Dr. David Wallik's goal at the Advanced Hair Transplant Clinic (AHTC) is to ensure that his patients' appearance remains natural for the remainder of their lives. Transplanted hair will continue to grow for the remainder of a patient's life, thus the proper placement of new hair is critical and must compensate for any further balding that may arise in the future. And the doctor is so confident that the follicular unit transplant method that he specializes in will accomplish this, he is willing to have his clinic situated in a wing of his own residence on Lakeshore Road, in Oakville, a suburb of Toronto.

Framing the face
For the majority of patients, establishing the frontal hairline is the single most important function of the hair transplant. This frames the face and restores balance to the patient's facial features. The position of the hairline should be appropriate for the patient's lifetime, which requires placing it in its normal, mature position.

Providing coverage for the front and top of the scalp
Generally, these areas will be covered in the first session, even if the coverage of the top of the scalp is relatively light.

Crown coverage
Work is typically concentrated at the front and top of the scalp, with coverage of the crown undertaken only when Dr. Wallik is assured that enough donor reserves exist should there be the chance of significant additional hair loss.

Each procedure "will stand on its own"
Following the procedure, the patient's hair will look completely natural from all angles. Additional sessions will not be needed, unless the patient is interested in higher density.

Transplant in large sessions
Typically, the transplantation of 1500 to 3500 follicular unit grafts is undertaken in each session. These grafts contain from one to four hairs with an average hair count in the vicinity of two hairs per graft. Thus, each session will transplant from a minimum of 3000 up to 7000 hairs.

Maximally conserve the donor hair
As much attention is given to the donor hair harvesting, as is given to the placement of each graft. Techniques utilizing single strip harvesting, a trichophytic closure, the use of stereomicroscopic dissection and the ability to transplant large numbers of grafts enhances the preservation of the donor reserves.

Hair growth medication is not a panacea
Medications such as Rogaine (minoxdil), Propecia (finasteride) and Avodart are playing an increasingly important role in managing patients with hair loss. However, we are still uncertain regarding their long-term effectiveness and safety profiles. Therefore, although we may often recommend the consideration of medication, the transplant will be undertaken under the assumption that the medication will have no longterm beneficial effect on hair loss.