I waited nine months after my hair transplant to provide an unbiased review of my experience with Dr. AEK’s clinic, and unfortunately, it was extremely negative.
Initial Impressions and Decision-Making
I did some research and initially thought this was a boutique clinic offering a more personalized experience, as opposed to a "factory" clinic. Dr. AEK's videos heavily influenced my decision. In these, he often criticizes other surgeons and clinics, positioning himself as the best while claiming others are unskilled or reckless. However, he doesn't seem to offer any unique techniques or innovations and appears to rely solely on disparaging competitors to market his services.
Pre-Surgery Issues
One major red flag was the lack of any consultation with Dr. AEK before the surgery. Upon arrival, they began extracting grafts without giving me the opportunity to speak to the doctor. It was only after a significant number of grafts were removed (around 3,000) that he finally met with me for a brief consultation. At this point, I felt trapped—my grafts were already extracted, leaving me no room to reconsider or request changes.
During the consultation, Dr. AEK was dismissive, condescending, and unapproachable. He communicated in a way that left me feeling humiliated, and any questions I asked were met with an aggressive tone. By this point, I had already invested significant time, money, and effort, so I felt I had no choice but to proceed.
Dr. AEK's arrogant demeanor and dismissive attitude towards patients were deeply unsettling.
Surgical Process and Quality
Dr. AEK's involvement in the actual procedure was minimal
(maybe 10 mins). The technicians handled most of the work, and their approach during implantation was careless and unprofessional. I observed them using basic tweezers to implant the grafts, with no signs of advanced techniques or tools. Dr. AEK openly dismisses modern technology in his practice, comparing hair transplantation to cooking—stating that talent is more important than tools. This analogy felt absurd and inadequate for such a precise and technical medical procedure.
Despite my explicit request for a natural-looking, irregular hairline, Dr. AEK ignored my preferences. He created a harsh, zigzag hairline that looks unnatural and immediately reveals that I’ve had a transplant. Additionally, I had specifically asked not to have double or triple grafts implanted in the hairline, but he completely disregarded this and defended it with vague and unconvincing explanations.
Results and Aftermath
The outcome of the procedure has been deeply disappointing. Out of the 3,000 grafts extracted, I estimate that only about 40% successfully grew. This low success rate seems to be a direct result of the technicians’ lack of attention to detail during implantation.
Dr. AEK’s arrogance was evident throughout the process. He repeatedly dismissed my concerns, treating me with disrespect and a lack of empathy. Despite his claims of being the best in the industry, my experience and results tell a very different story.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my experience with Dr. AEK’s clinic was awful. His overconfidence, dismissive attitude, and subpar results make it clear that he does not live up to the claims in his promotional materials. The clinic’s availability for appointments was also suspiciously open, which could indicate a lack of clientele.
I strongly urge anyone considering this clinic to look elsewhere. Don’t be misled by flashy advertisements or empty promises—this was one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made.
