Things Patients Must Understand

1. I understand that I will continue to bald unless I use a medication (Propecia and/or Rogaine) to stop further hair loss.  I understand that these medicines do not work for everyone, but if they do help, will need to be continued indefinitely.

2. I understand that if I continue to lose hair after a transplant because I did not use Propecia and/or Rogaine or if they fail to work, I may require additional transplants in the future.

3. I understand that it is necessary to design a mature, recessed hairline.

4. I understand that there is an undetermined limit to the number of transplants and the amount of hair that can be transplanted which is related to my donor hair and the laxity of my scalp.

5. I understand that if I already have or eventually lose enough hair, even under the best conditions, I will not have enough donor hair available to completely fill in the areas that are bald or thinning.

6. I understand that if I have the back of my scalp (crown, vertex) transplanted, I risk being left an unusual pattern of hair growth that can be difficult to repair if I continue to bald.

7. I understand that a single transplant does not give full density results.

8. I understand that the more fine and straight my hair is, the less density I will obtain.

9. I understand that postoperatively, I should expect small scabs in the transplanted area for 10-14 days.  Usually, that area of the scalp will have a pink hue to it for at least another 2-6 weeks.

10. I understand it is possible to have temporary swelling around the forehead or eyes.  Black eyes can also develop.

11. I understand it is possible to temporarily lose preexisting hair in the transplanted area.  As long as this was healthy hair, it will return in 3-9 months.

12. I understand it is possible to temporarily develop cysts or pimples in the transplanted area.  This is not dangerous, but may require opening up individual cysts or the use of antibiotics.

13. I understand it is possible to develop areas of numbness in the scalp after surgery.  In almost all instances, these resolve within 6 months.

14. I understand that I will have a linear scar on the back of my scalp.  In most instances the scar will be very fine, but occasionally will widen with time.  I understand that if I cut my hair short enough, that scar will be visible.

15. I understand that the transplanted hair will usually fall out within the first month and not begin to grow back for at least 3-6 months.

16. I understand that good results are always expected, but that good results cannot be absolutely guaranteed because of the nature of the human body and its healing process.

17. I understand that because of the medicines that I will be given on the day of surgery, I should not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery for the remainder of that day.

18. I understand that it is in my best interest to thoroughly educate myself with the brochure, the book, and the video.