Am I a Good Candidate for a Hair Transplant

To determine if you are a candidate for hair restoration surgery, you need to be evaluated by a qualified hair transplant surgeon. There are many variables that your surgeon will assess in order to determine if you could benefit from the procedure:

• The age and health of the individual
• The degree and pattern of hair loss
• The characteristics of the individual's hair, including the color, curl or waviness
• The diameter of the hair shaft
• The density of the donor area
• Scalp elasticity
• Patient expectations

Although most people who are experiencing hair loss meet the physical requirements that would make them a candidate for hair transplant surgery, Dr. Siporin considers patient expectations to be of the utmost importance when determining whether someone is a good candidate. Consider the example of a very bald patient who wears a toupee. If that patient will only be satisfied if he achieves the same density that his toupee provides, and in only one procedure, then he is probably not a good candidate for hair transplantation, because it is unlikely that his goals can be achieved.

During your consultation, Dr. Siporin will perform a thorough examination and have a detailed discussion with you to determine your goals and objectives. He will then formulate a treatment plan that will incorporate not just your short-term goals but account for any future hair loss as well. Because hair loss is progressive and ongoing, your supply of donor hairs (the limited number of hairs that are genetically programmed to resist balding) must be carefully conserved to preserve some for any potential future use.

A good and ethical doctor will give you an honest opinion as to whether or not you can achieve your goals. If it is determined that your expectations are not realistic, then you should not embark upon a surgical treatment, or else re-evaluate and modify your expectations to a realistic level of attainment. Before you proceed with hair transplantation, understand the variables involved, identify achievable goals, and choose a surgeon who has the skill, experience, and integrity to help you make an informed decision.