Hair restoration has evolved significantly in recent years, offering hope and confidence to those experiencing hair loss. However, before embarking on a hair-restoration journey, it’s crucial to understand the modern techniques that have made it a more personalized, specialized and comfortable surgery to undergo. We interviewed Miami, FL hair restoration surgeons, Jeffrey Epstein, MD and Anthony Bared, MD of Inspire Aesthetics to glean insights into the latest advancements and essential tips for prospective patients. Here, the board-certified surgeons share seven things everyone should know when considering hair restoration.
1. Specialization Is Key
Choosing a physician who specializes in hair restoration is paramount. According to Dr. Bared, specialization ensures expertise in various aspects of hair restoration, including different hair-loss patterns and treatment options. “As a patient, you want a surgeon who performs a significant number of procedures in the exact procedure you are seeking to have done,” says Dr. Bared. “Specialization allows for expertise.”
Dr. Epstein emphasizes that he operates in a unique position where he doesn’t directly compete with non-expert surgeons who may hire technicians for hair transplants. He distinguishes his practice by highlighting his extensive experience, with over 20,000 procedures performed and his commitment to artistry in hairline design. “Ultimately, my patients seek me out for my ability to create natural-looking hairlines and achieve high regrowth rates using sophisticated harvesting systems,” he says.
2. Comprehensive Solutions Matter
Seeking a surgeon who provides a comprehensive range of solutions beyond just transplants ensures long-term treatment options tailored to individual needs. According to Dr. Bared, this approach secures the best long-term treatment options. “When considering hair transplantation, seek a surgeon who not only specializes in transplantation but also hair-loss therapy. With a comprehensive approach, you secure the best long-term treatment options,” he advises.
Dr. Epstein highlights the comprehensive approach of Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) in modern hair restoration, stating, “While FUE, the state-of-the-art Follicular Unit Extraction procedure, probably constitutes 90-95 percent of what we do now, we also offer in select patients the FUT (strip) procedure when indicated. We use these techniques not only for scalp hair restoration, but also for our boutique procedures of eyebrow transplants and beard restoration. In addition, we offer hairline lowering/forehead reduction surgery, and the latest approaches to reparative cases. This comprehensive approach addresses various needs in both male and female hair restoration, offering alternative solutions like hairline-lowering surgery for individuals with genetically high hairlines.”
3. You Can Have Hair Restored Without Shaving
Dr. Epstein also highlights the innovation of performing Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) without shaving the head, offering patients the benefits of the procedure while maintaining their existing hair length. “This no-shave method allows patients to remain presentable sooner without needing to shave their hair, which is especially beneficial for those who prefer not to alter their appearance drastically,” he says. “It also aids in visualizing natural hair-growth patterns and determining optimal hair placement during the procedure. This approach is particularly advantageous for patients, including women, who may prefer to maintain longer hair or avoid a shaved head altogether.”
4. There are Innovative Ways to Thicken Hair
The use of beard hairs as a supplement to scalp grafts offers similarly high rates of regrowth and additional coverage for patients with depleted donor areas. Dr. Epstein says using beard hairs in this innovative manner offers additional coverage for patients with depleted donor areas. “This helps provide more coverage while maintaining a natural appearance,” he explains.
5. Eyebrow Restoration Helps Enhance Results
Don’t overlook the eyebrows when planning your hair-restoration journey. The growing demand for eyebrow restoration emphasizes the importance of individual evaluation to complement facial features. “The latest vogue is for full, thick eyebrows. Many patients with naturally thin eyebrows or thinning eyebrows due to over-plucking and aging are now being seen in our clinic desiring to have fuller eyebrows,” shares Dr. Bared. “Refinements in hair-transplantation techniques, as well as the results we are achieving, have resulted in a huge increase in the number of patients seen for eyebrow transplantation. Each patient is evaluated individually for their unique eyebrow shape to complement their facial features and eyes.”
6. Hairline-Lowering Surgery Equals Hairline Design
Hairline-lowering surgery offers immediate results and a more cost-effective approach for some patients. “Hairline-lowering surgery is the equivalent of doing thousands of grafts in a single procedure, with instantaneous results and less expense compared to traditional grafting methods,” explains Dr. Epstein.
Dr. Epstein breaks down the differences between hair grafting and hairline lowering surgery, emphasizing the aesthetic benefits and immediate results of the latter. “Advancing the entire frontal hairline without grafting offers immediate results and unsurpassed density, making it a viable alternative to traditional transplants,” he says.
7. Patient Education is Key
Choosing a surgeon based on expertise and rapport rather than solely on cost is essential for successful hair-restoration treatment. “When choosing a hair restoration surgeon, choose a specialist whose practice is dedicated to hair restoration and with whom you feel comfortable and confident,” adds Dr. Bared.
Before undergoing any hair-restoration treatment, it’s essential to consult with a qualified specialist, understand the available options and set realistic expectations. With advancements in technology and techniques, modern hair restoration offers effective solutions for restoring confidence and reclaiming a full head of hair.