Dr. Robert Bernstein

The clinic states it was founded by Dr. Robert M. Bernstein in 2005 in midtown Manhattan.1 Per its own account, Bernstein joined the New Hair Institute in 1995 to develop his approach to follicular unit transplantation.2 A second board-certified physician, Medical Director Dr. Christine M. Shaver, also performs FUT and Robotic FUE.1

The practice offers FUT, FUE (including Robotic FUE with the ARTAS system), hair transplant repair, and eyebrow transplants.4 In FUT, the surgeon excises the donor strip and technicians dissect it into follicular units; recipient sites are made by Bernstein personally, working around existing hair so it need not be shaved.5 Grafts are placed by the surgical team, since the clinic says the ARTAS robot cannot place grafts.4 Most donor wounds are now closed with staples rather than sutures, which the clinic says causes less follicle injury, and for patients who wear their hair very short, Bernstein performs a trichophytic closure, trimming one wound edge so hair grows through the scar line.4 The clinic favors completing as much of a restoration as possible in one large first session.6 A second session, if wanted, is advised only after 10 to 12 months, once the first transplant reaches styling length and donor laxity has improved.4

Surgical pricing is not published; the clinic says cost depends on graft count and is set at consultation.7 A physician evaluation costs $250, with biopsies, injections, or lab work billed separately.7 Insurance is not accepted, though a form is provided for patients to submit to their own insurer, and financing is available through CareCredit.7

Patients submit history forms online in advance, or arrive 15 minutes early to complete them on-site.8 The consultation is with a board-certified physician directly, which the clinic says means no consultants or salespeople, runs about half an hour, and includes a video densitometer exam of hair density and miniaturization.8 Payment is due at the end of the visit.8

Bernstein is a Fellow of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, confirmed independently through the ISHRS's own directory.10 He is also listed in the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery's diplomate directory.9 The clinic states he is board certified in dermatology, has served as an ABHRS exam board Examiner, holds Fellow status with the American Academy of Dermatology, and belongs to the American Academy of Aesthetic and Restorative Surgery, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.3