How to Get the Best Hair Transplant Results

Experienced surgeons with a long history of natural-looking FUE and MDEE results offer the best hair transplant outcomes. If you are considering hair transplantation, your number one concern should be who is performing the surgery, not how much it costs.

Can Hair Transplants Go Wrong?

Hair transplants can go wrong, especially when performed by unqualified practitioners or in a poorly equipped facility. Common reasons that contribute to poor hair transplant results include:

Inexperienced surgeons. Untrained or underqualified practitioners can create unnatural hairlines, uneven density, overharvested donor zones, and excessive scarring. Hair transplant requires advanced techniques, which untrained practitioners are incapable of performing.

Unqualified clinics. Many botched hair transplants occur in illegal clinics, often found overseas in countries with little to no medical regulations. These clinics may use unlicensed staff, unsafe practices, and substandard equipment, putting innocent patients like you at serious risk.

Poor facility standards. Unsanitary or poorly equipped environments can lead to infections and complications. If the clinic looks unclean, disorganized, or poorly maintained, it’s a major red flag.

Overharvesting the donor area. Overharvesting occurs when too many grafts are taken from the donor area, usually the back and sides of the scalp. This safe donor zone is genetically resistant to thinning, but poor planning can lead to visible thinning, patchy bald spots, or scarring when too much of the donor hair is taken.

Poor planning. Inadequate consultation or planning results in unnatural placements or results that don’t match your hair type, age, or facial structure. The result? The hairline might look harsh and overly straight, resembling a row of doll-like plugs rather than a natural, gradual progression.

The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) also cautions patients against price shopping, which is the wrong way to research hair transplantation. Deceptive clinics often lure patients by offering very cheap hair transplants and big discounts, capturing attention through Google ads.

These clinics prioritize profit over patient safety and quality, leading to subpar results and potential health risks. Always focus on finding a surgeon with proven expertise and a reputation for delivering natural-looking results.

What are the Signs of a Hair Transplant Gone Wrong?

Signs of a hair transplant gone wrong are very easy to spot because the transplanted grafts don’t blend with the patient’s natural hair. A botched hair transplant detracts from the patient’s overall appearance, making them feel even more self-conscious.

Common signs of a bad hair transplant to watch out for include:

Unnatural hairlines that look harsh, overly straight, placed too low, or mismatched to your face
Patchy or uneven hair density with noticeable gaps
Visible scars in the donor or recipient areas
Grafts growing in odd directions, making hair look awkward
Redness, swelling, or signs of infection due to poor hygiene during the procedure
Losing too many transplanted hairs, leaving little improvement

Hair Transplant Clinic Red Flags to Avoid

Watch out for these red flags when researching for a hair transplant clinic or surgeon in your area:

No clear information about the doctor performing the surgery.
Clinics highlighting staff or results but not the doctor’s experience.
Doctor listed in name only, with little involvement in procedures.
Clinics that let unlicensed technicians perform the procedure.
Clinics using texting apps (WhatsApp, Messenger) as the main communication channel.
Casual scheduling via photos alone without proper medical consultation forms and review of personal health history.
Lack of online face-to-face consultations with the physician.
High-quality assessments require detailed forms and high-resolution photos.
Clinics offering unprompted discounts or “free” extras like PRP or additional grafts.
Pushy offers to book “now” with financial incentives.

Signs of a Good Hair Transplant with Close-Up Photos

Now that you know the signs of a bad hair transplant and the red flags to avoid when choosing a clinic and surgeon, let’s look at how to know if your hair transplant is successful. And there’s no better way to do this than by showing you real hair transplant before & after photos from our patients at Ziering Medical.

Natural-Looking Hairline

Take a look at this before-and-after photo showcasing this patient’s hairline transformation. Notice how the new hairline blends harmoniously with his natural hair, creating a soft and aesthetic look that complements his facial structure.

Even Density

In this photo, you can see the even coverage achieved across the patient’s scalp. The transplanted hair matches the density of the surrounding hair. Notice the full, balanced appearance without any patchiness, creating a youthful, natural result and appearance.

Proper Hair Growth Direction/Orientation

Observe the natural growth pattern of this patient’s hairline restoration procedure. The transplanted grafts grow in the same direction as the surrounding hair, creating a smooth and natural look. This attention to detail reflects Ziering Medical’s expert surgical planning and placement.

Undetectable Scarring

A well-executed hair transplant leaves minimal to no visible scarring, whether it’s FUE or FUT. Notice how the donor area healed cleanly in this MDEE/FUT surgery, with no visible scarring, even with the hair pushed up for a closer look.

Long-Term Results

This photo highlights the long-term results achieved with a hairline restoration procedure. At just 10 months post-MDEE/FUT hair transplant, the patient has already achieved a natural-looking hairline, and additional growth is still expected in the coming months.

Patient Satisfaction

One sign of a reputable hair transplant clinic is that their patients can’t stop talking about how happy they are with their results. This patient, for example, described his transformation as, “It’s like another person.” At just one year post-op with 3,265 grafts, his results are incredible.

Who to See for Hair Transplant

The most qualified person to perform a hair transplant is a board-certified surgeon with verified credentials. You can confirm their certification through organizations like the ISHRS.

Other factors you’ll want to consider in your research are:

Updated before-and-after photos to confirm natural results with proper hairline design and density.
Expertise in advanced techniques like FUE or FUT tailored to individual needs.
A state-of-the-art facility that ensures safety, cleanliness, and proper equipment.
A state-of-the-art facility that ensures safety, cleanliness, and proper equipment.
A focus on patient safety and effective, lasting results.

For over 20 years, the Ziering Medical Team has been NYC’s Most Trusted Hair Transplant Doctors with thousands of successful hair restoration surgeries performed.

If you want to ensure impeccable, natural-looking results, call or visit a Ziering Medical clinic near you to book a consultation. We serve patients all over the greater Tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut as well as the greater Southern California area from Los Angeles and Beverly Hills to Newport Beach and San Diego.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does hair transplant actually work?

Yes, hair transplants are effective in restoring hair, providing natural-looking results when performed by an experienced surgeon.

When should I get a hair transplant?

If you are experiencing hair loss, you should consult with a hair loss expert. Early diagnosis and intervention is key in managing hair loss. You may need to start with preventative therapies and medications to stabilize the hair loss. The ideal time to have a procedure varies by patient. However, a key indicator is when hair loss becomes noticeable and stable.

What is a good age for hair transplant?

Each patient is truly different. However, in general the best age is between 35 and 45. Younger patients may or may not have stable hair loss patterns, while older patients can still benefit if they’re in good health. This must be determined during your consultation.

How many hair transplants can a person have?

A person may have multiple transplants, depending on donor hair availability and individual needs. Each procedure should be spaced out to allow proper healing.

How much does hair restoration surgery cost?

The cost of a hair transplant varies depending on the surgeon’s expertise, the hair restoration surgical technique, the amount of hair loss, the number of grafts needed, and clinic location. You can schedule a consultation at Ziering Medical to get an estimate of your hair transplant cost.