Treatment in the UK or Not?

[palmtree91]

Hi All,

 

I am a 32 year old man with a reeceding hairline I don't know what Norwood group I am looking at the chart I would say Norwood 2.

 

Anyway a few months ago I went for some free consulations around different clinics in Harley Street London, and other parts of London, I visited

 

Belgravia - who were extremely pushy, and kept texting and emailing me even after I had left.

The Farjo Clinic - who were ok I saw an adviser who said I would need to spend around ?5000 which seemed a little extensive and expensive

 

and another clinic which I forget the name off but also said I could do the FUT strip process.

 

my question is this, are there better clinics abroad? as in Europe? and are the prices a little more fair? if my credit rating is poor can I still get credit and pay monthly?

 

any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Also I am aware that the use of Propecia to supplement hair loss would be needed before/during and after hair loss surgery.

[TR3B]

European clinics and doctors are streets ahead of the UK surgeons. That's not to say there isn't butchers in Europe as there certainly is.

[palmtree91]

thanks for your reply is there anyway to find a top rated clinic I heard Holland is good?, I am not so keen on the UK, I agree there could easily be good and bad surgeons everywhere,

 

I just don't want to spend thousands of pounds and not get the result I want I would like to hear from plenty of people on here who have had positive experiences who can point me in the right direction without me having to go half way across the globe.

[1978matt]

Norwood 2 I would say don't get a transplant but if you really must then save until you have enough money. In the mean time, take Propecia to see if you can tolerate it.

 

You probably met Mick at Farjo. I've met him a couple of times - great guy. The Farjo's have a nice facility in Manchester and would do a top class job on you. They are a premium clinic and unfortunately the UK is just about the most expensive place to get a HT.

 

You might want to have a look at HDC in Cyprus. I'd ask them for names of patients you could speak to in the UK. Try to meet them and see what the results look like. The work they post on here does look of a high standard and I've not heard of any horror stories. Costs are on their website:

 

HDC - Hair Transplant, Restoration and Treatment Centre

 

A couple of surgeons who are even cheaper (although not recommended on this site) are Marwan Saifi and Emre Karadeniz. From what I've seen over the years they appear to be doing ethical work and I've not heard of any bad stories. But you would need to do your homework. Both offer FUT/FUE.

 

..but overall I'd go back to my original suggestion of not doing it at all.

[palmtree91]

Norwood 2 I would say don't get a transplant but if you really must then save until you have enough money. In the mean time, take Propecia to see if you can tolerate it.

 

You probably met Mick at Farjo. I've met him a couple of times - great guy. The Farjo's have a nice facility in Manchester and would do a top class job on you. They are a premium clinic and unfortunately the UK is just about the most expensive place to get a HT.

 

You might want to have a look at HDC in Cyprus. I'd ask them for names of patients you could speak to in the UK. Try to meet them and see what the results look like. The work they post on here does look of a high standard and I've not heard of any horror stories. Costs are on their website:

 

HDC - Hair Transplant, Restoration and Treatment Centre

 

A couple of surgeons who are even cheaper (although not recommended on this site) are Marwan Saifi and Emre Karadeniz. From what I've seen over the years they appear to be doing ethical work and I've not heard of any bad stories. But you would need to do your homework. Both offer FUT/FUE.

 

..but overall I'd go back to my original suggestion of not doing it at all.

 

Hi, thanks for the lengthy and informative reply, I will definitely do a valid amount of research, why would you recommend not doing it at all? ultimately this is why we are here right?

 

I like the sound of the Cyprus clinic, my question is how are they going to be able to tell me what i need from abroad, surely photos are not going to be enough?

 

yes I did meet Mick brown haired, glasses I think possibly in his late 40s when you say they would do a top job on me is that speaking from experience?

 

 

again thank you.

[1978matt]

If you've not lost a lot of hair and you get a transplant you could end up needing more in the very near future. The hair just keeps receeding and you end up looking silly with a patch of hair at the front, then a gap behind it followed by your receeding hair.

 

That's why it's important to see how the medications go. You want to delay having to go back again as long as possible.

 

In my own particular case I was almost a NW5 so I could do one large transplant and still look natural for many years and able to save the cash to tackle the crown (if needed), hopefully not for at least 10 years.

 

You mentioned money is an issue hence my hesitancy to recommend getting anything done for a small amount of hair loss.

 

HDC do consultations in London quite often but you could email them clear photos I'm sure they can get back to you sooner. Maybe they do Skype consultations as well.

 

That sounds like Mick. Farjo are about the best known and most respected clinic in the UK. They have done quite a few celebrities and I cant think of any complaints I've seen. There are lots of their results posted on here.

 

I met with them but ultimately went to a guy who's artistry appealed the most to me.

 

 

Hi, thanks for the lengthy and informative reply, I will definitely do a valid amount of research, why would you recommend not doing it at all? ultimately this is why we are here right?

 

I like the sound of the Cyprus clinic, my question is how are they going to be able to tell me what i need from abroad, surely photos are not going to be enough?

 

yes I did meet Mick brown haired, glasses I think possibly in his late 40s when you say they would do a top job on me is that speaking from experience?

 

 

again thank you.

[palmtree91]

If you've not lost a lot of hair and you get a transplant you could end up needing more in the very near future. The hair just keeps receeding and you end up looking silly with a patch of hair at the front, then a gap behind it followed by your receeding hair.

 

That's why it's important to see how the medications go. You want to delay having to go back again as long as possible.

 

In my own particular case I was almost a NW5 so I could do one large transplant and still look natural for many years and able to save the cash to tackle the crown (if needed), hopefully not for at least 10 years.

 

You mentioned money is an issue hence my hesitancy to recommend getting anything done for a small amount of hair loss.

 

HDC do consultations in London quite often but you could email them clear photos I'm sure they can get back to you sooner. Maybe they do Skype consultations as well.

 

That sounds like Mick. Farjo are about the best known and most respected clinic in the UK. They have done quite a few celebrities and I cant think of any complaints I've seen. There are lots of their results posted on here.

 

I met with them but ultimately went to a guy who's artistry appealed the most to me.

 

Again, thanks for the response and feedback, for me I think my hair does warrant a hair transplant maybe not as big as yours, however I do understand what you are saying about getting a transplant and then needing another in later years due to hair receding further back and as you say - being uneven looking worse. This is what Mick told me at Farjo too, he said possibly to be prepared to get another in the future but again it's all relative to the person.

 

I have tried Propecia for approximately 3 months I didn't know if that was long enough to keep doing so I just stopped is Propecia something you take to maintain your here now?

 

I agree with the points about the farjo clinic, also if HDC do consultations over here then that even seems viable and makes sense before traveling abroad.

 

Do you mind telling me who did your hair or is that something you wish to keep private your hair looks really good in your default photo. pretty much the same as it did back "in the good old days" as you quite put it.

[1978matt]

It's highly desirable to keep taking propecia to slow down the balding process. If you stop taking it, balding resumes at the rate it previously did after about 3 months. You have to take it for life or as long as you want to retain your hair. I'm not sure where you sourced yours from but if it was expensive then there are cheaper ways of taking it, e.g. splitting 5mg Proscar into quarters.

 

I know one guy who is about 50 who's been taking it since 1997. His brother and father are NW6 and suffered aggressive baldness by their mid 30s. This guy has managed to stay at NW4.

 

Not everyone uses propecia. I do, but only at a low dosage level due to having experienced some mild side effects on the full dose.

 

Dr Konior in Chicago did my transplant.

 

 

Again, thanks for the response and feedback, for me I think my hair does warrant a hair transplant maybe not as big as yours, however I do understand what you are saying about getting a transplant and then needing another in later years due to hair receding further back and as you say - being uneven looking worse. This is what Mick told me at Farjo too, he said possibly to be prepared to get another in the future but again it's all relative to the person.

 

I have tried Propecia for approximately 3 months I didn't know if that was long enough to keep doing so I just stopped is Propecia something you take to maintain your here now?

 

I agree with the points about the farjo clinic, also if HDC do consultations over here then that even seems viable and makes sense before traveling abroad.

 

Do you mind telling me who did your hair or is that something you wish to keep private your hair looks really good in your default photo. pretty much the same as it did back "in the good old days" as you quite put it.

[palmtree91]

It's highly desirable to keep taking propecia to slow down the balding process. If you stop taking it, balding resumes at the rate it previously did after about 3 months. You have to take it for life or as long as you want to retain your hair. I'm not sure where you sourced yours from but if it was expensive then there are cheaper ways of taking it, e.g. splitting 5mg Proscar into quarters.

 

I know one guy who is about 50 who's been taking it since 1997. His brother and father are NW6 and suffered aggressive baldness by their mid 30s. This guy has managed to stay at NW4.

 

Not everyone uses propecia. I do, but only at a low dosage level due to having experienced some mild side effects on the full dose.

 

Dr Konior in Chicago did my transplant.

 

In that case I may revert back to it it wasn't too expensive it was manageable, I usto get mine from a pharmcist in Boots chemist I don't know what dosage it was but it was a tablet to be taken daily. it was pretty small, that's quite amazing about the guy in his 50's who managed to retain his hair to a certain degree.

 

My worry was the whole libido factor, I was told it could cause erectile dysfunction which worried me, ?50 a month is not that bad I could spend that on a night out or two.

 

Thanks for telling me who did your hair, as I said it looks great but for me personally I don't think I would be prepared to travel to the states, Europe is the furthest I am looking to travel, HDC seems like a possible option - again thank you

 

I think the first step like you said is to probably retain what I have so get back on Propecia and use it responsibly according to my health needs/limits.

 

Thanks for your advise/support.

[1978matt]

Don't use Boots! Way too expensive. Contact Spex or David (Garageland). They know GPs who can prescribe it far cheaper. We're talking less than GBP200 a year.

 

The side effects do get a bit blown out of proportion. You could take it 3 days a week instead (Mon-Weds-Fri). This has shown to be nearly as effective.

 

In that case I may revert back to it it wasn't too expensive it was manageable, I usto get mine from a pharmcist in Boots chemist I don't know what dosage it was but it was a tablet to be taken daily. it was pretty small, that's quite amazing about the guy in his 50's who managed to retain his hair to a certain degree.

 

My worry was the whole libido factor, I was told it could cause erectile dysfunction which worried me, ?50 a month is not that bad I could spend that on a night out or two.

 

Thanks for telling me who did your hair, as I said it looks great but for me personally I don't think I would be prepared to travel to the states, Europe is the furthest I am looking to travel, HDC seems like a possible option - again thank you

 

I think the first step like you said is to probably retain what I have so get back on Propecia and use it responsibly according to my health needs/limits.

 

Thanks for your advise/support.

[1978matt]

Here you go:

 

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/178491-uk-doctors-email-finasteride-prescription.html

[needmoarhair]

Definitely drop the Boots Propecia and get onto the ProScar, it's way cheaper and effective. My crown has filled in very nicely in 6 months of taking it with no side effects so far.

 

There are plenty of Dr's in Europe, Dr Lorenzo in Madrid & Dr Bisanga in Brussels are 2 Dr's I consulted with and am booked in with Lorenzo next month.

[palmtree91]

Definitely drop the Boots Propecia and get onto the ProScar, it's way cheaper and effective. My crown has filled in very nicely in 6 months of taking it with no side effects so far.

 

There are plenty of Dr's in Europe, Dr Lorenzo in Madrid & Dr Bisanga in Brussels are 2 Dr's I consulted with and am booked in with Lorenzo next month.

 

 

Hi,

 

Thanks for your reply, so what is ProScar? and where did you obtain it? but I thought Propecia never filled in hair just retained?, What are you having done from Lorenzo?

 

thanks

[needmoarhair]

Proscar and propecia are the same drug - finasteride.

 

2400 grafts with Dr L

[palmtree91]

Here you go:

 

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/178491-uk-doctors-email-finasteride-prescription.html

 

thanks that is so helpful you may have just saved me money as I was going to go to boots tomorrow evening !

[palmtree91]

Proscar and propecia are the same drug - finasteride.

 

2400 grafts with Dr L

 

I see and do you also get yours from the same source as 1978matt said?

and do you agree boots is over priced?

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.co...scription.html is what 1978matt sent me

 

 

thanks again but how did your crown fill in if it's propecia?

[palmtree91]

Hi,

 

I see I was referred to here. I recommend Dr Edgar too who is a UK GP and he has been mentioned on the link by 1978Matt for finasteride via private prescription as good guy and very informed.

 

His email is drstevengedgar@gmail.com

 

I use him to purchase my 5mg Proscar and cut it into 5ths to take the 1mg daily recommended dose. I have been taking 1mg finasterdie for 15 years and my mid crown is still strong and thankfully thickened up on initial use too those many moons ago. 1mg finateride is Propecia. Propecia is expensive though and 5mg Proscar is much more affordable in comparison at 200 pounds for 14 months supply.

 

Hair loss is progressive - so putting preventative proven treatment in place to stabilise and benefit situation is advised generally prior to embarking on a HT.

 

 

If you are going to build a wall to stand the test of time you need put it on a foundation.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Regards

Spex

 

Hi Spex,

 

Thanks yes you were mentioned all in positive light

I think I will contact that doctor as I do not want to get robbed from Boots and all I have heard sounds positive about him thus far. The tablets how do you split into 5 and get an equal split? are they chalky also do you get them posted or delivered?

 

It all sounds very positive and yes definitely prevention comes before cure, 200 for 14 months is very affordable I paid near enough that for 3 months with boots chemist.

 

That does help very much thank you. I agree it's a test of time not an over night one off fix.

[london81]

I really liked HDC. I went to a consultation with Alex in London a few years ago and was very impressed. He spent a full hour consulting with me and there was no hard sell or anything like that. The results they post do look great. Flights, accommodation and airport transfers were included in the price quoted to me. Really good prices too and they look like they get good results,

[palmtree91]

I really liked HDC. I went to a consultation with Alex in London a few years ago and was very impressed. He spent a full hour consulting with me and there was no hard sell or anything like that. The results they post do look great. Flights, accommodation and airport transfers were included in the price quoted to me. Really good prices too and they look like they get good results,

 

 

Hi London81,

 

Thank you for replying, so you have used HDC? and your experience was pleasant? also results good?

 

 

I have considered them but of course want to make the right decision a HT isn't a small thing to do...

 

Thanks

[Mick from Farjo]

Palmtree,

 

Good to see that you are taking your time and that you are following my lead on this point.

HT s can be a life long commitment and preventing further loss is always the most important part of the journey.

Don't forget to thoroughly research meds before deciding to use them.

It would be great to be able to place you so I can check back what we talked about.

What date did you visit?

 

Matt thanks for the kind words.

 

Mick

[palmtree91]

No probs. I find cutting 5mg Proscar pretty easy. See video.

 

 

Regards

Spex

 

 

Thanks Spex, - most helpful

[palmtree91]

Just so everyone knows and for those interested I have emailed Dr. Edgar as I would like to see what he can provide me in terms of preventative medication.

 

 

[palmtree91]

Why pay a premium to get it through a GP like Dr Edgar when you can get it for much less through GP prescription with one of the reliable online pharmacies...

 

 

Hi,

 

Is that what you did? for 14 months which is just over a year ?229 does not seem like a "premium" to me, where as paying ?50 with Boots chemist seems like more expensive option can you link me to any websites you used?

[LondonHTseeker]

I deleted the comment shortly after posting because I did a little research on it. From a very brief search it seems the generic proscar may be available through online chemists at around the same price, so I guess there isn't (much of) a premium on that with Dr Edgar. He used to charge a high premium with Propecia (and may still), which is why I get it through an online chemist instead. I've heard Propecia is more reliable than generic proscar, although how true that is I don't know. It was more expensive with Boots because you were getting Propecia not generic proscar.

[LondonHTseeker]

On further thought I'm not sure of the difference between generic finasteride and proscar! I should read up on it more. Obviously I'm not best placed to be talking about this. I just know that Dr Edgar's quote for Propecia around 4 months ago was much more expensive than the online pharmacy price I paid.