How to assess quality of a surgeon

[juiceman]

Hi all,
Being based in the UK I've done a bit of research on UK surgeons and found one quite close to me - Dr Julian Handley. Website - www.nidex.com/laser
I've been searching for info on his procedures but can't find anything, not even any patient reviews. It's £110 for a consultation with him so I'd like to know a bit about him.
Ha anyone ever heard of him or have any tips on assessing his work? I realise it's probably going to be best just to go see him but just thought i'd ask in case anyone had heard of him!
Thanks.

[Spex]

Hi there,
First of all research HT's long and hard. Best advice anyone will give you is only use a HT doc who specialises in ONLY HT's with a long established track record - not a Jack of all trades. If you want to stay in the UK then ONLY look into Dr Farjo's as they produce consistent work. Meet patients and do not rush into anything and at the same time use the forum to gain a good understanding of your requirements for yourself based on other patient experiences.

[juiceman]

Thanks for your reply Spex, good advice.

Currently I'm not at an advanced stage of hair loss and have recently started taking Propecia. I'm thinking that a HT would be good to lower the corners of my hairline that have receeded slightly and possibly 'fill in' the parts on the top that have thinned a bit. I've read a lot of info online regarding HT's and I'm not rushing into it just yet, but thinking it may be something to consider.

[mattj]

You did the right thing coming here. What spex says is right, you should avoid those doctors who offer a range of cosmetic procedures which happen to include transplant surgery. This Dr Handley might be competent, but I don't think it's worth a risk. If you do go for a consultation then ask if you can be put in touch with any previous patients. Take a look at photos of his work and judge whether they're clear and honest, and decide whether his work is as good as the best results you can find on here. On forums like this you can see results posted by patients rather than what might be cherry-picked examples that a doctor chooses to show you.
Be prepared to travel; maybe even abroad. It's a mistake to choose a doctor based on convenience. The risks are simply too high.

[Spex]

Great news you are on the meds as this is the best way to approach your loss initially.

All the best

[gillenator]

juiceman,

Welcome to this respected community where you will find many fellow hairloss sufferers filled with truthful answers and objective guidance!

From your stated profile, I would discourage you from doing any surgery right now. How long have you been on Propecia? You may also find minioxidil to thicken up the area on top where you notice some thinning. You sound like you are in great shape man!

Surgery should always be a last resort especially when a person has as much existing hair as you do. Don't worry JM, everyone sees you as a guy with a nice head of hair.

And stay on the meds because they may end buying you many years of holding onto what you got right now!

Surgery will always be there when you really need it. You'll know when you get there.

[bigmac]

Hi there,
First of all research HT's long and hard. Best advice anyone will give you is only use a HT doc who specialises in ONLY HT's with a long established track record - not a Jack of all trades. If you want to stay in the UK then ONLY look into Dr Farjo's as they produce consistent work. Meet patients and do not rush into anything and at the same time use the forum to gain a good understanding of your requirements for yourself based on other patient experiences.

I dont agree with this statement regarding doctors who only specialise in HTs.There are some top doctors who offer other cosmetic procedures and produce excellent HT results.

A doctor can perfect more than one type of surgery.


Juiceman,Looking at the link you provided i would not choose that doctor on the basis that there is no info on HTs.If he is close by you, you can always have an in person consult with him but dont sign up.Take someone with you for support if possible as you are usually running on high emotions and can easily be swayed if they are a smooth talker.

Maybe do some online consultations to get some advice from the doctors.

Wishing you well.

bm.

[Spex]

I dont agree with this statement regarding doctors who only specialise in HTs.There are some top doctors who offer other cosmetic procedures and produce excellent HT results.

A doctor can perfect more than one type of surgery

You are right BM - My comment was too generalised and more directed at the link provided. There are some very good HT docs who do more than just HT's. Cheers.

[mattj]

I think the problem arises when an established cosmetic surgeon decides to start performing hair transplants without really dedicating enough time to gaining the required amount of expertise. That's not to say that a doctor can't be skilled in a range of different cosmetic procedures.

[gillenator]

Bigmac,

Are you thinking of Dr. Paul Rose as an examples?

[bigmac]

Hi Gillenator,there are a few doctors that i think produce good work and also perform other types of procedures.

[Delphi]

I've called a couple of the best known offices and most if not all do some kind of other cosmetic procedure. Either Botox, or dermabrasion, or something. I don't think it makes too much of a difference as long as the doc knows what they’re doing.

[gillenator]

Hi Gillenator,there are a few doctors that i think produce good work and also perform other types of procedures.

I agree with you!

[juiceman]

Thanks for your comments guys.

Gillenator, I've been on Propecia for about 2 months now.

My hairline has never been particularly low which I think makes me all the more conscious of any recession no matter how small. I have a vision (maybe unrealistic) of being able to have the hairline 'fixed' or lowered slightly making me less conscious of my forehead but having done a lot of reading and doing Farjo's online consultation I will definitely be sticking with the meds for the time being!

[gillenator]

Thanks for your comments guys.

Gillenator, I've been on Propecia for about 2 months now.

My hairline has never been particularly low which I think makes me all the more conscious of any recession no matter how small. I have a vision (maybe unrealistic) of being able to have the hairline 'fixed' or lowered slightly making me less conscious of my forehead but having done a lot of reading and doing Farjo's online consultation I will definitely be sticking with the meds for the time being!

juiceman,

You're doing the best possible "preventative approach" with the finasteride. And honestly, at your younger time of life, this little minor thinning probably makes you look better with your aging. You have another 12-14 months from now of observing the overall effects of the drug.

If you feel you can live with the results you get, cool. But if not, at least you know how to move forward.

You're doing good research and when you get ready to look at all of your options, let me know what you are thinking. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.