Looking for recommendations for HT doc in SoCal

[surfla]

I have had a few consults and am ready to move forward and was looking for anyone with suggestions for a doctor in LA, OC, SD. I did speak hear of and speak to someone at Dr. McAndrews office and was quoted $9/graft which would put this procedure out of my price range. Any suggestions would be much appreciated and I do understand the value of expertise here but just can not afford this procedure at that price. I've been told I will need 1200-1500 grafts. Thanks!

[Barrie]

I have had a few consults and am ready to move forward and was looking for anyone with suggestions for a doctor in LA, OC, SD. I did speak hear of and speak to someone at Dr. McAndrews office and was quoted $9/graft which would put this procedure out of my price range. Any suggestions would be much appreciated and I do understand the value of expertise here but just can not afford this procedure at that price. I've been told I will need 1200-1500 grafts. Thanks!

I think McAndrews is the guy to see in LA, but San Diego is close enough too. so have you checked with Dr. William Reed, Dr. Brandon Ross or Dr. James DeYarman? They are all in San Diego so maybe you could have a san diego consult day and see all three.

[surfla]

I think McAndrews is the guy to see in LA, but San Diego is close enough too. so have you checked with Dr. William Reed, Dr. Brandon Ross or Dr. James DeYarman? They are all in San Diego so maybe you could have a san diego consult day and see all three.

no, but i've spoken to them all on the phone. any suggestions or ideas between the three? tooooo much info to sift through LOL. that is a great idea however.

[Barrie]

no, but i've spoken to them all on the phone. any suggestions or ideas between the three? tooooo much info to sift through LOL. that is a great idea however.

Well I wish I had more knowledge of these guys to offer up a direction but I don't. I think most doctors don't actually charge for consultations so if it was me I would just see all of them. I'm am a crazy neurotic person and I'd come equipped with pre prepared questions, a camera, I'd ask to see photos and is possible a live walking patient. I'd probably ask if I could call a patient of theirs. And I'd do that with lots of docs before sitting down in a chair for the procedure. I hate leaving things to the unknown and would want to find the right one I felt most comfortable with. Take someone along too to get their opinion of the whole thing, preferably someone who is compassionate and understands hair loss. Plus san diego is a great place, so have dinner with a friend there after your consultation whirlwind weekend.

Or just wait for others to respond. LOL that is just what I would do.

[surfla]

Well I wish I had more knowledge of these guys to offer up a direction but I don't. I think most doctors don't actually charge for consultations so if it was me I would just see all of them. I'm am a crazy neurotic person and I'd come equipped with pre prepared questions, a camera, I'd ask to see photos and is possible a live walking patient. I'd probably ask if I could call a patient of theirs. And I'd do that with lots of docs before sitting down in a chair for the procedure. I hate leaving things to the unknown and would want to find the right one I felt most comfortable with. Take someone along too to get their opinion of the whole thing, preferably someone who is compassionate and understands hair loss. Plus san diego is a great place, so have dinner with a friend there after your consultation whirlwind weekend.

Or just wait for others to respond. LOL that is just what I would do.

right on. does anyone know of or have any feedback on Dr. Rassman in LA?

[Jkel]

Dr. McAndrews seems to be very well known, He probably charges so much because he is very sought after and people in LA have the money to spend, so good for him.

I don't know anything about Dr. Rassman, but he ‘s the doctor who was quoted in the LA time article. http://www.baldtruthtalk.com/showthread.php?t=700

I went to his blog and saw a huge banner promoting something called a BALDING BAILOUT program. Very tacky if you ask me, he’s riding the government bailout situation and using it as a marketing vehicle. It makes a mockery of hair transplant surgery and hair loss. I was shocked to see a promotion like this on a doctors website and I could never trust any doctor who promoted himself like this. Maybe he does do good surgery and has happy patients but this really turns me off.

[Winston]

Now I’ve seen everything, balding bailout, I’m speechless.

[the B spot]

Surfla---is there some reason you are unwilling to travel for a HT? It seems as if cost is just as important as quality to you and given these tough times, it should be.

On the west coast I recommend a consult with Hasson and Wong in Vancouver or Dr. Gabel in Oregon. The pricing of these clinics are in the 5.00 per graft range.

Market economics for just about everything in SoCal demand a higher cost than most regions of the country--people should not look poorly upon clinics who have fees higher than others---there are always other options, you just have to do some research.

Feel free to contact me if you have any further questions.

Take Care,
Jason

[TeeJay73]

Surfla,

I had a hair transplant with Doctor McAndrews of Los Angeles in February of 2008, and I've been very happy with the outcome. I had 1,661 grafts, and it wasn't exactly cheap. But I would do it all over again in a heartbeat -- and I plan to do so sometime this year (2009). I am very pleased with my results and my experience. Doc McAndrews is a phenomenal guy -- a true advocate for his patients, caring, understanding, and real. For me, it was incredibly refreshing to have an HT with him after a previous experience that I entirely disliked with Bosley.

I'd say that if you can stretch your budget a little bit, then definitely consider Doctor McAndrews. I truly believe in his conservative philosophies and approach to HTs. And if you only need 1200 to 1500 grafts (assuming this ifo has come to you from a doctor, your hair loss has stabilized, and you're on Propecia, or something like this assortment of assumptions), then Doc McAndrews may the right fit for you. He does about 1600 grafts maximum per session, I believe.

I say consider Doc McAndrews because when it comes to physical appearance, I don't believe in price shopping. I certainly believe in price shopping for run-of-the-mill groceries or high definition televisions, but not when it comes to physical appearance. And one of the reasons Doc McAndrews can command a higher price, I believe, is not just because he is in LA, but because he produces results -- they key in any HT. I don't really see why LA would drive his prices. In my mind, he could command his prices anywhere -- Chicago, Tennessee, Egypt, Jupiter, you name it :-) And I have heard Spencer say numerous times that not one person has ever complained about their experience or results from Doc McAndrews.

At the same time, I do understand the money thing. I'm not rich and it took me quite some time (years) to afford my HT. And, luckily for guys like us, we ca SAFELY price-shop for HTs under the umbrella of the IAHRS. Especially with clinics like Hasson & Wong (they're incredible!) and the many others.

Well, good luck man, keep us posted.

TeeJay

[the B spot]

Teejay-I am glad you have had a great experience with Dr. McAndrews. I am always heartened to hear positive experiences over the all too many negative ones

However, I think your looking at this the wrong way. There are 2 places in the US that command a noticeably higher cost for services: SoCal and N.Y. ---The reason being EVERYTHING costs more in these 2 locations--higher cost for office space, technicians, insurance, and in general a higher cost of living. This certainly has an effect on the price of cosmetic surgery.

Another point is that if you do proper research and you are considering 3-4 fantastic clinics, why would you consent to pay more when each of the clinics are for all intents and purposes equal? If you want a 2009 Cadillac CTS and you check 2-3 dealerships--do you pay the highest price for the same car? Or do buy the same car at another dealership for less?


Take Care,
Jason