Acrobaz

One more thing. At least you found the forum before going to a dodgy hair mill!

SAK, I am in the UK, but was in wonderful Boston, one of my favourite cities, only 10 days ago for a Valentines trip with my other half. I won't tell you where I live over here, but suffice to say that if I had stayed within my local 'city' limits my hair would have been done by someone more used to shearing sheep! My own HT research over two years led me to Dr Feller in Queens, NYC. I only had the procedure a few days ago. It was a simple trip from Boston - quick breakfast at the South Street diner (I always pay a visit), then Amtrak/Acela from Boston South Station to NY Penn Station (about 3.5 hours total and 100 dollars each way), then out on the LIRR to Bayside (7 dollars) and a 15 minute walk to the hotels near his clinic in Great Neck. No sweat. I have no direct experience of the other surgeons you mention, but the brothers speak the truth! Leeson's recommendations are all world class. It's your choice of course, but as things stand I am a very satisfied Feller customer. He's competitive in terms of price. Plus the really important stuff ... Experience? Check. Knowledge? Check. Prepared to tell you how he sees it even if it means no HT for you? Check. Track record of great results? Check. Passion for the job rather than the dough? Check. Good bedside manner? Check. Just try the alternatives first ... buzzing, meds etc. Take your time and do your research. Best of luck mate!

Incidentally, Spex, my local health shop is selling 200ml aloe vera gel tubes for less than a quid. Time for you to offload your shares I reckon.

Hello and welcome SAK. If you go to the main page of this site, at http://www.HairTransplantNetwork.com, you will find a list of recommended surgeons. You can also do a search by geographical area. In additional, if you do a search against the names of those surgeons through the threads of this forum, you will find comments from others who have used them. You will soon see a consensus view about the first name you mentioned. Finally, look at the blogs at http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/blog. These show blogs by those who have been treated by recommended surgeons. Good luck and keep researching!

Full report here: http://hair-restoration-info.c...66060861/m/598100251 Regards

I am from the UK and fast approaching 40. I have been reading the threads on this forum for a long time, and became a forum member only recently. I would like to say (to all of you) that your thread conversations have helped me (and I suspect many others) enormously. I would particularly like to single out Bill, Thanatopsis, Eman and Spex for such honest posts. It really does help keep people like me informed. My HT journey began, like so many others, in the distant past. I began to recede noticeably at my temples in my late 20s and more obviously so by my mid-30s. By my late 30s, I had progressed to the situation where I had an 'island' of hair at the front of my head and a veritable ocean of scalp around it. For the Brits reading this, think Alan Shearer (although it looked far better on him than me). I realised it had become a defining feature of my physical appearance: if I had not seen a friend for a while, I noticed their eyes drift upwards to the top of my head (and I knew what they were thinking); it occasionally became the means by which my children distinguished me from the parents of their friends (i.e. I was the 'bald one'). I had known it was coming. There has been male pattern baldness on both sides of my family, always receding from the temples. I joked about it at first, because I had been absolutely convinced I would be fine when it happened ??“ after all, it was hardly going to take me by surprise. However, when at last it had reached the point where I was balder than I was hairier, I was surprised with the big change to my appearance and with how it made me feel. If you're reading this, you've probably experienced something similar. My response was to tend to avoid being photographed and, if I was photographed, I would wince at what I saw ??“ the gleam of scalp. So, I tried option 1: the buzzcut, starting at #4 and then gradually down to #1. It didn't suit me. I have a large head and, unless I'm going through one of my rare super-slim phases, I also have a round head. A real full moon job. I know that the buzzcut is a look that really suits some men (and good for them too), but it didn't suit me. If it had suited me, if I'd have had compliments on how it looked, I'd have kept with it. But my wife and my kids didn't like it and my colleagues teased me. I took all the teasing in good part, but obviously would have preferred to look better. Next, I tried option 2: the meds. In my case, this was something I bought in Boots (the name of which I can no longer remember) for about six months, then Regaine (minoxidil) for about 18 months. I can't honestly say one way or another whether it made any difference. It might have slowed the rate of shedding, but I had nothing to compare it to. (I only started taking Propecia recently.) Eventually, I began to research HT procedures. My advice to anyone thinking of doing the same is to take your time and do your research. Then do some more research. Do not rush into anything. If you can afford it, be prepared to travel. I first had a consultation with a clinic that is based in Cyprus, although I didn't realise that until I went along to the meeting in London. I met a charming bloke (who had received an HT himself recently). He was not medically qualified, but he knew what he was talking about and he did an initial assessment of me. In the follow-up feedback, he recommended 2,700 to 3,000 FUs by Strip. I am indebted to him for his honesty: I asked him where he would go if money were no object, and he said 'the US or Canada'. I have not named the clinic because I would not want to get him into trouble for his candour, but would be happy to tell anyone via a P.M. if they wished. I think it is a perfectly solid clinic. I then left it for a while because, frankly, I didn't at that stage want to travel abroad to Cyprus, the US or anywhere else for that matter. So I began to look at UK options, and then had a meeting with a representative for the Hospital Group. At this point, I did not realise the poor reputation it had on this forum. The representative was nice enough, although he understood little about hair loss because, frankly, he himself was the nearest I've even seen to a lycanthrope. I was put under some pressure (although eminently resistible) to pay a ??500 deposit there and then. He said he thought the recommendation of 2,700+ FUs by the Cyprus clinic was 'nonsense' (he asked 'are they trying to make you look like me'?) and thought 1,000 would be enough. He said that I could always go back for more and that I could have upwards of 5 or 6 strips until I was satisfied. He sketched some in-fill on a picture in front of him ('a bit here, a bit there') and then showed me some pictures of celebrities they'd apparently done: Quentin Wilson from Top Gear and Francis Rossi from Status Quo. Not exactly poster boys of cool, but there you go. It would be fair to say that I was chased afterwards to commit, but did not. I am not in a position to criticise the Hospital Group, as I had no further dealings with them. What put me off was the way in which their representative criticised a competitor. It dawned on me that these guys were in competition for my hard earned dough. I pulled away for a while. Eventually, I discovered this forum, and it made all the difference. This may sound pompous, but I mean it: this forum is like a pure democracy, a Greek city state. Everyone can speak and everyone has a voice. Reputations are built or destroyed by consensus. Results are posted and clearly show the advantages and disadvantages of surgery. From my perspective, it was just what I needed: a place where the salesmen played little part (or were clearly labelled as such) and where the real input came from those who'd had it done. And, of course, I loved the idea that Doctors themselves participated on the forum and were willing to be publicly tested by their results. Who needs shiny brochures when you have this forum? After a while, I made the decision to contact Spex privately. This was because, in my research, the name of Dr Feller had come up again and again. I liked his posts: realistic, opinionated, passionate and evidence-based. His demolition of laser-combs elsewhere on this forum deserves to be read by anyone who forgets that this is a science, meaning that all developments need to be empirical and peer-reviewed. So I decided: he was the Doc for me. For those of you who are still researching, all I can say is that I researched HTs for two years (I am nothing if not methodical) and chose Dr Feller. There are many good surgeons recommended on this site, but probably five to ten that are truly world-class, and Dr Feller is one of them. Unlike some, I have not met Spex, although we have communicated by email and by phone. He has dealt with me very professionally: he didn't push any sale, left me to make up my own mind, and sent me links to a great deal of impartial information. It was a light touch, and it was much appreciated. He recognised that what I needed was material from which I could make an informed decision. He couldn't have been more different to the Hospital Group guy. I had my procedure at the Feller Clinic on 17 February 2009. I shall post the photos as soon as I have them. I had 3,200 FUs. The day itself was almost pleasurable. Dr Feller has a good way with people and put me at my ease. I put my trust in him completely. We had a nice chat at the start and at the end of the day. The technicians were a nice bunch, particularly Anne, and they kept me supplied with orange juice and water. He was reassuring at several points during the day. He's been though it himself, and that gives him a lot of additional credibility. For those thinking of doing it, I wouldn't describe it as painful. The injections to numb the donor and recipient areas are fairly unpleasant but, after that, you don't feel a thing, honestly. Having my wisdom teeth removed was worse by a factor of 20! I had couple of dizzy spells, but no nausea. It was all very straightforward. I left with a full set of clear post-op instructions, took a cab back to my hotel at the end of day and slept ok after a meal. I flew back to the UK overnight the next day. I would definitely recommend an early return home. There was no problem flying. I would not have wanted to fly a few days later when the swelling had started. I'm happy to respond to any questions. I'll keep you informed of my progress and photos will follow. At the moment, I am delighted I did it and I am yet another fully paid-up member of the UK branch of the Dr Feller fan club. Thanks also to Spex as well as to Bill and others on this marvellous forum. Best wishes all.

Off to be crop-dusted by the eminent Dr Feller next week. Flying out tomorrow. I will post pics and set up a blog so as to help others thinking about getting it done. Wish me luck ....

Looks fabulous!

Zaz, these folks sell it: http://www.ukhairdressers.com It's where I've bought mine. It's an online store but I believe that you can also order by phone as an alternative. According to their website, the number is 0845 6025962. Let me know how you get on with applying it post-HT, I'd be interested in your experience. Regards.

If you are concerned about finding an oversize hat, there are plenty of mail order websites that sell hats for blokes with big heads. That's what I've done - I've bought three that way. Not sure what I will do with them afterwards though ...

I had some difficulties in email communications with Dr Feller's clinic. But I didn't follow up by phone, and I should have, so just as much my fault. And Spex responds very quickly on Dr Feller's behalf, giving outstanding customer service. These things happen - I know that myself as an in-demand professional (even if I say so myself ...) All I would say is that an auto-reply mechanism ("your email has been received and we will respond shortly") is a simple measure and would reassure those whose working patterns favour email. If an auto-reply is received, all well and good - an answer will come. If not, we know a follow-up call is needed. Couldn't be easier. This is how I've done it for years. Best wishes to all.

Thanks folks. I appreciate the comments.

Hi Space I have some years on you but my MPB is similar to yours - front third, receding at temples etc. The big difference is that I have dark brown hair. I completely empathise with your situation in terms of wanting to keep the procedure a secret from all but nearest and dearest. I have therefore scoured this forum for pictures of donor and recipient areas in the few weeks after the HT. Clearly some manage better than others to conceal the effects. My procedure is next month (Feb 09 with Dr Feller) and I have secured a 3-week recovery period before re-appearing in a work context. I intend to post regular pictures in the early days, showing both scar and recipient area. Feel free to PM me with any questions about changes in appearance. You can then factor my experience into your thought processes as your prepare for your HT. Best wishes

Thanks - that's very helpful Emperor. I appreciate the suggestion. By the way, on re-reading my post, I thought I should clarify that I was not suggesting that the blog pictures made any of you look remotely like a stapled grinner or a pencil-sharpened head. It's just that British sense of humour ...

I have been a regular reader of this forum for about 18 months and a member for about three. The forum is a great facility; whereas people like me (who remain mostly silent) occasionally feel like furtive eavesdroppers, it is a huge help to hear from those who have been though it all. (Actually, it's worse than eavesdropping - people who eavesdrop only listen, whereas I've been looking at your medical pictures!) So I shall stop peering at you all through the rustling curtains and say hello properly: hello. It is my intention to write more fully about my thoughts and experiences once I have had my HT. I'm from the UK and it's coming up next month. If it wasn't for this forum (and a certain chap called Spex) I'd be heading for a place not a million miles from Birmingham that you lot have roundly trashed. So thank you all! Instead, after months and months of research, I'm off to see what a cockney here in the UK might call "a fine Feller" in NYC. There are certain questions that I think are best asked of more people, as the experience varies from person to person. I have two. Here goes: 1. I have my HT and fly back to the UK overnight the next day. I managed, with great difficulty, to diarise about 3 to 4 weeks of post-HT "downtime". Then something came up at the last minute ... Separate to this, I have been waiting for a particular job opportunity to arise for two years (yep, two years). It's a great job. They advertise vacancies rarely. It's competitive. Before they even call people for an assessment day and interview, candidates have to sit and pass a qualification test, being an hour-long written exam. The day after I paid my deposit (I'm not kidding - really, the day after), the vacancy gets advertised and the recruitment timetable is published. And guess what? The qualification test is being run on the second and third day after the HT op. *panicked grimace* In terms of luck, it's just about up there with the wholesale collapse of sterling promptly after I'd decided to take advantage of the weak dollar and go across the pond ... I am back in the UK then, and so I can do it, in the sense that I can physically attend. There will be a number of people there and I'll probably know a few of them. The issue for me is not the potential embarrassment (I think I can get away with wearing a hat), but how well I can concentrate. Trust me when I say that there is no way I can change the date of the qualification test and trust me when I say that, if I wait for a clear gap in my diary again, we are talking 2010 for the HT at the earliest. That's the background. Here's the question: for those of you who've been through this, particularly with the jetlag and pain and painkillers, would you have been able to sit an exam for an hour? (I know it's nothing any of you would recommend - I only want to know if I'm being stupid by thinking it's achievable. And I won't pay attention to answers that involves stimulants above and beyond caffeine ...) 2. The scar. That testament to scalp that was formerly the home to 3,000 happy hairs on a Norwood MPB 3. That wide thin red smile on the back of the head, like a pumpkin version of Voldemort peering out from the back of Professor Quirrell. From the pictures I have seen (and thanks again to you all), it is a happy chappie indeed who manages to keep it hidden at 3 to 4 weeks post-HT. There seem to be two options: (a) go for the all-over buzz and reveal that stapled grin for all the world to see; (b) keep hair reasonably long at the back (e.g. #6) to cover it, but give the impression that the front third has been inserted into a head-sized pencil sharpener. I am willing to use concealers if necessary ... So here's the question. My job involves standing up in front of a lot of people. I don't want to be "hair transplant guy". If you lot had your time again, what length would you have had your hair pre-HT? And what length would you have ideally wanted it to be when you emerged from your cocoon? Thanks folks.

I have been a regular reader of this forum for about 18 months and a member for about three. The forum is a great facility; whereas people like me (who remain mostly silent) occasionally feel like furtive eavesdroppers, it is a huge help to hear from those who have been though it all. (Actually, it's worse than eavesdropping - people who eavesdrop only listen, whereas I've been looking at your medical pictures!) So I shall stop peering at you all through the rustling curtains and say hello properly: hello. It is my intention to write more fully about my thoughts and experiences once I have had my HT. I'm from the UK and it's coming up next month. If it wasn't for this forum (and a certain chap called Spex) I'd be heading for a place not a million miles from Birmingham that you lot have roundly trashed. So thank you all! Instead, after months and months of research, I'm off to see what a cockney here in the UK might call "a fine Feller" in NYC. There are certain questions that I think are best asked of more people, as the experience varies from person to person. I have two. Here goes: 1. I have my HT and fly back to the UK overnight the next day. I managed, with great difficulty, to diarise about 3 to 4 weeks of post-HT "downtime". Then something came up at the last minute ... Separate to this, I have been waiting for a particular job opportunity to arise for two years (yep, two years). It's a great job. They advertise vacancies rarely. It's competitive. Before they even call people for an assessment day and interview, candidates have to sit and pass a qualification test, being an hour-long written exam. The day after I paid my deposit (I'm not kidding - really, the day after), the vacancy gets advertised and the recruitment timetable is published. And guess what? The qualification test is being run on the second and third day after the HT op. *panicked grimace* In terms of luck, it's just about up there with the wholesale collapse of sterling promptly after I'd decided to take advantage of the weak dollar and go across the pond ... I am back in the UK then, and so I can do it, in the sense that I can physically attend. There will be a number of people there and I'll probably know a few of them. The issue for me is not the potential embarrassment (I think I can get away with wearing a hat), but how well I can concentrate. Trust me when I say that there is no way I can change the date of the qualification test and trust me when I say that, if I wait for a clear gap in my diary again, we are talking 2010 for the HT at the earliest. That's the background. Here's the question: for those of you who've been through this, particularly with the jetlag and pain and painkillers, would you have been able to sit an exam for an hour? (I know it's nothing any of you would recommend - I only want to know if I'm being stupid by thinking it's achievable. And I won't pay attention to answers that involves stimulants above and beyond caffeine ...) 2. The scar. That testament to scalp that was formerly the home to 3,000 happy hairs on a Norwood MPB 3. That wide thin red smile on the back of the head, like a pumpkin version of Voldemort peering out from the back of Professor Quirrell. From the pictures I have seen (and thanks again to you all), it is a happy chappie indeed who manages to keep it hidden at 3 to 4 weeks post-HT. There seem to be two options: (a) go for the all-over buzz and reveal that stapled grin for all the world to see; (b) keep hair reasonably long at the back (e.g. #6) to cover it, but give the impression that the front third has been inserted into a head-sized pencil sharpener. I am willing to use concealers if necessary ... So here's the question. My job involves standing up in front of a lot of people. I don't want to be "hair transplant guy". If you lot had your time again, what length would you have had your hair pre-HT? And what length would you have ideally wanted it to be when you emerged from your cocoon? Thanks folks.