Dr. Thomas Nakatsui

Thomas Nakatsui is a dermatologist in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, whom the clinic describes as specializing in hair transplant surgery.2 After his 2000 dermatology residency he trained with Dr. Jerry Wong and, per the clinic, also learned from Dr. Victor Hasson at Hasson and Wong in Vancouver.2 The practice, now Nakatsui DermaSurgery Centre, describes itself as a "certified Non-Hospital Surgical Facility" accredited by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta.2 The clinic states its services are limited to Canadian citizens.1

Nakatsui performs both FUT and FUE, harvesting FUT with a single-bladed scalpel rather than a multi-strip or punch method; the clinic states FUT is about 40% of cases and FUE about 60%.3 He creates recipient sites himself with flat chisel micro blades and needles, in what it calls dense packing.3 Sites use the lateral slit technique, which the clinic says he was trained in by its originator, Dr. Jerry Wong.1 Technicians insert the grafts with fine forceps or custom implanters, and it states he can place over 4,000 FUT grafts in a session.3 It avoids automated systems such as NeoGraft or Artas.4

The clinic states it typically charges $2.50 to $8 per graft, with FUE from about $7 to $8 and FUT from $2.50 to $7 per graft.4 Overall cost ranges from $2,500 to more than $20,000, averaging $6,000 to $9,500 for FUT.4 It prefers charging by graft over area, though area pricing is available on request, and cites financing through Beautifi from $178 a month for an $8,000 procedure.4

Patients can request information online, with a representative following up within a few days, or book through a 24/7 online portal.1 The clinic states FUT donor sites carry staples or stitches for about 7 to 10 days, FUE sites become inconspicuous within about a week, and patients leave wearing only a loose-fitting cap.5 Most patients are satisfied with one session, though some need a second or third to reach the desired density.5

Nakatsui holds FRCPC and FAAD fellowships and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology; the clinic describes him as board certified in both Canada and the United States.2 The ISHRS registry lists him as a Full Member in Edmonton.6 The clinic also lists memberships including the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery and the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.2