Booked with Dr. Bruno Ferreira, January 28, 2020

[Rolandas]

Hi guys,

So I am just "another dude" with a hair loss problem like all of you here haha. I am 28, diffuse NW5 pattern. Been losing my hair since 21 years old. Once I lost my hairline completely (except forelock) i became self conscious about it and started growing out hair to cover that spot and for the last 3 years I've been doing it quite well (thanks to hair spray!).

Medical Treatment

This year in January I started using Minoxidil 5% with dermaroller with some good results. I felt like I'm not loosing any more hair, but actually regaining it back. You can check out my separate thread for that.

After long debates I also decided to get on board with Finasteride, but started with super low dosage of 0.25 mg twice a week to check how my body will react to that. Looked like it was all good, so I increased dosage to 0.5 mg 3 times a week and eventually 1 mg/day. Been on a full dose for the last 3-4 months now and looks like it works great for me. Don't see any hairs falling out for quite some time already, so I feel my MPB is stable. At this point I believe medical therapy will keep improving my crown and mid scalp, so I just need to get the front done via HT. Today, in day to day life I'm not thinking too much about my hair, unless it's windy and it blows away my comb over and gives a great view for people of my bald front lol! That's the worst thing that's happening in my day haha. Well, anyway.. Moving on..

Hunt for a surgeon

After a year of intense research, long debates and countless before & after's I finally decided to book in a surgery! Super excited to finally get it done.

Originally I started looking at Turkey for it's affordability. Checked pretty much every clinic out there where Doctor is involved in surgery at some point (bypassing all these hair mills!). Learned a lot of things a long the way so it made my list much smaller. Got tons of proposals from different clinics starting from "one and done" types of clinic, to more expensive ones like Asmed. Most of doc's are doing incisions only and leaving the rest for techs and since we all have limited donor supply and truly just 1 shot to make it or brake it, I have decided for myself that I want Dr. himself to do most crucial parts of surgery.

Following that mindset I found couple of surgeons:

Dr. Demirsoy

• Does 1 patient a day
• Does extractions & incisions himself
• Lots of great reviews on forums
• Fits my budget

One thing bothering me he wanted to do 4000-4500 grafts over 1 day. After some debates I decided not to go for it. I am a proponent of smaller amounts over few days to preserve grafts, donor and doc could focus more on procedure itself, especially extractions and not waste any precious grafts.

Dr. Pekiner

• Lots of positive feedback
• Does extractions & incisions himself
• Does 1 patient a day
• Charging almost twice more

At this point I decided not to focus on money (thanks for my research!) and be open for more expensive options. Now, here is a things that was bothering me. He suggested 3000 grafts for the frontal part, from which 2500 would be extracted from scalp and 500 from beard. I really don't feel like using beard grafts for my first procedure! Just doesn't sounds right. Also patient adviser said that Dr. Pekiner will not change his mind and that's the only thing he would do. No negotiations. Obviously I didn't feel nice about it, so I decided to keep looking.

I decided to get out of Turkish market and start looking from across the world. I had 2 live consultations with Dr. Bisanga and Dr. Lupanzula where both confirmed my great donor. Both suggested to be conservative and everything looks great, but the amount of money they are charging was sadly out of my reach.

At some point I been watching so many videos on YouTube from Dr. Jose Lorenzo and always been amazed of his work. Obviously he was charging a big buck for his stellar job, but one thing that got my attention was he started working with Dr. Bruno Ferreira at some point over the last few years. I was "mhm.. If this guy is good enough for Dr. Lorenzo, he must be good". So I looked him up.

Turns out Dr. Ferreira has a lot of experience in HT. He was mainly working for other clinics and now for Dr. Lorenzo in Madrid. He has also his own clinic in Portugal where he is based. The problem I found is he has very, very limited exposure online of his own work, only because most of his time he was working for someone else, meaning, someone else owns the rights for before/after. Despite this fact, every case he presented for me was a "wow" case. Recently I spoke with Joe Tillman & Spencer Kobren on their show and asked what's their opinion on this young doctor and was pleasantly surprised that they know this guy very well and in their opinion his job is stellar.

So here we are. I send him my standard email and I've got the best online assessment I've ever seen! It was a great surprise of his attention to detail from his initial impression, to medical treatment, to prognosis, to HT plan consisting of two separate surgeries to achieve full recovery. Not a typical "copy - paste" type of response. He even convinced me to jump on Finasteride full dose 1mg/day, which I'm glad I did!

Dr. Ferreira proposed 3000-3500 grafts (will decide on live consultation after he "gets his hands on my scalp")  Surgery will be done in 2 consecutive days. At this point we decided to go for frontal restoration first, which is my main concern.

After almost 40 emails back and forth and ~45 min video chat (Yes, with Dr. himself!) I finally decided - this is it, this is my Dr! Booked my surgery with him on January 28-29, 2020. Fingers crossed!

P.S. Dr. Ferreira is quite OCD/perfectionist. I guess that's the best thing a patient could hear about his doctor!

 

What I'm looking for right now is I need advise from you guys. I booked my hotel in Porto (30 seconds away from clinic hahaha ) from 27th of Jan to 2nd of Feb, so transplanted grafts will have 4 days to "settle down" and will less likely to be dislodged and whatnot.

What shall I buy before surgery so I stay as comfortable as possible? Any special travel pillow? Aloe Vera gel for donor post-op? Any special hat for post-op? Tie my hands to bed for the first 7 nights, so I don't scratch recipient area while sleeping?

Any help is appreciated!

Super excited to get this finally done!

 

Many thanks.

Rolandas

Edited November 30, 2019 by Rolandas

[Rolandas]

Up!

Still looking forward for suggestions from who had the surgery done.

I really want to get it as smooth as possible so any tips and tricks are welcome!

Edited December 6, 2019 by Rolandas

[Portugal25]

Dear Roland,

I live in Portugal and I was also deciding between Dr. Bruno and Dr. Pekiner so congratulations on you choice because Dr. Bruno (Best patient evaluation I’ve ever received and he always replied fast and directly not through a patient advisor) is a rising star and the prices at his clinic in Porto are still affordable (even though 15% more expensive than Pekiner). 

I chose Dr. Pekiner because right now I’m in Ankara doing 2000 head grafts plus 1500 beard grafts and Dr. Pekiner has a lot of great results posted in the Italian forum from patients with 1000+ BHT sessions. 

If I was not doing 1500 BHT grafts I would have avoided the flight to Ankara and chosen Dr. Bruno. 

Reccomendations:

1. don’t take any clothes without  bottons because you can’t dress anything over your head.

2. Take a vanity mirror to apply spray and cream

3. Ask for a black surgical cap so you can feel more comfortable walking around in public

Wish you all the best and please post your results because Dr. Bruno Ferreira still has no patient results posted in any forum and he is truly one of the great ones to look out for. 

Edited December 27, 2019 by Portugal25

[Tbcruz]

How much is he charging for the procedure ? 
@rolandas

[Rolandas]

11 hours ago, Portugal25 said:

Dear Roland,

I live in Portugal and I was also deciding between Dr. Bruno and Dr. Pekiner so congratulations on you choice because Dr. Bruno (Best patient evaluation I’ve ever received and he always replied fast and directly not through a patient advisor) is a rising star and the prices at his clinic in Porto are still affordable (even though 15% more expensive than Pekiner). 

I chose Dr. Pekiner because right now I’m in Ankara doing 2000 head grafts plus 1500 beard grafts and Dr. Pekiner has a lot of great results posted in the Italian forum from patients with 1000+ BHT sessions. 

If I was not doing 1500 BHT grafts I would have avoided the flight to Ankara and chosen Dr. Bruno. 

Reccomendations:

1. don’t take any clothes without  bottons because you can’t dress anything over your head.

2. Take a vanity mirror to apply spray and cream

3. Ask for a black surgical cap so you can feel more comfortable walking around in public

Wish you all the best and please post your results because Dr. Bruno Ferreira still has no patient results posted in any forum and he is truly one of the great ones to look out for. 

Hey man,

 

Thanks for advice! Didn't thought of one with the mirror. Top man!

As I wrote before that's ine of the reasons I chose Dr. Ferreira over Dr. Pekiner! I know they're both great surgeons and everyone has their preference.

8 minutes ago, Tbcruz said:

How much is he charging for the procedure ? 
@rolandas

Hi Tbcruz,

At the moment he's charging €2.5/graft. If you compare his work to other top surgeons it's top notch as well, so value for money is amazing. Fingers crossed for myself!

[goodwally]

Bruno Ferreira is a great Spaniard surgeon.

[Portugal25]

Goodwally, sorry but Bruno Ferreira is Portuguese born and raised, different country and different language.

He does however, work in Madrid with Jose Lorenzo.

Edited January 1, 2020 by Portugal25

[goodwally]

On 12/29/2019 at 1:58 PM, Portugal25 said:

Goodwally, sorry but Bruno Ferreira is Portuguese (born and raised in Portugal), different country and different language.

He does however, work in Madrid with Jose Lorenzo.

I still consider him a Spaniard. Spaniards are still the best ht surgeons in the world.. no question.

 

[Portugal25]

Goodwally saying a Portuguese guy is Spanish is like saying a British guy is French (makes no sense). 

I’m pretty sure Dr. Bruno is proudly Portuguese like me so maybe don’t tell him you want to keep thinking he’s Spanish (if you ever talk to him).

Dr Bruno Ferreira and Dr Bruno Pinto are the best in Portugal.

Dr. Bruno Pinto has dozens of results on the Spanish forum recuperartupelo.com and Bruno Ferreira will surely be having results here soon as he is trending now and for good reason. 

Edited January 1, 2020 by Portugal25

[LonelyGraft]

On 12/29/2019 at 10:53 AM, goodwally said:

Bruno Ferreira is a great Spaniard surgeon.

*Portugese

[goodwally]

22 hours ago, Portugal25 said:

Goodwally saying a Portuguese guy is Spanish is like saying a British guy is French (makes no sense). 

I’m pretty sure Dr. Bruno is proudly Portuguese like me so maybe don’t tell him you want to keep thinking he’s Spanish (if you ever talk to him).

Dr Bruno Ferreira and Dr Bruno Pinto are the best in Portugal.

Dr. Bruno Pinto has dozens of results on the Spanish forum recuperartupelo.com and Bruno Ferreira will surely be having results here soon as he is trending now and for good reason. 

Portugal25's analogy of a spaniard and portuguese makes 0 sense. Like comparing a german to an italian. English and scottish makes better sense. Even then theres no difference between a brit and scot. Dont see any difference between portuguese and spaniard.

He does practice in Spain. Wonder why not portugal..... smh

[Portugal25]

England and Scotland are different countries with very different people but they are both part of the United Kingdom and have the same language (with different accents). 

Spain and Portugal are not only different countries with totally different languages but Spain still has a monarchy and Portugal has a Republic.

My advice if you decide to travel to Europe is to avoid saying this at a Bar because if there are Scots listening you will get a black eye (watch Mel Gibson’s “Braveheart” to understand why) if there’s a Spanish he will shout at you relentlessly and if there’s a Portuguese he will probably buy you a beer and try to enlighten you. 

Dr. Bruno has his own clinic in Portugal where Rolandas has his surgery booked. 

Edited January 1, 2020 by Portugal25

[Rolandas]

In the end of the day I think what's matters is the skill of the doctor and not who he is or where he is coming from. Nevertheless thank you both for confirming my thoughts on him!

[goodwally]

14 hours ago, Portugal25 said:

England and Scotland are different countries with very different people but they are both part of the United Kingdom and have the same language (with different accents). 

Spain and Portugal are not only different countries with totally different languages but Spain still has a monarchy and Portugal has a Republic.

My advice if you decide to travel to Europe is to avoid saying this at a Bar because if there are Scots listening you will get a black eye (watch Mel Gibson’s “Braveheart” to understand why) if there’s a Spanish he will shout at you relentlessly and if there’s a Portuguese he will probably buy you a beer and try to enlighten you. 

Dr. Bruno has his own clinic in Portugal where Rolandas has his surgery booked. 

Other than accents and minor cultural differences theres no difference between a brit and scot. Spain's and portugal's languages are similar so theyre not that different.

Dont see any difference between a spaniard and portuguese other than a spaniard is lighter skinned than the average portuguese and similar language.

You've never been to england since I've had long winded discussions in public in england about this with scots and brits. My family is scottish, english and french.

[lovinitl9]

5 hours ago, goodwally said:

Other than accents and minor cultural differences theres no difference between a brit and scot. Spain's and portugal's languages are similar so theyre not that different.

Dont see any difference between a spaniard and portuguese other than a spaniard is lighter skinned than the average portuguese and similar language.

You've never been to england since I've had long winded discussions in public in england about this with scots and brits. My family is scottish, english and french.

you sound really ignorant, time to grow up

[LonelyGraft]

5 hours ago, goodwally said:

Other than accents and minor cultural differences theres no difference between a brit and scot. Spain's and portugal's languages are similar so theyre not that different.

Dont see any difference between a spaniard and portuguese other than a spaniard is lighter skinned than the average portuguese and similar language.

You've never been to england since I've had long winded discussions in public in england about this with scots and brits. My family is scottish, english and french.

Wtf?

[goodwally]

On 1/2/2020 at 3:12 AM, lovinitl9 said:

you sound really ignorant, time to grow up

Dont be stupid and immature. Troll elsewhere

Edited January 12, 2020 by goodwally

[Rolandas]

35 minutes ago, Jijypuru said:

Hi

thx. For making the tread. I’m considering dr. Bruno myself so please keep posting your HT journey. 
Video of OR etc. Would be great if the doctor allows it?

thx  in advance and all the best  

Regards,

mikael

 

I will see what I can do!

I know there's some pictures of his OR in Dr. Ferreira's instagram.

[Rolandas]

18 minutes ago, Jijypuru said:

@RolandasI guess dr. Bruno have not giving u post up aftercare instructions yet. Im sure he will. 

Do u know if his nurses offer cleaning the donor and recipient area the day after surgery, while giving you washing instructions? 

I’d personally go for a loose cap and a travel pillow. 
 

I had 2 ht and have been wearing cap when leaving the doctor and following days. Actually I dont know if every doctor ‘recommend’ this? I have been very very cautious when putting it on and taking off. I have had the cap very loose and just a top of my head not touching any grafts. 

Hi Jijypuru,

I'm not sure if they normally provide cleaning after OP, but I asked specifically if I can come for daily wash in clinic after surgery and Dr. Bruno said Monday - Friday is fine, but always needs to check availability.

Dr. Ferreira mentioned hats are ok as long as they dont touch grafts and  you're extremely careful when putting on. He said main problem arises from putting on/removing a hat. The best option is always nothing on top. 

[Rolandas]

7 hours ago, Jijypuru said:

Hi @Rolandas

hope everything want superb. This week. 
 

looking forward to be following your journey. 

Hey man,

Just posted my experience of the surgery in a separate thread. 

 

[HTP1]

On 1/2/2020 at 3:01 AM, goodwally said:

Other than accents and minor cultural differences theres no difference between a brit and scot. Spain's and portugal's languages are similar so theyre not that different.

Dont see any difference between a spaniard and portuguese other than a spaniard is lighter skinned than the average portuguese and similar language.

You've never been to england since I've had long winded discussions in public in england about this with scots and brits. My family is scottish, english and french.

Just caught up with this topic.

I've been on the internet some time and seen some dipshit hole digging, but this is probably the best I've ever seen.

Brilliant 😂

Reminds me of South Park; "Iraq / Iran what's the difference?" 

You should have managed the Spanish national team. I'm sure you could have got Ronaldo to play for them... 

Norway / Sweden would be better example than Scotland and England to highlight the stupidity as the languages also have some  mutual intelligibility.  

On topic, Dr F is class. 


 

Edited November 18, 2020 by HTP1

[mustang]

On 1/2/2020 at 12:01 AM, goodwally said:

Other than accents and minor cultural differences theres no difference between a brit and scot. Spain's and portugal's languages are similar so theyre not that different.

Dont see any difference between a spaniard and portuguese other than a spaniard is lighter skinned than the average portuguese and similar language.

You've never been to england since I've had long winded discussions in public in england about this with scots and brits. My family is scottish, english and french.

Gosh

Being half Spaniard and living in Spain I must say I have never read are more ignorant and stupid post this year.

It's frightening how stupid people are. It really is.

[Portugal25]

2 minutes ago, mustang said:

Gosh

Being half Spaniard and living in Spain I must say I have never read are more ignorant and stupid post this year.

It's frightening how stupid people are. It really is.

This troll was kicked out and came back again with different names but it was so easy to identify his trademark arrogant ignorance that he managed to get kicked out again. 

[JohnBob]

Lol you portugueses and españoles are very proud people so I understand this can be a sensitive topic for you. 

But spanish and portuguese are indeed very similar languages, to the point that if your first language is portuguese you can understand and easily communicate with a spanish people.  You definitely can't do that with say italian and german unless you have some proficiency with both languages. 

Their ethnicities and cultures are not that different either. Cristiano Ronaldo could easily pass for a Spanish dude. 

That being said, don't confuse the two because they are different people with different languages and if you do that they'll get mad. 

(And please don't be mad at me, I'm 25% Portuguese and 25% Spanish, and portuguese is my first language.)

 

Edited November 22, 2020 by JohnBob

[Portugal25]

55 minutes ago, JohnBob said:

Lol you portugueses and españoles are very proud people so I understand this can be a sensitive topic for you. 

But spanish and portuguese are indeed very similar languages, to the point that if your first language is portuguese you can understand and easily communicate with a spanish people.  You definitely can't do that with say italian and german unless you have some proficiency with both languages. 

Their ethnicities and cultures are not that different either. Cristiano Ronaldo could easily pass for a Spanish dude. 

That being said, don't confuse the two because they are different people with different languages and if you do that they'll get mad. 

(And please don't be mad at me, I'm 25% Portuguese and 25% Spanish, and portuguese is my first language.)

 

John it’s not a Portuguese thing for a small country to be proficient in other languages (Portugal, Scandinavian countries, etc) while bigger countries focus just on their own language and even dub movies into their own language (Italy, Spain, Brasil, France,etc). Feel sorry for these people that never heard the real voice of movie icons like Eddy Murphy or Robin Williams. 

Here in Portugal we all grow up listening to original movies, tv and English or Spanish music and that’s why we are more prepared to understand foreign languages.

This is why all Portuguese can speak Spanish (or English) and no Spanish can speak Portuguese (even English is challenge for them).

Nothing to do with saying a latin language like Spanish similar to another latin language like Portuguese because actually all latin languages have similarities and any Portuguese can understand several words and full sentences of any latin language even if we don’t speak them while bigger countries are content with only understanding Eddie Murphy if he’s dubbed in their own language.

Edited November 22, 2020 by Portugal25