing for me (try to get out of it).
3. During the procedure, you have little interaction with the doctor. Most of your day is spent with "technicians" who place grafts in the holes that the doc punches into your head. Some of these technicials are not very experienced. One time, a more experienced tech was using my head to teach new people. I had not been informed of this arrangement. Another time, the techs were comparing qulity of graft placements on my head. One tech was clearly better than the other.
4. Recovery is a pain. You have to be careful with washing your hair, the scar heals slowly, suture removal can be quite painful (the last time, the sutures were so deep that it took two techs and a lot of rough handling to dig them out. I am still having trouble four months later.
There is more, and I am happy to share. I am not saying that people shouldn't consider the procedure. I do have enough hair in back that I can grow my hair to different lengths, but people still comment on my bald spot - so I know that it is not just me who sees it. Just be ready to shop the tow or three main clinics, negotiate the price down, don't buy extra stuff, and expect much less than you are promised.
Hair transplant surgery reviews by RealSelf.com users
Avg cost $12,000
50% say Hair transplant surgery was worth it
50% say Hair transplant surgery was not worth it
11/12/08
RDC,
I was disappointed to read your review of your hair transplant procedures. Today, modern methods of transplantation (called follicular unit micrografting) when properly combined with medical therapies to stop the progression of hereditary hair loss, has the ability to comfortably and effectively restore a full-looking head of hair for the vast majority of patients. Not every patient is a good candidate for hair transplantation. There are many different surgeons who perform this procedure and they all have different backgrounds, experience, artistic skill and expertise. Often, if you visit a large national clinic, you will have little interaction with the surgeon performing your procedure--so it can make it more difficult to judge. Be sure to research smaller, more personalized clinics as well. Caseload is also important--you don't want to be operated on by a surgeon who does hair transplantation once or twice a month. You need someone who peforms this procedure once or twice A DAY. A clinic with steady surgery will also typically have full-time technicians (not people flown in from around the country) so ask about this. Each surgery does take a lot of man-hours so it will be your doc + a team, always.
The American Hair Loss Association is a good place to start researching. Also check the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. Hair transplantation should be able to give you visual coverage in the treated area--even with much less density than you were originally born with--this is the skill of a good transplant surgeon. Your DOCTOR (not a salesperson) should give you appropriate expectations of what the procedure can provide.
Another point, bargaining with your surgeon is probably not a good idea. Use the prescribed healing treatments which usually accelerate recovery, decrease discomfort and help with the dissolvable stitches. Computerized injections should make the whole process completely painless. Do your research--photos, videos, consults. Be prepared to travel if necessary.
Good luck!