I can tell by reading his post that he is concerned,but what bugs me is that hes really just blaming the patient or bad luck and thats it. What wrong with saying hey maybe we messed up but lets wait. He doesnt come out a say its his fault but if you read between the lines its obvious. It came across caring but arrogant.

notgoing2gobald,

You are referring to kevkristy who is at 6 months post-op, not TTDS.

His exact words on the following thread were: "So the concern I had when they were chatting about who danced with whom, and who got what free drink at the club the night before is becoming valid".

I don't think it's fair to assume that any of the technicians were drunk and had hangovers for surgery the next day. Letting loose and having a good time every now and then can actually increase overall work ethic, as long as done responsibly.

My point is, let's not speculate, it only adds to unnecessary public hysteria.

Falc

quote:

Letting loose and having a good time every now and then can actually increase overall work ethic, as long as done responsibly.

oh PA--LEEEEEZE! SPIN MAESTRO!
So should I take out the tech staff and doc for a night of drinking the day before my surgery?

Im not saying this is what caused it, but it would definetely leave me w/cause for concern...and your bit about..."can actually increase overall work ethic"...
is just off the charts dude!
Is that in the DSM? Hey, if this forum ever bites the dust you can probably find a job at 1600 Pennsylvaania Avenue!

I know when Im hungover I cant do anything right.
This was TTDS first surgery so the multiple surgery slow growth like Pat had doesnt apply here .
TTDS said his peice was well ventilated.
Right now hes a NO grower.
Slow and no may rhyme but they dont go together.

notgoing2gobald,

Since you have joined this forum, you have had a knack for nonsensical posts, and though funny at times, you often don't hesitate to jump to conclusions and make wacky and out of touch statements.

If you are going to quote me, finish the quote "as long as done responsibly". My point is, as long as someone's social life DOESN'T effect their work habits, who cares.

My comment back to you was to dispute your ridiculous speculation that his technicians were drunk or even hungover.

Off the charts? I think you ought to go back and read your own comments on the majority of threads

Falc

I just think since no one knows whats really happening we are just throwing out every scenerio.

"off the charts"
w/reference to you was the extent to which you SPUN the event: turning the fact that the TECHS were out drinking the night before into a POSITIVE experience, one which "can (uhum) actually INCREASE overall work ethic"...

"Off the charts"
w/respect to me---yeah, and Im always TRYING to be that way, and they are virtually all OFF THE CHARTS in the "OFF-TOPIC" section.

I trust members of the forum have enough inteligence to interpret/determine *when* I am joking and when I am not...

I never said them going out drinking the night before WAS INDEED THE SOLE CAUSE...
-BUT-
it would however cause alarm to me.

And I really wouldn't view it as a positive thing either, promoting work productivity...

So what of it then----

if hair pieces *can* cause delayed or even poor growth, then why didn't dr.e tell him this PRIOR to surgery?
haven't heard an answer about THAT one, even though dr. e cited it as a possible cause along with the COLOR of his hair?

PGP,

quote:

Right now hes a NO grower.

You are confusing patients. TTDS has had some growth, and the amount of growth is a bit speculative without before and immediately postoperative pictures however, clearly, growth is poor at this point.

quote:

I just think since no one knows whats really happening we are just throwing out every scenerio.

You are right on. This post isn't about definites, it's about possibilities. The truth is, not even Dr. Epstein would know with certainty the cause of the delayed growth unless it turned out to be an internal issue. I'm sure he may have a better understanding if TTDS consults with him in person, but even then, there will be some cause for speculation.

Possibilities....

That's why again, we have to give it time. Thankfully, Dr. Epstein is standing behind his patient.

Falc

While I can appreciate Dr. Epstein's upset upon hearing of his patient's concerns, I don't think he should be upset with the process of patients sharing their candid concerns on this forum.

Dr. Epstein has benefited from dozens of positive patient testimonial over the years on this forum. It is not realistic for any physician to expect only praise on an open forum.

In my opinion, the members of this community are sharing their genuine concerns, many of which I share. We must take the good with the bad and let the chips fall were they may, even if we may not like what we hear.

All the physicians recommended on this community must realize that they are operating in a transparent environment and should expect their patients to share their experiences openly online. And like democracy, we won't always agree with what is stated on an open forum.

The section of the Coalition membership standards regarding accountability is reposted below.

Given Dr. Epstein's long history of top notch results and patient care, I do think we should monitor these patient concerns over the next few weeks before we as a community reach any conclusions.

quote:

Physician Accountability

Membership in the Coalition requires members to maintain a high degree of patient satisfaction. Members care for their patients knowing that their patients are free to post their experiences on the popular Hair Restoration Discussion Forum. On this open forum patients are free to critique physicians and to hold them accountable for their actions. This forum is run and moderated by hair restoration patients.

In such a transparent environment our members are held publicly accountable for their actions and results. Members who fail to meet the high technical and ethical membership standards set by the Coalition are removed from the group.

However, we ask that patients first give their physician the opportunity to satisfy their concerns privately before posting any public criticisms on the discussion forum.

If the issue is not resolved to the patient’s satisfaction they are encouraged to contact the Coalition by email at service@HairLossLearningCenter.org

Member clinics also agree to open their clinics up to inspection. Many of these inspections have been reported on the Hair Restoration Discussion Forum. View some of these clinic visits

Another one bites the dust on the site?

mgoldberg,

Dr. Epstein is still a member of the Coalition. We are reserving judgement while we monitor these results over the next several months. See Pat's post above.

Thanks for your concern,

Falc

The fact that TTDS is experiencing very slow growth is a concern. For now, the only thing I haven't seen that I need to see is before/after pics, along with a better pic for comparison.

As for the comments about the Techs partying the night before, I imagine of the two times I was in the chair if the Techs were talking about partying the night before I may be a little concerned about my precious grafts. At the same time, what they do on their personal time - as long as the results don't suffer, I couldn't care less.

The quality of Dr. E's work over the years has been solid in my opinion. The fact that there have been a few cases in question recently is too bad, but, I'm sure things will come to light. As Pat mentioned, and one of the very reasons I'm a supporter of this sight, the bar is set very high, nothing is hidden and recommended Docs are accountable for top-notch results.

Hopefully we'll see some before/after pics for better evaluation.

Hey guys.

If you look back at ALL my posts starting from day one...I'm not a doctor lover.

If anything I'm the guy that thinks doctors having there asses kissed for no reason is Bullshit...they're payed like all of the people in my life that do a service.
The MD after their name does not impress me.

But some of you guys really gotta chill out a bit.
I've had a few pm's and personal calls from patients of a few different docs and they are chuckling at the guys that want to bury Epstein.

In my opinion Dr.Epstein did a great job so far on me(even though my the results are pretty early/but great)...but i NEED to see more....but it's early.

Techs being drunk...Epstein all of a sudden being a bad Doc....cmon guys....get a grip.

My post in relation to Dr.Bernstein/Rassman was basically ignored.
Does that mean that maybe Dr.Epstein's staff had a bad day...anything is possible.

Don't take this the wrong way my friends who have helped me from the very start...you guys ALL OF YOU..helped me and gave me tons of support...I owe alot to the regulars that even though you guys don't realize it...helped me and are really good people.

"Another one bites the dust on this site"....and BS like that.....This site and the people involved I HOPE are sharper then that.

If a doc deserves to get buried...I'll tell ya my friends "I'll dig the hole"

But at this time...some of you sound like clowns.
Let me remind you "I'LL DIG THE HOLE"

WAIT !!!
Let's be men about his.

PS- TTDS...I received your PM...and even though i have no idea who the heck you are personally...only that you're a hair loss pal and confused...and someone who is in pain at the moment....I'm glad you're paying attention with an open mind...you're a better man then me...
i'd be going crazy at this point.

I'm so happy You PM'd me back and are dealing with this with total class and dignity.
I'm glad you read my Dr.Bernstein /Rassman post and are handling this like a true gentleman.

I will tell you though....If you have Zero growth for whatever reason at the end of the day...I'm pretty sure Epstein will take care of you and at the end be the best work this forum has ever seen.....lol.

I'm not saying anyone at all is betting against you...but people are like cattle...they all follow no matter how negative or positive.

Stay in touch pal,
MH

certainly some uneducated, hysterical people on this thread....

some of which add fuel without having any real experience.

i'm sorry to say, but without photos and the right amount of time passing (about a year), then nobody has any evidence one way or the other.

stop being such jackasses, and wait to see what happens in a few months.

and yes, Dr E. has been around for a long time with a long proven track record. is he immune to surgical errors, no, but lets wait to see what transpires.

I would like to put into context the techs/partying post.

My posting of this had more to do with my concern for concentration, and not an insinuation of being drunk.

They could have been talking politics or sports and I would have had same concern. My feeling as a first-timer in the chair as my head was being sliced open was: "please, enough with the chatter, concentrate on me." That's it.

If you reread post, no where does it state I believed they were drunk. Again, it was a worry about concentration and focusing on the job at hand.

I hope that ends any speculation of this drunk tech talk.

As for the user 'something'. It's people like you who do a disservice to this community's direction. Calling people "uneducated" and "jackasses" for simply posting concern about one's personal experience. I used Epstein. I am at 6 months post. But

Some of you guys must have never went through the horrible emotions these 3 are going through.
It almost paralyzing to go through the emotions of losing your hair then going through surgery to restore and see nothin when most others are seeing things at 3 months.
We all know Dr Epstein is a good doctor but that doesnt make these 3 feel any better when they have to look in the mirror every morning.
This is heated more then ususal because of 3 different posters claiming poor or no growth 6 months and beyond.
Like I said before Dr Epstein only takes out the donor and creates the sites the techs do the crucial part as far as growth.
It is still too early to make any final judements but the comment that DrEpstein is really on his techs ass now tells me alot.
Hopefully these 3 are just slow growers.
I think its awesome that he is the kind of doctor that stands behind is work but I hate that theres a possibilty that a ton of grafts are lost.
Morehair was kidding but hes right If you want the best work DrEpstein has ever did its right now. Kev Kristy I understand you more then you know .I know TTDS posts scared the crap out of you but you are still very early. The odds are still in your favor

Please Grow Please,

When I mentioned about Dr.Epstein taking care of this patient if he doesn't grow....I actually wasn't kidding.
I'm sure in this special case Epstein will(even though I feel he does this all the time) be all over the second pass ttds might need.

Now of course with that comment somebody's going to jump in and say why is he caring so much with the second pass...he should've done it the first time.....not what i mean.

Maybe he'll spend most of the time in the operating room.
From what I understand alot of the docs are in and out of the room.
I read other patients experiences and most say their docs are in and out all day.
This is a rough guess but maybe the docs implant 30% of the graphs themselves ???

Our pal ttds will have Epstein all over this....and that's a good thing.

I'm hoping of course it's delayed growth as Dr.Bernstein states in his writings.
And if it is...some people are going to have to send Epstein some flowers.

MH

Dear Posters, Pat and Bill, and everyone reading this- I wanted to make a few comments, to hopefully help clear the air..
1. I perform on a typical day 2 procedures, and work 5 days a week, 51 to 52 weeks a year. Of the 500 procedures I perform yearly on average, 75 are eyebrow procedures (which take 2 to 3 hours at most to perform), 100 are on women (which take 4 hours on average to perform as they tend to be 1600 to 1800 grafts in size), 100 are reparative procedures which, and 225 are for male pattern hair loss. I start my day with a large case- 2400 to 2800 grafts- at 7 am, and am usually finished with with this procedure by 1 or 2 pm, sometimes 3 pm. I have a team of 15 full-time assistants, so this provides us with not only the ability to have all the grafts cut in 3 hours or so, but constant rotation of 4 to 5 specially trained and skilled planters to get the grafts efficiently placed. Please also note that I often will remove the donor strip in two parts- so that the hairs are out of the body for the shortest period of time, thus preserving the blood supply for the longest period of time to help with hair regrowth.
The second procedure, which is usually smaller (i.e. eyebrow transplant, or a 1600 to 1800 graft procedure) I usually check in around 1 pm, and the donor strip is then ready to be removed at 2 pm which coincides when the first procedure is usually finished. Then, this case will be over by 6 or 6:30.

2. The very comments that my assistants are talking is what most of my patients love- for they are engaged in this conversation. I do not have TV sets in my procedure room- rather I prefer that the patient, who is often taking some sedation, can engage in conversation with the 15 or so people working on him/her. I cannot tell you how many of my patients tell me what a wonderful team of assistants I have, and how the "casual" atmosphere helps put them at ease. But don't be fooled- I have a AAAHC certified operating room (I believe one of the only hair transplant facilities in the country to achieve anywhere close to this level of certification, assuring patients of the highest standards of care and sterility). In addition, the average assistant in my team has 5 to 6 years of experience- with some of them working with me for as long as 14 years. So these girls are true professionals, who follow my lead in interacting with patients.
I just completed an eyebrow transplant procedure, and received a big hug from her to thank me not only for wonderful results but also for a wonderful experience. Does anyone notice how the top guns are able to work with what some of us would regard as a distration: i.e. Rap music playing as the Detroit Pistons warm up; Country and Western music blaring in the NY Giants locker room, per the request of Eli; Mozart in the Open Heart Operating room. When people are relaxed and things are going well, with people confident in their abilities, they are able to converse with patients, talk amongst each other, listen to whatever music the patient requests, and are able to go about doing their work to the highest degree possible. Personally, I am more relaxed and sharper when listening to some great rock and roll.

3. I am an active participant in ALL phases of the procedure. In addition to removing then suturing closed the donor site in a plastic surgery fashion, I make EVERY SINGLE RECIPIENT SITE, constantly returning to the operating room to make additional sites so that the hairline has exactly the natural look that patients desire and that I demand, as well as the maximal density. In addition, I will often do some planting, especially along the hairline and central forelock.

4. In over 14 years of practice, with over 5,000 procedures performed, I have had literally thousands of very happy patients. In those occasional cases when there is less than full (90 plus %) growth, I replace these grafts AT NO CHARGE. I also encourage patients to contact me at any time, providing all of them with my personal cell phone number 305-310-6361.

5. Every single one of my 15 assistants has their own Mantis microscope, their own 3 dishes of iced Petri dishes, and is paid not upon the number of grafts they cut (which can encourage slopiness) but on a salary.

For anyone who cares to take a look- on my website www.foundhair.com, you can view a video of an actual procedure being performed.

To all the readers and posters out there: I apologize for any defensive stance I took. I have worked for so many years to establish what has been a stellar reputation, and put my heart and soul into each and every case I perform. I love what I do- next to my 3 kids, there is nothing more important to me than my practice. After 6 years of plastic surgery fellowhip and training, and 14 1/2 years of practice, I understand the importance of listening to every patient, and realize that my reputation is only as good as the work I perform. I will always adhere to the highest standards, and wish to convey to everyone reading this that I will always stand by my work, always will operate in an accredited facility, always will be accessible to my patients, always will have the top trained assistants, and never stop trying to get better and better, and will do my very best for every patient.

Sincerely,
Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS
www.foundhair.com
www.womenscenterforhairloss.com

quote:

My feeling as a first-timer in the chair as my head was being sliced open was: "please, enough with the chatter, concentrate on me." That's it.

Kevkristy,

I completely understand this feeling and had a severe case of th