Looking for advice

[Andy H]

Hi guys,  

 

Just wanted to say hello as a new member here and get some advice. Firstly I just want to say how great it is to have forums such as these and such a supportive network available. I've always been so sensitive about my hair loss; I cannot yet find the courage to discuss this with anyone face to face, my wife included. I see how I have internalised my insecurities and this has led to deep unhappiness with my self-confidence. I feel great about having a platform to discuss this, so thanks to you all!

 

So I have been losing my hair since about 20 years of age, I am now 37 and about a Norwood 5. 

 

I paid £100 for the privilege of a consultation of with the Crown Clinic in Manchester, UK who quoted me £12400 at £4 per transplant for 3100 units. This was apparently a NHS discount from their usual £5 per unit. 

 

This has led to me wrestling with the choices, I was advised that I would likely need further procedures in the future, the thought of spending £10's of thousands on myself rather than my family makes me feel incredibly guilty. It has led me to think I should maybe bite the bullet and go for the big shave; something I know I'll be very unhappy with as I have always been very proud and attached to my hair.

 

I looked more deeply into the reviews of the aforementioned clinic and found not everyone was very impressed. Some of those discussions led me here a few days ago and I have been insatiably reading contributions since! Money is somewhat an object (albeit not completely restrictive) I have narrowed my search down to HDC in Cyprus, Eugenix in India or Dr Bicer in Turkey. 

 

I'd welcome any thoughts or advice on these places and the whole process generally before I take the next steps.

 

Yours appreciatively,

[Britanium]

Being a fellow Uk person and a NHS worker i can agree on your take of the Crown Clinic.

We do have 3 decent names/clinics here and that’s not one of them. Dr Reddy, Dr Arshad and Dr Ed Ball. That’s the only people I would personally consider here. 

[Britanium]

As you mentioned HDC then please talk to @Doron Haratias he is the rep.

And yes I always consider Dr Bicer as it’s a one person a day ht and she has full involvement. 
Eugenix are a top choice as you have probably seen. And someone I am going too after all the travel restrictions have been lifted. 
 

[Andy H]

Hi John, 

 

Thanks for the info. I had come across Dr Arshad from the discussions here and will check out the others too...

 

Good to know I'm perhaps on the right track. Great stuff pal.

Edited December 22, 2020 by Andy H

[Britanium]

Just now, Andy H said:

Hi John, 

 

Thanks for the info. I had come across Dr Arshad from the discussions here and will check out the others too. Great stuff pal.

No worries, and welcome to the forum! Are you able to share pics ? So we can see your current situation. Are you on any meds ? 

 

 

[UnbaldEagle]

11 minutes ago, Andy H said:

This has led to me wrestling with the choices, I was advised that I would likely need further procedures in the future, the thought of spending £10's of thousands on myself rather than my family makes me feel incredibly guilty. It has led me to think I should maybe bite the bullet and go for the big shave; something I know I'll be very unhappy with as I have always been very proud and attached to my hair.

Man, this made me feel sad. You're a good person for putting your family first considering long term implications and costs. But yes, ultimately you might be sacrificing your own happiness too. 

The 3 clinics you mentioned however are a lot more cheaper than the few clinics worth considering in the UK. And they are just as capable. 

Only concern is travelling, at least to India. I was able to get into Cyprus from the UK (2nd attempt though) for my surgery at HDC 2 weeks ago. 

[Andy H]

Yes, so I've been on Finasteride for what must be 10 years now. I tried Rogaine early on but I wasn't particularly good at maintaining its use. 

 

Pics attached, I took these immediately after and shower for maximum effect (hence the slick hair!) Thanks again.

[Britanium]

Thanks for the pics. Seems like you have a good donor area. And the Fin is obviously helping retain what you have. 
Is your goal to get full coverage ? 

[Andy H]

4 minutes ago, UnbaldEagle said:

Man, this made me feel sad. You're a good person for putting your family first considering long term implications and costs. But yes, ultimately you might be sacrificing your own happiness too. 

The 3 clinics you mentioned however are a lot more cheaper than the few clinics worth considering in the UK. And they are just as capable. 

Only concern is travelling, at least to India. I was able to get into Cyprus from the UK (2nd attempt though) for my surgery at HDC 2 weeks ago. 

Thank you buddy. Really great to here you squeezed in your procedure. I am conscious of any venture abroad meaning having to wait longer than desired but I guess I'd rather get it done right than quickly. 

 

How would you reflect on your experience at HDC and was it easy to cancel and rearrange in the current climate?

[Andy H]

1 minute ago, JohnAC71 said:

Thanks for the pics. Seems like you have a good donor area. And the Fin is obviously helping retain what you have. 
Is your goal to get full coverage ? 

I want to be realistic about what I can achieve but yes ideally as close to full coverage as my donor area may allow!

[Britanium]

1 minute ago, Andy H said:

Thank you buddy. Really great to here you squeezed in your procedure. I am conscious of any venture abroad meaning having to wait longer than desired but I guess I'd rather get it done right than quickly. 

 

How would you reflect on your experience at HDC and was it easy to cancel and rearrange in the current climate?

Absolutely better to wait it out 👌 I am waiting for Eugenix. 

[Britanium]

1 minute ago, Andy H said:

I want to be realistic about what I can achieve but yes ideally as close to full coverage as my donor area may allow!

I would think that you could get good coverage. Be interested if you consult with Eugenix what they would think they could achieve.

@Abhinay Singhis a rep for them 

[Andy H]

Just now, JohnAC71 said:

Absolutely better to wait it out 👌 I am waiting for Eugenix. 

Yes I think they may just be my first choice too. Have you made contact already or waiting until things settle down? I did wonder whether there would be any difference in a HT for different hair-types as I have very fine and straight hair compared to someone of sub-continental ethnicity; which appears to be their primary customer base.

[Britanium]

Just now, Andy H said:

Yes I think they may just be my first choice too. Have you made contact already or waiting until things settle down? I did wonder whether there would be any difference in a HT for different hair-types as I have very fine and straight hair compared to someone of sub-continental ethnicity; which appears to be their primary customer base.

Yes already consulted with them. They do very good work with all hair types to be honest. Check out @Zoomster and @Fluffhead for example 

[Andy H]

1 minute ago, JohnAC71 said:

I would think that you could get good coverage. Be interested if you consult with Eugenix what they would think they could achieve.

@Abhinay Singhis a rep for them 

Thanks John, great to hear you think so. I will make contact, and I will be very happy to post my progress and keep you informed. I am very jealous of the pictures of those 12 months post-procedure and cannot wait to get there myself!

[IanH]

Hi @Andy H, welcome to the forum and I agree, it's a great platform. 

I went with Dr.Bicer so can comment very positively for her based on my experience and results so far (4 months).

Regarding the current climate with travel etc. I had to rearrange once and it was perfectly fine with Dr.Bicer. I paid a small deposit when booking and that allows for surgery at some point for 12 months ahead. I think every respectable clinic will need to offer plenty of flexibility at the moment.

Let me know if you have any questions I'd be happy to help! And I hope you find a good solution that works best for you.

[Andy H]

2 minutes ago, IanH said:

Hi @Andy H, welcome to the forum and I agree, it's a great platform. 

I went with Dr.Bicer so can comment very positively for her based on my experience and results so far (4 months).

Regarding the current climate with travel etc. I had to rearrange once and it was perfectly fine with Dr.Bicer. I paid a small deposit when booking and that allows for surgery at some point for 12 months ahead. I think every respectable clinic will need to offer plenty of flexibility at the moment.

Let me know if you have any questions I'd be happy to help! And I hope you find a good solution that works best for you.

Thank you Ian,

 

Great to hear you're happy with your results, I can only imagine what a good feeling it is to be on the other side of things. Yes there seems to be some great example of her work, I haven't seen many examples of results 12months+ but the initial results I've seen so far have looked great. 

 

Thanks for the information, thats really useful to know. I am very tempted, and it appears to be excellent value for money there. 

[Gatsby]

Andy firstly welcome to the forum and by joining here you have made a great first step. Not only in being able to talk and discuss with like minded individuals, but also by avoiding jumping in head first into a marketing trap which could end in a massive regret. You are such an honorable person in putting your family first. However the pain you are going through will be of no benefit to them. Also it's great to see that despite your suffering you have waited to see how your hair loss has progressed. In my humble opinion I would definitely get in touch with Eugenix and also have a look at some of their results both here and on their website. They turn out incredibly natural results (at a very affordable price) which is their hallmark. But that aside do lots of research and 'talking' here on the forum. Wishing you all the best!

[Doron Harati]

10 hours ago, Andy H said:

Yes, so I've been on Finasteride for what must be 10 years now. I tried Rogaine early on but I wasn't particularly good at maintaining its use. 

 

Pics attached, I took these immediately after and shower for maximum effect (hence the slick hair!) Thanks again.

You have a good donor, will be waiting for your measurements.

[Andy H]

7 hours ago, Gatsby said:

Andy firstly welcome to the forum and by joining here you have made a great first step. Not only in being able to talk and discuss with like minded individuals, but also by avoiding jumping in head first into a marketing trap which could end in a massive regret. You are such an honorable person in putting your family first. However the pain you are going through will be of no benefit to them. Also it's great to see that despite your suffering you have waited to see how your hair loss has progressed. In my humble opinion I would definitely get in touch with Eugenix and also have a look at some of their results both here and on their website. They turn out incredibly natural results (at a very affordable price) which is their hallmark. But that aside do lots of research and 'talking' here on the forum. Wishing you all the best!

Thank you Gatsby, that's very kind of you to say. I will definitely look further into this as you advise, feeling very optimistic though for the future which is such a relief!