Hair Transplants -The Good, The Bad and The Ulgy

Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:35 AM

Diane, one of our head technicians was off sick yesterday.  One of her appointments was with a new client from Paramus, NJ, who wanted to come to the office to be fitted the first time.  He was already in transit and couldn't be rescheduled, so I decided to take the appointment.

When he came in I was surprised to see what he was wearing.  The unit was a 3/4 cap that wasn't layered or blended.  The hair was way too long and way too thick.  I thought my first challenge was to convert him from this somewhat less than stellar look to which he had obviously grown accustom.

As gently as I could I began to talk to him about changing his style.  He admitted to me that he thought his hair piece looked bad but said wait until you see what is under it. 

When I removed his hair system, what was under it was not all that uncommon, because about 50% of our clients have had hair transplants.  He felt this botch job was unique to him.  I didn't dwell on the transplant but proceeded to transform his look using the hair system he came in with.  After layering and blending, there was quite a pile of hair on the floor.  And of course, it was a no brainer, he was delighted with the new look.

It was at that time he really began to share his thoughts.  He told me about the devastation, humiliation and the embarrassment the negative effect the hair transplant had on every aspect of his life. 

The worst part in my estimation is that he couldn't bring himself to sue because of the level of embarrassment.  This is so typical.  If there was a venue to bring all these guys together, it would probably be the biggest class action law suit ever.

The nonsurgical hair replacement industry doesn't complain either because these guys are committed hair wearers, adding new clients to their ranks every day.  These men can't even shave their heads in an effort to conceal their boldness because of all the visible scaring.  They have to wear hair.  

The advertising claims and reluctance to qualify prospects is a joke.  Many times they use before and after photos of guys wearing hair pieces to sell transplants.  As a matter of fact, there is a surgery center in San Antonio, Texas who has stolen one of our models before and after photos from our website and used it for their ad on the cover of the Greater San Antonio Yellow Pages.  These doctors have a lot of nerve and they call themselves professional!

I can't say that all transplant doctors or all transplants are bad.  There are some success stories for the candidates who are properly qualified.  Check out Joe Byden tonight when he gives his big speech at the Democratic Convention.  I guess he would be considered a transplant success as long as he always looks straight into the camera.  You seldom, if ever get a shot at the back of his head where he only has a few strands making a feeble attempt to cover the scar tissue.  It must be a pain to at all times be on the alert to always face the camera.

Have a great hair day.

Bill