Consultation

A decision in favour of a hair transplant is a long-term one, with life-long consequences. To ensure that everything is done properly, the area from where the donor hairs are to be taken is analysed in detail, checking the number of hairs and their characteristics. No two patients are the same, and the number of donor hairs can vary from 4,000 to 9,000 follicular units. The number and characteristics of the donor hairs have a major influence on what the hair looks like after the treatment - with regard to such factors as colour, curliness, growth direction or hair diameter. In addition an assessment needs to be made of how big the area affected by hair loss and to be subjected to treatment is and - as far as possible - how any future, age-related hair loss will occur. Every patient is different, whether with regard to age, current hair loss intensity, hereditary or other factors. This means that no generalisation can be used, with each patient receiving his own personal diagnosis and treatment plan. An exact determination of the donor and recipient areas is therefore an important part of any consultation, allowing the potential of a hair transplant to be assessed as accurately as possible.

No two patients are alike - this does not just apply to his or her personal circumstances, but also to the personal expectations and wishes associated with a hair transplant. There are patients who just want to have their hair loss appear less obvious, while others want to completely change their appearance. Some don't want to have a tonsure any longer, while others don't really mind having one. Whereas certain patients would like a low hairline, others prefer a receding one suiting their age. As a way of getting to know these objectives and expectations and the priority given to them as best as possible, an in-depth personal consultation is obviously of great importance.

The number of grafts needed to fulfil a patient's expectations is one issue needing to be discussed in depth. A further issue involves discussing the limited number of donor hairs available and what influence this has on hair transplant options. A further important aspect is age-related hair loss and its effects on a patient's future appearance after a hair transplant. As part of the personal consultation with Dr. Feriduni, patients are also informed about why each patient and his hair loss need to be looked at individually. For example, it is possible for hair transplantation on a patient with very good donor hairs and just small bald patches to restore full hair density to the thinning patches. On the other hand, in patients with large bald patches and few good donor hairs, thinning patches can only be partially treated.

In this part of the consultation the feasibility of a patient's expectations and objectives regarding hair transplantation are gone through, well knowing that not all wishes and hopes can be fulfilled. Unfortunately, treatment is not always suitable for a patient, with Dr. Feriduni then having the responsibility of explaining the reasons why. When your expectations are not feasible or realistic, treatment should not be conducted - at least not immediately. A later examination might nevertheless come up with better factors for successful treatment, meaning that, even when a patient is advised against treatment, a new consultation with a renewed examination at a later date should be considered. With hair transplantation technology and techniques subject to permanent progress, one option is for a patient to change his objectives and expectations to such an extent that a transplant at a later date becomes a viable option.