Question 1

Why an ABHRS Certified Surgeon?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 270 hair restoration surgeons have completed the rigorous pathway to achieve the designation of DIPLOMATE OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF HAIR RESTORATION SURGERY. To become a Diplomate of the ABHRS a physician must demonstrate training, evidence of post-training surgical experience, aesthetic skill and a comprehensive clinical understanding of hair loss and its treatment modalities. In order to qualify for the annual examination a candidate must present case logs and operative reports with surgical details with before and after photographs providing evidence of high quality, cosmetic and aesthetic results. An applicant must successfully complete a comprehensive examination consisting of both an oral and written component identifying a thorough knowledge of hair restoration surgical techniques. The ABHRS exam stands as the only psychometrically and statistically validated examination dedicated to the specialty of hair restoration surgery. The ABHRS is the only recognized board certification by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, (ISHRS) the largest hair restoration education society in the world.- American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery

Question 2

Why ABHRS Certification Matters?

Accepted Answer

Most of the general public is not aware that any individual with a medical license can legally perform hair restoration surgery.As a result, the surgical and aesthetic skill level of a physician offering to perform hair transplant surgery can vary significantly. Also, although genetic hair loss is common and usually easy to diagnose, it is important that your physician understands the causes of hair loss and is properly trained to diagnose and treat other causes of hair loss properly. - American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery

Question 3

What causes baldness?

Accepted Answer

The most common reason for hair loss in women and men is Androgenetic Alopecia, also known as pattern baldness. Although it is inherited genetically, it is not always predictable.There are many possible reasons for hair loss, ranging from genetic to environmental. One of the most common hair loss causes is genetics, resulting in alopecia or male pattern baldness (which occurs in women as well as men). Although alopecia causes cannot be prevented, there are several possible approaches to addressing this cause of hair loss, including hair transplantation surgery, medications, and laser therapy.In other cases, the reasons for hair loss may be related to an individual’s environment or lifestyle. Hair loss causes may include illness or disease (such as thyroid disease or anemia), certain medications (including chemotherapy), or lifestyle factors like smoking, stress, alcohol consumption or exposure to UV rays or chemicals. The best way to determine the cause of your hair loss is to see your physician.- International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery

Question 4

Can All Hair Loss Can Be Prevented?

Accepted Answer

You may be wondering if you can use home remedies for hair growth or if there are any effective natural hair growth remedies. A healthy, nutritious diet is a great place to start; vitamin and iron deficiencies can be detrimental, so eating a variety of vitamin-rich foods is one of the best home remedies for hair loss. However, studies show that most home remedies have mixed results, so consider other options. If your hair loss is genetic, home remedies for hair growth are unlikely to be an effective treatment for baldness (you are more likely to have success with approaches such as medication, laser therapy, or hair transplantation surgery). It is a good idea to ensure you have a healthy lifestyle (for example, by reducing stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption, which can all cause or exacerbate hair loss). Avoid websites offering miracle cures, since they are rarely effective.- International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery

Question 5

How Much Does Hair Restoration Surgery Cost?

Accepted Answer

How much does a hair transplant cost? Individuals considering hair transplantation surgery often wonder about the prices. You must first decide on the type of procedure you are considering. Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) may cost more than Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT – strip harvesting) because it is more labor intensive for the physician. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to both procedures. When considering hair replacement cost, it is important to keep in mind the value of the surgery. How much does the hair transplant cost when compared to an artificial hairpiece, or the long-term use of medical treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, and/or low level laser therapy? Moreover, because the results are permanent, many people view hair transplantation surgery as an investment in their appearance and overall happiness. - International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery

Question 6

How Do I Find A Reliable Hair Loss Doctor?

Accepted Answer

If you are experiencing hair loss and want to learn more about your options, the best place to start is to consult a hair restoration physician. A hair loss doctor can help you determine the cause of your hair loss and let you know about different options for treatment. But how do you find reliable hair loss doctors? It is recommended to consult with hair loss doctors who are licensed physicians. This will ensure that they are well-trained in the medical field and will be able to provide expert answers regarding your medical options, including surgery, medical treatments and other options. As with any other physician, be sure that you feel comfortable talking openly with your hair loss doctor and asking any questions you may have. - International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery

Question 7

How Do I Regrow Hair?

Accepted Answer

Men and women experiencing hair loss will often wonder about hair regrowth options. Hair regrowth treatment will vary depending on the cause of your hair loss. Because the reasons for thinning hair vary widely, the solution may range from making lifestyle changes (such as reducing stress or eating a more healthy, nutritious diet) to treating existing medical problems (such as thyroid disorders or anemia) or seeing a physician to discuss medical treatments like Minoxidil (commonly known as Rogaine) or Finasteride. Hair regrowth for men and women can be stimulated using hair regrowth treatments such as laser therapy or laser combs. If none of these treatments are effective, surgical options such as follicular unit extraction (FUE) are also available. Hair regrowth for women may also be affected by pregnancy, so if you are a pregnant woman experiencing thinning hair, know that this problem will resolve itself in time.- International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery

Question 8

Seeking Hair Restoration Surgery?

Accepted Answer

Be sure that a properly trained and licensed physician is responsible for your treatment.The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) is concerned about the growing risk to patients of unlicensed technicians performing substantial aspects of hair restoration surgery. The use of unlicensed technicians to perform aspects of hair restoration surgery, which should only be performed by a properly trained and licensed physician*, places patients at risk of: (i) misdiagnosis; (ii) failure to diagnose hair disorders and related systemic diseases; and (iii) performance of unnecessary or ill-advised surgery all of which jeopardizes patient safety and outcomes. There may also be a risk that unlicensed technicians may not be covered by malpractice insurance.

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