My visit to Dr. Feller

[lostinkent]

I don't know if I am lucky or unlucky in the sense that I did not feel the need to address my hair loss until the age of 48. Lucky in the sense that I was able to wait that long, or unlucky in the sense that I had to do it at all. I know many people on this site will be in their 20's and 30's, so I shall probably consider myself fortunate.

 

My hair loss was first pointed out to me in 1996 by generous work colleagues :rolleyes: in the form of recession from the front, and thinning through the top, most visible when wet. By 2003, I noticed the first bald spot on the crown, and over the next decade, the two have been trying to meet! However, the back and sides remain really thick and strong, and this gave me some hope (and so it proved, of which more below).

 

I suppose that on one level I accepted that ageing brings a degree of hair loss, but on another, I had always considered it my best feature and really wanted to retain a full head of hair. However, although I had visited a trichologist in 1999 (verdict - I needed more B vitamins and zinc and less fat in my diet) I did not know where to turn next. I had looked at regaine (rogaine) but discounted it on the fact that it needed permanent use and likewise I had read bad reviews of finasteride and its effect on other aspects of health so would not use that. I only had a "natural" regime which was taking saw palmetto (which I still do, though its effects are unproven) and occasional use of nizoral shampoo.

 

Hair restoration had always seemed unlikely due to poor results in the past (I grew up when Elton John was the guinea pig, and the results weren't great!) and prohibitive cost. However, I turned to the web in 2010 and did some research, and while some of my fears seemed well founded, I also started to see images of good results and the same names being bandied about the forums (or should it be fora?). I kept coming across references to Spex, here in the UK, and decided to bite the bullet and contact him directly. There was nothing to lose as no cost was involved, so I emailed him some photos back in September 2010 and asked for his opinion. He was quite positive, saying that it depended on how much I wanted repaired (crown, hairline, or both?) but surgery was a viable option.

 

However, I was still not convinced, as photos on the web were one thing, but I was not going to commit to extensive and expensive surgery without seeing someone "in the flesh" (and something that I recommend to all those considering surgery.) Thus it was a year later in September 2011 that I finally met Spex at a consultation in London. This worked brilliantly in two senses - one, he was able to see exactly what I had and what I needed, and two, I could see the results of surgery close up. He believed I was an ideal candidate for surgery due to the the strong donor area, and relatively narrow recipient area. Likewise, I saw (and touched) his hair close up and saw that the results could be fantastic. Admittedly, he has had several surgeries, but the results looked great.

 

What was good was that I was not forced into making a decision there and then, nor directed to a particular surgeon, although you won't be surprised that I opted for Dr. Feller. It was more I was given a list of so called "premier league" surgeons in locations throughout the world, although mainly the U.S. and Canada (and when I got to Dr. Feller, he said there was another good surgeon in Belgium - D'oh! Belgium is only two hours and ?100 away by Eurostar, as opposed to 8 hours and ?800 flight and hotel to New York.):rolleyes:

 

So I mulled it over for a few weeks and then decided that New York was so easy to reach from here in the UK and if I am going to do this, go with a good surgeon, despite the cost. Spex estimated 3,000 grafts strip method and this was what was agreed with Dr. Feller in advance. I booked in October 2011 and flew out February 2012.

 

On the day of surgery, Dr. Feller was exactly how I imagined him. The pre-surgery consultation was a confirmation of what Spex had said - good donor area, relatively narrow recipient area, and hairline not to be moved forward too much enabling better use of grafts in the crown area. And the day was great - admittedly I did suffer a bit with adrenalin based anaesthetic, and trust me, you do look a mess immediately afterwards, but no pain, no gain!

 

OK, so the scar and recipient area are numb for quite a few months afterwards - it just feels "different", but do not worry about the scar showing - I had a number 3 cut four weeks after surgery and it was practically invisible. As for results - well I can't show you yet as I am only 2 months post op, but I will post in due course.

 

If you are likewise considering surgery for the first time, my advice is as follows:

 

1) Do your research well - you are having surgery after all. A good surgeon is better than a cheap one!

2) If you can see that surgeon's results at first hand, do so first - this is why Spex is such a good ambassador for Dr. Feller and Dr. Lindsay.

3) You will look rough for a couple of weeks afterwards - you will not be able to get it all buzz cut until the stitches come out - bear this in mind if you are going back to work - if you don't want people to notice, take two weeks off.

4) Be prepared for the scalp (donor and recipient area) to be a bit tender for a while afterwards - if you are a footballer, make sure it is done in close season!

5) However, if you choose well like I did, the process is painless, even enjoyable (I spent three days travelling round NYC and Long Island) and the results can be fantastic.

 

I cannot emphasise how reassured I was to have Spex as my guide and Dr. Feller as my surgeon. Spex was not only a source of advice before I went, but he was in touch while I was in New York and after I got home. If you are based here in the UK or Ireland, do check him out first if possible.

 

As for my results, well as I say, I cannot post yet as only 2 months post op. but will do in due course. My final bonus was that only 2,400 grafts were used instead of the forecast 3,000. Total cost to me, ?6,400 for surgery plus best part of ?1,000 for flights and accommodation (but I did stay six nights in NYC). I still think a bargain. :cool:

 

Good luck to you all.

 

(Attached thumbnails are approx 18 months PRIOR to surgery - I will post surgery/post surgery pics at a later date.)

[Blake Bloxham]

Kent,

 

Great summary! Thank you for sharing. Also, congratulations on the procedure! I hope you'll keep the community updated on your progress.

 

Good luck!

[TakingThePlunge]

lostinkent,

 

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with us! Dr. Feller is a master of his craft. I hope you'll be back to share photos and allow us to share in your journey.

[RCWest]

First off, I love reading these in depth "from beginning to end" reviews. Thanks for posting!

 

Secondly, Dr. Feller gave you a helluva good deal!! While I hate that you didn't hit your target o 3000, 2400 grafts would normally cost you a little over $10,000. Your flight and hotel was a steal also. Who did you book your flight through?

 

Third, I consider you very lucky! To have that narrow balding area, at 48, and that coarse, dense donor hair is a textbook example of the perfect hair transplant candidate.

 

I really do hope you give us monthly updates!!

[NEWHAIRPLEASE]

Work looks great as usual!!

[chrisdav]

Congratulations Lost in Kent.

 

Keep us posted with your progress.

[Ukresponder]

Good luck, I'm thinking of the crown as well will be great to see your result!

[spreadlocks]

Great write up man. The work looks excellent as ever. I'm 3.5 months post op with dr feller myself so it'll be great to see your updates too.

[richie48]

Hey man

 

Like spreadlocks said , great write up , you will be set now , just get something to do and occupy your self for the next four months because the dull drums are slow and shitty hahahaha

 

good luck buddy

[lostinkent]

I just want to thank everybody for their comments and encouragement. I will be adding more pics later on, but at not quite 3 months, there isn't much to show yet.

[austinuk]

Lostinkent,

 

Thanks for making your write up. Like so many others before you im confident you will get a smashing result from Dr Feller. Your write up is really good and I look forward to watching your results happen over the next few months prior to me getting in the chair with

Dr Feller himself in August. Might i ask you how is your scar looking, is is still sore and numb?