I had my surgery 7 months ago and I intentionally waited longer so that I could be able to give an honest, fair and justified review. So, here are my observations and impressions until now:
- I contacted them a year before the procedure and I had an extensive discussion with a consultant at the clinic who examined my hair and skin and explained to me the type of baldness I have, and the possible reasons for it (homesickness, stress). Then, we went through the whole procedure, but also discussing my health, allergies, and other potential health factors. We also went through what I could expect during the recovery period.
- in the month before the surgery I was in constant contact with the team and they went through all steps with me (e.g. pre-surgery medications, skin care, refraining from smoking, drinking and all other things that could endanger the results of the surgery).
- in the last days and weeks before the surgery I received a bunch of informative documents, explaining all details of the surgery, risks, prevention, etc., so I was completely aware of the whole process before it had even started.
- in the day of the surgery I was completely taken care of - there were staff members constantly accompanying me and explaining everything. There is a designated person for every little thing and everyone is a complete professional. They do what they have to do with a smile and everyone is super kind and helpful. The clinic is super clean and sterile!
- there is a very kind assistant who works with you on the hairline and on what you expect as an end result. Then, the different zones of the head are marked, to make it easier for the operators. This is very important, and the assistants have a really good eye for the aesthetics of the hair. Then you get completely shaved (or not, if you don't want to).
- there is a canteen where patients eat well before they get into the surgery room and the doctor gives you some medications to relax a bit (I was myself a bit stressed before the surgery), because that affects the anesthesia.
- once you are on the surgery table, you are yet again surrounded by a super professional and experienced team. The doctor may or may not be constantly in the room, depending on the wish of the patient. For me, it was not really necessary, so I told the doctor that I do not insist on her being constantly there - the operators are very experienced, and I was confident in the team. From what I understood head down, there were two persons for harvesting, a separate one (or more) for dividing the hairs in the follicles, and perhaps another one (or more) planting the hairs. It's a big team and everyone works as one machine.
- the surgery takes from 2-3 to 7-8-9 hours depending on the amount of hair that needs to be transplanted. It is a very labour-intensive process, but I was comfortable during the whole time. You can talk to the team, sleep or just chill. I even went to the toilet in the middle of the procedure - no problem.
- the only thing that is a bit painful is the application of the anesthesia, because of the needles. But even for that they have a procedure to reduce the pain by applying a pre-anesthesia with air under pressure, so it is definitely bearable and nothing extraordinary. For the rest of the procedure you don't really feel any pain.
- once the surgery is done, there is a member of the staff constantly with you in case you faint or don't feel okay from the anesthesia. Then you have a final discussion with the doctor who gives you instructions for the next few weeks and they give you a special shampoo, and a sleeping pillow (because you need to sleep at a special angle for some days).
- Then you leave and go back on the 3rd, 10th and 30th day for checkup and to wash the hair, remove crust, etc. (everything is super pleasant and non-painful).
- VERY IMPORTANT - throughout the whole process I had constant contact with the clinic - via phone, emails, whatsapp, etc. In the first few weeks I had many questions about swelling, numbness, pinching sensation, etc. and they responded to everything very quickly. Everything was part of the normal recovery process and there was no need to take any anti-inflammatory medications different from paracetamol and ibuprofen. That was enough to ease all unpleasant sensations for a week and then there was no need at all.
- now, 7 months later, there is a very big visual difference. There is a lot of hair that already grew, and there is planty more to come in the next 5-6 months. I feel much more confident now. Everyone sees that there is something different about me, but nobody could tell exactly what. And that is a sign for a job perfectly done! I am not bald anymore thanks to Hairtec. Thanks a lot, guys! You really change lives! I definitely recommend the clinic to everyone! It is worth every single cent! <3