James_1986

A bit of an update. Got a call out of the blue today from Tarquin at The Hospital Group saying that there had been a mix up with the sim cards on which the photos from my consultation were, and the surgeon had accidentally been sent photos of someone elses hair. Once the surgeon had seen the correct photos, he determined that I wasn't a candidate for a Hair Transplant. This is obviously a complete lie, and proves to me that The Hospital Group read these forums, and are trying to cover themselves. At the consultation when Tarquin examined me he said I was an absolute perfect candidate for a HT. I know he's not a surgeon, and only a salesman, but you would think he be able to spot someone who is not able to have a transplant. Apparently their head office are sending me a letter, so I will wait to see that. He also mentioned that 'a head specialist from London' said I would be suited to FUE transplant, but from what I understood, this isn't possible either. Anyway, it makes the Hospital Group look even worse. I mean, in the photos I was holding up a piece of paper to cover my face which actually had my name etc on. So there is no way they could have 'confused sim cards'. Plus I was physically examined before the photos were sent. So frustrating.

I completely agree. I really appreciate everyone's help and support.

I agree with everyone who suggests that shaving my head would be the best decision. However I think it's going to be hard for me to build up the courage to do it. Partly because I've never wanted a shaved head. But also because I imagine the initial period after doing it would be very difficult, because it would inevitably lead to a heightened level of self consciousness, even more so than now. But I realise its the only thing I can do, especially now I know that a HT is not possible. It's just a bit hard to come to terms with that, especially after the initial jubilation a week ago at the prospect of a HT.

I'm definitely up for trying the medication. Even if it just makes a little bit of difference, its better than nothing. However I was just wondering, has anyone had any negative side effects from using the medication? Anything I should be aware of? Thanks.

Thanks everyone for the helpful advice. Glad I found these forums! I'd definitely be interested in trying the meds, after I've done a bit more research. Do you need to have both the Proscar and the Minoxidil to get the best effects? Also would I need to take it indefinitely? Would the effects reverse if I stopped taking them, or would any positive effects remain permanently. Either way, it's definitely worth giving it a shot.

Yes my father is bald. I'm not sure what NW6 or NW7 is, but I imagine he would be classed as 7 if that is the highest on a scale. In terms of me, it hasn't come out of the blue, it started when I was about 16, so for at least 7 years. It's got worse in recent years.

Don't worry, there is no way I would have one now that the leading people in America have said it is not possible, even if it was just from photos. As much as that disappoints me, I know it is the right decision.

Thanks again guys for the comments, I really appreciate it. I may look for a second opinion from the people you have suggested, although I can't see them contradicting Feller/H&T. I've send Farjo an email. In terms of the medication, I'm not sure about that at the moment. I need to do more research. Although, I know its never going to produce the results that I dreamed of with the transplant. Spex, I am perfectly happy for you to add the photos of me that I sent you, with the face blocked. It would give people a better understanding. Maxhair, you did hit upon a concern of mine about relationships with women etc. It's a bit unfair on my part assuming that they are that concerned about appearance/hair, but its hard not to think that, especially when I know I'm in a minority of guys with hair problems at this age. And also basing it on my last 6/7 years. Anyway, thanks again everyone for the support.

Thanks for the comments guys. Very difficult time at the moment. Forest Gump, I did hear back from Feller via Spex. He said "unfortunately the doc doesn't feel you are eligible as your donor supply looks very weak too". Obviously I would rather have heard from the doctor himself, but I guess the fact that H&W said the same thing, backs it up. In terms of Minox and Propecia I haven't really looked into medicine. I assumed that it would be too late now, as aren't they to stop hair loss, as opposed to grow it back? I might think about seeing Farjo, although it seems unlikely that he would operate, as the others wouldn't. The only people I have actually seen face to face are The Hospital Group. The other 2 (H&W and Feller) were both as a result of sending photos. Do you think that there could be a chance that The Hospital Group were at least right that I was a cadidate for the treatment? Tarquin said he had shown the photos to Westwood and he wanted to do the operation, but I don't really believe anything they say based on what I have read on here.

Hi everyone. I'm a first time poster, and wanted to share my story, which also involves The Hospital Group. Basically I'm 23 and have been losing my hair since about 16, and it has caused severe depression, anxiety, complete lack of confidence, lack of relationships, and has also hampered me in getting a job. Because of how bad it has got recently I decided I wanted a hair transplant. My Mum had done a bit of research on my behalf, and arranged a consultation with The Hospital Group. We went there and met Tarquin who examined me, and said not only was I an excellent candidate for a transplant, but also that I could have a full head of hair after 1 or 2 operations. Needless to say I felt elated that my dream could come true, and that I could get my life back. However I wasn't completely taken in by the sales pitch, and immediately when I got home I researched the company (he was ringing back the next day). To my horror I found almost unanimous negative reviews and experiences of the Hospital Group, and the surgeon that I would potentially have (I think he was called Dr Westwood). I felt devastated about this, as I was ready to sign the dotted line and have the transplant, although obviously I was relieved that I hadn't wasted my money with them. However the story gets worse. Determined still to have the transplant I looked towards the USA/Canada and contacted both Hasson & Wong and Feller. I knew it would be a lot more money, and would involve travel, but for me it was worth it. However to my absolute horror I got an email back from both places saying that I wasn't able to have a transplant (I had sent many photos). The guy from Hasson and Wong said 'you are not a candidate for hair transplant surgery of any kind. Your donor area is far too sparse and of very low density and your area of hair loss is far too aggressive. The donor to loss ratio is severely out of balance and being only 23 years of age, and already essentially a NW7, you are going to lose even more hair in the future ??¦. if any clinic offers to perform surgery for you and they say that they can give you a very good result you should turn around and leave because they are only after your money.' Needless to say this news has left me devastated. In 48 hours I have gone from complete joy at the prospect of getting my hair (and life) back, to the complete heartbreak of knowing that nothing can be done. To me this proves that The Hospital Group are liars. I can't base this on actually having a transplant with them, but it shows that they will attempt to give you a transplant even if you can't physically have one. Thanks for reading.