I am Mark a singer/songwriter and professional musician and this is my Hair Story that begins in the winter of 1997.
After watching my lustrous, curly locks thinning and noticing the light patch of scalp growing; I decided to check out various remedies Regain (that had some effect, although not miraculous) and then some natural product made by two old ladies who were caring for a Chimpanzee with acute alopecia. This greasy cream did not do the trick either; although I did become good at climbing and grew rather partial to bananas.
So I started to look at hair transplants and had consultations with three different surgeons. Two were hard sell operations, which put me off them. Then I went to see Dr Bessam Farjo at their Harley Street clinic in London.
I had a thorough consultation with him and he examined my crown area and explained that this was the wrong time to begin surgery, as I may lose more hair and it was too soon to accurately assess how much more hair I may lose. This was in 1998 and I went away a little disappointed but re assured that this was a professional and ethical doctor and clinic I could trust. In fact I went back another three or so times over the years but was again advised that the time was not right. Although they did ask me to consider Propecia as a source of help.
Again I was impressed at the professional approach at The Farjo clinic, without the hard sell.
So early in 2007, I went back and saw Dr Bessam Farjo once more and this time he said it was okay to perform a transplant. The whole procedure was explained to me and I was brought up to date with any changes in how things were done. Also the realistic expectations I should have and was told to go away and think about it and asked if I wanted to meet any patients who had crown work to see what the results of surgery may look like.Two weeks later I called Mick and confirmed that I wanted to go ahead.
On the 27th April I turned up early at the Manchester clinic and was again briefed about the procedure, had my pictures taken and I was then given a mild sedative and then taken to the surgery for my hair transplant. I was made very comfortable and was introduced to Dr Farjos' wife who was also performing the transplant on my scalp alongside her husband. So Dr s Farjo freeze my scalp and donor area and I feel like I m flying first class on BA with a constant supply of snacks and refreshments (no alcohol of course!)
Lunchtime comes and they ask me what I d like to eat and I watch a movie while they continue my surgery. There s no real discomfort and I was fascinated by the whole experience.
During the procedure about 2000 follicles were grafted into my bald crown area. After we finished i
was advised how to look after my scalp and stitches and given special shampoo and a mild ant-septic spray. A towel was also in the pack to place on my scalp while shampooing to protect the new grafts.
I was advised to sleep with two pillows to keep my head upright and to prevent damage to the grafts.
I was still a little numb in the donor area for a week or so but no pain or discomfort.
Everyday I would check my list of" do s and don'ts" given to me before I left the clinic.
Actually I was given Dr Farjos' mobile phone number in case of any unlikely eventualities. The waiting game begins and after 12 weeks I notice new baby hairs coming through. I did notice how quickly the donor area scar was healing.
By August friends were noticing my new hairs starting to show. "Things are beginning to happen on your head" one of them said it was taken in fun and I was very pleased.
By October my hair was starting to look good and I was no longer a shiny head. The thrill of watching your hair growing over a once bald scalp made me feel like a farmer with a great harvest ahead of him.
It is now nearly twelve and the results area are still getting better.
My self confidence is back Big Time! And although baldness is fine for those who are not bothered by it; for those who I m sure are many, it changes our self perception.
I took the bull by the horns and dealt with it and had the transplant. I am so happy I had the procedure that I would recommend anyone who is effected by hairloss to find out more.
I'm grateful to Drs Farjo, Mick and the team for their good ethics, amazing skill and total professionalism.
I have waited this length of time to do this as I have seen many give great feedback about their op's but to me I wanted to see the actual results and give praise where it is due and justified.
I am going to see Dr Farjo for a review and will post or ask Mick to show my results.

Thanks

Mark

Good for you.

Maybe you can post a youtube movie playing one of your songs so we can see your new head?

Mark,

What a great story! I personally like the part where you learned how to climb and appreciate eating bananas :P

Congratulations on your life changing hair transplantation. I hope you will also take the time and post some pictures for us by creating a hair loss weblog.

Best wishes,

Falc

welcome mark.
nice write up,very detailed account of your experience.
look forward to seeing your pics and hopefully you can stick around and let us know how your getting on.

p.s do you have any youtube vids?

Thanks for the full story Mark and allowing us to do the video.Here is the link.

www.farjo.net/wmv.asp?id=423

Mick

nice result Mark, funny how your story brings back the memories of my HT. i said i would be happy with work on the front but after seeing your results, i am definatly having crown done, even though Mick is advising to "hold me horses" :-)
i think the Farjo team is very professional against what some people say on the forum.
in the meantime, happy growing, no need to have rear view mirrors at hairdressers for u :-)

FS

ps Balody, Kamkal..i will be posting some new pics & the results are truly amazing

Excellent result. Doesn't get better than that. Well done. Good video presentation as well.

Dr. Feller

i,ll second that.
no more friar tuck

Mick,

Thanks for posting the video. These results look fantastic!

Best wishes,

Falc

Falc,Balody Dr Feller,Fallenstar,
Thanks for the kind comments.it does look good and on this occassion the filming worked well.As others have said it's a great aid to show a more complete picture of patient results.

Mick