Is Your Hair Transplant Surgeon Licensed and Trained?
The first priority when looking for a hair transplant surgeon is to verify that he or she is trained and licensed. It’s also important to ensure that it is the surgeon who is performing your procedure. Refer to the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery’s consumer alert about this issue.
independently verified at the highest level in this specialty
- Exclusively practicing Hair Restoration since 2014
- Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS)
- Active member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery
- Double board certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology
- He has performed over 4,000 of hair transplant surgeries
- Well versed in all forms of hair transplant surgery
- He is a published author in peer reviewed medical journals
- Practicing professional physician for over 20 years
American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS)
There are thousands of doctors performing hair transplants globally (because any licensed physician can do it)
Only 0.5% (or less) of hair transplant surgeons are ABHRS Diplomates (approximately 270 worldwide).
Out of 100 hair transplant surgeons, maybe 1 or fewer are ABHRS certified
- Out of 1000 hair transplant surgeons, 5 or fewer are diplomates
- ABHRS is recognized by the ISHRS as a leading authority on hair loss treatment and restoration
ABHRS Distinction
If your doctor is the only ABHRS Diplomate in Tennessee, this means it’s probable that they are the only surgeon in the entire state who has:
- Passed the highest level of hair-specific testing
- Proven real surgical outcomes
- Met global standards, not just local ones
ABHRS Qualifications
- Pass rigorous written AND oral exams
- Submit real surgical case logs + results
- Demonstrate aesthetic skill and clinical knowledge
- Show ongoing commitment to ethics and patient safety
Why This Matters
- This doctor is tested specifically in hair transplants
(not just general medicine) - They’ve proven consistent, high-level results
- They follow strict ethical standards
- They are part of a global network of top hair surgeons
Dr. Slusher is a double board-certified physician and surgeon. Excelling in academics, he graduated Cum Laude from his undergraduate studies. He was also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Residency and Fellowship
This doctor completed his medical school studies at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. His residency was completed at the University of Louisville and he completed his fellowship at the University of Miami.
Dr. Slusher is a published author in peer reviewed medical journals and has served in the field of medicine for many years. Dr. Slusher has trained and worked alongside some of the most experienced hair transplant surgeons in the industry. In April 2021 he began training with We Grow Hair Surgeons to master the High Density Hair Grafting (HD/HG) technique.
Dr. Slusher in Pursuit of Surgical Excellence
Dr. Slusher’s work has been featured in numerous media publications. He has been a frequent guest on many televised news programs exploring the latest developments in hair restoration solutions, techniques and advancement.
Having performed thousands of procedures, Dr. Slusher is an experienced hair transplant surgeon and an active member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.
Essential Questions for Your Hair Transplant Surgeon
Expertise and Qualifications
Our surgeons perform all the critical surgical steps: designing the hairline, administering anesthesia, and creating the recipient sites (incisions), and harvesting follicles. Our highly-trained technicians will handle graft implantation.
Why it Matters? The critical steps that determine results, density, and naturalness should always be performed by the licensed surgeon.
Dr Slusher is a Diplomat of ABHRS and an active member of the ISHRS. Our surgeons specialize exclusively in hair restoration surgery.
Why It Matters:
Look for specialization and membership in international hair restoration societies, indicating commitment to the field.
Dr. Slusher has been performing this procedure since 2014 and performs an average of 15 procedures per month."
Why It Matters:
High volume and tenure indicate refined technique and a consistent practice.
Our success relies on a cohesive PAI technical team. We utilize the same highly trained technicians who have worked collaboratively for many years. This consistent, shared experience ensures unparalleled precision during graft handling and placement, guaranteeing the highest quality and artistry for every procedure.
Yes, we have a comprehensive portfolio showing results at 6 months, 1 year, and 2+ years post-op, which we will share and discuss in detail.

Chris Pawlinga, M.D.
- Practicing hair transplant surgery since 2004
- 30 years in the medical profession
- Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery
- ARTAS Follicular Unit Extraction Trained
- Hair Transplant Recipient
- Active member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery
This doctor received his Board Certification American Board of Family Medicine. He also completed his Doctorate at Ross University School of Medicine and his Family Practice Residency at St. Clare’s hospital in NY. Dr. Pawlinga has over 30 years in the medical profession, which makes him very experienced in all aspects of medicine and patient care.
ISHRS Surgeon
As a Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery, Dr. Pawlinga has distinguished himself in the field of hair surgery. He has a passion for helping those suffering with hair loss.
Hair Transplant Surgeon Who is Also a Patient
Because he is a former hair loss sufferer, Dr. Pawlinga understands the sensitive nature of hair loss. This makes him an excellent hair surgeon.
He knows the struggle many men and women go through to find the right hair restoration solution Dr. Pawlinga is a hair transplant surgeon who performs various types of procedures including ARTAS Robotic FUE and High Density Hair Grafting (HD/HG).
He explains his reason for specializing in more than one procedure type, “I really enjoy being able to sit down with each patient and evaluate their needs, goals and expectations. By doing this I can match the best procedure type to suit them. I feel like being proficient in various techniques helps me satisfy each patient’s needs and expectations.”
Are you a candidate for natural-looking hair restoration?
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