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Dr Arshad, The Hair Dr

M

My2021story

member
Background:
37 years old & have been suffering MPB gradually since around 25years old.

I have spent the last 2 years religiously reading various forums to gain an insight into hair restoration.

I was initially hesitant to have a procedure in the UK as I have read so many posts advising that the UK just isn’t on a par with Dr’s in Europe.
I had planned to go to Brussels and have the procedure done by Dr Bisanga- consulted with him and his assistant, Hilde, who were fantastic and very helpful.....Then Borris told us all we couldn’t leave the UK!

I was keen to have the work done during lockdown.2 as it’s easier to hide away during the recovery stage- however this would not compromise my priority of quality.

Price was never a deciding factor for me.
Neither were ‘celebrity’ endorsed clinics or clinics with fancy Instagram accounts and clever marketing

I then started to read and see numerous positive results and feedback for the Hair Dr on various forums.

These were real people posting on forums, not pictures posted on social media adverts.
So I thank all that have posted on here and other forums. (This is why I’ve decided to post myself, hopefully it will help someone else)

I booked an initial call to get a feel for them and was impressed from the start- very informative, and not at all sales driven.
This professionalism was consistent with every call and interaction I had - so based on my research, the answers they gave me and a general gut feeling I booked my surgery.

Day of Surgery:
Arrival 7am, greeted by Adam who made me feel welcome and was a professional in person as he has been on my calls.

I met with Dr Arshad and Dr Hamza where we discussed the hairline and result I wanted to achieve.

Dr Arshad took his time here and changed the design a few times to ensure it was right for my features.

Then I had my hair shaved and went down to surgery.

Dr Hamza injected me with the anaesthetic- there is no getting around this, it’s not pleasant and does hurt but the pain soon goes and Dr Hamza was great.

Dr Arshad then used a .8 punch to punch the grafts, this was pain free (but a strange experience) and took a few hours.

Next the technicians removed the grafts and separated them.

This took a few hours, and I think they were also doing this whilst Dr A was punching.
I did take a break for lunch at some point- kindly provided by the clinic.

I had initially planned to have 4000 grafts, however Dr Arshad advised that I had a good donor area and managed to get 4,817 grafts.
Singles- 971
Doubles- 2,531
Triples- 1,319

Dr Hamza prepared me for the incisions by administering more anaesthetic, again a bit painful but he was great- this was not unexpected and an unavoidable part of the process.

Dr Arshad then made all the incisions, adding more anaesthetic when required!
No real pain during this process.

The technicians then implanted the hairs- this was the longest part of the day- maybe 6/7 hours but was pain free and I simply watched Netflix.
They were great and made sure I was ok at all times.

Dr Arshad checked in a number of times during this stage, as did Julia (who was also great during the day)

Finished up at around 20:30ish when Dr Arshad checked the work to ensure he was happy.

He gave me a de-brief and talked me through the meds and after care process.
Nice easy to follow instructions on a chart so I can easily keep track.

Back to the hotel by 21:30, where I slept surprisingly well!

Hotel was recommended by the clinic and even had a discount code provided to me.

In summary, my experience has been great right from the initial call.

Whilst it’s far too early to judge the outcome of the procedure, so far I have only good things to say about the clinic and all the staff I met throughout the day.

I’ve looked at 100’s of results online (as I’m sure many of us do as we obsessively research clinics and results!) and I think things are looking good, but would of course appreciate any feedback from you gentlemen.

Pics of pre and post surgery attached
 

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M

My2021story

member
36 hours post surgery:

slight swelling on side of face, but this is as to be expected.

Minimal bleeding on recipient area and donor is looking better already.
 

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M

My2021story

member
3 days post surgery:
 

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duffman

duffman

Valued member
Everything looking good to me. What hotel did you stay at? Were there any issues with the accommodation due to the lockdown?
 
M

My2021story

member
Everything looking good to me. What hotel did you stay at? Were there any issues with the accommodation due to the lockdown?
I stayed in a Holiday Inn, 5 mins away from the clinic.
No issues at all. When I checked in the receptionist actually asked if I’d just had a hair transplant so I’m sure they have seen this before.
No questions asked or issues checking in.
 
Tomuk85

Tomuk85

member
i stayed in the hotel opposite the Ramada as it was randomly cheaper , i guess due to the lack of people staying. I paid £35 for a mid week stay.

Good luck 2021mystory , im about 2 days ahead of you. Sounds like we had a similar experience at the hair DR.
 
M

My2021story

member
i stayed in the hotel opposite the Ramada as it was randomly cheaper , i guess due to the lack of people staying. I paid £35 for a mid week stay.

Good luck 2021mystory , im about 2 days ahead of you. Sounds like we had a similar experience at the hair DR.
Solid experience and wasn’t disappointed!
I think my hotel was £45 so no complaints!

fingers crossed for a strong result.
 
B

Baldingman23

Valued member
I stayed in a Holiday Inn, 5 mins away from the clinic.
No issues at all. When I checked in the receptionist actually asked if I’d just had a hair transplant so I’m sure they have seen this before.
No questions asked or issues checking in.
Exactly where I stayed nice and easy and very close to the clinic!!
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
Hi my2021story.
I'm pleased the forum has helped you in your research and thanks for sharing your story.
Having your surgery during lockdown has worked out well for you. You've had a huge surgery. That number of grafts should make a nice result for you.
At 3 days post op you look to be healing well.
I'll look forward to following your progress.
All the best.
Bm.
 
alex5

alex5

member
I stayed in a Holiday Inn, 5 mins away from the clinic.
No issues at all. When I checked in the receptionist actually asked if I’d just had a hair transplant so I’m sure they have seen this before.
No questions asked or issues checking in.
I'm going to be doing the same and am a bit anxious about them seeing me straight after the transplant tbh but I guess it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things! Have to then find a taxi company to take me back to London
 
M

My2021story

member
I'm going to be doing the same and am a bit anxious about them seeing me straight after the transplant tbh but I guess it doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things! Have to then find a taxi company to take me back to London
They were fine and must have seen it many times before. I wouldn’t worry about it at all.
 
B

Baldingman23

Valued member
They were fine and must have seen it many times before. I wouldn’t worry about it at all.
Yes when I asked The Hair Dr team where to stay they suggested the holiday in to as that’s where they recommend for all their patients.
 
M

My2021story

member
Just did my first wash at day 7 as per Dr’s advice.
Pics attached.

I’m expecting to shed so not overly concerned, more looking for reassurance I think, but I did note one of the hairs that came out looks like a graft- no blood whatsoever, and I’m sure this is normal but would appreciate any input.



Many Thanks
 

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B

Baldingman23

Valued member
Yes I had one come out like that which I sent a photo of to the hair dr and they reassured me it was just a hair and not to worry. I totally freaked out at first like you. You are healing well
 
M

My2021story

member
Yes I had one come out like that which I sent a photo of to the hair dr and they reassured me it was just a hair and not to worry. I totally freaked out at first like you. You are healing well
Thank you!
Despite knowing I probably shouldn’t be worried, it’s so hard not to over think.
 
M

Matt88

member
Thank you!
Despite knowing I probably shouldn’t be worried, it’s so hard not to over think.
Hi My2021story, congratulations on your hair transplant and it looks to have been done very well, which is typical of Dr Arshad.

Having had a very similar pattern of hairloss to you, I completely empathise with you having concerns. It's completely normal - you've just undergone a genuinely life-changing procedure. You've also chosen a fantastic surgeon and, long-term, that will really put your mind at ease as you start to see results.

Best wishes,
Matt
 
M

My2021story

member
10 days post op.
Now had 3 washes.

I am Noticing hairs coming out when washing with the scabs, but this is to be expected.

Some minor remains of scabs on recipient area, but most scabs have gone and starting to look normal (ish)

I would welcome any thoughts from those in the know.

Everything is as it should be at this stage?
 

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M

Matt88

member
This looks great to me. Redness has subsided and very little in the way of scabs. And your donor looks very nice, too. I'd be pretty happy in your situation.

What is your aftercare plan looking like?
 
M

My2021story

member
This looks great to me. Redness has subsided and very little in the way of scabs. And your donor looks very nice, too. I'd be pretty happy in your situation.

What is your aftercare plan looking like?

Thanks.
It’s so hard not to worry at this stage but am trusting the process.

My donor area is a little sore on occasion but other than that no pain or discomfort really.

Aftercare as in meds?
Fin, biotin and multivitamin.

I have Minoxidil too but not sure when I should start to use that- will take advice from the Dr on that I think.
 
M

Matt88

member
Thanks.
It’s so hard not to worry at this stage but am trusting the process.

My donor area is a little sore on occasion but other than that no pain or discomfort really.

Aftercare as in meds?
Fin, biotin and multivitamin.

I have Minoxidil too but not sure when I should start to use that- will take advice from the Dr on that I think.
I know what you mean about the worrying and, in my experience, it will get easier. You found the right surgeon for your procedure and that will give you long-term peace-of-mind.

My donor still has sore moments now, so I think that's to be expected.

I think Dr Arshad recommends using Minoxidil one month after the procedure, so not long before you can do that, too.
 
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