How to Prepare For a Hair Loss Consultation
By Daniel McGrath | Published on February 12, 2010 | 0 Comments
Congratulations! After months or even years of struggling with hair loss, you’ve finally decided to take the necessary steps to do something about it. There’s no question that hair loss can be frustrating. After all, just because a lack of hair won’t put your health at risk doesn’t mean that it won’t cause you problems on the social and self-confidence front. Therefore, if hair loss has been bothering you too long, then it’s wise to visit a medical specialist to discuss your treatment options.
Of course, if you’ve never had a hair loss consultation, then you might be unsure as to what to expect when you finally arrive for your first appointment. Dr. Daniel McGrath is a hair restoration surgeon at McGrath Medical, a Texas establishment with offices in Austin and Dallas, and he suggests that all potential patients do the following to prepare themselves for an initial hair loss consultation:
Do some research
While a good doctor will be happy to tell you everything you’ll need to know about your hair restoration options, it also never hurts to do your own preliminary research to see what types of medications and surgical treatments might be available to you. Additionally, it’s a good idea to look into your hair loss specialist’s credentials to see how qualified he actually is. A member of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery is one sure sign that the doctor with whom you’re about to meet has the skill and training necessary to offer you the best possible results and care.
Get a good sense of your medical history
As part of your hair loss consultation, your doctor will want to review your medical history to determine the cause of your hair loss. The purpose of this is to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for hair restoration surgery and map out a proper course of treatment. Certain conditions might preclude you from undergoing certain methods of hair restoration, so be prepared to share your complete medical history during your initial consultation. You should also be sure to list any and all medications that you might currently be taking.
Get ready to discuss your previous hair restoration attempts
If this isn’t your first attempt at hair restoration, then you’ll need to inform your doctor about any hair loss medications that you might have taken before and if you’ve ever undergone any sort of physical procedure for hair restoration. In either case, you should be prepared to discuss how useful or ineffective those treatment options ended up being, and, if possible, bring a copy of your medical records to give your doctor a good sense of how to approach your condition.
Figure out what you’re trying to achieve
Before you show up for your hair loss consultation, take some time to think about what you’re looking to get out of your treatment. Do you definitely want all of your hair back, or can you see yourself being satisfied with partial coverage? Since hair restoration does come at a price, and not everybody is a suitable candidate for surgery, it’s a good idea to have a clear sense as to what type of hair restoration will truly leave you content and make the process worth your while. Also, don’t be afraid to make it clear to your doctor that you have certain aesthetic goals in mind with respect to hair restoration; this will only help him understand your situation and advise you as to what next steps you ought to pursue.
Remember, hair loss can be troubling, and there’s no sense suffering in silence when you might be able to do something about it. By showing up prepared for your initial hair loss consultation, you can make it easier for your medical specialist to evaluate your condition and recommend the course of treatment that is the most likely to bring about the best results. After all, you deserve to be able to walk around feeling confident in the way you look, and a hair loss consultation is the first step towards achieving this rather significant goal.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
Tags: hair loss, hair loss consultation
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*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.