I had to read this a couple of times to make sure I am reading this correctly........ not sure exactly what to make of it but here goes.

First, while I personally have wrangled a few time with Dr. Hasson, I continue to support and believe that they continue to meet and exceed patient expectations everyday, and I have stated innumerous times that I believe every prospective patient should do at least a virtual consult with H&W and SMG.

I also think it is pretty obvious that we here on the HTN support our Coalition Docs to a fault, and that we more times than not actually point patients toward Vancouver or Minnesota as a both a starting point and hopefully an end point as well.

With that said, I think Janna was well within the acceptable boundaries to state her position in response to ignorant and unwarranted comments by an uneducated poster. In reading her post, I do not see where she held Dr. Shapiro as better or H&W as better or worse, simply pointing out that a different approach can help patients reach their goals. I am not sure why this prompted the response from Dr. Hasson.

I understand Dr. Hasson asking the questions about session sizes and past vs. current approach. That seems fair, and although I probably know the answer to this, I will refrain from offering my opinion on this for now.
I just don't get the statement about SMG catching up to where H&W is now.

I mean, is it internet photos and session sizes that make a clinic the best?
Is it end result?
Is it what each individual patient feels about his or her hair transplant?
I had thought the general consensus for a little while now was that BOTH clinics were employing their philosophies and turning out amazing results....
Has something changed?

Again, we are talking about approach.
I see that regardless of session sizes, H&W still transplants conservative, age appropriate hairlines, in order to ensure a look that stands the test of time, but still with an eye toward the future and available donor. I don't recall a conversation about H&W transplanting hairlines that are too "low" or aggressively closing temples without good reason.
That sounds pretty much like the same approach as SMG, with the exception that it seems that many regard Dr. Ron Shapiro as a master of recreating natural hairlines.

One clinic uses laterals one uses acute saggittals, and some laterals when necessary. Again approach.

I know both clinics use the highest possible microscopic disection equipment.
I know Dr. Shapiro uses very highly magnified loupes, and I would imagine Dr. Wong and Dr. Hasson do the same.
I know both employ and train a superior staff with very little turnover rate.

So what we have left is session size and before and after photos.

Both of these are in favor of H&W.
H&W does the largest strip surgeries I have ever seen, I think that is pretty indisputable.
H&W also has the more patient before and after photos showing tremendous transformations.

Session sizes/marketing vs mastery of natural hairlines/sessions up to and around 4000 grafts.

Pretty much a draw in my book, throw a name in a hat and draw a Doc.

Again, not sure what prompted the statement of implied inferiority by Dr. Hasson toward SMG.
Still confused about that one, respectfully of course.

__________________
Go Cubs!

6721 transplanted grafts
13,906 hairs
Performed by Dr. Ron Shapiro

Dr. Ron Shapiro and Dr. Paul Shapiro are members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.

Well stated B,

This is all very subjective, aggressive/conservative approaches.

I will just add that I am sure both clinics treat each patient on a case by case basis and can deliver a great result.

This is a healthy discussion and I would love to see more doctor input on this forum so we are not left to follow just photos and opinion.

I know the doctors are busy and would love to hear more from them consistently, not just in response to defend or attack another clinic. I also have no problem hearing from the tech's as well, it all good and informative to the perspective patient.

when you reach high school they will teach you not to make such blank statements, as they make you look stupid. H & W are undoubtedly great surgeons, but are many others here.