Specializing in hair transplantation, hair restoration and hair transplants with hair loss clinics in New Jersey (NJ) & New York (NY)

When selecting a hair transplant doctor, it is important to make an informed choice. This involves knowing the qualifications, training, and experience of your physician. [Tips for choosing a hair loss physician]

Tip 1: Know the qualifications of your hair transplant doctor

Although considered a surgical procedure, hair transplant surgery does not require specific training. Any general practitioner can perform hair transplantation, so it’s important to know how much experience and what credentials the doctor has. Hair restoration doctors with the letters FACS (Fellow, American College of Surgeons) after their name mean that his/her education and training, professional qualifications, surgical competence, and ethical conduct have passed a rigorous evaluation, and have been found to be consistent with the high standards established and demanded by the College.

Tip 2: Look for a hair transplant doctor recommendation

The best way to find a hair transplant surgeon or clinic is through a personal recommendation. It will give you an opportunity to hear first hand what the experience was like, how the doctor and staff performed, and most importantly, see the results for yourself. Of course, not everyone will be willing to share their experiences. Hair loss can be a very private matter for some. Nevertheless you can and should ask for recent references from the clinic. Though you are unlikely to hear a negative reference this way, it will give you an opportunity to speak with someone who has experienced the facilities in question.

Tip 3: Know how long the physician/clinic has been practicing

A poorly skilled physician or an unreputable clinic can't stay in business in the long run. Look to established businesses and experienced surgeons. Though a physician just starting out may be more inexpensive, you'll often end up getting what you paid for.

Tip 4: Pay attention to details

Is the hair transplant clinic clean and up kept? Did you meet with the hair restoration doctor and did he/she take the time to explain and answer all of your questions about hair transplants? The way a clinic is run and how much the doctor involves him/herself is a good indication of how they treat hair transplantation surgery. You should be wary of offices that seem run down or disorganized or don't require the ongoing presence of a doctor.

Tip 5: Take your time

Deciding to undergo hair transplant surgery is a major decision and should be thought through. A hair transplant clinic that pressures you to make a decision may not be as concerned about you as you would like. So take all the time you need and look at other clinics.

Tip 6: Be clear about the cost

At IHSG we charge the patient by procedure and there is no hidden cost or unexpected additional charges, but this isn't the case everywhere. Know what you will be getting and if there is a chance that the price may change. Never make a quick decision on the cost of the hair transplant procedure, if a clinic claims to be able to do more for an additional cost and only lets you know this minutes before the procedure, they may be trying to take advantage of you.

While the information in this guide does not cover everything, it will give you a good start to finding the hair restoration clinic that's right for you. If you have any tips you would like to add to help others, please feel free to email:

JOHN P. SCHWINNING MD, FACS, PC

Dr. Schwinning, formerly a board certified general and vascular surgeon, now specializes exclusively in hair transplant restoration surgery. After having the procedure performed on himself, he has since been passionately devoted to advancing the art of hair restoration. With over 17 years of experience, Dr. John Schwinning has performed more than 10,000 procedures and is among the world’s most skilled hair transplant surgeons.

A frequent presenter at hair loss seminars, he continually keeps abreast of the latest developments in hair restoration. He is also a contributing writer to Hair Forum, the leading medical journal on the improvement of hair restoration surgery, and has been on many expert panels in hair conferences around the world. Dr. Schwinning is also a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery and the European Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. To find out more information about Dr. Schwinning and hair transplant techniques, e-mail john@hairsurgical.com.

[Full Bio of Dr. John P. Schwinning]

...............................

08/02/09 Dr. Schwinning Chosen to Serve on Hair Transplantation Panel

Amsterdam - Among discussions and presentations on the latest research and approaches to hair loss, Dr. Schwinning was chosen as one of four hair restoration physicians to preside over a panel discussion on hairline design and technique at the 17th Annual Scientific Meeting in Amsterdam.

With attendance of over 500 physicians and surgical assistants from around the world, the ISHRS conference panel selection is both an honor and a testament to Dr. Schwinning's skill as surgeon.

One of the most critical aspects of hair transplant surgery is the design of the hairline, requiring both an understanding of the patient's own natural hairline and artistry on the part of the surgeon. Creating a hairline that is natural to the individual patient is key to a successful outcome. Utilizing magnification loops Dr. Schwinning locates the fine hairs along the scalp from the previous existing hairline and takes his lead from nature. Should no existing fine hairs be present, a gradual filling in of the crown and hairline is implemented so as to maximize coverage.

While there are many different approaches to hairline design, the panel discussion highlights the approaches of several different doctors so as to educate and further advances in hairline design.

For more information about ISHRS and the conference visit www.ishrs.org.