Hair Transplants: Is It Normal to Have Second Thoughts before Surgery?

The following response was posted to our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums by Ailene Russell, Clinical Supervisor for Dr. Jerry Cooley who is a member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians:

So I have my hair transplant scheduled (I’m going to a world renowned doctor) and I guess I’ve been reading so many bad reviews about hair transplants and the fact that I’m 44 and a Norwood Scale 5 scares me. I read this below and I guess this is my biggest fear…Any thoughts?

“Also after 5 or 10 years if your baldness progresses to become Norwood 6 or 7 and your donor area is already depleted, can you still shave your recipient and donor area or at least can you wear what is left very short (assuming the operations was FUE with small punches 0.9 to 0.5 mm)”

Am I just being paranoid, is this doubt normal?

Concerns are justifiable! Ask about future hair loss and what can be done to protect and preserve the native hair. Most patients have between 6000 to 9000 viable donor follicles. Usually one hair restoration surgery is not going to risk tapping out this source, but inhibiting further balding is an important part of this equation.

Some things will depend on which hair transplant surgeon you have chosen. They all vary a little in their recommendations. Another part of the equation is the method of harvesting, Follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS) vs follicular unit extraction (FUE). The method of harvesting can impact the number of donor follicles available.

Talk to your clinic and explain your reservations! It is always in your best interest to have a long-term plan in your back pocket.

Ailene Russell, NCMA
Clinical Supervisor for Dr. Jerry Cooley
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David
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.

To share ideas with other hair loss sufferers visit the hair loss forum and social community.

Technorati Tags: hair transplant, hair transplants, Norwood Scale, baldness, hair loss, hair restoration, balding, Follicular unit strip surgery, FUSS, follicular unit extraction, FUE