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Dr Sebastian Deme. Did refer to him in the post as simply 'Dr Sebastian'.

Hi all, Just thought I would share my experience with living with hair loss/a hairline which I was not happy with for many years leading up to my FUE procedure in 2022. I first started noticing my hair loss/mature hair line when I was still in school around age 14/15. I would see certain hairstyles that I would like, go home to try and style it and realise there was no hair on either of my temples. The best way to describe my hairline would've be a 'Maccies M'! From that moment until I had the procedure, it was a battle against my own thoughts over the hair loss. 2011 I tried many different hairstyles to try and cover the gaps, growing the middle and side so long, and having almost a combover, and spraying it down with hairspray so it wouldn't move so it would give the image of a buzzcut. This wasn't ideal, especially being active and regularly playing football, swimming etc. It would restrict me to not want to header the ball, being cautious of being in the rain incase the hairspray gets wet and loses its hold, resulting in the hair dropping down and revealing the temple area. 2014 When I was starting university, I discovered hair systems. I undertook a lot of research and decided to go ahead and try it out in 2015 (felt like nothing to lose at this point). I decided not to tell anyone apart from close family that I was getting one, to try and make it feel as if it was my own hair without being judged about wearing one. I was very happy with the system, the lady I had for 7 years was wonderful and done a great job for me. I had 2 little cut outs to stick on the temple areas, rather than shave the whole head and use a whole system. It gave me a hairline which I wanted and no-one ever noticed it was fake. However, over time and 7 years of wearing one I began to realise this too has its limitations. As the areas covered by system were not big, the bond did not last as long as someone with a whole system on, meaning I had to maintain the system a lot (take off, shave areas and reapply bond once a week). The system also sheds, and as the hair was not my own eventually gaps would appear which made me anxious about if anyone could tell. This was always going to be a short term solution, as I was a student and didn't have the means to afford a transplant at that time. Having to live a double life around my friends etc wasn't easy. Having to fib when I went to the salon, make sure no-one touches my hair and lots of other things were becoming draining and this was only hiding the issue rather than fixing it. 2015-2022 hair system - Pic 2019 I decided in mid 2022 to start looking into having a transplant done where (rightly or wrongly) I felt there was a lot less stigma around apposed to wearing a system. A lot of hard work and research went into deciding where to get it done and what procedure to go for (was always going to be FUE for me, but also weighed up FUT). I always thought about having it done at home (UK) for logistical reasons, which is when I first came across Westminster Medical Group in London. As I was already conscious around the thickness of hairline from the system, what really stood out for me was how soft the hairlines were in all the previous patients, and all the good reviews across many different locations. I had my consultation with the fantastic Dr Sebastian in the summer of 22, where he assessed my hairline/hair loss and confirmed I was a suitable candidate for an FUE procedure with an estimated 2000-2500 grafts to fill in the temple regions. I was impressed with how transparent WMG were around cost, they quoted me a price during this consultation which didn't change at all, and had no hidden costs throughout. Then in seemingly no time at all, the day of the procedure came around on 28th November 2022. I would be fibbing if I said I wasn't nervous. It felt like all these previous years of worry, anxiety and stress were finally coming to a close and this was the final hurdle. I arrived at 9am where I was greeted upon arrival and made to feel at ease by all the staffs friendliness. The clinic is bright and immaculate. I was asked what I would like for the lunch break halfway through which was a nice touch. Dr Sebastian then discussed with me the hairline I would like, reiterating the fact that imperfect hairlines are best and most realistic, before drawing it on. Being only 28 I wanted the hairline to be youthful but not completely straight. The procedure began by the lovely technicians harvesting the hairs from the donor area after a few local anaesthetics. I was facing down in a massage chair for 2-3 hours and could not feel a thing. It was so relaxing I fell asleep for a short period! I then had a 20/25 minute break when this was done where my lunch was waiting for me to hydrate and re-fuel for the afternoon ahead. Dr Sebastian then made the incisions where the grafts were going to be placed, followed by the technicians placing these in the front of my head. During this period I had the remote for a large TV in front where I was able to choose what to watch. All the staff were great throughout making me feel at ease. Come 5pm it was complete with a total of 2008 grafts! I was given a goody bag with a cap to protect the grafts on the way home, a saline spray to apply for the first couple of weeks, shampoo and conditioner also to see me through the period where I was going to stay in and rest and a detailed aftercare leaflet. Revealing I had just had a transplant to all those who didn't know before was a good feeling, everyone was very supportive and a ruckus was caused in my group chat with my friends when they discovered the hair they thought I had previously was not real🤣. I had booked a week off work after the procedure in order to rest up, and chose to have it done in November so I would be able to enjoy part results during the summer. The hardest part of the first couple of weeks was the sleeping. I always like sleeping on my sides. However to protect against dislodging the grafts I was using a pregnancy pillow to prevent me from tossing and turning and a travel pillow to keep my head elevated. I was relieved to see the back of these after 2 weeks! I was fixated on following the aftercare by the book in order to give myself the best chance of seeing great results. For that reason, I sent a lot of emails if I was worried about something (which always turned out to be nothing) or had questions, and every time I would receive a speedy response even on Sunday evenings with detailed replies making me feel back at ease again. Special shout out to Barbara, Theresa and Debra! The following months were great. There's too much to type so have got a collection of pictures from my journey you can see below: *I have covered my face for the selfies as I can't take a serious one🤣 Day of procedure, day 2 and day 7. Shedding stage. Decided to brave the shave and get a haircut again. Encouraging to see the fine hairs coming through! Can have a buzzcut now where you can barely tell a procedure is done. First holiday since, to Malta to watch England in the football. Personally my favourite moment since the procedure, just jumping in the pool not worrying about my hair! Back of head now fully healed with hardly visible scarring. From 10/11 months it was hard to notice a stark difference regularly compared to the first few months as most of the hairs had come through, so from this point is just got thicker and started to mimic my old hair. I am now at the 1 year 4 month month mark and probable final result, where I had my official photos at the clinic! To wrap up, having this done has completely changed my life for the better. I couldn't be happier with the final result. Its given me the freedom of normal everyday life back, without worrying about how my hair looks. I can style it how I like, wear it up or down and live without constant worry or restrict what I do because of my hair. All these previous feelings I was experiencing disappeared instantly after the procedure as I knew with a bit of patience, the good times were coming! The whole team at Westminster Medical Group are true professionals, making this journey over the past year a breeze from start to finish, I can't thank them enough. Happy to answer any questions etc. Cheers! Adam *this is the 2nd time posting so hoping the pictures load now, apologies!