Are there any clinics that work with HIV+ patients?

[dr1980]

Hi guys, 

 

I'm new to this forum but have been following this forum doing some research. I've been wanting to get a hair transplant for a while and finally decided to take some steps to make this happen. From all the reading that I've done, I see that Istanbul would be a great option for how competitive it is, how much experience they have and the competitive prices. 

I decided to contact the clinic Dr Serkan Aygın, since he is one of the best rated clinic on Google Maps. I filled out their online questionnaire where they asked me the standard questions and medical conditions. I mentioned that I was HIV+, undetectable and healthy. I then was contacted via WhatsApp, and they asked me again some information, photos and medical conditions. My first instinct was to reply "I filled this info already on your website" but I just decided to reply again and mention again about my health conditions. 

Today they replied via WhatsApp saying "Unfortunately due to the ministry of health new laws, we cannot perform operations for patients with HIV".  I am not sure about the laws in Istanbul, but I am a bit confused since now I found some cases where people that are HIV+ have had the transplant and I even found a clinic that has an HIV+ FUE special  

TO THE REAL QUESTION:

I understand that some clinics reserve the right to reject someone like me, because, even though, I'm undetectable, healthy and can prove it, hesitation of safety might exist due to the nature of the procedure. So... instead of going fishing trying to find other providers, I wanted to ask you all if you have any recommendations of places that actually accept HIV+ patients?, or if there are any providers that can chime in, I would really appreciate it. 

Thank you for your time and attention!

 

D.R.

[Melvin- Admin]

First of all, never ever go by google reviews. I’m not sure I’ve heard of this doctor, but @Egy a forum member was botched by someone with a similar name. Virtually any reputable clinic would accept patients with HIV, especially if the virus is suppressed. 

[ITA]

1 hour ago, Melvin-Moderator said:

 

First of all, never ever go by google reviews. I’m not sure I’ve heard of this doctor, but @Egy a forum member was botched by someone with a similar name. Virtually any reputable clinic would accept patients with HIV, especially if the virus is suppressed. 

 

No @Melvin-Moderator, the doctor (if he is) you are talking about is Hamid Aydin, in one of the many pseudo clinics in Istanbul.  Serkan Aygin is the owner of a hair mill also in Istanbul, which in any case I must admit, I have seen many good results from them, he works a lot with European "clients", especially Italians.

[Gatsby]

I wouldn’t be worried about not being able to have surgery if you are HIV at all. I would be extremely worried about having surgery in Turkey based on competitive pricing. Do lots of research on surgeons who turn out consistent, excellent results and worry about the price second to this. You can always wait to save up more money, etc. All the best. 

[dr1980]

Hi Everyone, 

I wanted to post an update on my journey. I contacted a bunch of clinics and some were open to take me as a patient, considering I'm very healthy and undetectable. 

Clinics that I checked where I receive positive response:

• BHR Clinic in Belgium (Dr. Bisanga) - Very professional, by the way.
• Cancun Hair Restoration - Not a problem with + patients. 
• Hair Center Mexico - Mentioned that they have had experience with + patients in the past.

Negative response:

• Dr.Resul Yaman Hair Clinic denied my request. This was their comment about it: "Unfortunately we have to turn your request down because we do not have the sterilization system to perform hair transplantation on HIV+ patients."
• Dr Serkan Aygin Clinic denied as well. This was their reason: "Unfortunately due to the ministry of health new laws, we cannot perform operations for patients with HIV."

I had to put my search on hold due to the pandemic, but I'm starting my research again. Hopefully I will have an appointment soon  

[Britanium]

From your list Dr Bisanga stands out. Always in my top 3 worldwide….

[TorontoMan]

Dr. Bisanga ftw. 

[Melvin- Admin]

Very strange list of surgeons. Dr. Bisanga by far is the stand out. His work and portfolio is impeccable.

[Canada1976]

I am in the same boat. Pls message me privately and let’s find out and discuss the best options!

[Canada1976]

On 1/27/2021 at 7:30 PM, dr1980 said:

Hi guys, 

 

I'm new to this forum but have been following this forum doing some research. I've been wanting to get a hair transplant for a while and finally decided to take some steps to make this happen. From all the reading that I've done, I see that Istanbul would be a great option for how competitive it is, how much experience they have and the competitive prices. 

I decided to contact the clinic Dr Serkan Aygın, since he is one of the best rated clinic on Google Maps. I filled out their online questionnaire where they asked me the standard questions and medical conditions. I mentioned that I was HIV+, undetectable and healthy. I then was contacted via WhatsApp, and they asked me again some information, photos and medical conditions. My first instinct was to reply "I filled this info already on your website" but I just decided to reply again and mention again about my health conditions. 

Today they replied via WhatsApp saying "Unfortunately due to the ministry of health new laws, we cannot perform operations for patients with HIV".  I am not sure about the laws in Istanbul, but I am a bit confused since now I found some cases where people that are HIV+ have had the transplant and I even found a clinic that has an HIV+ FUE special  

TO THE REAL QUESTION:

I understand that some clinics reserve the right to reject someone like me, because, even though, I'm undetectable, healthy and can prove it, hesitation of safety might exist due to the nature of the procedure. So... instead of going fishing trying to find other providers, I wanted to ask you all if you have any recommendations of places that actually accept HIV+ patients?, or if there are any providers that can chime in, I would really appreciate it. 

Thank you for your time and attention!

 

D.R.

Hi. I have the same situation. This doctor told me no. I researched there is no new laws in turkey that prohibit them doing surgery. It’s all a big lie. I was told by one doctor that they don’t want their equipment to get dirty from me. If u like, message me and we can research this issue together -:)

[Canada1976]

On 7/12/2021 at 9:02 PM, dr1980 said:

Hi Everyone, 

I wanted to post an update on my journey. I contacted a bunch of clinics and some were open to take me as a patient, considering I'm very healthy and undetectable. 

Clinics that I checked where I receive positive response:

• BHR Clinic in Belgium (Dr. Bisanga) - Very professional, by the way.
• Cancun Hair Restoration - Not a problem with + patients. 
• Hair Center Mexico - Mentioned that they have had experience with + patients in the past.

Negative response:

• Dr.Resul Yaman Hair Clinic denied my request. This was their comment about it: "Unfortunately we have to turn your request down because we do not have the sterilization system to perform hair transplantation on HIV+ patients."
• Dr Serkan Aygin Clinic denied as well. This was their reason: "Unfortunately due to the ministry of health new laws, we cannot perform operations for patients with HIV."

I had to put my search on hold due to the pandemic, but I'm starting my research again. Hopefully I will have an appointment soon  

If the clinic don’t have sterilisation lol than u are lucky that they denied you. It’s unheard of! 

[pkipling]

HIV status not be a factor in a potential patient's eligibility for a hair transplant, so them denying you saved you some leg work in determining if they are indeed reputable or not. I'm glad you found this forum and that their response sparked you to do more research. As the others mentioned, Dr. Bisanga seems like the way to go based on the options you've narrowed it down to. If you're still unsure, use the list of recommended surgeons on the forum to keep researching and narrowing it all down. Best of luck! 

[dr1980]

19 hours ago, Canada1976 said:

Hi. I have the same situation. This doctor told me no. I researched there is no new laws in turkey that prohibit them doing surgery. It’s all a big lie. I was told by one doctor that they don’t want their equipment to get dirty from me. If u like, message me and we can research this issue together -:)

Hi there!

I kept on looking for other clinics and kept getting rejected. Here are some other clinics that gave negative response:

• 👎 Smile Hair Clinic (Turkey): "due to Goverment Plicy we are not allowed to perform HIV + patients unfortunately.. nut here are some othe rplaces that can perform the procedure for sure"
• 👎 Dr. Ozlem Bicer (Turkey): "Unfortunately Dr. Bicer does not suggest hair transplant or any surgery for HIV+ patients because we use many medicines during and after the surgery. Those medicines have many side effects on your health. She does not suggest to take this risks to have an aesthetic procedure" -- I responded politely thanking them but asking about these medicines that are supposed to have side effects. I was told that they would get back to me. They never did. 

Positive response:

• 👍 Clinicana (Turkey) Offer an all inclusive package specific for HIV+ patients. It's 4,000 Euros. They responded and were very polite and professional. Just in case, you can read more about this here.
  • There are a couple of other clinics that offer a similar service but I haven't rearched out to them. One of them is:
    • https://www.ixoralifeclinic.com/en/hiv-hair-transplant-turkey

Also, I found this AP article that specifically talks about HIV+ patients and if they can get the procedure in Turkey or not.  According to the article it shouldn't be a problem and they also add: "The participation of HIV-positive individual’s lives, established regarding any discrimination, are protected by the Positive Life Association of Turkey and regulations."

Anyway, I considered reaching out to that association but I don't have the time haha and quite honestly, I'm not about to go on a crusade against a business that doesn't want to treat me because I'm HIV+, I rather just take my business somewhere else.

I found an option: Dr Cortez

After doing a lot of research and searching for reviews I decided to make an appointment with Doctor Jorge Cortez from Hair Center Mexico HCM in Tijuana Mexico. They originally responded positively to my request but I have to admit that I was a bit nervous about the location. After doing more research I found out that the location is actually in a safe area that is very touristy. The deciding factor for me was finding the reviews and experiences in this same forum. Also, I believe I read a note from @Melvin- Moderatorsaying that he was impressed with the results from Dr Cortez . So that's it... I decided to make an appointment, which is confirmed for December 10! 🙌

I'm very excited and I will be posting the results and updates!  

Best luck to you @Canada1976 Feel free to msg me anytime if you want. 

 

[Melvin- Admin]

Guys,

 

There is misinformation going around that Dr. Bicer doesn’t accept HIV patients, I’ve had a length discussion and she will post her response here. @Canada1976 is a racist prejudice poster who came here to post with malice intent. He’s banned permanently.

[Britanium]

Just now, Melvin- Moderator said:

Guys,

 

There is misinformation going around that Dr. Bicer doesn’t accept HIV patients, I’ve had a length discussion and she will post her response here. @Canada1976 is a racist prejudice poster who came here to post with malice intent.

Thanks for checking it out with Dr Bicer @Melvin- Moderator! 

[Melvin- Admin]

Dr. Bicer’s official response below: 

At Dr. Bicer clinic, we perform HIV, HBsAg, HCV, Covid tests before performing any and all hair transplants. Since we know each HIV(-) results may also have HIV (+) possibility. We accept all (-) results as positive (+) results and take all the necessary precautions. Because we don’t  have the chance to make 0 possibility since we consider unknown phaze. 

The reason why we don’t suggest hair transplant to HIV + patient is not to protect ourselves. Although the test result is negative, the patient may be positive. The reason why we don’t suggest hair transplant is to protect the patient.  This in not exclusive to ONLY HIV (+) patients, we also don’t suggest hair transplant for patients who have auto immune and immunosuppressive diseases such as cancer (cemotheraphy, radiotherapy ,Kollegenosis , etc…   )Because their body protections are lower than normal.  Healing time is longer and infection risks are higher.

No one can say that he/she can perform hair surgery to all of his/her  HIV (+) patients. 

If the patient accepts to take extra risks of this elective surgery, we have to clarify all important points at the beginning.

In order to be sure, Dr Bicer needs a consultation by an infectious disease specialists in Turkey.  If they confirm that there is no extra risk for the patient,  Dr. Bicer may perform the surgery.  Also, the patient should be using medications regularly, and their CD4 levels must be more than 500 , HIV mRNa should be less than 50. 

In Dr. Bicer’s clinic, we do all tests ( HIV, HBsAg, HCV,) to all of our team (doctor, nurses, interpreters and staff ) periodically and we want you to be sure that if one of them has any positive results , we are going to inform you. Because each patient has rights , he/she should have the chance to decide whether accept this risk or not.

COVID PROCEDURE 

 At Dr. Bicer Clinic,  Covid tests are performed to all patients (even if they are fully vaccinated) before hair transplant operation. If there are some symptoms (such as cough, fever, weakness…) the operations are canceled immediately . Although all employees are vaccinated, regular Covid  tests are performed 2 times in a week. Our patients are also tested for PCR which are done 48-72 hours before their departure.   Patients who have previously had Covid are given an operating appointment after a 2-months resting and healing period. All our patients are given detailed information and questionnaire assessment about Covid-19.

 

WISH YOU HEALTHY AND HAPPY DAYS

[dr1980]

13 minutes ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

Guys,

 

There is misinformation going around that Dr. Bicer doesn’t accept HIV patients, I’ve had a length discussion and she will post her response here. @Canada1976 is a racist prejudice poster who came here to post with malice intent. He’s banned permanently.

 Was this recent?  I contacted them on July 7, 2021 and received a response from Özen. You can see a screenshot of their response. The number listed is not a private number is the same they have listed on their website. 

[Melvin- Admin]

5 minutes ago, dr1980 said:

 Was this recent?  I contacted them on July 7, 2021 and received a response from Özen. You can see a screenshot of their response. The number listed is not a private number is the same they have listed on their website. 

This was her official response today, as you see she doesn’t recommend elective surgery on patients with various immunosuppressive conditions, not just HIV, as there can be complications that could adversely affect the conditions. Read her response thoroughly she lays out the reasons why, and I feel there are some great points from a truly ethical doctor. 

[ITA]

However, she should have let him know what medications he should take after the procedure and he has never contacted him again.

[Britanium]

Maybe the Bicer reps/coordinater could be better informed here. As they are the direct link between Dr and Patient. @dr1980for example chose elsewhere after his response. 

Edited September 27, 2021 by JohnAC71

[MachoVato]

It is still wrong to say that this was misinformation. Especially since he proved a response from a Bicer rep.

Let's not be so quick to assume that members are wrong... or be so quick to defend the doctors here.

Edited September 28, 2021 by MachoVato

[Melvin- Admin]

16 minutes ago, MachoVato said:

It is still wrong to say that this was misinformation. Especially since he proved a response from a Bicer rep.

Let's not be so quick to assume that members are wrong... or be so quick to defend the doctors here.

The rep reiterated what the surgeon suggested. However, her post explained the reasons why, the misinformation was stating that this was exclusive to HIV, she doesn’t suggest surgery for immunosuppressive conditions, not just HIV, as there could be adverse effects on the patients health without extensive testing. It’s not defending to provide a reason.  

[MachoVato]

5 minutes ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

The rep reiterated what the surgeon suggested. However, her post explained the reasons why, the misinformation was stating that this was exclusive to HIV, she doesn’t suggest surgery for immunosuppressive conditions, not just HIV, as there could be adverse effects on the patients health without extensive testing. It’s not defending to provide a reason.  

You need to be careful here. Your signature says you don't provide medical advice or recommendations, but you inject it all the time. You often ask people to contact you to help resolve issues with doctors. People shouldn't have to check with Melvin to get a policy/resolution from a doctor. 

It's cool that you're helping and all but you're either an intermediary between client and doctor or you not. 

[Mcquarter]

16 hours ago, MachoVato said:

You need to be careful here. Your signature says you don't provide medical advice or recommendations, but you inject it all the time. You often ask people to contact you to help resolve issues with doctors. People shouldn't have to check with Melvin to get a policy/resolution from a doctor. 

It's cool that you're helping and all but you're either an intermediary between client and doctor or you not

You are quite right.

unhelpful user blocking , deleting the header .

I want to express my opinion freely.

Why are you afraid, are you an agent or a moderator?

You say there is no agency
you act like an Agent yourself.

 

 

[Melvin- Admin]

18 hours ago, MachoVato said:

You need to be careful here. Your signature says you don't provide medical advice or recommendations, but you inject it all the time. You often ask people to contact you to help resolve issues with doctors. People shouldn't have to check with Melvin to get a policy/resolution from a doctor. 

It's cool that you're helping and all but you're either an intermediary between client and doctor or you not. 

I’m not providing any medical advice so I’m quite confused what you’re talking about. I gave a direct quote from the physician and referred people to read her response, which to me makes sense in many ways. So I’m really perplexed at what you’re saying. Those weren’t my words as I mentioned it was a quote from the doctor.

@Mcquarter

I have not deleted any header. You’re lying and that is unacceptable. I banned a racist and xenophobic user, absolutely. I will continue to do so, to ensure this forum is for every person of every race and religion. If that’s an issue with you, then perhaps our forum isn’t for you.