Tom Brett was desperate to regain his confidence after losing his hair at the age of 20
NHS worker Tom Brett was lured to Turkey by the promise of cut-price hair transplants. The cost was just a fraction of UK prices, and it seemed an ideal fix for his thinning locks.
However, after shelling out roughly £1,300, Tom’s dream procedure turned into a nightmare. Tom, who started losing his hair at 20, believed the transplant would boost his self-esteem.
Instead, he said he ended up with nerve damage and patchy bald spots, a stark contrast to the lush mane he was assured. Tom, from Portsmouth, was battling self-image issues and desperate for a solution.
“Losing my hair was affecting my confidence big time,” he admitted. “I needed to do something.”
An online ad for a Turkish clinic seemed like a godsend, promising top-notch service at bargain prices. “I thought I was getting a great deal,” Tom recalls.
“It sounded professional, the price was unbelievable, and I was promised great results.” With high hopes, Tom jetted off to Istanbul.
On the surgery day, a mix of nerves and optimism accompanied him to the clinic, where a surgeon’s comforting words awaited. But as the operation kicked off, he said the situation took an unexpected and unsettling turn.
Tom recalled: “Out of nowhere, the surgeon handed the entire procedure over to an assistant,. I didn’t see the surgeon again after that.
“I was in shock. The assistant took over, and I didn’t feel confident about the whole thing.”
Despite feeling uneasy, Tom proceeded with the operation, which he said culminated in a disastrous aftermath. Three months after the surgery, Tom said he began to see the true effects on his hair as it started falling out in patches.
He was crestfallen with the outcome: “It was worse than before. I was gutted. The hair didn’t grow properly, and I had bald spots. I was devastated.”
In search of redress, Tom reached out to the Turkish clinic only, he said, to be met with silence. He said: “They just ignored me.
“I was left to deal with this mess on my own. I felt completely abandoned.
“It was soul-crushing. I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror any more,” he added. “I had trusted them with my appearance, and it had ruined me. I needed help.”
Salvation came from Dr Roshan Vara, a UK-based hair transplant savant who graciously stepped into the breach. Tom said: “Meeting Dr. Vara was like a breath of fresh air. He was professional, caring, and there for me every step of the way.
“He stayed with me throughout the whole procedure, making sure I was comfortable. It was completely different from my experience in Turkey.”
Months later, Tom’s hair was growing back thick and lustrous. He added: “I can’t believe the transformation.
“It was worth every penny. My confidence is back, and I’m finally happy with the way I look.”
Tom learned his lesson the hard way, saying, “There’s a reason the clinics are so cheap. I got what I paid for-and it was a nightmare.
“If I’d known the risks, I never would have gone to Turkey.” Dr Vara chimed in with professional advice: “While low-cost clinics may seem tempting, they often cut corners on quality and safety.
“Hair restoration is a delicate procedure. It’s vital to choose a reputable, experienced surgeon who puts your safety first.”
Tom offered a final piece of advice: “Do your research. Don’t be lured by low prices.
“A cheap transplant can end up costing you more than you think – emotionally, physically, and financially.”
