Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration is a specialized clinic in New York City dedicated to treating hair loss in both men and women. Founded by Dr. Robert M. Bernstein, a renowned innovator in hair restoration, the center offers advanced procedures such as Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), including robotic-assisted FUE. They focus on providing personalized treatment plans, utilizing cutting-edge technology to achieve natural-looking results for patients seeking to restore their hair density and confidence.
The clinic provides a comprehensive range of services, including physician consultations for diagnosing hair loss, online consultations for those outside the immediate New York area, and treatments like Scalp Micro-Pigmentation (SMP) and medical management of hair loss. Bernstein Medical also offers repair for previous hair transplant procedures and restoration for hair loss on the face and eyebrows. They maintain a portfolio of before-and-after photos and client testimonials, showcasing their expertise. The practice emphasizes meticulous attention to detail throughout the procedures and offers long-term patient follow-up.
Patient feedback generally highlights the professionalism and expertise of the doctors and staff at Bernstein Medical. Many reviews praise the clear explanations of treatment plans, the welcoming office environment, and the responsive communication from the team. Patients often express satisfaction with the results, noting a significant improvement in their hair and a boost in their self-confidence. Some testimonials specifically mention Dr. Shaver for her expertise and compassionate approach. However, a small number of reviews indicate dissatisfaction with specific outcomes or perceived value, with one patient expressing that the results did not meet their expectations.
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 earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from MIT and her medical degree from New York Medical College, graduating with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. Dr. Shaver completed her internal medicine internship at Yale University and her dermatology residency at Drexel – Hahnemann Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident. She further honed her surgical skills during a Mohs fellowship, which she applies to both FUT and Robotic FUE hair transplant procedures. Dr. Shaver has also trained with Dr. William Rassman, a notable figure in hair transplantation. Her dedication to advancing the field is evident in her interest in hair cloning technology and her use of the ARTAS Robotic System for FUE procedures. Dr. Shaver has been recognized with several accolades, including Castle Connolly Top Doctor distinctions in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and she is a member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery.
Deirdre M. Connolly, MD
Dr. Deirdre M. Connolly is a highly accomplished dermatologist with double board certifications in dermatology and Mohs micrographic surgery. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and was the valedictorian of her class at Stony Brook University School of Medicine, earning distinctions from prestigious honor societies. Dr. Connolly completed her dermatology residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where she served as chief resident, and further honed her skills with a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery and cutaneous oncology at Cooper University Hospital. Her professional experience includes extensive research and publications in dermatologic surgery, cosmetics, and general dermatology, as well as authoring a manual for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Connolly is recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for 2024 and is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the Gold Humanism Honor Society. Her expertise lies in dermatologic surgery and skin cancer treatment.
Robert M. Bernstein, MD
Dr. Robert M. Bernstein is a distinguished dermatologist and a leading pioneer in modern hair transplant surgery, recognized globally for developing Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedures. He holds a Bachelor of Science with honors from Tulane University and received his Doctor of Medicine from Rutgers University, where he was awarded the Dr. Bleiberg Award for Excellence in Dermatology. Dr. Bernstein completed his dermatology residency at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, serving as Chief Resident. He also holds an MBA from Columbia University. As a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons, he shares his expertise through teaching and international lectures. Dr. Bernstein is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and is board-certified by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. He has received the prestigious "Platinum Follicle Award," the highest honor from the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), for his significant contributions to hair transplantation research. He has authored numerous articles and book chapters, making him a leading authority in hair loss diagnosis and treatment, and has been consistently recognized in "Best Doctors" lists by New York Magazine and Castle Connolly. Dr. Bernstein is also at the forefront of robotic hair transplant technology, collaborating with Restoration Robotics to enhance the ARTAS® Robotic System.
