How Do I Choose the Best Hair Transplant Surgeon?

This question, from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums, was answered by Coalition hair transplant surgeon Dr. William Lindsey:

Admittedly, I am a bit overwhelmed. I have been considering a hair transplant for some time now and am still debating on it. The thing is, I am a diffuse thinner and it’s pretty much just really thin all over the top with a bit of a bald spot at the crown. Now, if my hair goes in the same direction as my father’s, it will surely continue to get thinner. He isn’t bald but the hair on top of his head is noticeably thin, though it seems to me he would benefit well from hair restoration surgery. I mean, he isn’t really losing anymore hair being in his 60s and his hair has been the same for pretty much my entire adult life aside from going grey.

I did try Propecia (finasteride), but sadly that isn’t something I am compatible with. It did stop hair loss and even regrew hair in the short time I was on it like some sort of miracle, but sadly the side effects hit me just as hard.

I did an online consultation through a hair transplant doctor’s website and his office recommended 800-1200 grafts to fill things in. The thing is, I have no idea of really how to go about finding the best doctor for me. I am from Tennessee and would prefer to keep traveling to a minimum if possible, but I notice that there are pretty much no hair transplant surgeons in my state. So traveling seems as if it is going to be a requirement. It is something I can do though, I just would prefer to keep it to a minimum. Of course, quality and value are the utmost important things if I end up going through with this.

I guess what I’m trying to get at is how does one really go about finding the right doc for the job? Also, what would one expect to pay for 800-1200 grafts when everything is said and done?

The idea is that I could get a hair transplant and use Rogaine (minoxidil) and then in 5-10 years possibly have another procedure done if need be. Does this seem realistic?

First off, slow down. Take your time doing all the research you need and visit several doctors before you rush into this. If you are a young guy with diffuse thinning hair all over, hold off as long as you can. The real issue will be: is your donor area good enough to offer you a transplant and to what end? It may be that you have only one good case in you, so don’t squander 1200 grafts to “fill things in”. I see a guy like that every week. What can happen is that that hair case will work but, as you lose other hair in your thinning regions, you simply don’t have any results to show for your money time and scar.

I’d strongly recommend you see a Coalition physician or two in person and see if that is the case.

I realize diffuse thinning can be devastating for a young guy but worse than that is a diffuse hair transplant and no good donor hair to repair you. Take your time and research before you proceed.

Good luck to you.

William H. Lindsey, MD, FACS
McLean, VA

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David (TakingThePlunge)
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.

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