Quickly gaining in popularity, hair transplant are now administered worldwide as a way to relieve people of issues with hair loss. But not all operations are conducted equally. Some patients have turned to getting their hair transplants done abroad, but as we’re about to explain, there are myriad reasons that this option may not be as desirable as it seems. In this article, we’ll outline 7 key reasons why choosing to have hair transplants done locally is your best option.
1- Time off Work
If you’re one of the lucky ones who receives a decent amount of paid time off of work, you still might be considering whether you want to spend it on something like hair transplants. You’d probably prefer to use your vacation time wisely for relaxing and experiencing the wonders of life. Vacation time is precious, after all. If you don’t receive paid vacation time, things will certainly add up quickly.
2- Hair Transplant Recovery Time
Following the operation, you’ll be required to reserve at least 10 days to complete the full transplant operation with the downtime needed. It’s also not a downtime that can be easily used to still enjoy your time abroad- swelling, soreness, tenderness and scabbing are common after a treatment. It’s also advised not to drink alcohol or smoke, thus you’ll find yourself in a sober circumstance even though you’re on your holiday. And since it’s recommended to sleep at a 45-degree angle for the first few days, adequate sleep may also be off the table for a while. Is it sounding like the vacation of your dreams yet?
3- Travel Costs
It goes without saying- flights, hotels and meals add up these days, and low-budget trips are becoming a thing of the past. Wouldn’t you rather travel to a place you’ve really been pining to visit and truly enjoy yourself?
4- Hair Transplant Follow-Ups
Follow-up appointments are essential to ensure that your treatment is successful and looks healthy. After 1 week, 6 months and a year, we recommend having a professional assess your progress. Receiving an operation abroad will likely not be able to provide you with the care you deserve during your hair regeneration journey. More importantly, DHD offers 3 PRP treatments to ALL of its hair transplant patients, which are done post-operation monthly. This kind of additional assurance cannot be offered to those who seek treatments abroad.
5- Exchange Rates May Fluctuate
If follow-up appointments abroad are needed, a sudden exchange rate shift could make something affordable suddenly not so affordable. We’ve witnessed this and sudden hyperinflation within certain countries over the past few years and it is an uncertainty that you may not want to trifle with.
6- Foreign Documents
If you receive a treatment abroad, the medical documents you’re given may be in a foreign language. This won’t be good for anyone attempting to read them from within your home country down the road.
7- Security and Accountability
Receiving treatment abroad may not come with the same guarantees that a certified local clinic offers. In a worst-case scenario medical emergency, adequate medical care or legal action may be a lot more challenging to access. At DHD, our clinic for example guarantees that all instruments are certified and properly sterilized to ensure the best medical care for all treatments that we provide.
Drs. Dorval and Hebert are part of the International Society of Hair Restoration and Surgery (ISHRS). This global non-profit medical association is the leading authority on hair loss and restoration worldwide. With more than 1000 members active in 70 countries, the ISHRS promotes the highest standards of medical practice, ethics and research and helps to ensure that our patients receive superior hair transplant therapy.
If you would like to know more or receive a personal consultation for hair transplants, please contact our clinic to book an appointment with us. Our qualified medical team will be happy to assist you with your inquiries and find the best hair loss treatment option for you.