Analysis paralysis among great surgeons - Who to pick?

[ADuckwithNoHair]

This website is such a great resource for research and finding top notch hair restoration surgeons that ironically I'm very stuck on where to go among good choices. I'm currently 28 and seeking a surgeon for an FUT procedure. I've been quoted ~1500-1800 grafts for hairline repair by multiple clinics (I have photos posted on an earlier thread: here)

1. Dr. Carlos Wesley - Completely raised the bar on the quality I thought was possible for interaction with the provider. Extremely responsive, attentive, and detailed. His results are superb and, reviewing his research and credentials, I believe he is always abreast of latest HT developments to achieve good results (i.e. using ATP holding solution for grafts to increase survival rate)
2. Dr. Bloxham - Extremely skilled, and has a lot of experience/specialty in FUT. Video documentation of results is the best bar none. Scars are practically invisible. I see he has a lot of late-20's patients like me and achieved great results for them.
3. Dr. Cooley - Did extensive research on results which are phenomenal and good proximity to NY. However I've been trying to get a consultation over the telephone since the start of the month and they still can't give me even a graft estimate until the 14th of July.
4. Dr. Ron Shapiro - Also phenomenal results, if a little more on the conservative side. Haven't done consultation yet. Per research here he's an FUT specialist as well which is appealing. Clinic in MN where some family is so I can make a dual purpose trip out of it...

If anyone can pitch in their experience on these surgeons or give me advice on what I should do next I'd really appreciate it. This thread has been half asking for help and half just getting my thoughts out in writing, lol. All this hair transplant research has me going bananas I guess

Edited July 1, 2020 by ADuckwithNoHair

[Melvin- Admin]

Great names, 

Have you consulted with any of these physicians through our online consultation form? If you submit a consultation we can then reach out to the doctor and make sure you get an estimate. That said, you have excellent names, different levels of experience and different areas of expertise.

Are you leaning towards FUT? I think Bloxham is a great choice for FUT, but if you want FUE, he probably wont recommend it.

Dr. Wesley is top notch, highly skilled at both FUE and FUT. I'm always impressed with the appearance of his donor areas. I follow him on Instagram, and he seems like an all around good guy.

Dr. Cooley is also top notch, very skilled, he performs FUE and FUT on a consistent basis. Check out @HTREGRETS he was a guy who got botched at a place that rhymes with fosley. 

Dr. Ron Shapiro, many call him the Godfather of modern hair restoration. Many don't know this, but he was @Pat - Community Publisher surgeon, and in many ways it is because of him that this site even exists. Choosing him is choosing decades of experience, he also offers both FUE and FUT.

With all of the great names you have listed, it's difficult to make a choice. My suggestion is to schedule facetime meetings with each of them, discuss your goals, costs, etc. Once you do this, it will be easier to make a decision. Also, don't forget to ask to speak to one of their past patients, see if they're able to set up a meeting. 

https://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-transplant-surgeons.asp?sr=HRN

[Raphael84]

I wish you luck.

Choosing your surgeon can be a difficult decision. Take your time. Dont rush. As Melvin said, do your research and reach out to previous patients etc.

[gilgamesh]

Wesley's results are B to B+ average.

Cooley has some interesting ideas but his surgical technique doesn't match up based on his patient submitted cases.

Bloxham is too young. He needs a decade or two more before he can be considered with the elites here.

Shapiro - his time has gone.

Do more research and keep your geography flexible. The northeast, or east coast in general, are unlikely to be where your answer lies, have been fairly weak for transplant results in this era.

Be patient. Better not done at all than not well.

Edited July 1, 2020 by gilgamesh

[ADuckwithNoHair]

Thank you Melvin, yes I am leaning towards FUT for my first procedure. I have met with Dr. Bloxham in person and had a video call with Dr. Wesley and would be confident going forward with either of them (though Dr. Wesley charges more $$$). Speaking to previous patients is a great idea and I will try to reach out via the forum and their clinic.

29 minutes ago, gilgamesh said:

Wesley's results are B to B+ average.

Cooley has some interesting ideas but his surgical technique doesn't match up based on his patient submitted cases.

Bloxham is too young. He needs a decade or two more before he can be considered with the elites here.

Shapiro - his time has gone.

Do more research and keep your geography flexible. The northeast, or east coast in general, are unlikely to be where your answer lies, have been fairly weak for transplant results in this era.

Be patient. Better not done at all than not well.

Bold claims my friend  . In your opinion who are the elites for FUT now? I don't mind heading away from the East coast. While Dr. Bloxham and Dr. Wesley are in my back yard I also consider their results world-class which is why they are at the top of my list.

Edited July 1, 2020 by ADuckwithNoHair

[MrBiggs]

On 7/1/2020 at 3:27 AM, gilgamesh said:

Wesley's results are B to B+ average.

Cooley has some interesting ideas but his surgical technique doesn't match up based on his patient submitted cases.

Bloxham is too young. He needs a decade or two more before he can be considered with the elites here.

Shapiro - his time has gone.

Do more research and keep your geography flexible. The northeast, or east coast in general, are unlikely to be where your answer lies, have been fairly weak for transplant results in this era.

Be patient. Better not done at all than not well.

When speaking of Cooley what do you mean by his "surgical technique doesn't match up based on his patient submitted cases." I was thinking of going to him can you please explain?

[Melvin- Admin]

On 7/1/2020 at 12:27 AM, gilgamesh said:

Wesley's results are B to B+ average.

Cooley has some interesting ideas but his surgical technique doesn't match up based on his patient submitted cases.

Bloxham is too young. He needs a decade or two more before he can be considered with the elites here.

Shapiro - his time has gone.

Do more research and keep your geography flexible. The northeast, or east coast in general, are unlikely to be where your answer lies, have been fairly weak for transplant results in this era.

Be patient. Better not done at all than not well.

Shapiro is still elite, and Cooleys cases are excellent @HTREGRETS comes to mind. I disagree with everything, except the last part. 

[pkipling]

In regards to analysis paralysis (which I relate to in so many areas of my life - lol), I always remind people that there's no "one size fits all" surgeon out there, and no one single doctor who is the "right" choice. You seem to have created a fantastic short list, and I suppose anyone will be able to give you solid reasons for choosing (or not choosing) any one of them. As mentioned above, I would have consultations with as many of those as you can, speak to former patients of theirs, and then ultimately... Trust your gut. Who do you have the best feeling about? Who made you feel like you were in good hands and that were invested in the success of your procedure/life? Those are the things I look for and I think those are the things only you'll be able to answer for yourself.