gottitgood4me

Amazing difference

They both have great reputations. I suggest you LITERALLY write out a list of questions you have. Visit Doctors sites, see if they answer your questions there, then send photos for a on-line evaluation, or VIDEO, that may be even better to evaluate, post it on youtube and provide the Doctor the link. Then personally ask the Doctor your questions Then when you find a Doc that meets your expectations, possibly schedule a in-person, then have it done if it all feels right. With some effort, I think you should find a excellent Doctor you are happy with in a month or two. Some Docs may have poor "bedside manner" but perform excellent work. Others may be very charming but lack artistic skill needed. I want excellent work done, even if the guy acts like a "dead log" My biggest concern is the outcome of the work!

There is a big difference in pricing from what I see, even with similarly skilled Docs. I was quoted $10,000 for 2500 grafts. I found a on-line clinic that the doctor works with as well, and now I should be able to get the same procedure from the same doc for $7500!!!! Research, research research! Dont be afraid to try to negotiate. Even though we have AMAZING Doctors out there that do AMAZING work, this is still a profit business. These Doctors have worked hard to get where they are at, no doubt of this. I do not think it is "unethical" to charge $10.00 per graft, but I do not think it is necessary. Im curious about the profit margin for a 8 or 9 hour session that cost $8,000 or more. How is the cost broken down for, office space, tools, insurance, staff, Doctors time??????? Anyone have a reliable cost breakdown?

I just had a e-mail photo evaluation with Hasson/Wong. I live in North Hollywood. What does "bump for a few openings still available." mean. Who does the procedures at the Continental Grand (By LAX) 400 Continental Blvd 6th Floor El Segundo, California 90245 address?

yes, SOME clinics try to hard with deceptive before and after pictures. These, however, are very objective. I think this clinic has done a fine job displaying a patients before and after results. Might I also recommend that more doctors use video documentation with patients before and after.

I really like the way the "case breakdown" is presented. I like to see the doctors "Norwood class" given, and the breakdown of the size of follicles used. The photos look very "objective" as well. I do not like a before picture with a very pale, unhappy looking guy, then a post op, all tan and sparkling teeth. I do not want to feel deceived in that way. I see that all to often by some Doctors.

That is the thing about photos.They can be very deceptive. I hope Doctors start using more pre and post op VIDEO of the patient. This may prove more truthful as to what the results are. Of course there are issues with video as well, but I think we can see a bigger picture of what is going on.

I had my first procedure done in late 2007 with Dr. Wentland. My recollection is that is was more about how much I could spend than what I really needed to be happy with the results. I spent $2800 on the front hair section only. I had the option to have crown work done for a extra $700. I declined. As of today, I am sure I have more hair in the front than if I had done nothing. The hair, however is much less dense that what I believe is considered "normal" for a procedure. I am ready to do another surgery. I have pretty much narrowed down my Doctor choices to; Dr. Kenneth Siporin in LA, Dr. Scott Alexander in Phoenix, AZ, or Samson hair restoration in LA , or Hasson & Wong. I went to a consultation at Samson first. I never met with a doctor. This was a bit of a concern for me. I met with the owner of the company, William McCullough. He talked to me about their clinic. He answered the questions I had. He estimated that 2600 or so graphs would be done in the front and crown area combined. He was very nice and informative. I do not believe that a doctor is needed to estimate certain things like a graft count, however, I want to meet the person that will be cutting me open and putting slices in my skin. I later e-mailed Mr. McCullough and said I wanted to see some immediate post-op photos and I would like to meet with the Doctor that would be doing my work a week before I scheduled something. He sent me some photos like I asked and said it would be fine to meet up with the Doctor. Unfortunately, I just do not see enough information about them on-line to better educate myself. I have been given the opportunity to meet with patients, however, I might not know what Doctor did their work. This is a issue with me when a clinic has several Doctors. Quality can be different, I suppose. They said the cost would be $6,500. They do not charge by the graft, so they say, but by the region. Im not sure how I feel about this. I can see ups, and down to this. I did a phone consultation with Dr. Alexander today. I e-mailed photos a few days ago. Based on the photos, he recommends at least 2,000 in the crown alone. I mentioned that crown coverage is very important for me. He charges $4.00 per graft. He does not offer discounts for larger sessions as some do. He seems to have an excellent reputation. He mentioned the importance of a Doctor placing the grafts in the appropriate angle and direction, especially in the crown for a natural look. I do not think I would have any hesitation about letting him perform the work. The pricing is my only obstacle at this time. If I believe that Dr. Siporin provides the same quality of work and I can get it for less, well then, that is just common sense. I have my in-person meet with Dr. Siporin next week. I sent photos and did a brief consultation based off of that. I plan on having a list of questions written down so that I do not forget anything. I also always bring my computer with photos of myself and any hairstyle I would like to have and ask if it seems realistic. I was originally quoted $10,000 for 2,500 grafts based on my photos only. Im well aware that this may change when I meet in person. I have also found a possible discount from them that he may honor as well. That would make a major reduction in the cost of the surgery. He is a local Doctor to me as well, this may have an impact on my decision.

Looks excellent.

For those asking to see photos, look at the ones on my page from Dr wentland and gather your own opinion.