In an industry that is growing by leaps and bounds, what instills confidence in patients when choosing a hair transplant clinic is the certification of the surgeon by the ‘American Board’ in the field of specialized, global-level hair transplantation. So, what is the American Board, how does it differ from other hair transplant doctors, and why should you consider having your hair transplant procedure performed by a physician certified by the American Board? Today, we have the answers for you.
WHAT IS THE AMERICAN BOARD?
The American Board, or the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS), is the sole institution globally recognized by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the largest international society of hair restoration surgery. The American Board issues certificates to certify the qualifications and experience of each physician in the field of hair transplantation who meets their stringent selection criteria.
Physicians seeking certification from the American Board must undergo evaluation by experts in the field of hair transplantation from around the world and provide evidence-based achievements and experiences that meet international standards. It is an organization known for its rigor and is not one where membership is simply obtained through monetary means.
HOW CAN ONE BECOME CERTIFIED BY THE AMERICAN BOARD?
In order to become a part of the physicians certified by the American Board, these physicians must meet the selection criteria set forth by the organization. According to the American Board’s selection criteria, hair transplant doctors must have experience performing hair transplants on no fewer than 150 patients over a period of 3 years. In these cases, the physicians must provide detailed surgical reports, including the number of grafts used, patient histories, and clear records of the locations and dates of the procedures. Of these 150 cases, at least 50 reports must be from cases where the physician was the primary surgeon.
There are numerous other criteria that require several years to gather evidence and achievements, which are essential for consideration by the board. With these stringent criteria and processes, there are approximately just over 200 physicians globally who have been certified by the American Board, with fewer than 20 in Thailand. This number is relatively small compared to the numerous hair transplant clinics currently in operation.
WHY SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A HAIR TRANSPLANT WITH A PHYSICIAN CERTIFIED BY THE AMERICAN BOARD?
As you may already know, to become a physician certified by the American Board at this globally recognized level, doctors must have extensive experience and a significant track record over many years. They must also undergo countless training courses and possess the knowledge and ability to diagnose and treat various hair and scalp-related conditions effectively.
Therefore, having the term ‘American Board’ appended to their name is a symbol of trustworthiness. Patients or individuals interested in hair transplant surgery can be confident that the clinic or physician they are considering entrusting their hopes to is truly a seasoned and highly professional practitioner.
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that relies on the expertise and experience of the performing physician.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING A HAIR TRANSPLANT SURGEON
In addition to having an American Board-certified hair transplant surgeon, what those interested in hair transplant should carefully consider beforehand is the skill and track record of each doctor. This is because matters such as skill, the naturalness of the hairline, or personal preferences are all aspects of an art form without definite right or wrong, but rather a matter of patient preference. Even if they are all American Board-certified, the skills and artistic abilities of each surgeon can vary. Therefore, patients should choose what they like and feel most comfortable with.
SUMMARY
The American Board, or the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS), is the only institution globally recognized and accredited by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), the largest international hair restoration surgery society. Certification from the American Board is awarded based on the surgeon’s expertise and experience, assessed directly by experts in the field of hair transplant surgery. It cannot be obtained through payment, ensuring that when we undergo hair transplantation with an American Board-certified surgeon, we receive the highest level of expertise.
However, to achieve the most satisfying results, we should not only choose an American Board-certified surgeon but also select one whose work aligns with our preferences and comfort because personal preferences and tastes are not a matter of right or wrong.
