Choosing the right hair transplant surgeon is essential for a successful surgery and long-lasting results. Dr. Jonathan Ballon is a hair transplant surgeon based in Atlanta, GA with outstanding qualifications. He has performed over 3000 hair transplants and has more than a decade of experience in hair restoration. But what qualifies a physician to be a hair transplant surgeon?
In the United States, any licensed physician can legally call themselves a “hair transplant surgeon” without any surgical training or accreditation. For example, your family physician that normally treats the flu could legally pick up a scalpel and proclaim him or herself a hair transplant surgeon. Because the field of surgical hair restoration is unregulated by the government and the medical community, it is even more important to seek out a hair transplant surgeon with the training, accreditation, and experience specializing in hair transplant surgery.
Here are some suggestions on what to look for when choosing your hair transplant surgeon:
Board Certification in Hair Restoration: While there is currently no American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) certification specific to hair restoration, the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS) is the only certification recognized by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). Dr. Ballon is the only hair transplant surgeon in Georgia certified by the ABHRS. He is also a Fellow of the ISHRS.
Training in Hair Transplant Surgery: Since no surgical training is required to claim to be a hair transplant surgeon, it is important to look for surgeons that have the specialized training in hair restoration. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) is a global non-profit medical association and the leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration. The ISHRS provides continuing medical education to physicians specializing in hair transplant surgery.
Dr. Ballon is a Fellow of the ISHRS. In order to be considered for the fellowship training program, the hair restoration surgeon must achieve a specific level of points in a system of various educational parameters such as serving in leadership positions, American Board of Hair Restoration (ABHRS) certification, writing of scientific papers, teaching at scientific programs, among others. It is a great honor for a member to achieve the Fellow designation of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (FISHRS). This recognizes the surgeon who strives for excellence in this specialized field. To maintain this status, the surgeon must continue to meet established educational criteria over time.
Experience in Surgery: Dr. Ballon has over a decade of experience in hair restoration and has performed over 3000 hair transplants. With more than 20 years of prior experience as a neurosurgeon, Dr. Ballon brings incredible skill and attention to detail to his work as a hair transplant surgeon. And as a hair transplant patient himself, he understands the needs of his patients.
Before and After Images: Any hair restoration surgeon should be able to provide before and after images of their hair transplant surgeries. Hair transplantation is just as much an art as it is a science, so you should choose a surgeon with the finesse and skill to create natural looking results.
Testimonials: When searching for a hair transplant surgeon, look for testimonials from real patients to get an idea of the type of experience the surgeon provides. Dr. Ballon focuses on providing a personalized experience from the initial consultation to the post-operative visits. All patients have direct access to Dr. Ballon through email and his personal cell phone in order to address any concerns. At Aesthetics Hair Restoration, you will be seeing Dr. Ballon for all visits and not a nurse or medical assistant.
If you are considering a hair transplant surgery or other non-surgical options to treat your hair loss, call Aesthetics Hair Restoration in Atlanta, GA at 678-691-0880 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Ballon. We will work hard to ensure it is the best decision you have made.