Looking For Advice On Good Hair Transplant Clinics In England.

[MikeConner]

Hello, new to this forum, not sure if this is where to post but some general information first. If you'd like to skip my intro I'll put my question about hair transplant clinics in bold and the intro in italics.

I am from the U.K. I am 27 years old. I have been on Finasteride for a year, little to no results. I intend to keep it up as I've read that hair transplant surgeons will be more likely to go ahead with the operation if you've been taking finasteride and intend to stay on it.

As for my hair loss, well, I've always had a somewhat high forehead since I was a child. As soon as I hit puberty I started developing a receding hairline, so I've always worn my hair in a longer style to attempt to cover this, as in having it combed forward, long fringe/bangs down to eyebrows, hair covering ears, long at back etc. Pretty typical style.

My hair has very slowly been getting worse since then. In my early twenties I noticed my temples were receding, in my mid twenties I notice the hairline is starting to thin. Hair has become increasingly hard to style. I tried to grow it longer with a middle parting with disastrous results. Back to the stupid classic Ashton Kutcher haircut. It looks fine for now as I still look somewhat young but in 10+ years maybe not so much, especially if my hairloss continues.

As far as norwood scales go I'd say I'm probably a 3 at the front, haven't really lost any hair on the crown (yet)... and my hair was usually somewhat thick enough to get away with the style but maybe is starting to thin overall. I've also tried various shampoos that did nothing but make my hair and scalp dry.

Okay, now for the hair transplant clinic advice I seek. Have any of you had success with hair transplants in England? I hear England has the top specialists, and I don't want to have to travel abroad for many reasons.

I'm thinking of getting an FUT procedure, as I don't mind having a linear scar as I never intend to have my hair short enough for that to show. Plus it's slightly cheaper and has been around for longer, and I've read more hairs survive, but that last point may be debatable.

Also I don't like the idea of having multiple smaller scars spread across the back of the head. Rather it be localized, and if I need another procedure, to just cut under the scar and stitch into it, or however it's done.

The first clinic I've looked at is the Wimpole Clinic. The price seems good, from £2999 upwards, and I'm willing to pay about £5000 for it. Seems to have good reviews. On the website it seems they know what they're talking about. Only concern is the before and after pictures are kind of hard to tell what's going on. They also offer laser therapy and some other treatments that seem kind of quacky as well.

There's also the Hartley Clinic which has better pictures but is a lot more expensive... I'd really like to keep the price down as much as possible as I'm not loaded.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you can impart some advice or start a discussion with me to help guide my decision. Hoping to get it done this year, maybe about 4-6 months time. Will post results and updates when that happens.

 

[JonnyL]

Dr Ball at The Maitland Clinic is very well respecte and praised a lot by The Bald Truth guys (Spencer Kobren and Joe Tilman).

Dr Reddy seems to be very popular too.

Ps. I never hear of people flying to England to have hair transplants. Maybe it's a cost thing. I personally think it's because there are better surgeons out there, but if your not keen on travelling, then those to mentioned above may be a good starting point.

 

[MikeConner]

Dr Ball at The Maitland Clinic is very well respecte and praised a lot by The Bald Truth guys (Spencer Kobren and Joe Tilman).

Dr Reddy seems to be very popular too.

Ps. I never hear of people flying to England to have hair transplants. Maybe it's a cost thing. I personally think it's because there are better surgeons out there, but if your not keen on travelling, then those to mentioned above may be a good starting point.

Thank you for the response, Jonny!

I had a look at Dr Ball on the Maitland Clinic website. Unfortunately the link to the gallery of results doesn't seem to be working, but he does seem like a qualified guy.

I checked out Dr. Reddy as well, and saw some of the results he's achieved. Looks like some pretty decent work.

Both of them specialize in the FUE procedure it seems though. I'm not 100% against going for that, I'm not sure yet whether I'd want that over the FUT procedure.

From what I've read, and I could be wrong, FUT seems to yield better results, more hair follicles/grafts survive. Not sure. One of the main aversions I have to that is that if I needed to have more hair transplants in the future, and I got another few FUE procedures, would the back/sides of my scalp in the donor area not start to look patchy?

If I had a few FUT procedures, would they not just be able to cut under the scar, and stitch the scar into the previous one, or am I way off the mark and completely misunderstanding?

One last thought I had, and I'd like to know your guys experience here, do hair transplant surgeons require the head to be shaved?

I've seen a lot of different answers. Some do, some don't it seems. Is it just down to surgeon preference or skill? Is it better for the head to be shaved so they can see what they're doing more? What's the deal there? I know at the very least the donor area has to be shaved.

 

[MikeConner]

I've done some more searching/lurking around this forum. Seems a lot of members here have a very negative opinion of hair transplants being done within the U.K.

Where is considered the best? I've read a lot of you guys go for Turkey, some say The U.S. or Canada are the best. A lot of different opinions. I don't want to make the wrong choice.

I've still got quite a few months to the time where I've arbitrarily decided I want to go to consultations and choose a clinic and a date for the transplant, so any advice, personal experiences and the like would be immensely helpful. I am quite nervous about the whole thing.

 

[randolf_faust]

go to belgium or turkey

or to this spanish guy who has 4 year waiting list

 

[MikeConner]

go to belgium or turkey

or to this spanish guy who has 4 year waiting list

I've heard a lot about Turkey. Still not sure, saw a thread from another user here, DOM9, who seems to have had bad results from Dr. Erdogan...

Brussels maybe though, heard a lot of good stuff there.

To be honest I have been looking up a lot of Dr. Reddy's stuff since I was recommended that here. His results looked great, I was getting excited...

I read something somewhere, thought it was £2.50 per graft, apparently it's actually £2.50 PER HAIR! Which means it's about £7 per graft. Also other users saying he's too expensive or divides up the grafts into single hairs to make more money or something.

Regardless, if it's £7 per graft, I reckon I need about 1500 to 2000 grafts for what I want. That's £10050 to £14000. That's about £4000/6000 more than I was really willing to pay. I was hoping to pay about £8000 at the most...

So Reddy seems to be out for now. Plus it costs £100 just to get a consultation at his clinic. I don't want to pay that only to possibly be told I need more than 2000 grafts or something, wasting time and money when it's already too expensive (for me right now anyway)...

I'll maybe do some research on Dr. Ball's prices tomorrow, and unless anyone have any other U.K. suggestions (I've heard something about a Dr. Asim Shahmalak?) I think you could probably convince me to go out of the U.K. for a transplant at this point.

I don't want to make the wrong decision and get a substandard transplant, losing donor hairs, time, money and feeling that crushing defeat. Already depressed enough as it is.

 

[Rocknroutlaw]

In UK, other than the above mentioned names in UK I don't think there is anyone else even worth researching.
Still, I personally would avoid UK due to high costs and the likelihood of poorer results compared to more widely acclaimed surgeons elsewhere with plenty of personal testimony (forget those posted by clinics).

I think most of the experienced members of this forum would suggest the commonly mentioned names in Turkey, Belgium, USA, and Spain. If bringing the costs down is your priority, then Turkey wins (although their experience in Turkey and results seem to widely vary depending on the chosen surgeon/clinic). Some feel more comfortable with reputable European clinics. I personally chose Belgium after narrowing down to a few names in Turkey and Belgium....decision was largely based on how the doctor made me feel with his general approach and how ethical he comes across.

I totally understand the reservations about travelling (I was the same), but as for avoiding the prospect of a 'crushing defeat with loss of grafts, time and money'....I often keep in mind one name- Wayne Rooney; a rich celebrity who chose an expensive clinic in UK, yet with sub-par results even after multiple procedures.

 

[MikeConner]

In UK, other than the above mentioned names in UK I don't think there is anyone else even worth researching.
Still, I personally would avoid UK due to high costs and the likelihood of poorer results compared to more widely acclaimed surgeons elsewhere with plenty of personal testimony (forget those posted by clinics).

I think most of the experienced members of this forum would suggest the commonly mentioned names in Turkey, Belgium, USA, and Spain. If bringing the costs down is your priority, then Turkey wins (although their experience in Turkey and results seem to widely vary depending on the chosen surgeon/clinic). Some feel more comfortable with reputable European clinics. I personally chose Belgium after narrowing down to a few names in Turkey and Belgium....decision was largely based on how the doctor made me feel with his general approach and how ethical he comes across.

I totally understand the reservations about travelling (I was the same), but as for avoiding the prospect of a 'crushing defeat with loss of grafts, time and money'....I often keep in mind one name- Wayne Rooney; a rich celebrity who chose an expensive clinic in UK, yet with sub-par results even after multiple procedures.

That's a good point, I definitely want to avoid looking like Rooney.

Belgium seems like the most likely option at the moment for me then.

Can you tell me which clinic/surgeon you ended up going with? What kind of treatment/result did you get? Who is considered the best over there? I'd like to do some more research and hopefully book a consultation within the next few months.

 

[Rocknroutlaw]

I posted a thread here:
https://www.hairlosstalk.com/intera...-sanga-3567-grafts-today.119007/#post-1752617

I only had experience with one clinic,hence cannot comment on who the 'best' is (a rather subjective question?) ...but the treatment I received was professional, friendly, and I did not at any point feel rushed. I was well informed on the after-care procedures, and their helpful representative is always available on email (or via phone if you request for details..I think). Some would say expensive but pricing structures are transparent.
For Belgium, others have reported positive experience with Feriduni but apparently the waiting time is long which puts many off.

Everyone's circumstances calls for different needs and priority though, so the one I felt most comfortable with won't necessarily be the right one for you. I'd say keep an open mind, narrow down to a few, take some clear photos from various angles for quotes. You may well find a good one in UK...but my general understanding is there isn't much to choose from in UK, and even the ones with legitimately decent reviews are not as solid a choice as one of the reputable surgeons in Turkey/Belgium/USA/Spain.

 

[MikeConner]

I posted a thread here:
https://www.hairlosstalk.com/intera...-sanga-3567-grafts-today.119007/#post-1752617

I only had experience with one clinic,hence cannot comment on who the 'best' is (a rather subjective question?) ...but the treatment I received was professional, friendly, and I did not at any point feel rushed. I was well informed on the after-care procedures, and their helpful representative is always available on email (or via phone if you request for details..I think). Some would say expensive but pricing structures are transparent.
For Belgium, others have reported positive experience with Feriduni but apparently the waiting time is long which puts many off.

Everyone's circumstances calls for different needs and priority though, so the one I felt most comfortable with won't necessarily be the right one for you. I'd say keep an open mind, narrow down to a few, take some clear photos from various angles for quotes. You may well find a good one in UK...but my general understanding is there isn't much to choose from in UK, and even the ones with legitimately decent reviews are not as solid a choice as one of the reputable surgeons in Turkey/Belgium/USA/Spain.

Thank you for the information. I checked out your thread, the design of your hairline looks very natural and initial results look promising. I will be keeping up to date with your progress.

Also good since you've gone for the FUT method which is what I have a preference for, to avoid full head shaving like you said, I've read the grafts have a higher chance of surviving with FUT and because I wear my hair longer I don't mind having a line scar.

Checking out the BHR Clinic website now. Results look good. Prices look manageable as well with an FUT transplant between 2000 and 3000 grafts being 2.85 euros, or just over £2.50, meaning between £5000 and £7500. That sounds perfect.

Dr B sanga is a definite candidate for my hair transplant.

 

[Rocknroutlaw]

I'm glad we are on the same page regarding keeping the length and not wanting to shave! Most people opt for the full head shaved FUE which makes sense, but I intend to keep a long hair style. With a partially shaved FUT, it looks absolutely ridiculous (other than work, I'm hiding from human race), but to get back to my 'normal' look before the procedure it is likely to take a year, whereas if I had a fully shaved FUE it'lll take many years for the length to grow. I guess this is a long hair preference (or obsession lol) which most guys don't get.

Since you're opting for FUT, B-sanga is a good option. I have heard some surgeons will do anything to talk you out of FUT, because either they don't do it, or don't like to be seen performing a 'dated' procedure. Dr. B-sanga on the other hand advocates the use of FUT with consideration of your needs and circumstances, which was another reason I chose him. The commute on Eurostar directly from London to Brussels is also easy, if that helps.

 

[MikeConner]

I'm glad we are on the same page regarding keeping the length and not wanting to shave! Most people opt for the full head shaved FUE which makes sense, but I intend to keep a long hair style. With a partially shaved FUT, it looks absolutely ridiculous (other than work, I'm hiding from human race), but to get back to my 'normal' look before the procedure it is likely to take a year, whereas if I had a fully shaved FUE it'lll take many years for the length to grow. I guess this is a long hair preference (or obsession lol) which most guys don't get.

Since you're opting for FUT, B-sanga is a good option. I have heard some surgeons will do anything to talk you out of FUT, because either they don't do it, or don't like to be seen performing a 'dated' procedure. Dr. B-sanga on the other hand advocates the use of FUT with consideration of your needs and circumstances, which was another reason I chose him. The commute on Eurostar directly from London to Brussels is also easy, if that helps.

Another question came to mind regarding the payment. Is it required to pay it all upfront or are there payment plans available so I could pay it off over a 12 month period or thereabouts, if so I may be able to get it done sooner!

If not, looks like I'll have to wait, but I do think I'd be happy to go for this surgeon/clinic as he seems to have good results/reputation. Also impressed/relieved he's featured on the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons.

Also checked out another user on here who went with the same surgeon/clinic, jayboy61. Some great results there I'd be happy with.

If I could go for the online consultation and just travel over for the surgery itself that'd be easier, though I'm not sure it would be the wisest choice to not have the initial consultation in person.

 

[Rocknroutlaw]

Ahh yes, Jayboy61's results are stunning; in fact, his post was the last push I needed.
I couldn't tell you about payment plans, but it is required to pay €3000 for the clinic to hold your spot. I'm sure you are not the first to discuss it, so by all means ask them .

 

[jumpfrog]

Hello OP, I'm based in London and ultimately decided on having FUE done in Belgium. I do not believe the UK is the best place at all. Prices are very high, especially in London. What you are basically paying for is the exorbitant rents the surgeon pays for on Harley St.
In Belgium, ********, Feriduni, Lupanzula, Devroye (does a lot of FUT still) are all terrific surgeons and pioneers in the field. But they are not cheap. Now, if I had to choose a surgeon in the UK I would probably go for Edward Ball. But Brussels is 2 hours on the Eurostar its so easy to get there...Admittedly the Sterling-Euro rate sucks but its still cheaper.
Although the debate rages on ad nauseum, IMO FUE is the way to go. Also, I am not aware of the top clinics offering payment plans. They don't seem to operate a financial arm like the high street transplant mills. Finally, if £5k was my max limit I would personally go for ASMED in Turkey or HDC in Cyprus. Just my opinion! Good luck.