On Graft Counts: How Do We Know?

[IppikiOkami]

Another immediate question I have coming into the hair transplant research is about physician ethics - maybe silly, but a concern nonetheless.

I suppose that alongside personal ethics we can assume the legal and commercial risk of short-changing customers would preclude this for most medical professionals, but... how can any patient be certain that the number of grafts he's purchased are actually performed? Who counts the grafts, and aside from taking the physician's word for it, how can anyone verify the count afterward?

 

[hairtech]

In all honesty as a technician that has seen it all... you cannot really ever be sure about counts... In my experience, however, there are a few select doctors that I know do in fact provide honest hair counts...

BTW I really like your Thomas Paine quote. And to add to that. Those who kiss *** are not honest.

 

[fnlostish]

it's a good question..............

and I would bet most everyone has taken their Doctor's word (including me) for the graft count

as long as the results rock ... i guess whatever the count is/was is cool

 

[hairtech]

yeah but if you pay per graft you should be provided with accurate counts.

 

[fnlostish]

yeah but if you pay per graft you should be provided with accurate counts.

one can only hope

 

[IppikiOkami]

Oooo - scary. Thanks for the input guys. Yeah, I kinda assumed it was entirely a trust thing.

 

[s.a.f]

I've tried to count as the Doctor is making the slits but its impossible. You just have to trust really.

 

[hairtech]

I know patients that counted like that but it does not necessarily mean the slits were all filled up. :shock:

 

[Guest]

Here's the best advice. Insist on meeting every tech involved in the procedure before anything gets started. Very politely inform them and your Doctor that you want to see how they are keeping count. ASK THEM HOW THEY KEEP COUNT. If their faces go green, yuou know they are not tracking it. But honest ones will immediately explain their method of counting and tracking. Be clear that it's not an issue of trust but more out of wanting to know how many singles, doubles, triples, etc are being cut and placed.

Any reputable clinic will chart the exact number and sizes of grafts utilized in the procedure.

The whole point is that they know you are aware and want a specific count. Is it any guarantee? No. But a reputable clinic will not have a problem with your request.