Complimentary Consultations
A Quatela Center for Hair Restoration consultation begins with first-hand experience by meeting a patient who has undergone multiple hair replacement surgeries. We share with you our wealth of experience and before-and-after photos beginning with early hair replacement experiences using hair plugs (resulting in a very unnatural hairline) up to the state-of-the-art follicular hair unit micrograft techniques available today.
True or False?
Hair transplant surgery has doubled since 1999.
False. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, hair restoration patients have tripled since 1999. Hair transplant patients have increased 316% since 1999. Hair transplants cases have increased two fold (202%) for men since 2000. So where do you begin to learn about hair loss and treatment options?
What do you want?
Let's face it…what people seek from hair transplant surgery today is that it be indistinguishable from a natural head of hair. You want to swim, shower and have the wind blow in your hair with no visible scarring, uniform density and a natural looking hairline. These things are possible with follicular unit grafting. While no hair surgery will replace the exact hairline and hair density of your youth, follicular unit grafting is the most natural hair replacement approach available to date.
History
Thankfully hair replacement surgery has evolved from the unnatural "hair plugs" of the early 1980's to the most natural and undetectable follicular unit hair grafting procedures of today. In the late 1980's hair plugs evolved into bisected and quadrisected hair plugs - essentially like their predecessor only smaller. In the early 1990's we welcomed the minigrafting technique which included hair plugs with one, two or three hairs each. This led to a more natural looking transplant. However in the mid 1990's we saw the advent of micrografting, the precursor for follicular unit grafting first performed in the late 1990's. Whether follicular unit grafting is right for you is based on many things, including extensive scientific knowledge About Hair Growth, Hair Loss in Men and Hair Loss in Women.
Classifications of Hair Loss
Male Pattern Baldness
More than 80% of men experience some degree of balding (also called alopecia). At your consultation we review a well-established system for classifying hair loss in men including receding hair lines and balding crowns. We pay particular attention to men's health history (and how it affects your hair growth) and combine that information with a physical exam of your hair follicles and scalp. Based upon this information, we establish a treatment plan and determine if you are an appropriate candidate for hair restoration surgery.
Female Hair Loss
Expectations placed on women about their hair date back to biblical times (i.e., her crowning glory) and give rise to concern for women with thinning hair. Only recently has the medical community looked at women's hair loss. Thinning hair from changes in women's health frequently relate to hormonal changes following menopause although the cause of hair loss in women may be multifactorial. Regardless of the cause, a thorough history and physical exam provide the basis for determining if hair transplant surgery is your best option. Our QCHR staff will review before-and-after photos of patients who - just like you - have contemplated hair replacement surgery. A review of alternatives and procedure information will provide the necessary details to help you determine if hair restoration surgery is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
At the Quatela Center for Hair Restoration, men and women find answers to their most frequently asked questions. We have provided many answers at Hair FAQs.
"What is a hair transplant?"
"How long will a hair transplant last?
"What is the procedure like?"
"Will it look natural?" "Does Rogaine or Propecia work?"
"Can I meet with someone who has had a hair transplant?"
"How much will it cost?" "When can I go back to work?"
"Can women have a hair transplant?" "How many grafts will I need?"
"Is it safe?" "Is my surgeon qualified" "Is it painful?"
Listening to You
One of the most important elements in any consultation is the doctor's
ability to LISTEN. While you are learning the ins and outs about hair transplant surgery, your doctor is also learning from you. It is from listening to you that the doctor can
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understand your expectations
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determine if he or she can meet your expectations
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find out if the two of you can establish a good rapport
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begin to know you and your motivation behind your desire to improve your appearance
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consider if you are a good surgical candidate or if nonsurgical options would be better for you
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offer a range of treatment options
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answer your questions and provide information
Do Your Research
Medical research shows that the more you know about your healthcare, the better your experience and outcome will be. There are many ways to learn about hair restoration procedures. Be sure to take time to
- Look at before and after photos of the surgeon's work
- Research specific procedures for procedure descriptions, diagrams of incision placement, most frequently asked questions (FAQs) and preoperative and postoperative care involved with the procedure
- Determine what's important to you by others' experience with hair transplant surgery
- Investigate your surgeon and staff for training, education, experience, board certifications, etc. What's his experience with the procedures you discussed - how many has he or she performed? QCHR Surgeons & Staff
- Write a list of important questions to discuss with the doctor. Ask questions now - Contact Us
Procedure Information
In discussing realistic treatment options, your physician should include
what can and can not be achieved - in other words, what is a reasonable result for you. You should receive information about the procedure: placement of incisions, any risks involved, how to prepare for the procedure, the postoperative care involved and a realistic timeframe for each postoperative phase (when can you go back to work, when can you expect the final result, etc.). Along with surgical options, your discussion should include nonsurgical options for hair regrowth. It's not uncommon for patients ask us about all sorts of options including hair weaves, toupees and hair cloning. QCHR aspires to serve as a resource for many treatment options.
Written Information
Obtain written information about hair replacement surgery. Written information about the procedure affords you the ability to process the wealth of information at your own pace following the consultation.
The Rewards
Investing time and energy at the beginning will pay off in many ways.
We see it in improved self-confidence, renewed self-esteem, better eye contact and the smiling faces of our patients. It is what makes this rewarding to us. But don't take our word for it… listen to the Testimonials of other patients who just like you were considering what to do and where to go for hair restoration.