Notes from the Editor Emeritus, 1999–2001

Abstract

intelligent, and understands the fact that rare and unforeseen complications can occur. He is willing to take this risk, but he does not understand the long-term lifetime risk of the procedure he is about to undertake. The surgeon has covered the elements of the informed consent process, obtained pre-operative photographs, and feels that the patient understands more hair loss is likely to occur in the future. This case is an example of uniformed consent. The patient cannot understand the consequences of total donor hair depletion, nor appreciate the fact that he will most likely suffer the cosmetic sequela that follows. When will this happen? No answer can be given. What will be the additional cost? Difficult to say. Will the frontal hairline be his major concern by age 40? Perhaps.