Where Do Hair Transplant Surgeons Receive Their Training?

Written by Ivan Cohen, MD on August 4, 2008

I’m interested in knowing where doctors receive their hair transplant training and can any doctor of any medical specialty such as a podiatrist perform hair transplant surgery?
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Any licensed MD or DO can perform hair transplant surgery. Doctors who have had training in surgery and diseases of the scalp as well as doctors who have had no training in surgery or diseases of the scalp can perform this surgery. For example, psychiatrists, allergists and family practice doctors can legally operate. However a podiatrist cannot because they are neither an MD nor a DO. Since the procedure can be done in the office and not in a hospital, there is no regulatory system that monitors the quality of the new doctor’s work.

Doctors can learn how to perform hair transplant surgery through formal training or by on-the-job experience. Hair transplantation may be taught as part of an accredited residency program in dermatology or plastic surgery. Doctors can also learn how to perform hair transplant surgery by attending seminars and workshops. The ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) is an organization of hair transplant surgeons that provides continuing education for its members and educates doctors who are new to the field. The ISHRS offers an extensive beginner’s course and regional workshops where beginners can watch live hair transplant procedures. Approved fellowships are available through this organization. Many new doctors choose to learn the technique on their own by visiting another doctor’s office and watching a few procedures before attempting one on their own. Many of the larger groups in the country like Bosley train their own doctors. So it becomes obvious that the level of training a new doctor receives varies considerably.

Prospective hair transplant patients should carefully investigate their doctor’s training and experience before making a decision to proceed with surgery. Ask to see before and after pictures of the doctor’s patients and you may ask to speak to a patient who has had the procedure done. The most important decision you have to make is choosing the right hair transplant surgeon for you to have a successful result.

Ivan S. Cohen, MD
Member, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons
Member, American Hair Loss Association

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