Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration is a state-of-the-art facility specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of hair loss for both men and women. Founded by Dr. Robert M. Bernstein, a pioneer in modern hair transplant surgery, the clinic utilizes advanced technologies and techniques, including Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), with FUE procedures enhanced by robotic technology. Bernstein Medical is dedicated to providing exceptional care and helping patients achieve natural-looking results, restoring hairlines, density, and confidence.
The clinic offers a range of services designed to address various hair loss concerns, including physician consultations, online consultations for those outside the New York City area, Robotic FUE, FUT, Scalp Micro-Pigmentation (SMP), and medical treatments for hair loss. They also provide repair for previous hair transplants and restoration for hair lost from facial procedures or other causes. Bernstein Medical is recognized for its contributions to the field, including publications that have revolutionized surgical hair restoration and a comprehensive website that serves as a leading resource on the topic. The clinic's team of board-certified physicians, including Dr. Bernstein and Dr. Christine M. Shaver, are noted for their expertise and dedication.
Patient feedback indicates a high level of satisfaction, with many highlighting the knowledgeable and caring nature of the staff, as well as the effective treatments provided. Some reviews specifically mention positive experiences with Dr. Shaver, noting her ability to review situations, discuss costs, and create personalized plans, leading to excitement about upcoming procedures. The facility itself is described as state-of-the-art, with robotic automation contributing to a positive overall experience. Patients often praise the clinic for its efficient operations, clear explanations, and the compassionate demeanor of the team, which helps alleviate nervousness about procedures. Overall, Bernstein Medical is frequently commended for delivering excellent results and a supportive patient journey.
Procedures Offered
FUE
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique where individual hair follicles are extracted one by one from the donor area using a small circular punch tool. The harvested follicles are then carefully implanted into the balding or thinning areas of the scalp. This method leaves tiny, nearly invisible scars rather than a linear scar, resulting in faster healing and the ability to wear shorter hairstyles. Because of this, FUE is the most popular hair transplant technique today.
FUT
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), also known as the "strip method," involves surgically removing a narrow strip of scalp from the donor area, typically the back of the head. The strip is then carefully dissected under a microscope to separate individual hair follicles, which are implanted into the recipient areas. While this technique leaves a linear scar that requires longer hair to conceal, it allows surgeons to harvest a large number of high-quality grafts in a single session, making it cost-effective for patients needing extensive coverage.
ARTAS
ARTAS is a robotic hair transplant system that automates the FUE process using advanced imaging and artificial intelligence to identify, select, and extract individual hair follicles with precision. The robot works under the surgeon's guidance to harvest grafts more consistently than manual extraction, potentially reducing human error and procedure time. ARTAS can offer enhanced accuracy and less fatigue-related variability, and is only available at select clinics with this specialized technology.
Dr. Christine M. Shaver is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon with extensive training and experience in hair restoration. She graduated from MIT with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and went on to earn her medical degree from New York Medical College, where she graduated at the top of her class with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. Dr. Shaver completed her internal medicine internship at Yale University and her dermatology residency at Drexel-Hahnemann University Hospital, serving as Chief Resident. She further honed her surgical skills during a Mohs micrographic surgery fellowship and an apprenticeship in hair transplantation with Dr. William Rassman, a mentor to Dr. Bernstein. Dr. Shaver utilizes advanced techniques, including the ARTAS Robotic System for FUE procedures, and has a particular interest in hair cloning technology. She is recognized for her compassionate approach and aesthetic eye, aiming to provide natural results for her patients, and is the head of the Manhattan office at Bernstein Medical. Her professional recognition includes being named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor multiple times and receiving the Provider of the Year award from Schweiger Dermatology Group.
Deirdre M. Connolly, MD
Dr. Deirdre M. Connolly is a highly accomplished dermatologist with a strong educational background and extensive experience in her field. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and was valedictorian of her class at Stony Brook University School of Medicine, where she was also recognized with honors such as induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha and Gold Foundation for Humanism honor societies. Dr. Connolly completed her dermatology residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, serving as Chief Resident, and further specialized with a fellowship in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and Cutaneous Oncology at Cooper University Hospital. Her commitment to excellence has been recognized with a 2024 Castle Connolly Top Doctor award, and she is double board-certified in dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery. Dr. Connolly has also contributed to the medical community through numerous publications and has authored a manual for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
Robert M. Bernstein, MD
Dr. Robert M. Bernstein is a distinguished dermatologist and a pioneering figure in modern hair transplant surgery. He holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from Rutgers University, where he received an award for excellence in dermatology, and completed his dermatology training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, serving as chief resident. Dr. Bernstein also earned an MBA from Columbia University and is a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is widely recognized for developing Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), techniques that have significantly advanced the field of hair restoration. Dr. Bernstein is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and a member of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery, among other professional organizations. His significant contributions to research have been honored with the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery's highest award, the "Platinum Follicle Award," and he has been repeatedly recognized in prestigious publications like New York Magazine's "Best Doctors in New York" and Castle Connolly's "America's Top Doctors."
