Surgical Hair Restoration

Every prospective patient meets with Dr. Unger for a thorough evaluation and discussion. Usually, this consultation lasts 45-60 minutes. A successful hair transplant procedure very often hinges upon this initial meeting, which serves to inform the patient about the procedure, help outline realistic goals and expectations, and be certain that the doctor and patient are "speaking the same language". The consultation allows the prospective patient to "interview" the doctor and vice-versa. More often than not, the relationship with a hair restoration surgeon is an ongoing one, and we believe it is important that both parties enter into the process being certain that the experience will be successful in all respects.

If it is clear that the hair loss is not secondary to a treatable disease process, then the discussion will continue with a more in-depth discussion of patterns of familial hair loss. In our practice, patients often come for surgery at relatively early stages of loss and thus family history can help to determine the eventual degree of hair loss that may occur in the future. Patients are encouraged to bring in pictures of family members. at older ages, who may help provide a guide. A conservative plan can always be expanded, but an overly ambitious one, may leave the patient without sufficient donor reserves to complete the work in a natural pattern.

The pattern area to be treated is then outlined with a grease pencil, the hairline is drawn in place and other areas to be treated are discussed. The number of sessions required to treat each area is clearly explained. In some cases, where donor reserves are restricted, it is necessary to strategically concentrate in limited areas that can be used to camouflage other thinning areas. An experienced hair stylist can sometimes be helpful in this stage of planning. As described elsewhere, the number of sessions can vary between one and five, depending on the size of area to be covered, the density desired, and the available donor area.

All patients are shown a demo book with examples of before and after photos of patients. Patients with different types of grafts and different hair characteristics and donor/recipient areas are demonstrated. We believe very strongly in preserving the confidentiality of our patients, thus photos are only from the eyebrows up or with faces concealed. There are many patients who have offered to speak to prospective patients prior to surgery, this is not a routine practice, however we do try to make arrangements for those who feel it would be particularly helpful.

It is our hope that by the end of the initial consultation, the patient will more thoroughly understand their hair loss and the treatment options, and will have an accurate picture of what they can expect to achieve with hair transplantation. They will also have had the opportunity to spend time with Dr. Robin Unger and will have a better idea if she is the appropriate physician to treat their hair loss. Dr. Unger encourages patients to consult with several physicians before deciding where to begin treatment. It is her belief that the consultation is a first - and very important - step toward a successful hair transplant surgery.