THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF HAIR LOSS

THE EMOTIONAL IMPACT OF THOSE SUFFERING HAIR LOSS

The emotional impact of hair loss can be debilitating to many people.?Understanding both the clinical and emotional aspects of hair loss allows a physician to help their patients on their journey obtain a better head of hair while also helping the patient to feel better about themself. The physician's approach is largely dependent on the willingness of the patient and may include non-surgical or surgical methods and, in some cases, counseling of acceptance of hair loss when these methods are not appropriate. ?

The hair restoration industry is constantly changing, and we at SmartGraft by Vision Medical, Inc. recognize how imperative it is to provide our physicians access to the most relevant scientific, procedural, and practice building educational information in addition to educating our partners on the psychology of patient interactions and setting proper expectations. The Zoom Boom, a phenomenon sparked by the shift in virtual living as a result of the pandemic, resulted in an increase in female and male patients seeking aesthetic surgery. No age group has been spared by the Zoom Boom, and physicians are seeing a range in patient ages, from Baby Boomers down to the youngest Gen-Z population. Of those seeking improvement in appearance, a recent report of male aesthetic procedures, listed hair restoration and regrowth as the fastest and strongest sector of the growing male aesthetic market. ?

With great power comes great responsibility, and physicians have a medical obligation to educate patients seeking treatment on hair loss solutions, exhausting all possibilities before turning to hair restoration surgery as a last resort. What's more, when patients do seek hair restoration, they should be educated on pre and post-procedural maintenance protocols to ensure their success. Luckily, there are patient-centric educational platforms to assist patients with understanding their hair loss and the treatment plans available to them. Resources like The American Hair Loss Association, the Hair Transplant Mentor, as well as Medical Professional Organizations dedicated to hair loss such as the IAHRS, the ISHRS, the BAHRS, The National Alopecia Areata Foundation, The American Hair Loss Council among many others exist to assist physicians and their patients in learning more to plan a customized course of treatment. These valuable resources help patients to set realistic goals, to understand the hows and whys of hair loss, and offer comfort to patients who may feel depressed and isolated to understand that they are not alone. Speaking with a medical professional is the next step to customizing a treatment plan to increase self confidence and restoring one's hairline. Ultimately, while hair may be our crowning glory, it's important to recognize that it in no way defines the amazing people we are. Whether the course of treatment includes topicals, nutraceuticals, low-level laser therapy, PRP, or hair restoration, the true goal is acceptance, education, and methodical consideration of the best option available to each individual. ?

As a member of the corporate team at?SmartGraft by Vision Medical, Inc.?I am humbled to be a part of such a life-changing experience for physicians and their patients. Through Vision Medical Inc.'s training education programs and our alliances with top surgeons and medical leaders in the hair restoration industry, we are able to help patients through our SmartGraft physicians, whom we assist in learning all of the nuances of hair restoration, including the best consult methods in identifying the best course of treatment for each individual patient.??

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