Choosing a Hair Loss Surgeon

Hair loss surgery is a cosmetic surgery procedure that transplants healthy hair follicles into balding areas to restore hair growth. Surgical treatments for hair loss are the most effective way to treat baldness or thinning hair. While in the past many people were put off of surgery because it was incredibly invasive, more advanced contemporary techniques have made hair loss surgery far less traumatic and with much better results.

While the number of surgical hair loss treatments being performed in the UK grows year on year, this rise in popularity has also unfortunately meant the rise of unprofessional clinics, and the introduction of aggressive marketing techniques to entice customers. As such, it is essential to find a qualified, experienced and trusted surgeon to perform this procedure.

The treatment involves the delicate process of removing hair follicles that are apparently resistant to the balding process and transplanting them to the balding areas. This process can take many hours, depending on the number of grafts required, so it is essential that you have a good rapport with your surgeon.

We have provided the checklist below to help you make an informed decision and find an experienced, qualified surgeon for hair loss surgery.

1. Check the credentials of your practitioner

Look for a cosmetic surgeon who has held an NHS consultant’s position, who has a FRCS (plast) qualification and who is listed on the General Medical Council’s specialist register of Plastic Surgery. Do not be afraid to ask to see certificates.

2. Pick someone who specialises in your treatment

Hair loss surgery is a tricky procedure that requires a surgeon who is skilled in both removing the healthy hair follicles and also proficient at grafting the hair onto the balding areas. As such, a skilled surgeon with specific training in this treatment is essential.

3. Look for membership of professional organisations

There are several professional societies that are specific to cosmetic surgeons. BAPRAS and BAAPS are the most highly regarded and only permit the most skilled and experienced of surgeons to gain entry.

4. Ensure your consultation is with your practitioner

In some clinics, the first person to see a patient is a ‘counsellor’ or ‘advisor’, who will only be able to give you generic advice and is generally there in a sales role. When you are booking a consultation with your chosen clinic, make sure you ask to see the actual surgeon who will be operating on you. Your first consultation with a practitioner should clearly set out your expectations of this treatment and whether your practitioner thinks he or she can achieve the results that you’d like. As baldness is a condition which continues throughout life, it is important that the practitioner takes into account future hair loss when deciding on a course of treatment.

5. Be comfortable

Hair loss surgery can be a lengthy process, so make sure you are relaxed and have built up a good rapport with your surgeon. Ask plenty of questions and make sure your queries have been resolved before the consultation is over.

6. Ask to see before and after photographs

Feel free to ask to speak to previous patients for testimonials, or to see before and after images of hair loss surgery patients your practitioner has treated. However, do remember that while before and after photographs can give you some insight into the surgeon’s ability, they cannot guarantee you the exact same result.

Choosing a Hair Loss Clinic or  Surgeon in the U.K

It is important to pick a reputable, experienced cosmetic surgeon for a hair loss procedure.  We have a number of Hair loss clinics throughout the U.K.