Help with research and choosing a clinic (Farjo or Crown Clinic)

[DaveTay]

Hello all,

New here and first time post!

I have been considering a FUE hair transplant for a few years, and have done my research into the procedure. I'm now at a point of choosing a surgeon..... and I'm a little lost.

I have had two face to face consultations, one with Dr Bessam Farjo of Farjo Hair Institute, and one with Dr Asim Shahmalak of Crown Clinic, and have a video consultation booked with the Harley Street Hair Clinic next week.

Both doctors I have seen so far were really nice, advised pretty much the same thing (1800 grafts), and I liked both of them. However upon doing further research Dr Farjo seems much more popular on forums, and reviews and results of Dr Shahmalak seem few and far between. Work from Dr Farjo can be found on this forum from as recent as 22 hours ago, yet Dr Shahmalak I can only find over 3 years ago as the most recent.

Can anyone shed any light onto if Dr Shahmalak is known to be a reputable surgeon with good results? A quick google of his name brings up websites stating he is 'An internationally renowned hair transplant specialist', yet examples of results are hard to find. Or does the fact Dr Farjo is much easier to find reviews of speak for itself?

Who knows, maybe Harley Street Hair Clinic next week will throw another spanner in the works

Thanks in advance

[1978matt]

I've seen a few Shahmalak results he did on celebrities and they are nothing special, but nothing terrible either.  However, there are some really good farjo ones on here of late.

Not heard many great stories about HSHC to be honest. 

[Britanium]

Finding real patient results speaks volumes. If your looking to stay in the uk then why not consult with Dr Arshad ? He’s forum recommended and actually really good value at £3 per graft. 

https://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/surgeon-list/UK/United Kingdom

[Britanium]

If your open to travel then you could further your options ! Spain/Belgium/Portugal have some pretty awesome Drs. In particular De Freitas is doing some really nice work and excellent hairlines. 
 

[DaveTay]

Think Crown Clinic is out, not enough results or positive feedback.

Definitely interested to heard more peoples experiences with Dr Farjo, so far he is the front runner. Am I right in thinking Dr Farjo is a forum recommended surgeon?

I'll look up Dr Arshad too, he's with the 'Hair Dr' isn't he? £3 a graft is defiantly great value!!

I have also come across Dr Matee Rajput of the KSL Clinic (also seems to be known as Dr Matee Ullah), and many sports stars and reality TV personalities seem to go to him..... anyone know much about this clinic and doctor? 

[Zoomster]

Hi Davetay

Save up and go elsewhere other than UK if you can 

Dr Farjo deemed me an unsuitable candidate for surgery around 8 years ago..unsuitable donor .

Eugenix clinic extracted 5400 scalp and 1500 beard grafts in a heartbeat...results were Fab .

Doctors differ patients die as the saying goes...

Good luck 

Z

 

 

 

 

[1978matt]

3 hours ago, DaveTay said:

I have also come across Dr Matee Rajput of the KSL Clinic (also seems to be known as Dr Matee Ullah), and many sports stars and reality TV personalities seem to go to him..... anyone know much about this clinic and doctor? 

Avoid

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/mar/31/ksl-brand-hair-transplant-mine-left-me-financially-broken

[DaveTay]

47 minutes ago, 1978matt said:

Avoid

https://www.theguardian.com/money/2018/mar/31/ksl-brand-hair-transplant-mine-left-me-financially-broken

Well that answered that lol. Thanks!!

[JDEE0]

Hi @DaveTay

I mean this with all due respect (and with your best interests in mind), but I think you need to cool your jets a little bit and take some more time to study surgeons.

I see you said you've done your research, but the fact you've even considered clinics like the crown clinic (who, as Matt said above, are generally just extremely meh and have no real amount of patient results on forums), and even clinics like KSL, who are probably the biggest cowboys in the game, says otherwise to me. It seems you're located either in or close to Manchester and so you're looking at clinics nearby and ultimately basing decisions on geography over skill and results.

If you can afford the £3 per graft mark as alluded to by yourself above, I would personally without question just bin off the idea of the UK and get yourself over to Spain or Portugal; look up Dr's such as De Freitas, Bruno Pinto, Ximena Villa, Bruno Ferreira (who are all generally in the 2.5-3 euro per graft range, so actually probably even a bit cheaper). And if you can afford a little more, add in Belgium to your considerations, Dr Bisanga, Ferudini etc. 

With it being what I would assume is a hairline case if we're talking 1800 grafts, in the same price range you could also consider the few trustworthy Turkish clinics who have lots of good patient posted results online; Pekiner, HLC etc.

Do your own research into these and other doctors, but point is there are so many better choices you can pick from; it's not as if you're coming on here saying that you're unprepared to pay more than £1.50 per graft or something that would pigeonhole you into choosing between a very small number of clinics. If you'll pay in the £3 sort of region there are lots of amazing choices. 

 

Edited July 17, 2021 by JDEE0

[Doron Harati]

Hi @DaveTay,I am the coordinator of HDC clinic in Cyprus Nicosia, we are recommended on this forum with Dr. Maras and Dr. Christina, if you interested I can quote you 2.0 Euros per graft, the price includes our free accommodations, I myself had a repair procedure at HDC by Dr. Maras after being botched in hair mill in Turkey. 

You can PM or WhatsApp +972526542654

[DaveTay]

Thanks for your reply. 

When I say I’ve done my research, I mean I’ve done my research into the procedure, when to expect to see results, shock loss, optional medication etc. I’ve only just started looking into different surgeons and having consultations. So I admit to only just starting my research into different surgeons as that is what my post was asking for help with. 

I’m not from the Manchester area and as mentioned above also have a consultation booked with Harley Street Hair Clinic in London. I am also booking a consultation with Dr Arshad in Leeds as recommended above, and he is also a forum recommended surgeon.

KSL was a clinic I came across yesterday, so as I was updating this post, I simply included the question in my last reply….. further research as pointed out above shows no one should go near them!

Whilst I appreciate the advice of looking abroad, and I know many people recommend going abroad, I personally am not comfortable going abroad for a procedure. I’m not saying surgeons abroad aren’t great, but if I have an issue I’d like to be able to simply drive to the clinic. I appreciate there may be better surgeons abroad than in the UK, but there are 3 UK recommended surgeons on this forum, Farjo, Reddy, and Arshad…. so are these surgeons not able to produce consistently good results on par with, or at least close to surgeons abroad (granted it will likely cost more)?

I will take advice on surgeons abroad and at least compare results with surgeons in the UK to help with a educated decision.

Thanks for everyone’s input 😀

[1978matt]

There's also Dr Edward Ball who did Jimmy Carr's HT last year.  Result looks very good.

[Melvin- Admin]

Definitely consider Dr. Reddy, he’s done some amazing work. 

[JDEE0]

11 hours ago, DaveTay said:

Thanks for your reply. 

When I say I’ve done my research, I mean I’ve done my research into the procedure, when to expect to see results, shock loss, optional medication etc. I’ve only just started looking into different surgeons and having consultations. So I admit to only just starting my research into different surgeons as that is what my post was asking for help with. 

I’m not from the Manchester area and as mentioned above also have a consultation booked with Harley Street Hair Clinic in London. I am also booking a consultation with Dr Arshad in Leeds as recommended above, and he is also a forum recommended surgeon.

KSL was a clinic I came across yesterday, so as I was updating this post, I simply included the question in my last reply….. further research as pointed out above shows no one should go near them!

Whilst I appreciate the advice of looking abroad, and I know many people recommend going abroad, I personally am not comfortable going abroad for a procedure. I’m not saying surgeons abroad aren’t great, but if I have an issue I’d like to be able to simply drive to the clinic. I appreciate there may be better surgeons abroad than in the UK, but there are 3 UK recommended surgeons on this forum, Farjo, Reddy, and Arshad…. so are these surgeons not able to produce consistently good results on par with, or at least close to surgeons abroad (granted it will likely cost more)?

I will take advice on surgeons abroad and at least compare results with surgeons in the UK to help with a educated decision.

Thanks for everyone’s input 😀

Yeah, that's fair enough, I understand. Well, I can understand your logic behind wanting to stay in the UK with the option of easily access to the clinic if any issues arise etc, but the blunt truth is that the UK generally has poor options for HT surgery, the very few one or two who are ok (at least in my opinion) are very expensive (and not as good as cheaper options abroad). In addition to this, there is really only so much that's ever going to go wrong with a HT performed by a top surgeon. I've seen this sort of reasoning posted countless times by other people, but I can't think of any real problematic possible post op complications that are even anywhere near likely to happen in the first place with a good performing Dr. If you were that concerned, you could stay 5 days or so to let the scalp heal up to the point that an infection is extremely unlikely (even though it's unlikely in the first place) and then what else can really go wrong that you need to be close by?

But, if you must stay in the UK, Dr. Reddy does seem to be a pretty top notch surgeon. He's going to cost you probably in the region of more than double than some of if not all the other surgeons I mentioned (as well as others I didn't) abroad, whilst in my opinion not being *as* good. So it just seems a bit crazy to me. But he's a good bet; the only person I'd consider in the UK personally.

As far as the other two you mentioned, Farjo has been around for a long long time, but they're not known for outstanding results. They've had a couple of decent ones on here recently, but you want to pick a clinic that has many amazingly consistent patient posted results from start to finish, results that make you think wow I wish I could have that (especially if it's a similar case to yours and this is actually feasible), rather than oh yeah he looks better than before but there's X, Y and Z I can instantly critique it on. That's not to say HT's are perfect, be reasonable, but go and compare your listed choices in the UK to someone like De Freitas (patient posted on the Spanish forum) and tell me the results are anywhere near similar.

As far as Arshad goes, I've said before I'm not a huge fan and I think he does mediocre work with some pretty decent results sprinkled in here and there along with some pretty bad results sprinkled in. I imagine I'll catch some flack for that, again, so I'll leave it at that. But he has a decent amount of patient results on here and the UK forum, so as I say, look them up. If upon seeing them you think 'wow, these are all consistently really good and I'm really impressed', then by all means go ahead with him.

Yeah, your idea to compare UK and surgeons abroad is probably the best thing to do, just try to make sure they're majority patient posted, and then forget everything else and go with the surgeon who's results impress you the most and who you get the best gut feeling with upon speaking to the clinic themselves.

 

[Berba11]

As far as the UK goes, I don't think it's wise to look beyond Dr Reddy or Dr Ball of the Maitland Clinic (Portsmouth). If it's really a matter of a distance if you need to return, then you should definitely be looking at Belgium. It it were me and I could afford Reddy/Ball or any of the top Belgian clinics, I'd go for Belgium - probably Lupanzula but there's others like Feriduni, Mwamba, Basinga. You'd be in good hands with any of those, frankly.

Absolutely avoid KSL like the plague though!

[Melvin- Admin]

19 hours ago, JDEE0 said:

Yeah, that's fair enough, I understand. Well, I can understand your logic behind wanting to stay in the UK with the option of easily access to the clinic if any issues arise etc, but the blunt truth is that the UK generally has poor options for HT surgery, the very few one or two who are ok (at least in my opinion) are very expensive (and not as good as cheaper options abroad). In addition to this, there is really only so much that's ever going to go wrong with a HT performed by a top surgeon. I've seen this sort of reasoning posted countless times by other people, but I can't think of any real problematic possible post op complications that are even anywhere near likely to happen in the first place with a good performing Dr. If you were that concerned, you could stay 5 days or so to let the scalp heal up to the point that an infection is extremely unlikely (even though it's unlikely in the first place) and then what else can really go wrong that you need to be close by?

But, if you must stay in the UK, Dr. Reddy does seem to be a pretty top notch surgeon. He's going to cost you probably in the region of more than double than some of if not all the other surgeons I mentioned (as well as others I didn't) abroad, whilst in my opinion not being *as* good. So it just seems a bit crazy to me. But he's a good bet; the only person I'd consider in the UK personally.

As far as the other two you mentioned, Farjo has been around for a long long time, but they're not known for outstanding results. They've had a couple of decent ones on here recently, but you want to pick a clinic that has many amazingly consistent patient posted results from start to finish, results that make you think wow I wish I could have that (especially if it's a similar case to yours and this is actually feasible), rather than oh yeah he looks better than before but there's X, Y and Z I can instantly critique it on. That's not to say HT's are perfect, be reasonable, but go and compare your listed choices in the UK to someone like De Freitas (patient posted on the Spanish forum) and tell me the results are anywhere near similar.

As far as Arshad goes, I've said before I'm not a huge fan and I think he does mediocre work with some pretty decent results sprinkled in here and there along with some pretty bad results sprinkled in. I imagine I'll catch some flack for that, again, so I'll leave it at that. But he has a decent amount of patient results on here and the UK forum, so as I say, look them up. If upon seeing them you think 'wow, these are all consistently really good and I'm really impressed', then by all means go ahead with him.

Yeah, your idea to compare UK and surgeons abroad is probably the best thing to do, just try to make sure they're majority patient posted, and then forget everything else and go with the surgeon who's results impress you the most and who you get the best gut feeling with upon speaking to the clinic themselves.

 

You’ve caught flack because you’ve been here all but two weeks with 36 posts and you’ve asserted yourself an authority figure. I know you’re some duplicate account or someone who was previously banned. I have no doubt about it. Of course anyone reading this should be able to read between the lines. Everyone knows tracking IPs are useless because you can use a VPN. The best way to tell is by post history, which is very telling.

[JDEE0]

Haha, I actually have no idea what your problem is Melvin. You're a very confusing character... I have no idea how I've asserted myself as an authority figure, if you could please let me know exactly how you've come to this conclusion then I'd love to hear it.

Probably 80% + of my postings have been giving advice on people who have stated they aren't going to/are unsure about starting medication. I've literally just given some words of encouragement to these people to read papers and studies rather than hanging around forums like tressless all day... Beyond that, I've recommended a few clinics to people (in appropriate/relevant threads), in which I have clearly stated that this is just a list I personally like after lots of research, and that there are many more out there.

The only reason you've taken a disliking to me is because in ONE thread, I stated that I wasn't so big of a fan of a certain Dr's work who is recommended here, and instead suggested that they go to Dr. Bisanga over said Dr. (the choice of the poster was between the two). Hardly a crime is it. I have never even said anything bad about the Dr, and have even said that that if someone likes anyones work, including his, (after reading lots of patient posted results) then by all means go ahead and book with them. It's all in the eye of the beholder at the end of the day. 

I'm pretty sure  it never states on this site when joining that you have to be of some sort of certain rank that Melvin deems appropriate to offer advice on clinics or doctors, it seems as though if someone disagrees with you, even politely, that they're subject to your ridiculous claims and accusations. It doesn't scream impartiality at all to me, which is what I thought the whole site was supposed to be about. You're right, anyone reading this should be able to read between the lines. I invite them to go through my history and try and find out what I've done wrong other than use my own free time to help others in a situation I was once in, I've been completely fair and objective in every one of my posts and clearly have absolutely no agenda. You're really leaving a sour taste in my mouth with this behaviour, as you wouldn't be acting this way if it was any other doctor you're not affiliated with.

Finally, regarding your point about a VPN, I'm not sure if you're aware how one actually works, but you'll find that, generally, the IP attached to you is constantly changing; you normally don't just get one static spoofed IP from a VPN provider and that's it. Check mine periodically on different days, it will be the same every time as I have not had a VPN on at all since joining this site. If you want, ask me a way of any choice of yours to prove I have no VPN on, screen shots, video sent via PM etc, and I'll be more than happy to do that for you... just ridiculous.

 

Edited July 19, 2021 by JDEE0

[Melvin- Admin]

53 minutes ago, JDEE0 said:

Haha, I actually have no idea what your problem is Melvin. You're a very confusing character... I have no idea how I've asserted myself as an authority figure, if you could please let me know exactly how you've come to this conclusion then I'd love to hear it.

Probably 80% + of my postings have been giving advice on people who have stated they aren't going to/are unsure about starting medication. I've literally just given some words of encouragement to these people to read papers and studies rather than hanging around forums like tressless all day... Beyond that, I've recommended a few clinics to people (in appropriate/relevant threads), in which I have clearly stated that this is just a list I personally like after lots of research, and that there are many more out there.

The only reason you've taken a disliking to me is because in ONE thread, I stated that I wasn't so big of a fan of a certain Dr's work who is recommended here, and instead suggested that they go to Dr. Bisanga over said Dr. (the choice of the poster was between the two). Hardly a crime is it. I have never even said anything bad about the Dr, and have even said that that if someone likes anyones work, including his, (after reading lots of patient posted results) then by all means go ahead and book with them. It's all in the eye of the beholder at the end of the day. 

I'm pretty sure  it never states on this site when joining that you have to be of some sort of certain rank that Melvin deems appropriate to offer advice on clinics or doctors, it seems as though if someone disagrees with you, even politely, that they're subject to your ridiculous claims and accusations. It doesn't scream impartiality at all to me, which is what I thought the whole site was supposed to be about. You're right, anyone reading this should be able to read between the lines. I invite them to go through my history and try and find out what I've done wrong other than use my own free time to help others in a situation I was once in, I've been completely fair and objective in every one of my posts and clearly have absolutely no agenda. You're really leaving a sour taste in my mouth with this behaviour, as you wouldn't be acting this way if it was any other doctor you're not affiliated with.

Finally, regarding your point about a VPN, I'm not sure if you're aware how one actually works, but you'll find that, generally, the IP attached to you is constantly changing; you normally don't just get one static spoofed IP from a VPN provider and that's it. Check mine periodically on different days, it will be the same every time as I have not had a VPN on at all since joining this site. If you want, ask me a way of any choice of yours to prove I have no VPN on, screen shots, video sent via PM etc, and I'll be more than happy to do that for you... just ridiculous.

 

So you’ve just joined, but you’re knowledgeable enough to give advice and refer people to clinics 🤔 not suspicious at all. So where did you gain all this knowledge? Do you work for a clinic? Have you had surgery? If so, with who? Let’s be open and transparent about your background and how you’re qualified to start giving advice two weeks after joining. 

For those of you who are lurking and reading, here’s a guide. Someone who joins and automatically starts giving advice from a place of authority is 99.9% either someone who was banned, duplicated their account or works for a clinic. 

@TommyLucchese said it best 

“New members posting from a position of power / knowledge = big red flag for me. 

Who searches out hair loss forums AFTER they've had an amazing transplant that gave them their hair back?”

[JDEE0]

Sure, no problem. I can be as transparent as you like and answer whatever questions you have...

Yes, I joined a few weeks ago, but I've been researching hair transplants for a number of years now, and pretty intensely at that. I have spent a lot of time on this forum, (multiple years at this point) just not as a member, as well as a number of others, reading, learning and gathering information on all things to do with hair transplant surgery, hair loss and figuring out which clinics are the better ones available to us as patients.

I was also someone who took a long time to muster up the courage to start meds and am the type of person who likes to know what they're getting into, so I spent a lot of time reading papers, looking at results of studies, learning from knowledgeable youtubers etc. before I did so, and have since kept up on my research trying to learn around the topic and also with future treatments etc..

I don't really understand why you keep on regurgitating this fallacy of me coming from a place of 'authority', or that I'm some sort of self appointed 'expert' as you have previously claimed. Please point me to where I made any claims that could even be mistaken for that. I'm just a guy who feels as though he has amassed an ok amount of knowledge on the subject and can potentially help newbies to consider meds a go or not go and pick any old random clinic. Never claimed to be an authority figure, nor an expert. I've never told anyone to do or not do anything, just offered my own opinion and told them to take a look at X, Y or Z clinic for themselves and do further research for themselves. I've never told anyone to blindly follow anything I say, after all I'm a random person on the internet as we all are, but merely point them in a direction that I genuinely feel is best and to decide for themselves after using their own brain to decide. 

As far as I'm aware, i'm pretty sure you can't do a degree or gain a PHD in hair transplant studies, so I don't really understand what gauge or metric you're using to decide who is knowledgeable enough to offer advice; we're all just people who've learned what we can and are trying to pass that on to others to make a good decision for themselves,. After all, we're all in the same boat. If you believe my knowledge is wrong in some areas I've posted on here, by all means, point it out. Show me where I've made false claims scientifically, or reccomended doctors that aren't objectively highly skilled and respected..

No, I don't work for a clinic, not really sure why you'd even ask as I have recommended a pretty varied list of doctors and never said that one was better than the other. I've only pointed out that I'm not so impressed by a couple of doctors work in response to threads where people have asked if they are a good choice. Again, so what? what's the problem with that. If you really want me to link you to a number of cases to back up why I feel this way, I could very easily do so. But I'm sure you don't. 

Nope, not had surgey yet, but I'm booked in with Bruno Pinto in Portugal at the end of the year. I can easily provide you with proof of that as I've paid my deposit etc.

To play you at your own game, for those of you lurking and reading, don't blindly trust any website or forums opinions or reccomendations on surgeons. Especially ones where there are clear incentives for mods to act like this towards someone (who is doing nothing but trying to help others) because they politely recommended another user to pick a world renowned surgeon who specialises in afro hair (for an afro patient) over a fairly new surgeon on the scene who's results I just happened not to find overly impressive. I didn't even say a bad word about him haha, this is so ridiculous. To be honest before joining I had a lot of respect for you but you've just shown your true colours in my eyes.

 

[Melvin- Admin]

2 hours ago, JDEE0 said:

Sure, no problem. I can be as transparent as you like and answer whatever questions you have...

Yes, I joined a few weeks ago, but I've been researching hair transplants for a number of years now, and pretty intensely at that. I have spent a lot of time on this forum, (multiple years at this point) just not as a member, as well as a number of others, reading, learning and gathering information on all things to do with hair transplant surgery, hair loss and figuring out which clinics are the better ones available to us as patients.

I was also someone who took a long time to muster up the courage to start meds and am the type of person who likes to know what they're getting into, so I spent a lot of time reading papers, looking at results of studies, learning from knowledgeable youtubers etc. before I did so, and have since kept up on my research trying to learn around the topic and also with future treatments etc..

I don't really understand why you keep on regurgitating this fallacy of me coming from a place of 'authority', or that I'm some sort of self appointed 'expert' as you have previously claimed. Please point me to where I made any claims that could even be mistaken for that. I'm just a guy who feels as though he has amassed an ok amount of knowledge on the subject and can potentially help newbies to consider meds a go or not go and pick any old random clinic. Never claimed to be an authority figure, nor an expert. I've never told anyone to do or not do anything, just offered my own opinion and told them to take a look at X, Y or Z clinic for themselves and do further research for themselves. I've never told anyone to blindly follow anything I say, after all I'm a random person on the internet as we all are, but merely point them in a direction that I genuinely feel is best and to decide for themselves after using their own brain to decide. 

As far as I'm aware, i'm pretty sure you can't do a degree or gain a PHD in hair transplant studies, so I don't really understand what gauge or metric you're using to decide who is knowledgeable enough to offer advice; we're all just people who've learned what we can and are trying to pass that on to others to make a good decision for themselves,. After all, we're all in the same boat. If you believe my knowledge is wrong in some areas I've posted on here, by all means, point it out. Show me where I've made false claims scientifically, or reccomended doctors that aren't objectively highly skilled and respected..

No, I don't work for a clinic, not really sure why you'd even ask as I have recommended a pretty varied list of doctors and never said that one was better than the other. I've only pointed out that I'm not so impressed by a couple of doctors work in response to threads where people have asked if they are a good choice. Again, so what? what's the problem with that. If you really want me to link you to a number of cases to back up why I feel this way, I could very easily do so. But I'm sure you don't. 

Nope, not had surgey yet, but I'm booked in with Bruno Pinto in Portugal at the end of the year. I can easily provide you with proof of that as I've paid my deposit etc.

To play you at your own game, for those of you lurking and reading, don't blindly trust any website or forums opinions or reccomendations on surgeons. Especially ones where there are clear incentives for mods to act like this towards someone (who is doing nothing but trying to help others) because they politely recommended another user to pick a world renowned surgeon who specialises in afro hair (for an afro patient) over a fairly new surgeon on the scene who's results I just happened not to find overly impressive. I didn't even say a bad word about him haha, this is so ridiculous. To be honest before joining I had a lot of respect for you but you've just shown your true colours in my eyes.

 

I agree that no one should place their total faith in any one person, place, or list. My incentive is to keep this forum clear of agendas and misinformation. I have always said, do not take my word for it, but rather use the collective knowledge. So you see, I don’t disagree with that logic, as it is sound. 

Now, every surgeon on our list has been vetted by our community as a whole. There’s not one person approving any surgeon. It is the collective knowledge and experiences from many on this forum. Now, as for posting as authoritative figure, absolutely you are, when you post statements like this:

“Well, I can understand your logic behind wanting to stay in the UK with the option of easily access to the clinic if any issues arise etc, but the blunt truth is that the UK generally has poor options for HT surgery, the very few one or two who are ok (at least in my opinion) are very expensive (and not as good as cheaper options abroad).”

I think it’s quite clear that statement is coming from a position of authority, which is incredibly suspicious when you’ve just joined weeks ago. The average person may see your post and believe everything you’re saying is true. That said, if you are indeed a legitimate patient, then I look forward to you proving me wrong and sharing your detailed review of Dr. Pinto. 

[JDEE0]

24 minutes ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

I agree that no one should place their total faith in any one person, place, or list. My incentive is to keep this forum clear of agendas and misinformation. I have always said, do not take my word for it, but rather use the collective knowledge. So you see, I don’t disagree with that logic, as it is sound. 

Now, every surgeon on our list has been vetted by our community as a whole. There’s not one person approving any surgeon. It is the collective knowledge and experiences from many on this forum. Now, as for posting as authoritative figure, absolutely you are, when you post statements like this:

 

“Well, I can understand your logic behind wanting to stay in the UK with the option of easily access to the clinic if any issues arise etc, but the blunt truth is that the UK generally has poor options for HT surgery, the very few one or two who are ok (at least in my opinion) are very expensive (and not as good as cheaper options abroad).”

I think it’s quite clear that statement is coming from a position of authority, which is incredibly suspicious when you’ve just joined weeks ago. The average person may see your post and believe everything you’re saying is true. That said, if you are indeed a legitimate patient, then I look forward to you proving me wrong and sharing your detailed review of Dr. Pinto. 

I think we'll just have to agree to disagree. To play fair, I'm not saying that my statement you've highlighted there in your reply isn't assertive in any way, I just vehemently believe that it is correct and in the best interest of prospective patients; I wouldn't have a procedure in the UK myself (which is where I'm from), I wouldn't recommend anyone I care about in my personal life does either and so I'm just extending that to people on here as there are better options nearby. 

I also don't think that it or anything else I have said equates to me somehow presenting myself as an authority figure. By it's very definition that would insinuate that I am sort of commanding people to do as I say, or at the very least suggesting that I have some sort of power over them and bashing them if they do the opposite, which I absolutely don't have (and would never do). If someone chose a surgeon I wasn't a big fan of, I would simply wish them well and hope it works out in their favour...

I simply offered the truth that the UK has generally poor options for HT surgery, or would you say that we are on par with the likes of Belgium, for example? I certainly wouldn't. Dr Ball and Dr Reddy are the only two who are experienced enough and have enough patient posted results, both generally speaking and with good enough outcomes in my eyes, to even be a choice in my opinion. I then simply stated that I think there are better choices very close by, at a fraction of the price at that. I in fact did state there were some ok choices in the UK, just not really worth it when you consider what's on the doorstep. I don't really understand what's suspicious either; I could If I was bashing a certain clinic, or promoting a certain clinic, but I'm not. I would also say that the majority of all countries in the world are poor choices, not just the UK, it's nothing personal.

Anyways, I really don't care to go back and forth and create drama on an online forum, I'm just here to give a little information back where I feel I can before I have my transplant and likely leave the forums alone and forget about my hair for as long as I can (until I inevitably lose more and come back at some point, hopefully way down the line).

 

[Berba11]

16 hours ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

So you’ve just joined, but you’re knowledgeable enough to give advice and refer people to clinics 🤔 not suspicious at all. So where did you gain all this knowledge? Do you work for a clinic? Have you had surgery? If so, with who? Let’s be open and transparent about your background and how you’re qualified to start giving advice two weeks after joining. 

For those of you who are lurking and reading, here’s a guide. Someone who joins and automatically starts giving advice from a place of authority is 99.9% either someone who was banned, duplicated their account or works for a clinic. 

@TommyLucchese said it best 

“New members posting from a position of power / knowledge = big red flag for me. 

Who searches out hair loss forums AFTER they've had an amazing transplant that gave them their hair back?”

I'd have to take slight issue with this. I joined a few weeks ago (mainly because I discovered that Zoomster actively posts and I was sent his video by Eugenix - and that's the other reason; I'd finally started getting touch with clinics after all this time), but have been independently researching HT's for probably 9 or 10 years, on and off. I've never been banned here, or been a previous poster, or worked for a clinic. But I do feel as though I've put in enough hours to offer thoughts and advice, without ever claiming to be an expert. Let's be honest... it's not rocket science!

As far as I can tell (being a UK citizen), there's been a bit of an emergence around HT's and clinics in the UK over the last couple of years. I'm regularly getting Facebook ads for UK clinics that I'd never previously heard of. I've been getting ads for a new clinic in Cardiff recently - I think it's run by or founded by a former pro Rugby player as I remember. There's also a few "clinics" that aren't clinics at all - they consult and then pack you off to Turkey for the actual surgery, always to some terrible clinic. There's one called Clinic Centre that is producing horrendous results for clients, seemingly targeting UK patients predominantly. I'm sure this is all standard practice elsewhere too, but it seems to be booming in the UK just now. I think there's definitely good options in the UK (Ball & Reddy being the most obvious, though I don't doubt there's probably one or two more also), but it's also a developing market that needs to be tread very carefully.

Put it this way... Until recently I've always been extremely quiet about my own research into HT's. I'd never heard anyone talk about it openly, never mind heard of anyone or knew anyone who'd gone and gotten one. And as I write this, there's TWO players in my football team that have both had HT's (one has had two even!) and there's another player who is thinking about one. Include myself and that's four from one team. Unthinkable just a couple of years ago. Part of that is due to de-stigmatisation of the issue - people are more happy to be open about it, especially maybe within footballing/sporting circles (think Wayne Rooney!) - but with that has come an emergence of 2nd rate options for blokes in the UK and it's a concern, for sure. And often UK clinics (whether they're any good or not!) are charging premium rates, in line with some of the better known Belgium clinics. Given the proximity of Belgium to the UK, I think it's the better option on paper if budget allows for it, given its higher number of distinguished clinics.

I think the UK HT market is risky terrain at the moment and the OP has done himself a great favour by seeking additional advice first - especially if KSL were on his list!

[Britanium]

@DaveTayHow is your search going ? The thread had got derailed 😯 back on topic.. For me the Drs/Clinics I would consider if sticking to the Uk would be Dr Arshad, Dr Ball, Dr Reddy and Farjo. However as previously mentioned you could have a lot more choice if you considered travelling. 
We don’t have that many other decent choices here in the UK. However I do know BHR/Dr Bisanga will be another option in due course. Sure their new clinic is expected to open this year. 

[Melvin- Admin]

3 hours ago, Berba11 said:

I'd have to take slight issue with this. I joined a few weeks ago (mainly because I discovered that Zoomster actively posts and I was sent his video by Eugenix - and that's the other reason; I'd finally started getting touch with clinics after all this time), but have been independently researching HT's for probably 9 or 10 years, on and off. I've never been banned here, or been a previous poster, or worked for a clinic. But I do feel as though I've put in enough hours to offer thoughts and advice, without ever claiming to be an expert. Let's be honest... it's not rocket science!

As far as I can tell (being a UK citizen), there's been a bit of an emergence around HT's and clinics in the UK over the last couple of years. I'm regularly getting Facebook ads for UK clinics that I'd never previously heard of. I've been getting ads for a new clinic in Cardiff recently - I think it's run by or founded by a former pro Rugby player as I remember. There's also a few "clinics" that aren't clinics at all - they consult and then pack you off to Turkey for the actual surgery, always to some terrible clinic. There's one called Clinic Centre that is producing horrendous results for clients, seemingly targeting UK patients predominantly. I'm sure this is all standard practice elsewhere too, but it seems to be booming in the UK just now. I think there's definitely good options in the UK (Ball & Reddy being the most obvious, though I don't doubt there's probably one or two more also), but it's also a developing market that needs to be tread very carefully.

Put it this way... Until recently I've always been extremely quiet about my own research into HT's. I'd never heard anyone talk about it openly, never mind heard of anyone or knew anyone who'd gone and gotten one. And as I write this, there's TWO players in my football team that have both had HT's (one has had two even!) and there's another player who is thinking about one. Include myself and that's four from one team. Unthinkable just a couple of years ago. Part of that is due to de-stigmatisation of the issue - people are more happy to be open about it, especially maybe within footballing/sporting circles (think Wayne Rooney!) - but with that has come an emergence of 2nd rate options for blokes in the UK and it's a concern, for sure. And often UK clinics (whether they're any good or not!) are charging premium rates, in line with some of the better known Belgium clinics. Given the proximity of Belgium to the UK, I think it's the better option on paper if budget allows for it, given its higher number of distinguished clinics.

I think the UK HT market is risky terrain at the moment and the OP has done himself a great favour by seeking additional advice first - especially if KSL were on his list!

I don’t disagree with your post, but the same is true everywhere. These issues are not exclusive to the UK, in fact, even more rampant in places like Turkey, India, etc. Anyhow, let’s get this back on topic, we’ve de-railed it long enough. 
 

onwards and upwards,

[DaveTay]

7 hours ago, JohnAC71 said:

@DaveTayHow is your search going ? The thread had got derailed 😯 back on topic.. For me the Drs/Clinics I would consider if sticking to the Uk would be Dr Arshad, Dr Ball, Dr Reddy and Farjo. However as previously mentioned you could have a lot more choice if you considered travelling. 
We don’t have that many other decent choices here in the UK. However I do know BHR/Dr Bisanga will be another option in due course. Sure their new clinic is expected to open this year. 

Still weighing up the options. I looked into Dr Ball but his website says they are not taking on new patients at the moment due to long waiting lists, and to contact them after September 1st, so consulting with Dr Ball is on hold.

Dr Reddy I had a phone consultation with the Private Clinic who he works for, and they just kept trying to push me onto a Dr Ismal.

For the UK, at the moment Farjo is my front runner. I’ve looked over some patient results on the forums and haven’t found one I didn’t like yet. Saw a few impressive ones on this forum, and one that was only done at the start of June so watching that thread closely for updates.

I am going to look at clinics abroad to compare their work to Farjo’s.

I did have a video consultation with Harley Street Hair Clinic (was a free consultation and the first one I set up…. I bought into the media hype cause Wayne Rooney went there), and they said similar to the others. Difference was they insist on shaving the whole head. Would be a Dr Greg Vida. Not really even considering them and only had the appointment as it was free, already booked, and could do a price comparison.

Lastly, if I go ahead with a procedure, I'm hoping to do it discreetly without everyone knowing, so am considering how long I’d need off work before being able to return with my usual ‘cover up’ hair style hiding the recede whilst the magic works underneath.

That’s my update so far