My terrible experience dealing with a supposed top FUE clinic in Atlanta

[martinet]

Below is a summary of my experience with an organization that I thought was a respected FUE clinic in Atlanta (Alpharetta, GA).

 

At this point, I omitted names to respect the privacy of organizations and individuals.

 

This is an honest account of the events that transpired during my experience with this clinic. I want others to read about my experience. This clinic did not give me informed consent and they humiliated me.

 

I'm in the process of consulting with several colleagues and family members who are attorneys and physicians to discuss what or if any mistakes were made. I just want my money back and nothing more. I'm not here to besmirch the doctor's reputation. Overall, I had an engaging conversation with the doctor. The doctor is a talented physician and this is evident by some of his patients' results. Although, I will admit that a few points stated during a phone conversation I had with the doctor were not palatable to me.

 

I became suspicious of the clinic after they would not disclose to me what punch size will be used to remove my donor hair. During my initial consultation with the clinic, the doctor examined my donor hair and told me how many hairs on average I had per follicular unit. Knowing this information, one would assume that any experienced FUE doctor can provide an answer when asked what punch size will be used to remove the donor hair. In the weeks before my scheduled surgery, I asked the clinic twice what punch size they will be using. They would not tell me. The consultant eventually told me that if I wanted the doctor to use a specific punch size, the clinic would not be responsible for the results. This is not an acceptable answer. I am not being given informed consent if they do not tell me or give me an idea of what punch size will be used. Furthermore, I was deeply disturbed by the answer that the clinic gave me.

 

I then decided to visit with my own physician to discuss what the clinic had told me. My physician told me that I have a right to know what punch size they will be using. My physician also told me something else, which after hearing troubled me even more.

 

After my initial consultation with the clinic, I called back to ask about a risk that was not initially disclosed to me. I was told by the consultant that this was something I don't have to worry about. After hearing this, I felt comfortable enough with the clinic to go ahead and book the surgery. I found out later from my physician that the person at the clinic was wrong in telling me this information. My physician told me that the risk in question is definitely something I should be concerned about.

 

The second time when I called the clinic to ask about the punch size issue, they asked me if "Person X" from "Company Y" provided me with any information. I told them no and that I learned about this information after reading through several posts on another message forum (other than this one) in which individuals wrote statements claiming that the clinic uses large punch sizes. Additionally, the clinic then emailed me asking that I forward any correspondence with the person in question to the clinic.

 

At this point, I had enough. After learning from my physician of a risk that was not disclosed to me (which was dismissed by the consultant as something that I don't have to worry about), and the clinics consistent refusal to not disclose what punch size will be used, I decided to cancel my surgery.

 

It wasn't hard to find "Person X". All it took were a few google searches and I eventually found his number listed on a web site for "Company Y".

 

Although "Person X" couldn't tell me much, I was surprised to learn that this was due to a legal agreement between "Person X" and the clinic. From what "Person X" told me, he can't speak about them and they can't speak about him. If this is due to some legal agreement, then the agreement was not honored by the clinic because they mentioned "Person X" to me.

 

After they mentioned his name to me, I had to track him down to try and get some answers.

 

I called the clinic yesterday to find out about the status of my situation and when my money will be refunded, the consultant I spoke with told me that I will not be refunded. Additionally, the consultant rudely told me that "He" is not refunding my money.

 

Clearly, the ethics of honesty and integrity were not practiced in my experience with the clinic. I was not given informed consent and they humiliated me.

 

I forwarded "Person X" the email from this clinic in which they ask me about him and I explained my story to "Person X". This clinic connected me with "Person X".

 

All the events in my situation have been documented. If there is something I can do within the law to receive my money back, then I will work within the law to do so.

 

This is my experience with what is supposed to be a respected FUE clinic in Atlanta. My voice will be heard. Again, this is an honest account of the events that transpired during my experience with this clinic.

[martinet]

Below is a summary of my experience with an organization that I thought was a respected FUE clinic in Atlanta (Alpharetta, GA).

 

At this point, I omitted names to respect the privacy of organizations and individuals.

 

This is an honest account of the events that transpired during my experience with this clinic. I want others to read about my experience. This clinic did not give me informed consent and they humiliated me.

 

I'm in the process of consulting with several colleagues and family members who are attorneys and physicians to discuss what or if any mistakes were made. I just want my money back and nothing more. I'm not here to besmirch the doctor's reputation. Overall, I had an engaging conversation with the doctor. The doctor is a talented physician and this is evident by some of his patients' results. Although, I will admit that a few points stated during a phone conversation I had with the doctor were not palatable to me.

 

I became suspicious of the clinic after they would not disclose to me what punch size will be used to remove my donor hair. During my initial consultation with the clinic, the doctor examined my donor hair and told me how many hairs on average I had per follicular unit. Knowing this information, one would assume that any experienced FUE doctor can provide an answer when asked what punch size will be used to remove the donor hair. In the weeks before my scheduled surgery, I asked the clinic twice what punch size they will be using. They would not tell me. The consultant eventually told me that if I wanted the doctor to use a specific punch size, the clinic would not be responsible for the results. This is not an acceptable answer. I am not being given informed consent if they do not tell me or give me an idea of what punch size will be used. Furthermore, I was deeply disturbed by the answer that the clinic gave me.

 

I then decided to visit with my own physician to discuss what the clinic had told me. My physician told me that I have a right to know what punch size they will be using. My physician also told me something else, which after hearing troubled me even more.

 

After my initial consultation with the clinic, I called back to ask about a risk that was not initially disclosed to me. I was told by the consultant that this was something I don't have to worry about. After hearing this, I felt comfortable enough with the clinic to go ahead and book the surgery. I found out later from my physician that the person at the clinic was wrong in telling me this information. My physician told me that the risk in question is definitely something I should be concerned about.

 

The second time when I called the clinic to ask about the punch size issue, they asked me if "Person X" from "Company Y" provided me with any information. I told them no and that I learned about this information after reading through several posts on another message forum (other than this one) in which individuals wrote statements claiming that the clinic uses large punch sizes. Additionally, the clinic then emailed me asking that I forward any correspondence with the person in question to the clinic.

 

At this point, I had enough. After learning from my physician of a risk that was not disclosed to me (which was dismissed by the consultant as something that I don't have to worry about), and the clinics consistent refusal to not disclose what punch size will be used, I decided to cancel my surgery.

 

It wasn't hard to find "Person X". All it took were a few google searches and I eventually found his number listed on a web site for "Company Y".

 

Although "Person X" couldn't tell me much, I was surprised to learn that this was due to a legal agreement between "Person X" and the clinic. From what "Person X" told me, he can't speak about them and they can't speak about him. If this is due to some legal agreement, then the agreement was not honored by the clinic because they mentioned "Person X" to me.

 

After they mentioned his name to me, I had to track him down to try and get some answers.

 

I called the clinic yesterday to find out about the status of my situation and when my money will be refunded, the consultant I spoke with told me that I will not be refunded. Additionally, the consultant rudely told me that "He" is not refunding my money.

 

Clearly, the ethics of honesty and integrity were not practiced in my experience with the clinic. I was not given informed consent and they humiliated me.

 

I forwarded "Person X" the email from this clinic in which they ask me about him and I explained my story to "Person X". This clinic connected me with "Person X".

 

All the events in my situation have been documented. If there is something I can do within the law to receive my money back, then I will work within the law to do so.

 

This is my experience with what is supposed to be a respected FUE clinic in Atlanta. My voice will be heard. Again, this is an honest account of the events that transpired during my experience with this clinic.

[MeBlindMelon]

Ain't that a beyotch. It is so disturbing that this sort of business practice still goes on. Clinics and doctors preying on the public. Thank you for sharing this and hopefully anyone considering this place will also do their homework and realize the danger of this clinic. Obviously your money is a huge issue, but thank the heavens you did not actually go thru with the procedure and be scarred for life.

 

As far as your cash refunded, it sounds like you have a team of players that will get the ball rolling in the right direction legally. I hope it all works out for you.

 

MbM

 

 

side note: Dr. Feller seems to be the highest regarded FUE doc on this site, you might contact his office for some advice and/or consultation. Good Luck!

[thanatopsis_awry]

Sorry to hear of your atrocious experience w/ this "esteemed" clinic...

[condoguy]

Martinet, what was the additional risk that your physician mentioned to you. was it a general risk associated with FUE that anyone else is at risk for?

[martinet]

At this time I do not want to discuss anymore information other than what I have posted; however, I will keep this board updated on my situation as I consult with legal to determine if anything can be done so that my money is refunded. If not, at least my voice will be heard so that others are aware of my experience.

 

The risk that I was told about from my dermatologist is hyperpigmentation. He cautioned that this is a risk for me because it's already visible on my face and forehead.

 

In my cancellation letter to the clinic, I encouraged the clinic to speak with my dermatologist so that they could verify my concerns. Keep in mind, I originally went to meet with my dermatologist to get his opinion on the use of different punch sizes. I wasn't prepared to learn about the hyperpigmentation risks. Also, my dermatologist is a well known cosmetic surgeon where I live and he used to perform hair transplants.

 

Everyone is not susceptible to this risk. It really depends on your skin type and tone. My physician told me that this is a risk that I should be concerned about because it is a condition that I already suffer from.

 

When I asked the clinic about this risk, the consultant dismissed it. The consultant went on to tell me that people with my skin tone are good candidates for this surgery. This is what prompted me to go ahead and proceed with the surgery.

 

When I eventually notified the clinic of my decision to cancel the surgery, they tried to rectify the situation by telling me to first undergo a small test session. By this time, I had enough with clinic's:

 

- constant refusal to disclose what punch size will be used

 

- them telling me in the first place that the risk in question is nothing to be concerned about

 

- the clinic insinuating that I had contact with someone who I never knew prior to them mentioning that persons name to me

 

Ask your yourselves, why would you submit to a test session with this clinic after going through all of this?

 

My experience is thoroughly documented.

 

I want my story to be heard. This clinic was not candid with me, dismissed my concerns as trivial, and in the end they treated me with no respect.

[thanatopsis_awry]

Best of luck, of course, and your story should be absolutely be heard; I hope that in time you feel comfortable enough to disclose more information (specifically the clinic in question), for the sake of future patients who may very well get a direct benefit from the caveat.

[Bill - Seemiller]

martinet,

 

Welcome to our forum community.

 

Reading experiences like this only confirm why full disclosure, accountability, and transparency is vital - which is why our patient based community is so important.

 

I see no reason why a clinic wouldn't divulge the punch size they use to extract grafts. Furthermore, surgery always comes with risk, no matter what anyone tells you.

 

Generally speaking, there are a handful of clinics who are hyping the benefits of FUE without ever discussing the risks or how they've overcome them. This to me is heavily problematic. See my conversation with Dr. Feller about the benefits, risks, and potential problems with FUE. See also Dr. Rassman's balding blog on What Doctors don't want you to know about FUE.

 

I really wish however, that forum members would either fully commit to sharing their experience or leave well enough alone. Leaving out critical details that will leave members guessing is highly unfair.

 

I suggest therefore, that before you proceed any further, that you either fully commit to sharing all the detail or that you leave well enough alone and fight this privately.

 

I hope everything works out for you.

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill

[martinet]

Bill,

 

The risk that I was told about from my dermatologist is hyperpigmentation. He cautioned that this is a risk for me because it's already visible on my face and forehead.

 

In my cancellation letter to the clinic, I encouraged the clinic to speak with my dermatologist so that they could verify my concerns. Keep in mind, I originally went to meet with my dermatologist to get his opinion on the use of different punch sizes. Also, my dermatologist is a well known cosmetic surgeon where I live and he used to perform hair transplants.

 

When I asked the clinic about this risk, the consultant dismissed it. The consultant went on to tell me that people with my skin tone are good candidates for this surgery.

 

I want to reveal the clinic's name; however, I first want to consult with legal before doing so. If after speaking with legal in the upcoming week, they tell me that I can reveal the clinic's name, then I will do so.

 

I would also like to add that I went in for an in-person consultation with this clinic. During which time they saw my skin tone and took photos.

 

...i edited my earlier post - the post right before your request asking that i talk about the risk - and included the risk in that message as well...

[PLEASE GROW PLEASE]

There have been alot of complaints about this clinic. Your not the first one. Was the risk keloid scaring?

[martinet]

Let me state that I never signed the Surgical Disclosure and Consent forms. All I did was pay for the procedure because payment was due in full prior to the scheduled surgery date. It was only after I paid for the surgery in full that the clinic sent me the Surgical Disclosure and Consent forms. The clinic sent me these forms after the cancellation deadline to receive a full refund.

 

When I asked the clinic what punch size they will be using to extract my donor hair, they refused to tell me. The answer I received was that I can have the doctor use whatever punch size I want; however, then they are not responsible for the surgery. I consulted with my dermatologist about this issue and he told me that I don't have to sign the Surgical Disclosure and Consent forms until the clinic answers all of my questions. My dermatologist is also a cosmetic surgeon.

 

I was not being given informed consent and the risks were never fully disclosed to me.

 

I had a plausible argument to cancel the surgery and receive back my money.

 

I would not have experienced such a tumultuous series of events at an ethical clinic.

 

I'll keep this board posted on my situation.

[Dewayne]

I'd be plastering their name all over this forum, tv, radio, local newspapers, even the football forums.

 

The heck with their privacy. Sometimes you've got to get rough.

 

Once I had a disagreement with a major wireless network provider about some outrageous

'roaming' charges that were from a certain 2 mile radius - which happened to be where my office was. I finally told a V.P. I spoke with that every time I got in front of a crowd talking about customer service or ethics, etc. I would be recalling my incident with them and their company name.

 

Not only did I get my situation quickly resolved, but also got a nice long apology letter.

[Topcat611]

I would consider hiring a local Atlanta lawyer to file a small claims case on your behalf, or file one yourself.

http://www.georgia.gov/00/article/0,2086,5426814_39039081_39334516,00.html

 

I would also file a complaint with the US postal service for mail fraud, if you mailed in your payment.

http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/forms/MailFraudComplaint.aspx

 

I would file a complaint with the FTC for deceptive advertising practices.

http://ftc.gov/bcp/about.shtm

 

I would file a complaint with the FDA if this particular clinic is selling any lotions or potions to be used in conjunction with any surgery that has not been FDA approved.

http://www.fda.gov/default.htm

 

You might also consider contacting the FBI with any mail fraud information, if you in fact mailed in or wired your payment.

http://www.fbi.gov/

 

I'm sorry to hear that this clinic refuses to give you a refund. It is an expensive lesson to learn, but you might be better off in the long run.

[PLEASE GROW PLEASE]

Damn Topcat .You got all the bases covered. I read your blog. Did you know that Larry use to work for the clinic I believe hes talking about.

I have seen some nice results by ghi. I just hope you really researched them. I havent heard much of late and dont want you going through another bad expierence

[PLEASE GROW PLEASE]

I should have scrolled down more on your blog .Your doing the right thing as far as research. Nice deadlift numbers .Im 260 and anything over 640 takes everything I got.

[Topcat611]

640, wow very nice. Larry did in fact work for this clinic. Unfortunately most in this field have skeletons in their closet. I believe I have spoken to enough patients to feel comfortable. I have also spoken several times to Larry, and I believe he is a good person. For me character is very important. I also am getting a very small session to evaluate the work for myself. In a worse case scenario, I believe little damage can be done with 500 fue's. If my experience is bad, you will be sure to hear about it.

 

I hope the original poster gets his money back. I would like to know what was signed as far as any agreement with regards to the deposit. It is unheard of for a clinic to keep 100% of the fee, especially with unanswered questions.

[PLEASE GROW PLEASE]

I really hope he does also .Thats a shady clinic if its the 1mm doc in Atlanta. I swear for every one good post about them there are 3 negative ones.

Thats smart about Ghi.

I know they use small punches and I have seen some nice results and I listened to Larry live and he seems very knowledgable ,so good luck

[Bill - Seemiller]

Dear forum members,

 

I know its tempting to make assumptions on the clinic this member is referring to however, I ask for you to reserve judgement and not make unfair assumptions at this point.

 

This is why I told martinet that posting a story without all the information is dangerous.

 

Bill

[wylie]

Seems kind of strange that they demand more than a deposit up front to hold it, and then full payment can be made after your surgery. You should get your money back and if you dont you have a valid reason to recoup it through filing a lawsuit to get it.

 

If they ignored your medical concerns then you were right to cancel the surgery, they sound very unprofessional.

[hairthere]

When I consulted with Dr.Feller he not only told me what punch size he uses, he let me see the actual tools and check out a surgery in progress...

[Dr. Alan Feller]

I must admit that I can barely understand the story because of the missing names, but I DO understand the part where he was NOT told what punch sizes were to be used for his surgery.

 

This is absolutely a crimson red flag, and Martinet did the right thing in backing off.

 

Buying an FUE transplant without a written gaurantee as to the range of punch sizes is like buying a car without knowing what size engine is under the hood.

 

When a clinic REFUSES to SHOW you the punches during surgery or REFUSES to allow you to videotape the procedure (should you want to), then you should RUN RUN RUN. There is no excuse for this behavior on the part of ANY clinic and until proven otherwise is an indicator that they are hiding the fact that they may be using larger punches than they may have led you to believe.

 

We allow observers and cameras into the FUE suite IF the patient wants it with no problem. Most visitors only stay for a few minutes or shoot just enough footage to see how it's done and then get bored and leave. There's nothing to it IF you have nothing to hide.

 

I have challenged EVERY high profile FUE megasession clinic to allow me to come in and observe their work and take pictures which I would then post on this site and others. NOT one clinic would allow it. NOT ONE! Now what does that tell you?

 

I stand by my statement that ANY FUE surgery wherein the doctor uses any punch 1mm or larger is NOT FUE surgery, but just a baby version of the obsolete plug method. Until there are agreed upon standards and terminology in the FUE subspecialty of hair transplantaton, these clinics will keep using larger tools than necessary and the patients will have NO recourse.

 

Bravo to Martinet. By being armed with knowledge he avoided a potential nightmare.

 

The sheer arrogance of a clinic to demand him to sign a consent form without disclosing the tool sizes is disgusting and ILLEGAL. This gives us all a bad name in the HT industry.

 

This is why you must do your research. ALL doctors claim they are the best or among the best. How do you know which are telling the truth? Go on sites like HTN and plug the name of the clinics you've visited into the search feature. If little or nothing good comes up then you know to keep searching for different doctors.

[the B spot]

Not to beat a dead horse, but Dr. Feller has actually sent me one of his patented Feller punches.

 

Remember this is at a time when some clinics are clouded and cloaked in secrecy as to the tools they use.

 

It is this type of transparency and willingness to share that is commendable.

 

Dr. Feller is 100% correct--- ANY clinic doing ANY surgery should disclose ANY tools or techniques being used to ANY patient that asks.

 

To quote Sir. Charles "Anything else would be uncivilized"

 

[TheHairLossCure]

Dr. Feller,

 

I was interested to read where you described 1mm+ FUE as "baby" plug work. Many people contend that, since 1mm+ punches are not necessary, they must not be used. That is sound reasoning in my mind. Still, when I see you mention "plugs," I start to wonder whether or not you've seen some 1mm+ FUE results where the grafts were obviously too big. In other words, they looked "pluggy." (?)

[Topcat611]

I have never heard of having to pay for a procedure in full well in advance. The real question here is what obligation does any clinic have as far as refunds. The person clearly had unanswered questions and concerns. To keep 100% of the paid in full amount for a surgery that was never done is unethical.

 

If we use insured medicine as an example, this would have never happened. Somehow because the person is paying out of their own pocket the doctor feels it's not a problem. If this was an insured procedure, it would be prosecuted as insurance fraud.

[Dewayne]

Originally posted by Topcat611:

I have never heard of having to pay for a procedure in full well in advance. The real question here is what obligation does any clinic have as far as refunds. The person clearly had unanswered questions and concerns. To keep 100% of the paid in full amount for a surgery that was never done is unethical.

 

 

I've paid mine in full already and it's next Thursday. The reason I paid was the clinic offers a 10% discount for a certified check paid one-week in advance.

 

I don't know the whole story, but you've got to think it's a great expense for someone to skip on an appointment. But, the deposit should do imo.

 

I'm not worried about something like this happening though, as I'd do a lot more than $10k worth of damage if my reasons were medical or they wouldn't provide info I requested.

 

Either by super bad publicity or multiple ass-whippings.....