How to find the best Hair Transplant in Austin

[Posted on October 2nd, 2013 by Dr. Carlos Puig]

Searching for the best person to do your hair transplant in Austin can be daunting. After all, this procedure is something that you are going to have to wear on your head every day for the rest of your life. It isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. When searching for the best medical hair restoration doctor, here are some factors that you should consider before making your decision.

1. Check out the facilities

Just like any other surgical procedure, there is always a risk of bleeding and infection. You should visit the facilities that you are thinking of using for your treatment. Unfortunately the field of surgical hair restoration is currently unregulated by the government, which is why you should do your due diligence.

2. Meet with the doctor

A lot of facilities that do hair transplant in Austin employ many doctors and nurses. Often, you will not meet the doctor that will actually do the procedure. If you haven’t met your surgeon face to face before the procedure was scheduled, that is a big red flag. The American Hair Loss Association also recommends that you avoid taking advice from family practitioners and hair stylists as they may not know the risks of the procedure, and stylists are often compensated for referrals.

3. Don’t hire a doctor based on infomercials

If the practice is big enough to pay for expensive television spots, then a majority of their profits are probably made in a quick turnover and a high volume of clients. Your aim with a drastic cosmetic procedure should not be just another number checked off on a clipboard. You need a surgical team that is going to take the time to get the job done right.

4. Learn your doctor’s background

Any physician with an MD or a DO can pick up a scalpel and call themselves a surgeon in hair transplant in Austin. Search with the American Medical Association to find if they have been board certified as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. A dermatologist would be ideal as they spent their residency studying diseases of the skin, and how to deal with it. If you find that they received their residency training in something unrelated, ask the doctor what made them decide to switch to hair.

Also, a doctor who is really serious about their practice should become a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), or be diplomats of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS).  The most ideal doctor would have also contributed to research that advances knowledge of the field. Ask about any research papers and publications your potential physician has.

Choosing the best person to undertake your hair transplant in Austin can seem like an overwhelming task. However, with just a little research, and knowing what to look for, you can find the best professional to spend your money with.