Help! Need to find a trustworthy clinic

[Salazar]

Help! I'm looking for a trustworthy clinic, preferably in Scotland, but I will travel to England if necessary. I'm terrified that I end up with my scalp butchered by some cowboy -- I've seen plenty of horror stories about KSL Hair in the news.

 

[Salazar]

Update: I tried the NHS website, which recommended that I try the BAHRS website. I went to the BAHRS website, and it gave me 1 name: Dr. Rohit Seth. I googled his name, which took me to Surgery Group website, where I read the following about FUE: "As the treatment is minimally invasive, the scarring is negligible and you can have your hair as short as you like." This is clearly nonsense. How can I wear my hair as short as I like if the back of my head looks like a cork board? I am at a loss. I don't even know where to begin in finding reliable information.

 

[loui]

In my opinion Dr Edward Ball is very good in the UK. Hes not cheap though, 5 GBP per graft I believe.

Make your own mind by looking at his patient reviews here

Search results for query: Ball

www.hairlossexperiences.com

 

[Raphael84]

Take your time. Conduct your research and ask your questions.
You have found a great resource here at this very forum with many individuals who have been in exactly the same situation as you.
Forget the NHS and their recommendations. You need industry professionals who work full time in restoration.

Being honest Salazar, you will have to broaden your scope somewhat in regard to travel. Many individuals cross continents to visit the most skilled and best in the industry. To say that your preference is Scotland but you will travel to England if necessary, this will require a different mind set and commitment to find the best surgeon for you and avoid exactly what you reference.

But slow the process down. Become familiar with the community and trust worthy individuals and do not be rushed or pressured into anything.

I wish you the best.

 

[Salazar]

Thank you to both louii & Raphael84 for your replies.

you will have to broaden your scope somewhat in regard to travel

My chief worry is that if there are any post-op complications, I can't easily revisit the clinic to have them seen to. I read in a forum somewhere an exchange between Dr Feller & an unhappy patient. Dr Feller said that the patient needed to return to the clinic, so that he could conduct a proper examination. The patient complained that this was impractical as he lived on the other side of the Atlantic.

 

[loui]

Thank you to both louii & Raphael84 for your replies.


My chief worry is that if there are any post-op complications, I can't easily revisit the clinic to have them seen to. I read in a forum somewhere an exchange between Dr Feller & an unhappy patient. Dr Feller said that the patient needed to return to the clinic, so that he could conduct a proper examination. The patient complained that this was impractical as he lived on the other side of the Atlantic.

If you are worried about post-op problems you could stay say a week at a hotel nearby if you travel abroad.

It takes about 5-7 days until you feel pretty normal again after surgery, its quick recovery usually.

 

[Philw]

In the uk only person i like is dr ball

 

[Bobbins]

Thank you to both louii & Raphael84 for your replies.


My chief worry is that if there are any post-op complications, I can't easily revisit the clinic to have them seen to. I read in a forum somewhere an exchange between Dr Feller & an unhappy patient. Dr Feller said that the patient needed to return to the clinic, so that he could conduct a proper examination. The patient complained that this was impractical as he lived on the other side of the Atlantic.

It’s true that in some circumstances you may need to see the surgeon so they can examine your head using magnification.

However, most patients communicate using electronic methods until a final review after a year.

If there are complications they’re likely to be seen shortly after surgery or after 5-6months should you not see expected growth beginning.

So, worst case would be staying close to the clinic shortly afterwards and then a couple of other visits during that first 12 months.

For what is a very expensive and potentially life changing procedure, I’d factor in travelling to do that - perhaps to the U.K. but preferably into Europe.

 

[Salazar]

Thanks Bobbins. Just out of curiosity, have you had surgery & if so then where?

 

[James6]

In the uk only person i like is dr ball

Farjo produce some very good results but I agree, Dr Ball is the best in the UK by some distance.

 

[Salazar]

but I agree, Dr Ball is the best

Thanks James6. And you too Philw.

I notice that there are a lot of hair loss organizations -- American Hair Loss Association, American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery (ABHRS), International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons, International Society of of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS). Total rookie question, but should one only seek out a surgeon that is a member of one of these organizations? Do they provide any sort of regularisation of the industry or can anyone join up by simply paying a membership fee?

 

[Bobbins]

Thanks Bobbins. Just out of curiosity, have you had surgery & if so then where?

I have. I had surgery in February.

I was in touch with the surgery daily for the first week, then weekly and now monthly or as/when I need advice.

It’d all done via WhatsApp. I could visit them (they’re a 3hr drive) but haven’t had the need to. They typically reply within the hour.

I’m pretty sure it’ll be 12 months before I go back in person if things continue as they are.

The clinic I used were once a darling of the forum but are now far from it, so won’t go in to that!

 

[Salazar]

The clinic I used were once a darling of the forum but are now far from it, so won’t go in to that!

I'm intrigued but fair enough.

I notice that the Harley St Clinic -- who did Rooney's hair -- is the only one that Spex endorses in the UK. Does a surgeon have to be one of the big names or there any unsung heroes?

 

[Salazar]

Does anyone have any experience with the Crown Clinic in Manchester? The surgeon is Dr. Asim Shahmalak.

 

[hopeful]

I think you should consider travelling to Europe.
It’s a small journey which is very simple and in my opinion it gives you much better options.
Take your time and get it right first time.
Best of luck

 

[Salazar]

I think you should consider travelling to Europe.

Hmmm, maybe. I think I'd prefer to check out the UK clinics first, then, if need be, expand my search further afield. But you're probably right: I'm still stuck in my old mindset. It's going to take a bit of coercing to step outside my comfort zone. Just out of curiosity, have you had a transplant & if so then where?

 

[loui]

Hmmm, maybe. I think I'd prefer to check out the UK clinics first, then, if need be, expand my search further afield. But you're probably right: I'm still stuck in my old mindset. It's going to take a bit of coercing to step outside my comfort zone. Just out of curiosity, have you had a transplant & if so then where?

The one who seem to be doing best work out of UK is Dr Ball, or atleast he is well documented. You have Dr Raghu Reddy, Dr Bessam Farjo aswell that have cases on here.

A transplant in the UK will not be cheap. About 5 GBP per graft is normal for quality.

 

[hopeful]

Hmmm, maybe. I think I'd prefer to check out the UK clinics first, then, if need be, expand my search further afield. But you're probably right: I'm still stuck in my old mindset. It's going to take a bit of coercing to step outside my comfort zone. Just out of curiosity, have you had a transplant & if so then where?

Yes I had a procedure almost 3 months ago in Belgium with Dr Bisanga.
Take your time and do plenty of research.
This forum will be a huge help to do so

 

[Raphael84]

My chief worry is that if there are any post-op complications, I can't easily revisit the clinic to have them seen to. I read in a forum somewhere an exchange between Dr Feller & an unhappy patient. Dr Feller said that the patient needed to return to the clinic, so that he could conduct a proper examination. The patient complained that this was impractical as he lived on the other side of the Atlantic.

It is great that you are looking at other aspects of the process and being conscious of potential follow ups or touch up if that may be necessary. All such things should be factored into a patients decision and thought process as there is no clinic that can guarantee with 100% certainty, as is the nature of hair restoration.

You have received some great advice in this thread that offers real value.

As a patient myself, I travelled from the UK to Canada for my first surgery. We are all budget conscious to some degree or another, which whilst should never be the driving factor, being honest and transparent, of course it has its place and is an influence.
Once there is an honest idea of a feasible budget and if that budget is a genuine budget to find a quality surgeon, then I believe it is important to find the best doctor whose work you appreciate and has a reputation for consistently excellent results.

In doing so, you are mitigating the potential need for any revisit to the clinic. Sure you can stay "more local" incase that yield isn't as expected, but by staying "more local", for most of us that would mean a lesser quality surgery and therefore increase the possibility of needing to return for a touch up or having any issues which is also counter intuitive.
This would mean the touch up may again not be at the quality desired.

This is not to say that you do not have options within the UK. Other doctors worth contacting have been cited, but compare their cases and approach with your own status and objectives and an in person consultation prior to committing is always worth the inconvenience.

The need for a touch up with a quality surgeon is uncommon, and even more important to that effect is that you have the knowledge that the doctor will take care of you in the rare situation that growth isn't as expected.

 

[hopeful]

You have received fantastic advise above from Raphael84.