Dr. Robert McClellan has practiced medicine for over 30 years. Initially, as a general surgeon, he focused on performing complex procedures, but due to the rarity of the diseases, only a few procedures were performed per year. Dr. McClellan desired a field where his talents could be utilized with state-of-the-art techniques on a more frequent basis. This drove Dr. McClellan into the field of hair transplantation, where he has dedicated his efforts to state-of-the-art Microscopic Follicular Unit Hair Transplants, performing more than 10,000 procedures since 1988. He is convinced of the value of hair transplantation surgery & has himself had this procedure performed.
Number of Hair Transplantation Procedure Performed:
Over 11,000
Residency:
General Surgery Residency, Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Education:
Medical School, University of Utah; General Surgery Internship, Providence Hospital, Southfield, Michigan
Member:
International Society of Hair Transplantation Surgeons
Military Service:
Navy General Medical Officer, Okinawa, Japan and Brunswick Maine.
Questions & Answers with Dr. Robert McClellan
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 11,000 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.
“When you actually see the hair grow, you're amazed! You're watching it grow day by day from a thinner look to a fuller look until you can do the things you've always wanted to do with your hair: using different products, styling your hair differently…”
Frank DeCarlo
Boca Raton, FL
1475 follicular units transplanted, Results May Vary
Dr. Robert McClellan has practiced medicine for over 30 years. Initially, as a general surgeon, he focused on performing complex procedures, but due to the rarity of the diseases, only a few procedures were performed per year. Dr. McClellan desired a field where his talents could be utilized with state-of-the-art techniques on a more frequent basis. This drove Dr. McClellan into the field of hair transplantation, where he has dedicated his efforts to state-of-the-art Microscopic Follicular Unit Hair Transplants, performing more than 10,000 procedures since 1988. He is convinced of the value of hair transplantation surgery & has himself had this procedure performed.
