Hair Club Doctor Bios

Q & A with Jon W. Gaffney, M.D., F.A.C.S.

What is your philosophy on hair restoration?
Hair restoration is an opportunity to help someone with a hair loss issue, with the added effect of restoring a person’s selfconfidence. I understand what my patients are going through and how an external change can make such a difference in the way a person feels. By working closely with my patients to understand what they want to achieve, I use my skill and artistry to maximize their hair restoration experience.

What should patients look for in a physician?
Most importantly, a patient should look for a physician with experience. The physician should show them a body of work as a testament to their ability. From viewing a physician’s portfolio of before-and-after photos, the patient will be able to get a sense of the physician’s aesthetic sense of artistry in regards to naturalness. A reputable physician should also allow someone seeking hair transplantation to meet and speak with previous patients who have agreed to serve this role. This provides a firsthand view of results a nd a firsthand account of what to expect. This is the best way to ensure that you will receive a quality hair transplant experience.

What can a patient expect in terms of a natural look and density?
Density is a combined effort of the physician’s skill and the patient’s donor area. Naturalness is an obligation on the part of the physician. It truly takes an artistic ability to create a natural look. The key is that no one should realize that you’ve had a procedure. I challenge people to identify my hair transplant patients.

What inspired you to become a hair transplant physician?
I started losing my hair in the sixties when hair was king. I was in medical school and had been losing my hair for about a year and a half. Driven by my own sense of personal loss, I read an article in a monthly dermatological journal and decided at that point that I was going to have a hair transplant. That article sparked my intrigue in the field and laid the foundation for my journey involving h air transplantation over the decades. That journey began in my residency and continues today through my practice.

What would you tell a patient considering hair transplant surgery?
They should do their homework and make sure they are dealing with a reputable company or physician. They should ask to see a physician’s body of work and ideally, talk with previous patients. Someone seeking hair transplant surgery should examine their motives and make sure they are doing it for themselves. These are all the things to keep in mind before deciding to move forward w ith hair transplantation to ensure the procedure proceeds as smoothly as possible.

What is your approach to patient care?
Each person should receive individualized care. Everyone is different and not one approach will appeal to everyone. No one size fits all. You should respect the action that a patient has taken to make a change in their lives. I feel that this respect should be manifested in the way I approach and care for each patient. Having undergone several procedures myself, I can identify with the patient on many l evels. As such, I take the utmost care to keep the patients as comfortable as possible.

What sets you apart from other hair transplant physicians?
I possess over twenty five years of experience involving many thousands of patients. I have a background in plastic surgery coupled with an innate sense of aesthetics. It’s this unique combination of skill level and experience that I believe makes me a great hair t ransplant physician.

How has hair loss affected you personally?
I lost my hair at a young age. I felt a loss of control and frustration. This is what ultimately drove me into hair transplantation. I know that through hair transplantation I have an opportunity to give back to my patients a sense of themselves that was lost w ith their hair.

Do you often work with patients who seek help due to undesirable results from older technologies?
A good portion of my work is doing what I call “salvage procedures”. Patients come to me with hair transplants that have been performed with older technologies or were not artfully performed. With years of experience doing reconstructive work, these procedures have a particular appeal for me. I am able to change perceptions of the hair transplant industry by the excellent quality o f work that is performed and the high level of patient care.

Is it better to begin addressing hair loss early?
More and more patients are deciding to address hair loss problems at a young age. Feeling empowered in dealing with hair loss is the first step to restoring a sense of control. This can allow people to avoid the psychological impact on one’s self image. Dr. Gaffney practices through a professional corporation separate from Hair Club, but which has a management services and license agreement with Hair Club

Q & A with Daniel W. Didocha, D.O.

What is your philosophy on hair restoration?
My philosophy is to save as much hair as possible to restore missing hair. My goal is to use the latest technology to minimize graft waste. This should provide the most natural and full appearance. I always keep in mind that whatever I do for a patient, they will live with the results for the rest of their lives.

What should patients look for in a hair transplant physician?
Experience is a key element to look for in a hair transplant physician. A patient should ask to see before-and-after photos of previous patients and ask to speak to several of the patients, who have agreed to speak to others. Patients should choose a physician who will talk to them and explain the procedure in as much detail as they desire. The physician should be willing to take the time to answer all questions.

What can a patient expect in terms of a natural look and density?
Naturalness is the first priority. With today’s follicular unit transplants, hairs are transplanted in groupings of one to two hairs as they grow naturally, so the results have a natural appearance. I incorporate microscopes in graft dissection to limit any waste and to ensure that we can achieve the maximum density possible.

What inspired you to become a hair transplant physician?
I was intrigued with the innovative hair transplant techniques, and even more intrigued and amazed with the results. After many discussions with another hair transplant physician, I began working with him to learn these techniques. Soon thereafter, I had dedicated my practice to performing hair transplants.

What would you tell a patient considering hair transplant surgery?
I tell patients to examine the full extent of their potential baldness and explain the limitations of hair transplant surgery. They should consider all options, including non-surgical hair replacement and medical treatment to stop further hair loss. I can present patients with proven hair loss solutions and they can make an informed decision for themselves!

What is your approach to patient care?
I believe that each patient should be treated the way I personally would want to be treated. My staff and I try to do everything possible to ensure that each patient has a positive hair restoration experience.

What sets you apart from other hair transplant physicians?
I have a penchant for perfection and a desire to please each patient with the results. This is what drives me.

How has hair loss affected you personally?
When my hair loss became noticeable, I became very self-conscious. I did not hesitate to consider my options. As a result, I believe I deeply understand what every one of my patients is experiencing and I can relate on every level. Do you often work with patients who seek help due to undesirable results from older technologies? Unfortunately, there are many patients who have undesirable results from older techniques. More unfortunately, there are also patients with undesirable results from today’s techniques. We are challenged to create an improved appearance in both scenarios. That’s why patients should take extra care in selecting their hair transplant physician to make certain that they will have the optimal results.

Is it better to begin addressing hair loss early?
Yes, people should begin addressing their hair loss early and examine all the available options. This should give the best opportunity to get the results desired. However, no matter what your level of hair loss is, there is a solution.

Q & A with Dr. Eric Holzer

What is your philosophy on hair restoration?
I look at hair restoration as a chance to not just make a cosmetic change, but also to improve the self-image of a patient. It’s amazing to see the confidence level of a patient soar as their appearance is enhanced. That’s what drives me as a physician.

What should patients look for in a physician?
Patients should seek a skilled, knowledgeable physician with an excellent bedside manner. In addition to these attributes, the physician should be an educator. It’s our job to teach and guide a person in search of hair restoration in the right direction. Not only can I recommend a hair transplant surgery for a patient, but if they are not a good surgical candidate, I can guide them in another direction. It’s a great feeling to be able to provide a solution for a person suffering hair loss at any level.

What can a patient expect in terms of a natural look and density?
There is no real limitation to naturalness, and density is dependent on donor hair availability. The keys to an undetectable procedure are the skill and artistic ability of the physician. Having performed over 8,000 hair transplant procedures, my technique and skill are continually improving.

What inspired you to become a hair transplant physician?
The association of art and science is what ultimately paved the path to hair transplantation surgery. I’ve always been drawn to art and science and there are very few medical fields where there is a combination of both. In this field, I get to fulfill my interests while helping people feel better. You are not just giving them their hair back, you are giving them their lives back.

What would you tell a patient considering hair transplant surgery?
I always tell patients considering hair transplant surgery three key essentials. First, with today’s technology, the results can be natural and virtually undetectable. Typically, if you begin treating hair loss successfully in its early stages, no one will ever have to know that you had a hair loss problem. Also, consider that there are typically little to no complications involved and that we can achieve an extremely high success rate. Finally, this is a minimally invasive procedure with little to no discomfort. The comfort level achieved during the procedure often surprises patients. Often, the most difficult part of the procedure is waiting for the hair to grow!

What is your approach to patient care?
I abide by the rule that the patient is the most important person in the room. I work with my staff to ensure that every concern and need of the patient is addressed. My aim is to make the patient feel as comfortable as possible.

How has hair loss affected you personally?
I believe I can understand exactly what a patient is going through physically and psychologically. This helps me relate to my patients on a special level. Through this relationship we are able to work together with the goal of achieving the best results possible.

Do you often work with patients who seek help due to undesirable results from older technologies?
I often work with patients who have had less than desirable results. I have been able to dramatically improve a patient’s appearance with the new techniques and technology that are available. One particular patient comes to mind; a gentleman came in who had a hair transplant in Mexico. Unfortunately, the physician had not anticipated future hair loss circumstances and had placed 5 large plugs in the center of the forehead. As you can imagine, the patient was very wary of another procedure. I was able to remove the unwanted plugs and create a natural hairline that far exceeded his expectations.

Is it better to begin addressing hair loss early?
It is ideal to begin addressing hair loss early on. The advantage is that a person will never have to experience baldness to an extreme extent. They can replace hair as they lose it. This lessens the psychological toll that it can take on a person.

Q & A with Roy G. Jones, M.D., F.A.C.S.

What is your philosophy on hair restoration?
As a hair transplant physician, I work to guide a person towards the hair restoration solution that is best for them. I believe each person should choose the hair restoration method that best meets their needs and expectations. There are three primary methods of hair restoration that are available to a person experiencing hair loss today. These methods include non-surgical hair replacement, follicular unit hair transplantation, and an FDA-approved hair therapy. Hair restoration in a given patient may involve utilizing one, two, or all three methods of hair restoration.

What should patients look for in a hair transplant physician?
The patient should look for a physician who has experience in hair restoration, limits the majority of their practice to hair restoration, is using the latest and best surgical techniques, and is willing to work with the patient to achieve the optimum results. The physician must be willing to listen to the patient and tailor their recommendations to give the patient the best possible experience.

What can a patient expect in terms of a natural look and density?
With follicular unit transplantation, naturalness is a trademark of my hair restoration procedures. Follicular unit transplantation is now considered to be the gold standard in the industry. The density or coverage depends on multiple factors, not the least of which are the size of the area that requires coverage, the amount of donor hair available, and whether or not there is continuous hair loss.

What would you tell a patient considering hair transplant surgery?
I advise patients upfront that there are several methods of hair restoration and they must select the one (or more) that are best for their situation. It is my duty to inform him or her of what is possible, and provide all patients with advice regarding the results they may achieve.

What is your approach to patient care?
Matching a patient’s expectations to results is extremely critical. Initially, I determine how much hair loss a patient is experiencing, how much more hair loss they expect to have, and accurately assess the donor area to determine what results are attainable. I always remain aware of what the patient’s expectations are and whether or not a transplant procedure can achieve those expectations.

What sets you apart from other hair transplant physicians?
I only perform follicular unit hair transplantation. Every one of the over 2,500 hair transplant surgeries I have performed has been with follicular units. I insist that all of the grafts be cut using a stereoscopic microscope, from the slivering of the strip to the final cutting of the follicular units. All of my technicians are trained to use a microscope, so much so that they do not know how to cut grafts without a microscope. By using follicular units, my patients should expect natural results. By using microscopic dissection methods of the grafts, maximum yields from the donor strips should be achieved. Lack of magnification invariably leads to loss of follicular units in the cutting process. Quite frankly, I believe that I am fortunate to have the best technicians in the industry, which leads to the high quality results our patients achieve. I believe they are not only skilled, but caring medical assistants who relate well to our patients.

Do you often work with patients who seek help due to undesirable results from older technologies?
Yes, definitely. I have seen numerous patients who wore hats to hide their hair loss, and then continued to wear hats because of the poor transplant they had. Many of these patients can have their poor transplant results corrected and they are often the most grateful patients. It can be a very rewarding experience.

Is it better to begin addressing hair loss early?
The earlier you begin medical treatment of hair loss, the better. Typically, the more promptly a hair loss situation is remedied, the earlier a person’s self-image can be restored. However, each patient and physician should pay special attention as to what hair loss can be expected in the future. The patient and physician should plan for that initially.

Q & A with Dr. Robert McClellan

What is your philosophy on hair restoration?
I believe that how we feel about ourselves is tied strongly to our feelings about how we look and how we think that we look to others. There is little in that regard that is more important than one’s hair. Hair restoration often is the single most effective thing that we can do to repair our damaged self-image, and I think that on that basis we change lives in a very real sense with the surgery that we do.

What should patients look for in a physician?
I think that a patient should search for a physician with years of experience in hair restoration surgery and who only performs stateof- the-art operations (follicular unit transplants). The physician and staff should do these operations daily and it should be all that they do. A patient should also search for a physician who will listen to what they want and use the patient’s goals (not the physician’s goals) as a guide through the process.

What can a patient expect in terms of a natural look and density?
Follicular unit transplants involve taking the hair as it grows naturally and transplanting it to a different area of the scalp. The hair continues to grow naturally and through this the natural standard is met. Fullness and density are dependent upon the availability of donor hair. A patient’s expectations need to be reasonable in regards to density based upon their own availability of donor hair.

What inspired you to become a hair transplant physician?
I was performing general surgery, which often involved life-threatening implications. It was a very stressful way to make a living. I sought a field that virtually always had a positive outcome and that led me to hair transplantation.

What would you tell a patient considering hair transplant surgery?
I approach each patient as if they were a part of my family and I try to always give them the best advice based on what they see as their goals and desires. I tell the truth and try to give them a reasonable expectation on what is and is not possible to achieve.

What is your approach to patient care?
My goal is to proceed as if the patient were my closest relative, understanding what their goals and desires are, and then I try to make them as comfortable as possible. I intend to use the best of my abilities to limit the discomfort and to exceed their expectations.

What sets you apart from other hair transplant physicians?
I’ve been doing hair transplant surgery exclusively since 1988. I’ve performed over 10,000 operations. In the past 10 years, I have performed follicular unit transplants, which are accepted as the best technique available. My medical assistants use microscopic graft separation, which improves accuracy and yield. I have done well over 3,000 Microscopic Follicular Unit Hair Transplants and have seen wonderful results on virtually all of them. I also have extensive experience in repair of unsatisfactory older techniques, which have yielded less than optimal results.

How has hair loss affected you personally?
I personally have lost my frontal hair area. I decided to undergo a follicular unit transplant to recreate the hairline using the most natural technique available. I am very happy with my results and use products on a daily basis to thwart any further hair loss. I often tell my patients about my own hair restoration experience, so they can see the results for themselves. Do you often work with patients who seek help due to undesirable results from older technologies? I have extensive experience with repair work and have done hundreds if not thousands of repair surgeries. It is extremely fulfilling to change a person’s perspective on hair restoration by providing them with results that they can be proud of.

Is it better to begin addressing hair loss early?
It is better to begin addressing hair loss early on. A hair restoration plan should be measured carefully based upon projected future hair loss and long-term goals. I feel fortunate that I can recommend different types of solutions to patients at any level of hair loss, because not one solution is right for every person.

Q & A with Peter G. Frost, M.B. Ch.B, FRCS (c)

What is your philosophy on hair restoration?
I believe that hair loss affects people in many different ways, and for some the effects are psychologically and emotionally devastating. It is extremely gratifying to see the changes that hair restoration can make in people.

What should patients look for in a hair transplant physician?
I think patients should look for a doctor with an extensive background in hair restoration, as well as one who is concerned with quality of care. I decided to make a career of hair restoration when I fi rst sought treatment for my own hair loss, which started in my early twenties.

What can a patient expect in terms of a natural look and density?
A patient can expect a natural look with our new technology in follicular unit transplantation. It is important that I discuss the patient’s expectations for density and so that we can make a plan to achieve the look he desires.

What inspired you to become a hair transplant physician?
In my twenties, I began experiencing hair loss and began seeking a solution for it. I was very inspired by the physicians who I met with to discuss hair restoration.

What would you tell a patient considering hair transplant surgery?
I always tell my patients that they are very fortunate that we have the type of technology that we use today in hair transplantation. The use of microscopes for follicular dissection has changed the way we do procedures, and has increased the ability to create a natural hairline.

What is your approach to patient care?
I ensure that the patient is well cared for by me and my staff. From the moment he or she enters the surgical facility, the patient is the most important person in the room.

How has hair loss affected you personally?
I was affected by hair loss as a very young man, and understand the effects that it can have on people. Having a hair transplant was one of the best things I ever did for myself and I recommend it to those who are suffering in any way from hair loss.

Do you often work with patients who seek help due to undesirable results from older technologies?
Due to the technological advances in our fi eld, I do see patients who have undesirable results from older techniques. Fortunately, I am able to help a large percentage of them to soften their frontal hairlines, to increase the density through our new microscopic follicular unit transplantation.

Is it better to begin addressing hair loss early? It is a much easier transition for patients to address hair loss when they notice it. Generally speaking, they have already lost 50% of their hair. The topical treatments like EXT can be very valuable at this point, and can help patients to retain of their hair. This naturally is helped by a small surgical procedure to increase the density where necessary.

Q & A with Samuel A. Botta, M.D.

What inspired you to become a hair transplant physician?
I experienced hair loss myself at a young age, and so I know the physical as well as the psychological effects hair loss may have on a patient. On a professional level, the thought, planning, design and artistry needed by the surgeon performing hair transplantation makes each procedure its own masterpiece.

What would you tell a patient considering a hair transplant procedure?
I explain how fortunate they are today to be able to take advantage of the advanced technology that is now available to them. Our use of microscopic dissection and follicular unit transplantation creates very natural results.

How do you determine who is a candidate for hair transplant surgery?
This is always a question of supply and demand. Is the donor hair supply sufficient to meet the desired expectations of the patient? If not, there are always other options offered at Hair Club to satisfy the patients’ individual needs.

Why are patient expectations important to the procedures results?
Educating the patient is the key to helping them understand realistic and obtainable results. Making sure the patient fully understands realistic expectations will result in a totally satisfied and happy patient.

Q & A with Roy B. Stoller, D.O.

What inspired you to become a hair transplant physician?
My interest in hair transplant surgery began with my formal training in facial plastic surgery. Aesthetic improvement to the facial structure would not be complete with out addressing hair loss that contributes to aging. As technology advanced, hair transplant surgery resulted in a very natural look. I became excited about how good we could make the patient look and decided to dedicate my profession to hair transplantation.

What would you tell a patient considering a hair transplant procedure?
Patients should have realistic expectations of the results of hair transplantation, and should fully discuss with the physician prior to the procedure. Also, the patients may be surprised at the ease with which they progress and recover through the procedure.

How do you determine who is a candidate for hair transplant surgery?
Patients are examined for their donor hair density. The density determines how much hair can be transplanted and if it will meet the patients’ expectations. The general health of a patient is a consideration.

Why are patient expectations important to the procedures results?
The goal of any aesthetic surgery is to please the patient. Patient’s expectations must be addressed and balanced with what is feasible and what will help this patient look his best.

Do you often meet with patients who seek help due to undesirable results from older technologies?
15 to 20% of my work is in repairing work from older technologies. The ability to utilize follicular units to soften the frontal hairline has enabled me to give a more natural look to my patients. It is rewarding to be able to use the newer technologies to help patients achieve a improved appearance.

You provide Pro Bono work for Operation Restore. Can you explain the mission of this organization?
Operation Restore is sponsored by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons and provides hair restoration to people who have lost their own hair due to trauma or illness and cannot afford the procedure on their own. Operation Restore and the physician doing the pro bono work cover the costs of the procedure. Cases are limited to serious injury or disease.

Q & A with Duncan Simmons, M.D.

What inspired you to become a hair transplant physician?
Hair loss is prevalent throughout my entire family. When my own hairline began to mature in college I began investigating all the available alternatives. My interest only grew through medical school and residency as I started performing hair transplant procedures and saw the amazing results.

What would you tell a patient considering a hair transplant procedure?
Our current surgical procedure provides a naturally appearing permanent solution to their hair loss. Safe and effective medical treatment can be used to stop the ongoing loss. Hair Club provides a variety of Proven Solutions to address any and all concerns they may have about hair loss.

How do you determine who is a candidate for hair transplant surgery?
A thorough discussion of the patients expectations and a complete examination of the patients donor area provide the doctor and patient the necessary framework to determine whether transplantation is the appropriate next step.

Why are patient expectations important to the procedures results?
Patients need to feel comfortable with the look they will enjoy after the procedure. Exceeding the patient’s expectations insures a satisfied client for life.