How to choose a reputable hair transplant surgeon in the UK

Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros

When choosing a reputable hair transplant surgeon or clinic in the United Kingdom, look for experience, training, certification by professional organizations, and a good safety record.

Finding the right surgeon is by far the most important thing for anyone considering a hair transplant procedure. Hair transplants have become a lot more common nowadays, and at the same time, the reports of poor hair transplant procedures are on the rise, with many men falling victim to cheap deals and unrealistic promises. In today’s hair transplant marketing, the most critical aspects of the procedure are often neglected. In many cases, consumers are misled into believing there is no downtime, scarring or risk involved in the process.
But what should you be looking for in a surgeon? And how can you tell who is reputable?

In this article, we’ll cover the steps you should take in finding a surgeon and clinic, questions you should ask them, and discuss what makes the best hair transplant surgeon.

Dr Epameinondas Bonaros

What qualifications should a hair transplant surgeon have?

Every doctor performing hair transplant surgery in the UK must be – at a bare minimum – registered with the General Medical Council (GMC). Check that the surgeon is affiliated with a respected professional organisation such as the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is a highly selective organisation with some of the best hair transplant surgeons in the world.
A reputable surgeon will also be a member of the British Association of Restoration Surgery (BAHRS) in the UK.
BAHRS maintains high ethical and professional standards and works toward more regulated hair transplant care.

Lastly, you will need to research the clinic. Only clinics registered with the Cre Quality Commission – CQC – in England and Health Improvement Scotland – HIS – in Scotland should perform hair transplant procedures.

How to find a good hair transplant surgeon in the UK

Make sure you do your research! Choosing a surgeon who will have your best interests at heart is essential. A surgeon or clinic attempting to pressure you into anything is a red flag. Visit their website to see examples of the hair restoration results they have gotten for patients. The photos should be clear and show details. Ask yourself if the results are consistently good.

Ensure that the reviews you read online are genuine and verified. You can gain valuable insight into a doctor’s approach and the patient’s experience by reading written testimonials from actual patients. Forums can also be a great resource when deciding which surgeon is right for you. Also look for independent sources with ratings from actual patients when choosing a hair transplant clinic to ensure the information is unbiased.

An honest and open hair transplant surgeon will not hesitate to decline to perform surgery if he believes the procedure will not yield a satisfactory result or will not meet your expectations. A good hair transplant surgeon may also advise postponing your plans for hair transplant surgery until you are older or under medications to ensure hair loss is more stable. A reputable hair transplant surgeon will always insist on consulting with a prospective patient in person or online before a procedure. In this consultation, your surgeon will discuss your expectations and assess whether they can be met. Be wary of any clinic that has salespeople offering treatment plans and surgical recommendations.

Questions to ask during your hair transplant consultation

Consider what additional information you may wish to know before your appointment, such as surgery timelines and aftercare.
Here are a few crucial questions to ask:

BAHRS advice to patients

There are four crucial points to remember when looking for a hair transplant surgeon, according to the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery:

Websites for hair transplant clinics that do not provide information about the doctors, their qualifications, and their hair transplant surgery experience should be avoided.
A non-doctor (patient advisor/clinic manager) should never make definitive surgical planning decisions, such as hair transplant design, number of follicular unit grafts, or transplantation design.
During the consultation, ask who will do the surgical steps of the hair transplant procedure. During surgery, make sure you know who is performing it and who you gave your consent.
In England, all clinics that provide hair transplant surgery must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Furthermore, all clinics in Scotland that perform hair restoration surgery must be registered with Health Improvement Scotland.

Choosing the right hair transplant surgeon for your hair transplant procedure requires thorough research. The right doctor maintains high patient safety standards, handles unexpected medical problems, has medical board oversight, and has taken an oath to keep your best interests in mind during your time under their care. Choosing a good hair transplant surgeon takes time. Choosing the best surgeon requires extensive research. Ensure you do your research on the surgeon and the clinic they are affiliated with, and that you attend a consultation before making a decision. – this kind of approach is not professional. A good surgeon/patient relationship can help ensure that the patient’s interests are aligned with those of the surgeon.

Dr Epameinondas Bonaros is a skilled and experienced hair transplant surgeon in Glasgow, fully licensed, qualified, and registered with the General Medical Council. Besides being an Affiliate Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, he is also a full member of the British Association of Hair Restoration Surgery and the only hair transplant surgeon in Scotland who is a full member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.

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