NHI Timeline
The following chronology outlines what we have achieved over the past decade. The future that we helped to create, in our research and writings, has now become the industry standard. The purpose of this section is to allow you to look at what NHI has accomplished and to tell you what the future holds for hair transplantation.
When you select an NHI doctor, you get the ones that are changing the field worldwide, through our clinical research, training programs, medical publications and patient education. Our primary focus is always to provide the best possible care for our patients. This focus has made NHI successful and will continue to make our success a reality for the future. We have accomplished a great deal and we would like to give you a glimpse of some of our milestones.
Jump to: 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2002 | 2003
1992
- The New Hair Institute is Founded
Dr. William R. Rassman forms the New Hair Institute in the fall of 1992 after a preceptorship with an experienced hair restoration surgeon. His goal is to form a medical group dedicated to honest representation of the hair transplant procedure, to develop state-of-the-art techniques and to offer them to patients at affordable prices.
- NHI Develops the "Densitometer" - Standard Measuring Instrument for Hair Transplant Surgeons
NHI develops instrument to measure hair density and stresses its importance in the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss. For the first time, a tool allows doctors to quantify the donor supply and define its finite nature.
- Patient Models Shown for First Time in "Open Seminar"
NHI starts showing off its patient results to prospective patients to enhance the education of those thinking through the risks and rewards of the hair transplant process and to be sure that their expectations are reasonable.
- Criticizes Scalp Reduction Procedure
NHI launches its attack on the surgical procedure known as scalp reductions (male pattern reductions). What was originally a common procedure in 1992; few are performed today due to a clearer recognition of long-term problems.
- NHI Attacks Unethical Practice of "Lowballing"
NHI identifies the practice of 'lowballing' as unethical and launches a public attack on the problem in industry newsletters. Lowballing is the process where a doctor would fraudulently under-estimate the work required for a hair restoration and falsely set expectations unrealistically.
1993
- NHI Publishes Value of Measuring Donor Supply
In the "The Art and Science of Minigrafting" NHI stresses the importance of accurately assessing donor hair supply in the long-term planning of all hair transplants.
- NHI Shows "Dense Packing" of Grafts is Achievable
NHI shows that dense packing small grafts close together allow the completion of the reconstruction in a shorter timeframe and results in a graded, natural dense hairline.
- NHI Recognized for Pioneering Work in Large Hair Transplant Sessions
Dr. O'Tar Norwood, world renowned hair transplant surgeon and originator of the famous Norwood Classification for Male Pattern balding visits NHI facilities in LA and reports his observations on megasessions and dense packing techniques in Hair Transplant Forum International.
- NHI Warns Patients about Unscrupulous Physician Practices
NHI cautions patients about unscrupulous physicians and goes as far as advising patients who feel that their doctors acted irresponsibly to contact their State Medical Boards. Needless to say, this statement was not warmly received by other hair transplant surgeons but it changes the industry focus to a quality process.
- NHI Holds First "Live Surgery" Open House
NHI arranges "open houses" where prospective patients can observe live surgery and meet transplanted patients and have their questions answered directly with the physicians who were responsible for their care. There would be no intermediaries, no hype, and no salesman. Along with our Seminars, these "Open Houses" are to become "signature" features of the New Hair Institute policy of honest, open communication with patients.
- NHI Authors its First Comprehensive Book on Hair Restoration
This book is geared to the patient as a consumer. It guides the potential patient through the difficult and confusing process of choosing the best physician and technique. In clear and easy to understand terms, it clears up many of the myths perpetuated in the hair transplant field.
1994
- NHI Publishes Guidelines for Megasessions and Dense Packing
NHI publishes guidelines for the safe and successful use of Megasessions (sessions of 1500+ grafts) and Dense Packing techniques. NHI re-defines megasessions where large numbers of grafts are performed in a single procedure. This approach means that a patient can have fewer surgeries and achieve his results in as few as one or two sessions.
- NHI Presents the "Fast Track" Option
This book gives a common sense approach to hair restoration. In the "Fast Track," a patient's entire restoration can be completed in one or two sessions. This revolutionary approach obviates the need for repeated multiple small surgeries that were common practice at the time, and which were a huge burden for the patient.
- NHI Physicians Present Live Patients at the ISHRS, a first for this International Meeting
At the "The Big One," the 1994 Annual ISHRS in Toronto, NHI physicians present "live" patients, something never done before.
- NHI Breaks World Record for the Number of Grafts in a Single Session
NHI Physicians perform "World Record" Megasessions of 3,100 grafts in Los Angeles, the day after the ISHRS Meeting in Toronto.
1995
- NHI Stuns Physicians at International Meeting by Presenting 23 Live Patient Results
NHI brings 23 patients to the Annual ISHRS International Meeting, all transplanted with large sessions of very small grafts. The results are so impressive, it puts to rest the challenges to NHI's Fast-Track Technique and it puts the "Megasessions" permanently on the map.
- NHI Publishes "Extensive Micrografting" Article in Premier Medical Journal
In Dermatologic Surgery, NHI describes the rationale for performing large sessions of very small grafts and distinguishes between mathematical and non-mathematical variables in the surgical planning of the hair transplant.
- NHI Defines "Follicular Transplantation" for the Medical Establishment
This landmark publication states that the ideal hair restoration surgery should consist of performing the entire hair transplant with naturally occurring, individual follicular units. It introduces the term "Follicular Unit" to modern hair transplantation.
- NHI Physician Defines Progress before 500 Specialists
After presenting live patients, Dr. Rassman stands alone on the podium in front of 500 hair transplant surgeons at the 1995 Annual ISHRS in Las Vegas and dismisses detractors of the Megasession with this now famous quote, "Those who say it can't be done should not stand in the way of those who are doing it every day."
1996
- NHI's Follicular Transplantation gets "Luke Warm" Initial Reception
Dr. Bernstein presents the theoretical basis of Follicular Unit Transplantation and shows results of this technique at the International Meeting of the ISHRS in 1996. Physicians are impressed with patient results, but don't yet quite grasp the significance of the concept. NHI proclaims that "the exclusive transplantation of individual, intact follicular units will be the future."
- NHI Defines Unique Aspects of Hair Transplantation in Women
NHI discusses hair transplantation in women and cautions physicians about over-enthusiasm in treating patients with female alopecia. Explains uniqueness of female patterns and importance of densitometry in evaluation.
- NHI Slays "Scalp Reduction" Procedure
In Hair Transplant Forum International, NHI challenges any potential benefits of scalp reductions and underscores its problems, even in "ideal" situations. NHI takes the position that scalp reductions may no longer be an acceptable surgical procedure for male pattern hair loss. The use of scalp reductions in physicians practices drops precipitously following this article.
- NHI Attacks Laser Hair Transplantation as "Marketing Gimmick"
In the article "Laser Hair Transplantation: Is it Really State of the Art?", published in the journal of Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, NHI challenges the scientific merits of Laser Hair Transplantation and describes its use primarily as a "marketing tool."
1997
- NHI Physician Named "Surgeon of the Month"
Dr. Robert M. Bernstein, was named Surgeon of the month by Hair Transplant Forum International, the official publication of the ISHRS, for pioneering work in Follicular Unit Transplantation.
- NHI Physicians Define "Delayed Growth" Phenomenon
In what is Delayed Growth? NHI physicians describe the controversial phenomena and hypothesize on its mechanism.
- NHI Publishes "Paired" Follicular Transplantation Articles that become the "Classic" Reference in Field
The articles "Follicular Transplantation: Patient Evaluation and Surgical Planning" and "The Aesthetics of Follicular Transplantation" are published in the prestigious journal, Dermatologic Surgery. The Editor of Hair Transplant Forum international writes "Whatever happens, we will still be using something close to the Bernstein-Rassman technique in decades to come, as it provides convincing results with nature's own building blocks…there is no doubt that their techniques are revolutionizing hair restoration surgery and almost every practitioner in this field has already been influenced by their past writings…"
- "An Idea Whose Time Has Come" by Dr. Norwood
Editor Emeritus O'Tar Norwood visits NHI facility is impressed with "scientific methods, academic honesty, and almost eerie instinctive knowledge of hair transplant surgery." In an editorial describing his visit, he proclaims Follicular Unit Transplantation as an "Idea Who's Time Has Come."
- American Academy of Dermatology asks NHI Physician to Run Annual Focus Session
Recognizing the importance of Follicular Unit Transplantation, the American Academy of Dermatology requests Dr. Bernstein, a board certified dermatologist, to give an annual Focus Session solely devoted to this subject at its annual meetings. The focus session runs for five years.
- NHI Defines "The Art of Follicular Transplantation"
At the International Meeting in Barcelona, NHI physician presents "The Art of FT" and quantifies the characteristics of follicular units and details the way to weight and distribute follicular units to produce the best cosmetic results in a presentation described as "eloquent".
- NHI's Carousel "Steals the Show" at 5th International Meeting
NHI introduces the future of hair transplantation with the first of a series of new instruments to decrease the time and staffing needs, and insure better quality in hair transplantation surgery
1998
- NHI Establishes Approved Training Program for Physicians
NHI holds first "How To" Course in Follicular Unit Transplantation to train hair transplant surgeons and their staff in NHI's techniques. Dr. Martinick from Australia writes, "their careful, logical, step-by-step computer delivered didactic program was such that no matter what your experience, there were mountains of knowledge to be gained by everyone. I would urge anyone whether beginning or advanced, to take advantage of this opportunity." The program is recognized by the American Academy of Dermatology for 22 Category I CME Credits.
- NHI Physician Appointed to Editorial Board of Prestigious Medical Journal
Dr. Bernstein is appointed to Editorial Boards of Dermatologic Surgery and the Journal of Aesthetic Dermatology & Cosmetic Dermatologic Surgery.
- NHI Quantifies the Benefits of the Microscope in Hair Restoration
NHI publishes the first scientific paper showing, in a bilateral controlled fashion, the advantages of using the Dissecting Microscope for Follicular Unit Transplantation, a technique that had been introduced to the field by Dr. Bobby Limmer.
- NHI Defines Esthetic Value of Hair Shaft Diameter
NHI defines the value of hair shaft measurements and shows hair shaft diameter to be more important than absolute hair counts in determining results.
Bernstein RM. Measurements in Hair Restoration.
- NHI Leads Group of Physicians in Developing Standard Terminology
NHI organizes a group to unify industry in terminology, setting standards by jointly publishing terminology with hair transplant surgeons from all over the world. As a result, the name "follicular transplantation" is changed to "Follicular Unit Transplantation" and strictly defined to require microscopic dissection and single strip harvesting.
- NHI Warns of "Blind" Graft Cutters
NHI cautions physicians regarding the use of automated devices that increase the speed of the procedure at the expense of quality. Blind Graft Production with Cutting Grates and Multi-bladed Knives is the prime example due to the high degree of follicular transection (damage).
- NHI Exposes Physician "Fear" of Microscopes
In this "tongue in cheek" article called Microscopohobia, NHI mocks doctors who are afraid, or otherwise resistant, to introducing new technology (such as the microscopes) into their practices.
1999
- 5th Edition of NHI's "The Patient's Guide to Hair Restoration"
NHI's popular and informative book written for the patient/consumer is released with increased number of "before and after photos" and updated sections to reflect the changes in medications and 1999 technology.
- NHI Physician Appointed to International Society's Scientific Committee
NHI Physician appointed to serve on the Scientific and Education Committee of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, which reviews research protocols and determines the scientific grants and awards made by the ISHRS.
- NHI Publishes "The Logic of Follicular Unit Transplantation"
Dow B. Stough, MD, A Founder of the ISHRS and Editor of Hair Transplant Forum International writes: "Everything you wanted to know about follicular unit transplantation, and then some. This monograph presented by Bernstein and Rassman can be thought of as a thesis on the subject of the follicular unit, This may be perhaps the most comprehensive accumulation of thoughts on the subject thus far."
- NHI Physicians Caution on Excessive Use of Adrenaline
NHI physicians change anesthesia techniques to make it safer and better and presents these techniques to physicians at International Meeting.
- NHI Physician Gives First Follicular Unit Transplantation "Workshop"
NHI's Medical Director, gives workshop entitled "The Philosophy and Practical Application of Follicular Unit Transplantation" the first ISHRS Workshop ever to be wholly devoted to Follicular Unit Transplantation.
- NHI Study Defines Effectiveness of Steroids after Hair Transplants
After years of doctors using steroids on an "anecdotal" basis, NHI physicians show that this medication can actually reduce the incidence and degree of swelling that is commonly seen after one receives a hair transplant.
- NHI Introduces New Suture for Hair Transplantation
Controlled clinical studies conducted by NHI physicians show the advantages of a new absorbable suture called Monocryl. Monocryl causes less skin irritation than other types of absorbable sutures and is comfortable for the patient. In many situations the healing of the wound sutured by Monocryl is superior to other techniques, resulting in the smallest possible donor scar.
- NHI Launches New Comprehensive Website
NHI launches new website www.newhair.com with a JAVA navigation system to easily browse through the over five hundred pages of content, packed with patient photos and educational material.
- NHI Charts "The Future in Hair Transplantation"
As the Millennium draws to a close, NHI Physicians head a group of 18 physicians and scientists to predict the future course of the field of medical and surgical hair restoration.
2000
- New York Magazine selects NHI Physician for "The Best Doctors in New York"
Dr. Bernstein is selected by New York Magazine as one of New York City's top physicians. This turns out to be an annual event.
- NHI Cautions on Excessive use of Epinephrine.
In the paper "Limiting Epinephrine in Large Hair Transplant Sessions," NHI Physicians caution on the practice of using "super juice" (very high concentrations of epinephrine) to control bleeding during a hair transplant. NHI describes ways that bleeding can be easily controlled in transplant sessions of up to 2,400 follicular unit grafts without the use of these high concentrations of adrenalin which are known to cause anxiety reactions and palpitations and increase the risk of the procedure.
- NHI Presents "The Power of Graft Sorting in Follicular Unit Transplantation"
At the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, 8th Annual Meeting in Hawaii NHI explains how to maximize the cosmetic benefit of Follicular Unit Transplantation using stereo-microscopic dissection and graft sorting techniques.
- Columbia University promotes NHI Physician
The Department of Dermatology of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University in New York, promotes Dr. Bernstein to Associate Clinical Professor for his clinical teaching, dedication to patient care, and published work on the treatment of hair loss.
- Millennium Paper
In "A History of Dermatologic Surgery in the United States." Dermatologic Surgery 2000; 26:1. Dr. Bernstein is cited as one of the three Physicians to have played a leading role in Hair Transplantation in the 1980's and 1990's.
- The Man Show on Comedy Central Features NHI Physician
In a segment, Adam and Jimmy, hosts of "The Man Show," explore various hair replacement options. Dr. Rassman explains the basics of a Follicular Unit Transplantation with the hosts of the show.
2001
- NHI Physician receives ISHRS's Highest Honor
Dr. Bernstein receives the "Platinum Follicle Award," the highest honor awarded by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery for "Outstanding achievement in basic scientific or clinically-related research in hair restoration." At the awards ceremony, Dr. Marcelo Gandelman, the President of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery stated: "I proudly present the 2001 Platinum Follicle Award to Robert M. Bernstein, MD. Dr. Bernstein has contributed to the field of hair transplantation in dramatic and substantial ways, revolutionizing the advancement of Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation. His published articles have become 'Bibles' for this methodology."
- NHI's Tissue Structure and Organization Studies are Applied Clinically
The research in Follicular Unit Extraction advances to the stage of clinical trials. This marks the beginning of using a scientific methodology in minimally invasive hair transplant techniques.
- Good Morning America films NHI Surgeon at work
In "The Bald Facts," ABC's Good Morning America, films the surgery of an NHI patient and airs an NHI Physician's live interview with Charlie Gibson, February 13, 2001.
- Discovery Channel features NHI repair work
In a special titled "Cosmetic Surgery Gone Wrong," The Discovery Channel shows Dr. Bernstein transforming a patent's old plugs into a natural looking hairline using Restorative techniques developed at NHI.
- NHI Publishes the 6th Edition of "The Patient's Guide to Hair Restoration"
The newest edition of this popular guide has new sections on long-term planning, medical therapy, and innovations in corrective work. It also contains over 100 color photos in patient in various stages of their restoration.
- NHI Introduces a New Suture for Hair Transplantation
NHI introduces Poliglecaprone 25, a new, absorbable suture, to the field of hair restoration surgery with a study that demonstrates the superiority of this suture to other types of donor closures with respect to level of comfort, convenience, and healing.
2002
- NHI Publishes "Follicular Unit Extraction"
NHI publishes the world's first paper on Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) in the journal Dermatologic Surgery. The article "Follicular Unit Extraction: Minimally invasive surgery for hair transplantation" describes the technique of FUE, its indications and most importantly, its limitations. Typical of NHI, the paper explores the realities of the procedure and explains its role in complementing, rather than replacing FUT.
- NHI Physicians Publish Definitive Work on Repairs
In the paired articles "The Art of Repair in Surgical Hair Restoration - Part I: Basic Repair Strategies and Part II: The Tactics of Repair" that appeared in Dermatologic Surgery, NHI physicians present both the conceptual framework and a practical approach to fixing the poor hair transplant procedures of the past four decades. One of the major insights from their studies is the importance of microscopically dissecting and redistributing existing large grafts prior to camouflage with follicular units.
- NHI Introduces the FOX Technique to the Hair Transplant Community
To an audience of 500 physicians, Dr. Rassman presents a detailed video of the new FOX technique and his research in Follicular Unit Extraction, allowing many doctors to view the procedure for the first time.
- The Early Show features NHI Physician discussing Hair Loss in Women
In CBS's "What Can Women Do for Hair Loss?" Julie Chen discusses with Dr. Bernstein the issues facing women suffering from hair loss. The segment explores diagnostic challenges and treatment options with the doctor and then the interviewer brings an actual NHI patient on the air.
2003
- Big Urban Myth Show on MTV Features NHI Physician Discussing Hair Loss
In MTV's Big Urban Myth Show, Dr. Rassman dispels the myth of whether wearing a ball cap will cause hair loss and other common misconceptions.
- New York Magazine selects NHI Physician for "The Best Beauty Docs in New York"
In the special issue "Best Beauty Docs" in New York 2003, Dr. Bernstein is recognized as being among the City's Top Cosmetic Dermatologists and commended for his pioneering work in Follicular Unit Transplantation and the natural looking results that this procedure achieves.
- GQ Magazine Interviews NHI Physician in "Grow Your Own"
In a very humorous expose, GQ compares the older mini-micrografting techniques to NHI's pioneering Follicular Unit Transplantation.
- NHI Physicians are Host Surgeons at ISHRS
NHI Physicians have the honor of being "Host Surgeons" at the ISHRS Live Surgery Workshop at the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, 11th Annual Meeting in New York City where they displayed their techniques of Follicular Unit Transplantation and Follicular unit Extraction to other physician attendees.
- NHI Physician Chairs Hair Loss Advisory Panel
Dr. Bernstein serves as the Program Chair and Moderator for the Hair Loss Advisory Panel, sponsored by Healthology, that delivers information on the diagnosis and newest treatments of androgenetic alopecia.
© 2008 New Hair Institute. www.newhair.com |
 |
