IAHRS: Frequently Asked Questions


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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IAHRS

The International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons is the first and only organization comprised of selectively screened, skilled and ethical hair transplant surgeons. The IAHRS does not offer an open membership policy to doctors practicing hair transplantation, and is the only group that recognizes that all surgeons are not equal in their skill and technique. Its elite membership represents the best in the discipline, the true leaders in the field of surgical hair restoration. The IAHRS provides a safe place for prospective patients to choose a surgeon based on skill and not on their ability to buy public opinion through advertising.

Why was it created?

The IAHRS was established out of necessity. Prior to the creation of the IAHRS, hair transplant physicians were not held responsible for their actions. There were no set standards and no organizations to set these standards. The field was completely unregulated and the patients suffered because of that. Because the field had absolutely no regulation or standards in place, many doctors were able to take advantage of vulnerable, desperate and ill-informed patients. The IAHRS was established so the patient can make an informed decision without the confusion of marketing hype.

How are the members selected?

Membership is based on the following:

1.	Technique All IAHRS members must perform follicular unit hair transplantation, employing the use of binocular-stereo microscopes to dissect their grafts.
2.	Skill All IAHRS members must prove their surgical skill and artistic ability by providing several hair transplantation cases of varying degrees of hair loss and different combinations of hair and skin characteristics. Interviews with former patients are conducted and must include at least two physicians who have had surgery performed by the IAHRS applicant.
3.	Impromptu Inspection All IAHRS members must agree to periodic impromptu inspections of their surgical facilities, including, staff and patients.
4.	Character Due the emotional nature of hair loss, a surgeon's "bedside manner" and understanding of the psychology of hair loss is as important to the IAHRS as his/her surgical skill. The doctors attitude towards their work and their patients is assessed to the best of the board's ability.

What happens if there is a complaint against one of the doctors?

The International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons is responsible for investigating and adjudicating complaints against physicians and physician assistants who are members of the IAHRS. If a complaint about a physician is filed with the IAHRS, the organization's complaint process effectively weeds out those issues that lack foundation or are outside the jurisdiction of the IAHRS. If evidence is found that suggests misconduct, the physician will have his/her membership terminated.

Why isn't my doctor a member of the IAHRS?

If your doctor is not found in our members directory it is possible that:

1.	We are not aware that the surgeon is practicing and have not had the opportunity to review him/her.
2.	We are currently reviewing the surgeon's application.
3.	The surgeon was reviewed and rejected by the IAHRS.

If a doctor's membership is terminated, will he/she have the opportunity to reapply?

No. Once a doctor loses membership privileges, he or she will never be allowed membership again.