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.

Do you perform Eyebrow Transplants?
Yes