Finding a Hair Loss Expert
August 11, 2017
Finding a Hair Loss Expert
How can I find a medical expert in hair loss and hair restoration, you ask? Hair loss is a specialized medical field in and of itself, with its own journals, texts, scientific conferences, live surgery workshops, etc. Unfortunately, those suffering from hair loss often waste valuable time and money with over-the-counter "cures" that don't work or consulting with doctors who never even examine or measure their hair growth before seeking an expert opinion from a hair restoration specialist. In my more than twenty years in the field, I see that many of those performing FUE hair transplantation part-time are not hair loss experts and never seek training, certification or knowledge in diagnosis or management of hair loss. This is unfortunate.
When companies want to test their product or hair transplant device "in the field" and bring their idea "from the bench to the bedside" they will often ask "what physician is a expert at treating hair loss" and "how can I find a hair transplant specialist?" Unfortunately, legal disputes between medical device manufacturers are becoming more common and on more than one occasion I've been asked to give an opinion "on the record" regarding various hair growth devices. I hope we will see fewer examples of these lawsuits and litigation as time goes on.
When it comes to credentials, however, board certification from the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS) is a good place to start, as well as those who have achieved Fellow status with the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (FISHRS). At the consumer hair loss patient advocacy organization, the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons and the non-profit American Hair Loss Association, hair transplant surgeons have been hand-selected, recommended and accepted based on their experience, expertise, disciplinary records, ethics and results. Looking for a hair transplant or hair restoration expert? These are the locations you can find my esteemed hair loss colleagues with exceptional expertise.
Dr. Alan J. Bauman, MD, FISHRS, ABHRS - Bauman Medical - Boca Raton FL