Your Best Choice for Hair Transplant in Los Angeles 2026

Today, choosing the right hair transplant surgeon requires more than finding a clinic that offers FUE. Experience, credentials, and direct physician involvement matter more than ever as the number of cosmetic clinics continues to grow across Los Angeles. Many centers advertise low-cost, high-volume procedures, but not all are physician-led or grounded in long-term medical planning.

Dr. Paul J. McAndrews stands apart as a leader in ethical, evidence-based hair restoration. With decades devoted exclusively to hair transplantation, he has built his Los Angeles practice around safety, natural results, and individualized patient care.

Unmatched Credentials and Leadership in Hair Restoration

Dr. McAndrews is one of only two physicians in the world to have served as President of both the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery and the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. This dual presidency is exceptionally rare and reflects peer recognition at the highest level of the specialty.

He is also a Clinical Professor at USC/LAC Medical Center and serves as an Expert Medical Reviewer for the California Medical Board. Beyond performing surgery, Dr. McAndrews teaches and mentors new hair transplant surgeons, contributes to certification standards, and helps shape the examinations and guidelines required for board certification. His leadership directly influences how hair restoration is practiced worldwide.

Although he does not appear on paid “Top 10” lists because he refuses placement fees, affiliate tracking, or referral kickbacks, within the profession, he is widely regarded as one of the most respected hair restoration surgeons in the United States. You can read more about Dr. McAndrews’ credentials in the section below.

Certifications
  • Diplomate, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery- Certified 2003 and recertified 2013 and 2017 (Past-President of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery 2012)
  • Diplomate, American Board of Dermatology- Certified in 1997 and recertified in 2007 & 2017
Teaching
  • Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Southern California School of Medicine
    • Teaching the residents the latest advances in medical treatments and surgical treatments (hair transplants & hair restoration) for hair loss
    • Dr. McAndrews believes it is very important that doctors performing hair transplants should be trained in a residency or fellowship program like he was.
    • Awarded the “Outstanding Teacher Award in Surgical Dermatology” from the Department of Dermatology, USC School of Medicine 2010
  • Guest Lecturer at numerous teaching programs across the United States and Internationally
Leadership
  • Voting Past President, International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, 2025 – 2026
  • President, Executive Committee, International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, 2020 – 2021 
  • Vice President, Executive Committee, International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, 2019 – 2020
  • Treasurer, Executive Committee, International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, 2017- 2019 
  • Board of Governors, ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) 2013-Present
  • President of the ABHRS (American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery) 2012.
  • Senior Medical Advisor for Stemson Therapeutics (cell therapy for hair growth)
  • Wrote/Created the “Re-Certification Exam” for the ABHRS that every diplomate of the ABHRS must take to be recertified
  • Examiner for the ABHRS (American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery) and administered the oral certification exam 2010- Present (Houston/Seoul Korea/ Bangkok, Thailand/Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
  • Chairman of the Advanced Hair Restoration/Board Review Course at the annual scientific meeting in San Francisco for the ISHRS 2013
  • Vice President of ABHRS (American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery) 2011
  • Chairman of the Recertification Exam for the ABHRS from 2010-2014
  • Chairman, Annual Scientific meeting, ISHRS (International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery) Boston 2010
  • Chairman of the Advanced Hair Restoration/Board Review Course at the annual scientific meeting in Amsterdam for the ISHRS 2009
  • Chairman of the Advanced Hair Restoration/Board Review Course at the annual scientific meeting in Montreal, Canada for the ISHRS 2008
  • Chairman of the “Live Patient Viewing” Session at the annual scientific meeting in San Diego for the ISHRS 2006
  • Member of Ethics Committee for the ISHRS
  • Member of the “Continuing Medical Education” Committee for the ISHRS
  • Member of the “Annual Scientific Meeting” Committee
  • Member of the Advisor Committee and Consultant to Merck, Inc. on hair loss and frequent keynote speaker on the benefits of Propecia® (finasteride)
  • Consultant to Pfizer, Inc. on hair loss and member of the Rogaine® Speakers Bureau.
  • Member, International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery
  • Member, American Society of Hair Restoration Surgery
  • Member, American Academy of Dermatology
  • Member, American Medical Association
Authored/Publications
    • Authored/Wrote- “Hair Loss and Hair Transplantations” Chapter in the text book “Comprehensive Aesthetic Rejuvenation- a Regional Approach”- Published December 2011
    • Authored/Wrote – “Hair Transplant Goals Based on Natural Patterns of Hair Loss” Chapter in text book “Hair Transplantation Fifth Edition”– Published 2012
    • Authored/Wrote- “Hair Transplants in Young Men” Chapter in the text book “Hair Transplant 360”- Published December 2014
    • Authored/Wrote- “Hair Transplantation” Chapter in the textbook “Practical Dermatologic Surgery”- Published 2022
    Awards
    • Awarded the “Outstanding Teacher Award in Surgical Dermatology” from the Department of Dermatology, USC School of Medicine 2010
    • Honored with the distinction of Chief Resident for the Department of Dermatology, USC School of Medicine
    • Awarded as a Dean’s Scholar every year of Medical School at USC School of Medicine
    • Awarded an Air Force Scholarship for Medical School at the USC School of Medicine
    • Elected to Alpha Omega Alpha– a National Medical Honor Society for the top 15% of medical students in the United States
    • Scored in the top 4 percentile in the nation on the National Board Medical Exam
    • Graduated Magna Cum Laude from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
    • Awarded the Castle Connolly Top Doctors Award every year since 2008 – represents the top 1% selected by their physician peers
    • Awarded Top Doctor Los Angeles Magazine
    • Awarded Top Doctor Pasadena Magazine
    Education
    • Residency- Department of Dermatology, University of Southern California/Los Angeles County Medical Center 1994-1997 (Dr. McAndrews trained in the art of hair transplants and hair restorations under the watchful eye of some of the best hair transplant surgeons in the world, two of which was Dr. M. B. Corbett and Dr. Samuel Ayers who were the artistic pioneers in the field of hair transplants and hair restoration. Dr. McAndrews eventually took over Dr. Ayers and Dr. Corbett’s practice).
    • United States Air Force- Flight Surgeon 1991-1994
    • Internship- Santa Clara County Medical Center (Stanford Affiliate) – 1990-1991
    • Medical School- University of Southern California Medical School 1986-1990
    • College- Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (BS in Biological Science)

    Over 20 Years of Experience Serving Los Angeles

    With more than 20 years dedicated exclusively to hair transplantation, Dr. McAndrews has treated thousands of patients throughout Los Angeles, Southern California, out-of-state, and internationally. His experience spans a wide range of hair types, ethnic backgrounds, and hair loss presentations common in this diverse region.

    Long-term follow-up care is a cornerstone of his practice. Having treated patients for decades, he understands how hair loss progresses over time and how to plan surgeries that remain natural for years to come.

    Advanced FUE and FUT Expertise

    Dr. McAndrews offers both Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Rather than promoting a single technique, he carefully evaluates which method is most appropriate based on a patient’s hair characteristics, donor supply, degree of hair loss, and long-term goals. Every treatment plan is customized, with careful attention to graft survival, natural density, and preservation of the donor area for the future.

    One Procedure Per Day: A Patient-First Philosophy

    Unlike high-volume clinics that perform multiple procedures daily, Dr. McAndrews performs only one hair transplant surgery per day. This ensures complete physician involvement from hairline design through graft placement.

    Direct surgeon oversight increases precision, improves graft handling, and enhances safety. It also allows for artistic planning and meticulous execution, which are essential for natural-looking results.

    Natural Hairline Design and Artistic Approach

    A successful hair transplant is not simply about moving grafts. It is about creating facial harmony and designing a hairline that looks appropriate for a patient’s age and long-term hair loss pattern.

    Dr. McAndrews emphasizes conservative planning to prevent future problems such as unnatural density or depleted donor areas. His approach prioritizes soft transitions, proper angulation, and a distribution pattern that mimics natural growth.

    You can view the before and after hair transplant results by clicking the button below.

    Corrective and Repair Expertise

    Many patients seek Dr. McAndrews after disappointing or poorly performed procedures elsewhere. When other surgeons fail, he is often called upon to repair unnatural hairlines, correct pluggy grafts, or restore depleted donor areas. In fact, about 50% of the hair transplants he performs are corrective procedures.

    But the better question is, why risk the physical and emotional trauma of a “budget” hair transplant only to spend more money later on a repair? By choosing Dr. McAndrews first, you save yourself from the heartbreak of a failed result. He is the expert who “saves” patients when all other options have been exhausted.

    Transparent Consultations and Long-Term Planning

    A thorough consultation is essential for successful hair restoration. Dr. McAndrews provides honest discussions about expected outcomes, limitations, and future hair loss progression.

    Medical management options such as finasteride and minoxidil are often discussed as part of a comprehensive plan. In many cases, combination therapy helps stabilize ongoing loss and protect surgical results.

    Why 2026 Patients Are Choosing Dr. McAndrews?

    Patients today are increasingly seeking physician-led practices rather than technician-driven clinics. Dr. McAndrews’ reputation among peers, leadership in professional organizations, and long-standing presence in Los Angeles make him a trusted authority in the field.

    His commitment to safety, ethics, and individualized care sets him apart in a competitive market. For patients who value experience, integrity, and natural results, his practice offers a clear distinction.

    Worried About Hair Loss? Let’s Talk.

    Get trusted answers from Dr. McAndrews, a board-certified hair restoration physician with over 20 years of experience. We offer both FUE and FUT hair transplants in Los Angeles at our Pasadena office and offer convenient online consultations that you can reserve from anywhere.

    Explore More Posts

    Do Peptides Help Hair Loss?

    What is a Peptide? Peptides are short chains of amino acids, and are generally defined as having small chains of 2 to 50 amino acids with...

    read more