One of the consequences of our individuality is the way we see ourselves—our self-image, how we perceive ourselves and how we hope and strive to be perceived by other people. The "me" that we imagine ourselves to be, that we see in the mirror, and that we hope to present to others is greatly influenced by cosmetic features of our face and head. we style scalp hair to enhance our self-image and the "me" we present to others. Hair loss can significantly disturb our self-image and make us concerned about how  we are perceived by others. Concern about hair loss may lead to a decision to consult a hair transplant specialist about medical or surgical hair restoration. Consultation with a hair transplant specialist may have been preceded by a self-help approach using an over-the-counter medications.

When the "me" we perceive ourselves to be sit down with a hair transplant specialist to discuss hair loss and hair restoration, both of us should be aware that the basic issue is not hair loss but rather the consequences of hair loss to our self-image. It is most likely that a number of perceived negative effects are organized around a major concern about self-image—for example, loss of attractiveness, looking older than our years, embarrassment about "going bald", loss of self-confidence. What we want hair transplant to accomplish is restoration of a self-image that satisfies us and that I believe will present a satisfactory "me" to others.

When the hair restoration specialist understands my over-arching concerns about hair loss, the next step is to determine.

• What we hope hair restoration to accomplish.

• What is the best approach to realizing our goals.

• Reach agreement on the most effective approach to hair restoration, the likely outcome of hair restoration, the amount of time we will have to commit to the procedure, and the cost.