Prior to starting treatment, a physician will obtain the patient’s complete medical history, review any family history of hair loss and ask if prior attempts at hair restoration have been made. In addition, the physician will evaluate the patient’s hair loss patterns during a physical examination. An assessment of these factors will help determine the best available hair restoration method.

If surgery is deemed appropriate for restoring lost hair, a physician will provide specific instructions (e.g., eating and drinking guidelines) about how to prepare beforehand. All medical conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, blood-clotting disorders), current medications (e.g., anticoagulants, aspirin) and lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking) that could potentially complicate treatment will need to be brought to the operating physician’s attention.

Important concepts of hair restoration that will be discussed prior to surgery include:

• The ongoing nature of hair loss. Hair loss occurs throughout the lifetime of someone with the condition. This will need to be clearly understood by the patient prior to surgery.
  
  
• Framing of the face. The goal of hair restoration surgery is to deflect attention from the hairline and make the central face the focus of attention.
  
  
• Appearance. Modern hair replacement techniques should produce a look that does not seem odd or artificial. When performed correctly, hair restoration can put forth the illusion that no surgery has taken place. Similarly, the physician will determine which areas of hair loss the patient finds most troubling.
  
  
• Hairline. The creation of a permanent hairline must continue to be acceptable by the patient as they age. Rounded or youthful hairlines often look artificial later in life.

In addition, the type of anesthesia (numbing agent) that will be used during hair restoration surgery and its effects may be discussed to alleviate patient concerns about pain and expected recovery time. The location of the procedure, the procedures to be used as well as the associated risks and costs will all need to be clearly explained by the physician well in advance. Transportation home for the patient after the procedure will also need to be arranged beforehand.