Dr. Ioannis Papagelopoulos, a dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, is one of the most experienced doctors in hair loss treatments and innovative hair transplant techniques.
With years of experience, specialized studies, and supported by a distinguished team of doctors and nurses, he has been a leading figure in all hair transplant techniques for years, performing thousands of procedures.
That’s why the specialized hair transplant clinic HAIR TRANSPLANT, which he founded, is among the top centers of its kind in Europe.
According to Dr. Papagelopoulos, the main characteristic of the HAIR TRANSPLANT Medical Center’s team of doctors is "their expertise in hair restoration surgery, the honest assessment of the treatment options for a patient’s problem, and the strong aesthetic judgment during the hair transplant procedure."
Visitors to the Specialized Hair Transplant and Restoration Clinics, HAIR TRANSPLANT, in Greece and in European cities where it has branches, can see the state-of-the-art equipment and the fact that each transplant is performed solely by specialized surgeons, including dermatologic surgeons, plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and, of course, nurses. Together, they ensure that a technically challenging procedure is painless and successful.
Dr. Papagelopoulos, in recent years we have seen an increase in hair transplant procedures in Greece. What are the reasons that lead some people to choose this?
Indeed, the trend is that more Greeks in recent years are seeking to refresh their appearance with some form of hair transplant technique or treatment.
There are many different reasons why someone decides to undergo a hair transplant. The primary reasons relate to the appearance of men and women. Men no longer view this issue as they did in the past. Just as it is no longer taboo for a man to dye his hair, it is now also not taboo to choose one of the hair transplant techniques to enhance his appearance.
There are also psychological reasons. Young men or women may lose their hair for various reasons, which can negatively impact their psychology. They see their friends with thick hair and may feel inferior in some cases.
However, I believe the most significant reason making the decision easier is that the solution to hair loss through a hair transplant is now financially accessible.
How has your collaboration with various hospitals contributed to your experience in the field of hair transplants?
Having gained extensive clinical experience from daily contact with complex dermatological issues at major hospitals such as the HYGEIA Hospital, where I head the Alopecia Surgical Restoration Department (hair transplant), the Henry Dunant Hospital, where I remain an external collaborator, and the Andreas Syngros University Hospital, where I am a scientific associate, I have achieved a particularly high level of knowledge and expertise.
This experience was acquired over time, with specialization in aesthetic and invasive dermatology, as well as in treating cellulite, local fat, skin laxity, and of course, hair loss and hair growth. All these areas are interconnected.
Do you believe there is an ideal hair transplant technique?
There are two internationally developed techniques. FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is the most popular technique in recent years. With the FUE hair transplant technique, each hair follicle is individually taken from various, scattered areas of the donor site. The key features of this method are:
It should also be noted that the FUE hair transplant technique is equally suitable for small procedures such as eyebrow areas or large procedures on the scalp, without leaving a scar.
The other method is the Strip technique. With this method, hair follicles are taken from the back and sides of the head and then placed in the recipient area. We have developed this method with the Micro strip hair transplant technique, which we first applied in 2007. The Micro strip technique is used for candidates for hair transplant where follicle extraction with the classic strip method is impossible due to the lack of elasticity in the donor area or very small donor areas. The size of the strips taken with the microstrip technique does not exceed 2.5 to 3 cm and leaves no scar. It is crucial that this technique is performed by a specialized dermatologic surgeon.
What should someone who wants to undergo a hair transplant or treatment do?
There are two simple options. They can contact us via phone or email to schedule a free consultation and find the appropriate solution they desire. There are cases where a treatment may be sufficient, while others may require a specific hair transplant technique.
The interested person will come in, we will examine their case, determine the type of treatment needed, and assess how many hair follicles are needed in the area where hair has fallen out. We will advise them in the best way, and they will decide what is best for themselves.
In hair transplants, we do not experiment; we do not play with people.
Is there an “ideal candidate” for a hair transplant?
An "ideal candidate," as you mention, is one who has a donor area in good condition. However, today’s hair transplants, with the combination of medical technology and the expertise of specialized doctors, can address both men and women experiencing androgenetic alopecia.
Statistics show that the average age for hair loss and thinning is between 35 and 40, and there are clear indications and evidence in some cases that factors such as stress, modern living conditions, and poor diet significantly exacerbate the problem in both men and women.
What would you say to someone who wants to undergo a hair transplant? Is there something they should be particularly cautious about?
They should conduct thorough research and choose the right doctor and clinic for the procedure. This is to avoid potential problems that could become insurmountable later, such as permanent scars that cannot be covered. A wrong choice, particularly one that lacks expertise, can lead to results that are either aesthetically poor or very unsatisfactory.
Do you have any secret to your success?
In our clinics, the guiding principles are "reliability – specialization – expertise." These three are our guides and passports to navigate the world of plastic surgery and dermatology, helping thousands of people to resolve their issues and improve their lives. There are no secrets, only hard work and experience that comes with time.
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