The truth about this forum: USELESS

[skipstah70]

[Unsubstantiated, false and defamatory statements removed.]

[Tracy C]

Nothing about your whole statement is true.

[Thinning@30]

I actually think this site is one of the best resources out there for the hair loss community. That said, I also think it is naive to expect complete impartiality from any site that is funded in any way directly or otherwise by member physicians.

If you want a HT, I think the key is to use this forum and others to identify who the most well-respected doctors are and then do consultations with those doctors. I would do an in-person consultation if at all possible. Ask lots of probing questions during your consultations, and ask to meet some of their patients. Ideally, there should be a number of patients with similar hair characteristics to yours who are pleased with their results. You should feel completely comfortable with the doctor you choose, and the doctor should not resort to pressure or gimmicky sales tactics ("you have to put down a deposit for a procedure today, if wait the price will go up") to get you to sign up for a procedure. Seek out as much negative information you can find about the doctors you are considering. You want to know what to expect in a worse case scenario.

[gillenator]

I guess all I want is a good HT; that's it. But you know, this is a tough world, a lot of scams and... at the end it is your life that gets affected. You really want to make a good decision.
So far, in my experience, I have had a few consultations, but for a reason or another no one really ever convinced me to the fullest. I guess I will have to do a lot more searches and rely on the info I find here.. there is nothing else out there as an alternative source of information. I guess I never considered feller because I do not want my head shave, I think he goes for that although I am not sure.

Robin,

This is why continued research from every available source is so vital before making any decisions to have the procedure done.

The more research one does, the more one will understand the apparent risks as well as the potential benefits which IMHO with a reputable surgeon, outweigh the risks. Continued research will confirm if one is truly a good candidate for the procedure. There is a member here who just last week or so posted that he knows he is not a candidate at all and does not understand why he keeps coming back to these forums. It's because things change in this industry quite rapidly for the better.

There is corruption in any industry. I spent 18 years in banking and part of the reason that I left that career was the level of corruption within the industry. Since it does exist within any industry, I realize the best way to combat it is to be the example of what is best for the patient.

And honestly, I would not discount Dr. Feller even if he does shave his patients. I truly do not know if he shaves all patients but he is truly a good surgeon so possibly consider him moreso for the end result rather than his MO.

PM Spex and ask him, but my point is focus on great doctors and their proven results overall because in the end, that is what you will evaluate your results by and what will make you satisfied.

I wish you the best in your journey my friend.

[robin]

Gillenator,

thanks for your message, truly. But again, your reply - among other ones on this topic - once again proves the point. If not useless this website is not as useful as it should be.

Your message adds no value to my concerns. Of course continuous research may help but I guess at one point one has to take a leap of faith. That's it.

Maybe it just a very troubled topic, maybe it is just because of the importance of the procedure, probably most posts should be weighted on expectations... etc .. etc.. etc... I hope I will get lucky once I make my decision..

thank you

[gillenator]

You're very welcome Robin. Here's something to consider. This type of medicine or really any form of elective surgery is subjective. No guarantees and unfortunately not an exact science. That's why we are left in a position to make an "informed decision" with some level of uncertaincy.

Research helps us in the decision process but in the end research in itself does not make that decision. We do as individuals. But we do so after careful consideration of the areas that I mentioned in my previous post. At least today we have enough information available that was not available 30 years ago.

Back in 1980 there was no internet, no forums, no interaction with others. And I have talked with many guys over the years that gravely wished there would have been more information available back then. Many of them that did HTs back then did so being at a great disadvantage of not knowing the potential risks and benefits that are made available today because of these online communities. Many have told me that if they had the information back then, they would have realized that they were poor candidates at best and may not have had the procedure.

The problem that I see within ourselves is that we do not like risk. We want every element of risk removed to alleviate that element of fear.

It's all a matter of perspective my friend. I do wish you the very best and truly hope you arrive at a place whereby you will feel confident about making a decision either way. And remember, it's an elective choice so you have time on your side.

[northeastguy]

Hi Robin. You should NOT get a transplant right now. Untill you come to peace with the industry and accept the fact there are no guarantees, you should hold off. Regardless of talent, there will be scaring, regardless of how much experience, one has, there might be poor growth. Most likely both of these chances are minimum but they still exist. How much more hair will you lose? another unknown. I wish I had your atitude 20 years ago as I wouldn't be in the situation I'm in now. There is enormous amounts of information on these forums at your disposal. If it sounds too good, it is. If the person hasn't had a HT or seen that particular MD for a procedure, their opinion is worthless. But the best advise I can give is to Physically see as many patients of a particular MD in person. Not always easy but ultimately will give you the piece of mind your looking for. Had I done this before I started I never would have gone through with it. Not a strip procedure anyway.

best of luck with your search.