Patient Testimonials

When I got married 15 years ago, my Dad came up to me at the wedding and said to me, “Son, you’re losing your hair.” He was right, and the effects were becoming more noticeable, a small but growing bald patch at the front.

I pressed on in the hope that somehow the baldness which had plagued every generation of my family was not going to get me – my Grandad was bald by 20 and my Dad has had a 70’s style comb over since I was very young. Sadly, will power alone didn’t keep my hair on my head and gradually I became bald at the front heading to the back of my head, with the odd wisps of hair to remind me of days long gone.

It got so noticeable, in 2003 that I had a grade 1 cut all over. This balanced out my hair line but aged me overnight.

I was never really happy with growing bald. I read an article once which encouraged every man going to bald to stop stressing and “buy a hat.” Sadly, it just wasn’t that simple for me. I wanted my hair back and I want to look and feel young again. Since losing my hair, I’d taken on more senior roles in business and was now regularly meeting new people and presenting at conferences and my confidence was starting to suffer. I found it hard meeting people and became very self conscious about how I looked and easily embarrassed – it even became a bit of a joke for my two kids…

I did a lot of research, went down some very blind alleys and setbacks until I reached a decision – I want my hair back and I’m going to do it. I was inspired by recent media coverage of celebrities like James Nesbit and Wayne Rooney and thought, “well, if they can do it, why can’t I?”

This led me to HRBR. I looked online and found lots of clinics promising the earth with before and after photos I didn’t know if I could believe or not. But HRBR was different – they were upfront and transparent right from the start and my visits and then surgery only further confirmed this.

The photos you see here are genuine and yes this is me. I had surgery in May 2012 and its one of the best things I have ever done. When the hair starting growing back it was sensational and to this day its such a brilliant piece of surgery that most people just say “great hair cut” – a sign that the hair is genuine and fits in brilliantly with my existing hair.

A quote from my 12 year old son pretty much sums it up and I remember word for word what he said – “I don’t mean to be rude Dad but you were sort of bald, but with your hair you look awesome now.” And at Christmas just gone my Dad took me to one side at a family party and whispered, “I love your hair.” Praise indeed, job done.

My experience with the professionals

I always look forward to the review with Maurice and the team as I believe that the people in HRBR are 100% interested in my hairloss concerns, they hear my expectations and my views towards surgery. But most of all what I have experienced very comforting about my discussion about surgery is that they offer their expertise and guidance to give a realistic expectation to what the outcome will be. My own expectations to restore my twenties looks are soon revalued and my understanding of how I would actually look after surgery is soon realised as Maurice utilizes his experience and professionalism to bring me down to earth, he reminds me that I’m in my mid thirties now. (thank you Maurice) He will not promise the sun moon and stars if it is not realistic. The fact is I can have what I ask for but how I will look is just as important for the Team of people in HRBR as they want the best for you and I realise there is a true caring nature to how the result should be the best possible for the individual. I am offered their sincere opinions on how my hair looks now in the present and how I may look down the road in years to come, Maurice gives me his advice on how to maintain the hair I already have by nurturing it and using the medication prescribed. The medication can sustain growth and I believe in my case it has slowed down my hairloss significantly. I have never been influenced to proceed with surgery but rather a friendly open discussion regarding the best options for me is the most accurate way to describe my experiences here. One thing is true for sure which Maurice has re-iterated to me it’s not anyone else that can make the decision for You, when you look in the mirror the person looking back at you can only decide how they feel and thats the only person who can decide for you, I always feel content in myself and even confident after attending the clinic because there is never any pressure or expectation from anyone, in fact on the last few visits I have been told that my hair looks well and that the hairloss has not advanced a lot at all. This honesty is the same if I’m attending my local Gp who is a friend of the family since I was a baby. I can make a genuine comparable here because I have found my best interests are met at HRBR. The people I have met in HRBR are absolute professional highly trained individuals but most of all I have found each and everyone to be understanding, courteous and If I describe my experiences with them as very comforting it is not an exaggeration. As well as Maurice the Surgery Manager Beverly is an absolute lady and she has become a friend at this stage she is so understanding, practical and just a really nice person. I have found this to be the case with anyone I have met in HRBR. As my review is concludes Maurice shakes my hand and advises me when I feel the time is right to phone up,  Meanwhile I am content in the knowledge that I have attended the experts in the field of hairloss.

It had taken my visits to HRBR to restore my faith in that something can be done for me. I would like to share a very bad experience I encountered back in 2006 when I noticed my receding hairline advancing back and my forehead getting bigger. I started researching the options I had available to try and correct the gaps on my balding scalp. I generally research well and do so in dept, I think I was feeling quite insecure at the time and I wanted a quick remedy and was interested in what should be a permanent fix as opposed to lotions and potions. I obtained a number for a transplant clinic based in Co. Dublin or so I thought. I phoned up the number on the advertised snippet which I think I had seen on the back of a tabloid newspaper. I am sketchy on the exact paper and how this number came into my hands, I then proceeded to make the call and obtain information. The Man who answered had a deep voice and a very strong Dublin accent. He was based in Dublin; he advised me to meet him to discuss my hairloss and said it was a pre-op consultation. In May 2006 I travelled up to the city to meet this man who I presumed was the same man who would carry out my hair transplant surgery. The meeting took place in a fairly run down office which I thought was dirty and not a place you would go to have surgery done.

I felt a little uneasy but a little excited that I may have my hairline re-invented. The man was very optimistic and advised me I needed 1500 grafts and that it would be adequate to fill in the gaps on my hairline. I did find it a little strange that he didn’t even look at my hair, I asked him would surgery take place at this office and he advised it was at their Cork based office where surgery is carried out. I asked him for the cost and he advised a consultation fee was due today and a deposit of 3000 if I wanted to proceed. I didn’t pay a consultation fee as I was not pre advised of this but later I sent 60euro

I went away to think about it and I was nervous but also very annoyed that my hair was falling out. This man had told me it was only going to get worse and that if I didn’t get surgery now I will be ringing up again in a few months to get it done..In hindsight he was playing on the vulnerable. After a few days I rang this man again to advise I will proceed. He asked me to post a cheque for 3000eur which I did. He phoned me up on receipt of my cheque and gave the details for the Surgeon in  Co Cork. I immediately phoned the surgeon who was quite clear about directs, dates etc and I quickly established he worked from home. Nevertheless my hair was falling out and I was pretty anxious about that fact. We arranged a date and I went to his house for a meeting the day before surgery to go through the procedure and the necessary documentation. I stayed at a local hotel in kinsale, Co. Cork and I was quite clear about everything, I swallowed the pill which was prescribed to help me relax and I was all set. I had a good breakfast the morning of surgery and I met the team of people who were going to assist in the procedure. I have to say I got quite nervous at this point. There was the discussion about money, the surgeon was not aware I had payed a deposit to the Man in Dublin. So this raised my concerns. However the Surgeon made a phone call and returned quite affirming that all was ok regarding the deposit and that we would proceed but I would pay the balance which I think was 3500 more on completion of the transplant. I read the disclaimer presented and I was developing increased anxiety but dismissed this as nerves. When I entered a basic room where I was instructed to sit down I was quite apprehensive at this point and I was curious to how basic the whole surgery equipment seemed to me. I looked at the surgeon who had then advised me he had a full transplant himself; He shown me a photograph of him completely bald. I looked at him as I sat in the chair and I thought that looks like a very poor job in fairness. The team began to shave my head and I was starting to hyperventilate, they tilted the chair back fully so I would regain composure. When I felt that I was ok again they began giving me local anesthetic injections into the back of the head to numb the area for donor hair. I almost fainted and they tilted me back in the chair again.

I got an overwhelming feeling that this was all wrong and I asked them to stop. The people there were surprised I am sure. The Surgeon asked me to take a drink of water and relax and take time to compose myself. At this point I knew I was not going to get this done here. I took 5 minutes to re-think and I announced that I was NOT going ahead with Surgery. The Dr/Surgeon was surprised but he advised that the deposit I paid will remain with the other Man in Dublin as my dealings were already done with him. I advised The Surgeon I would be on Gerry Ryan on the following Monday if he did not ensure that every penny of the deposit would be returned to me.

I was not sure if I would see my money but lucky enough I did receive it. Thankgod

So in hindsight a valuable lesson was learned to never cut a corner or assume a lesser cost is better because I believe you get what you pay for, but also more importantly I learned to trust my gut instinct which I am so glad I did in the end before the scalpel came out on the surgery chair in Cork. It could have ruined my life if I had not of felt such uncomfortable feelings. I urge anyone to do your research and please just go to the professional people who know what they are doing.

It was a year afterwards when I met Morris and Beverly in HRBR and I was a very skeptical young man at that time. It took me some time to trust in people again. I want to share my story so if you are considering a cheaper option for your hair transplant DON’T!

Dear HRBR,

I write this email to you as a 35 year old male from Dublin who would like to warn other guys similar to me from making the same mistakes I have made.

I first visited the clinic in 2005 when I first was starting to feel paranoid about my hair thinning, and wanting to take a proactive approach, and to hope that I could avoid other people noticing.
At the time I was warned against a hair transplant, partly due to the fact that I may not have really needed one at the time, but also as I was told then, that the key thing is to plan for the future and to use the donor hair you have very wisely. Instead I was recommended medical treatments, which I followed for a number of months, but in hindsight should have continued.

However as my paranoia grew, I decided I wanted a quicker fix and was ‘sucked in’ by the advertising of other commercial clinics who act in this area, and had 2 transplants over a number of years. Although I’m lucky in that they were not bad, I have now realised the ill of my ways, as now that my hair thinning has continued and I recently visited your clinic , I realise I have much limited options at this stage.

I really just wanted to email you in the hope that I can stop others making the same mistake as I did.
To others I would say, do NOT get drawn in by fancy pictures or prices that are shown by commercial clinics. They do not have your long term interests at heart and are only there to make money from you. These will only offer a temporary fix that will end up hampering any options you may have down the line as the hair thinning continues as you get older.

I wish that I had followed the advice I had received by Dr Collins when we first met, and hope that perhaps others will take heed of my advice.

Many thanks.

To whom it may concern

I am sixty two years old and I have been happy for most of my life. I started to lose hair from the back of the top of my head a number of years ago, this did not bother me as I still looked OK so in 2005 I got married. My lady wife Anne and I were very happy together, and still are but in 2008, 2009, 2010 I started to lose hair on the front of my head and this caused me great concern and took away my confideance. I heard about Hair Restoration Blackrock on the radio so I checked them up on the web and I phoned and made an appointment with them for an assessment. This assessment took a little while where they planned the whole procedure and the team there could not be more helpful, they were excellent. The result of the test was positive and showed that I was suitable for this type of transplant.

On the day of the operation my wife and I arrived at Hair Restoration Blackrock, and I was brought into the room with the team I was given an anaesthetic and they proceeded to remove some hair from the back of my head low down and transplant them to the front where it was needed
one hair at a time, they worked on me for most of the day, it was very successful.
After this operation I was told to use Regaine, which I continued to use for the next year.

It is now a year later and my confidence is back and so is my hair. I am writing this because I am happy with the results of this operation and the follow up checks. It has made a big difference to my life in every way.

Wishing you good health and good hair

James

Dublin, 2010

 

To whom it may concern;

I am writing this for all men anxious about their hair loss, I’d encourage you to do extensive research but most importantly seek a reputable experienced hair loss clinic who have years of experience and the best surgeons available. I’m a thirty one year old man and became very concerned with the steady progression of my hair loss in my mid twenties. So four years ago I decided I needed to do something about it. The job I have means that I deal with clients on a regular basis and thus my appearance is very important to me. Unfortunately for me I made a rash decision and went to a commercial hair loss establishment where I dealt with various sales people promising x,y and z. I proceeded with the procedure and was left totally dissatisfied. Since then I have gone to a reputable clinic and have been extremely satisfied with the care I have received. Don’t make the same mistake I did, It’s one of the most important decisions you will ever make.

Non-surgery patient, June 2012, Kildare, Ireland

I started loosing my hair gradually over the last 10 years and wanted to do something about it. I’m a very confident person so that wasn’t the issue but I looked better when I had more hair so I didn’t see why I should accept my condition. When you are getting a transplant you are getting an operation performed on the most visible part of your body so it was very important for me to get the right medical team. I didn’t look for the cheapest or the dearest. I looked for the best. What I expected was to find a medical team with facilities equal to any of the best hospitals around. I also expected the highest level of care possible. This is exactly what I found. From pre operation phase to the operation and then post operation care I always felt 100% confident that I was dealing with an ultra professional team that were striving to achieve the best possible result. There is a lot of skill and work involved in Hair Transplantation so dealing with the best transplant surgeon and team is essential if you want a totally natural result.

Now 6 months after the operation I am getting so many positive comments and no negative ones. Watching my hair grow back after so many years of loosing it is a total pleasure!!! I feel more content with myself and happier with my look. Why should men accept to live with a condition that is now solvable?

All the best,
Dublin, December 2011

It is now 9 months since I underwent the procedure at Samson House and I am writing to say how absolutely delighted I am at the outcome. I first consulted with Dr Collins in August 2011 as I was concerned at a small amount of sun damage to my scalp caused by the diminishing amount of hair cover over the years. At the age of 63 I had great doubts as to whether the procedure would be effective in covering the sun damage and in providing additional protection from the sun in the future. Dr Collins was hugely reassuring, wonderfully professional and my partner and I decided that I should go ahead. All aspects of the procedure itself were carried out in the most professional, relaxed and rigorous manner. The staff were superb and Beverley, in particular plays an outstanding role within the organisation. The support after the procedure was just as good. Beverley and Dr Collins were wonderful in soothing minor concerns that I had following the operation. The sun damage has not only virtually disappeared but it is also extremely well covered by the flourishing hair growth. Though the initial purpose of having the procedure carried out was to deal with the sun damage, I am absolutely thrilled at the cosmetic outcome that the newly grown hair provides. Quite simply, when I look in the mirror each morning I see myself with the hair cover that I had when I was 30 and I love it! Friends and family are both amazed and also delighted for the effect that it has had upon my life. To sum up, I can unreservedly recommend the procedure and the HRBR organisation and consider the whole process and outcome to be outstanding value for money.

Co.Durham, England, July 2012

To the older men out there, I would like to share my experience with you.

I am an active 65 year old who took early retirement over two years ago and have focussed since on pursuing my many interests which include hill walking, cycling, golfing and gardening. Good health, fitness and appearance have always been important to me, and I now had more time to devote to these key areas.

While I had the energy levels of a 55 year old, a regular glance in the mirror reflected an image of an older balding man. Unfortunately I inherited my father’s genetic condition of “pattern baldness”, which left me bald on top, and greying on the sides. I have to admit that I was not happy with the image, and I had pursued many various remedies which came to nothing.

However, the breakthrough came in early 2011 when I discovered the website for Hair Restoration Blackrock (HRBR), and went for a consultation. The concept was explained and a suggested solution outlined, and six weeks later, I underwent the procedure.

Six months later, following gradual growth, as per the plan, my image has been transformed. The image in the mirror is now that of a 55 year old – imagine looking 10 years younger. Furthermore, none of my many friends have noticed or remarked on the change, (a) as it has been a gradual transformation over the months, and (b) it is totally natural looking. People just say “you are looking very well” but cannot pin it on any one thing.

As a further enhancement, my hairdresser has put a light natural tint into my hair, and the balding, greying 65 year old look is gone. Better still, I will have this hair for the rest of my life.

The best investment I ever made.

Dublin, November 2011

I have recently undergone hair transplantation at HRBR and would like to share my experience of dealing with HRBR. I’m 51 years old and about 5 years ago I noticed my hair was receding from the front. As time passed, the loss of hair became increasingly noticeable. I can’t say my confidence was affected, but I was interested finding out if my hair loss could be arrested or even reversed.

I researched hair loss on Google and found literally hundreds of sites offering drugs, laser guns, wigs, synthetic hair, human hair, you name it, it was on offer. The vast majority of products were accompanied with so much hype they didn’t seem genuine. I didn’t know where to turn. Then I came across a video on Youtube…..it was a Late Late show interview with Dr. Maurice Collins and some patients who had undergone treatment at HRBR. I was impressed by the depth of knowledge and sincerity of Dr. Collins. He wasn’t ‘selling’ or ‘hype-ing’ anything, but explaining the treatment available at HRBR, and the results to be expected. The fact that HRBR was in Ireland was a huge plus.

I thought about the matter for couple of months and then decided to make an appointment for a consultation at HRBR. First impressions are important, and when you arrive at HRBR, you cannot fail to be impressed at how organized and professional the whole set-up is. The offices a facilities look so clean and bright, and there is no waiting around for appointments. I met Dr. Joe O’Connor who spent 1.5 hours thoroughly examining and photographing my hair, and discussing the various treatment options available. He tested my hair and advised me that I was a good candidate for hair transplantation, i would need about 1200 – 1500 grafts, and the whole procedure could be completed within a day. I was given a book on hair transplantation, along with a dvd outlining the procedures available at HRBR. Using this information, I opted for hair transplantation.

There was a pre-op visit to determine hair density and discuss what my expectations were and what was practical. There was a lot of emphasis on the cosmetic outcome from hair transplantation, including likely future hair loss. After the analysis, I was advised that approx 1400 graft transplantations would be required.

A month later, it’s 7.45am and I’m arriving at HRBR, somewhat nervous, for my operation. Before the procedure Dr. Collins introduces his operating team, as they review and finalize the areas for hair transplantation. I did feel a little self conscious sitting on a stool while everyone looked at my head from all angles, using laser and marker to finalise the transplant areas. You do have the reassurance that, with such experienced personnel, the final plan will be the right one. The final say on what happens is up to the patient.

Then it’s straight into the operating theatre, no time is wasted. Local anaesthetic is applied to the scalp, donor hair extracted and placed in the recipient sites. I just laid back, watched DVD’s and let the team do their work. The procedure is fairly painless. Seven hours and two films later everything was complete. Looking in the mirror afterwards, I was amazed that my patches of receding hairline were now planted with new hair….MY hair. Such a huge, and permanent change, in one day.

Post op, you do need to take great care of your transplanted grafts. You and your misting bottle will be inseparable companions over the next 3 days, but if you just follow the HRBR instructions, everything should be fine.

For me, the whole experience has been very positive. Dr Collins and all the staff at HRBR have been thoroughly professional and courteous. They are extremely knowledgeable about their chosen field and have state of the art facilities at their disposal. It has been a month since my transplant, and I know I can call HRBR if I have any queries. I always felt I was in good hands and would not hesitate to recommend HRBR to anyone seeking advice or considering treatment for hair loss.

Dublin, October 2011

If you’re going bald and are considering wearing a wig – please don’t!!

I started going bald in my early 20′s and while some people told me to shave my head i felt very self conscious about my appearance. I looked around to see what solutions there were and was bombarded by all kinds of options from hair plugs to wigs. As a young man I was embarrassed to talk to anyone about it so not wanting plugs in in my head i opted for a wig. I was assured that it would improve my life, my confidence and how I felt about myself. Instead it ruined every bit of confidence i ever had. The truth is it didn’t look natural at all, i felt extremely self conscious and i knew that everybody was taking about it. The problem with a wig is that once you get one you feel completely trapped as now it’s harder to go back.

Instead of enjoying my 20′s i spent the time worried about what people must have thought of me. It made so many things much more difficult that should have been easy. Holidays and sun were a nightmare, while swimming was awkward as you were always hoping it would stay on when you dived in. I also loved all kinds of sport, but with a wig it made contact sports difficult and sweating made it pretty unhygenic. Also, i realised that the companies offering these wig services were over promising and under delivering in terms of the product and what it could do and the after care service was poor.

When i saw HRBR adverts i decided to look into it. The fact that they had a well renowned surgeon in Maurice and the support of the Blackrock Clinic gave me the confidence that at last I could talk to someone about hair loss who knew what they were talking about. For me, HRBR was never about having a full head of hair, it was about getting my confidence back and i love the look i have which is of a person who’s thinning gradually on top.

The best advice i can give you if you are wondering what you should do with your hair loss is DON’T GET A WIG as it will affect you mentally and not improve your appearance. What treatment you decide to go for is your own personal decision. But if you decide that you don’t want to shave your head and let yourself go bald then I’d recommend talking to Maurice and the team as they’ll give you an honest opinion and they won’t try to sell you anything. They’ll explain the treatment and how it works and you can then make up your own mind.

My main reason for writing this is that I don’t want another young person who is feeling the uncertainty that I felt to make the same mistake I made. Good luck with your decision.

Dublin, 2005

Dear Dr. Collins,

I just want to thank you and your staff for transforming my life in the matter of a twelve hour period. Since my first initial contact with Hair Restoration Ltd, I felt confident that I was dealing with a thoroughly professional and capable organisation.

My hair began receding over a gradual period from the age of 21. Since then I became paranoid about my hair loss. I foolishly got plugs inserted, which left my appearance altered to such a state, that in later years and especially the last two years I became self-conscious about my appearance. Going to social occasions, swimming (wearing a swim hat) and even being out and about on a windy day were stressful and a logistical nightmare to me. I had to carefully plan how I was styling my hair or on most occasions avoid being in the situation at all. The hardest thing to handle was seeing people look at my scalp and plugs (albeit on their part probably subconsciously) but created an environment for me where I just wanted to get out of their view as quickly as possible. Enjoying the interaction with family, friends and colleagues was never fully attained.

After my first consultation, I decided to go for the operation to remove the plugs and get a hair transplant. It was relatively painless and I was very comfortable throughout the process. While the cost is relatively high there are less expensive treatments out there, which are basically sticky plaster solutions to a long-term problem.

The cost involved is so insignificant against the feeling of confidence I now enjoy. I am now looking forward to greater social interaction, swimming with my family and possibly the purchase of a ‘panama hat’. I now feel I can reach my full potential in life both domestically and in my workplace.

Each day I now go out with a spring in my step. My gratitude to you and your team for giving me that leap of faith.

I wish to thank you and your staff for your intense work and professional approach to my hair restoration and know that you will bring happiness and contentment to many others in the future.

Sincerely yours

To whom it may concern

I started to loose my hair (noticeably) in my late teens – by the time I was in my early 20′s it had become very noticeable

Back then, late 1980′s, it was very uncool to discuss hair – thinking about it now, it was very uncool to have your hair shaved which of course is all the rage today

Having thought about it for some time and not knowing anything about hair restoration, I decided to have a ‘blade two’ hair cut done. In those day’s, I worked for a west end of London surveying company and I would have been client facing. Image was important!

The Monday after I came in to work I was very conscious of my shaven head. It sounds crazy but I’m sure their was a whispering campaign. So much so that I couldn’t go in the next day as I was so conscious about my new hair style. I honestly thought they would fire me !!

After a few months and some research (I saw an advertisement on the tube on the way home) I decided to get hair restoration treatment. Hair restoration treatment was in it’s infancy then and I remember going to a place off Regents St, London. I don’t remember much because I thought it was a very traumatic procedure (back then). After a number of visits I came out god only knows what I looked like. But after a few moths it settled down – although I remained very conscious about my hair style and appearance in general from then on.

I probably could have left it at that but in the naughties I decided I was fed up been self conscious about my hair so I decided to shave it off again and go for a blade two What I had forgotten about was the marks on the back of my head !! I now looked ridiculous and it was then so I sought the help of HRBR, who helped me. This is not a reference for HRBR, you’ll make your mind up for yourself on them What I wanted to get across is that you’ll note in my story above that I never once mentioned seeking help – I bottled my hair loss up within side me for years. While you wouldn’t have noticed it from the outside, looking in, I have to say the whole business for me was very traumatic.

I only wish I had sought some help when I was going through the experience as a youngster. In fact, my greatest wish is that I’d had the courage to stick with the ‘blade two’ when I had it done all those years ago. Its perfectly acceptable and just thinking about now it I think I got quite a few dates back then as a result of having my hair shaven – girls actually love it!

My advice to you is don’t worry about hair loss – you will find it is more common thank you think and today there is a lot of sound advice – ‘take their advice Good luck !

Dublin, September 2011

I am now 61 years of age. I had four children during my twenties and my thick, long hair started to thin and develop bald patches after my first child was born. This seemed to correct itself after my last pregnancy until I reached my forties when the problem become progressively worse, particularly affecting the top of my head and my hairline.

I found this difficult to handle and in spite of myself became a little obsessive about the situation, finding myself focusing on my hair whenever I looked in a mirror, something I avoided if possible. I also became very reluctant to be photographed.

I researched treatments and for a long time felt that what was available was unsuccessful and expensive. Some years ago I saw Mr Maurice Collins being interviewed on television and was impressed with his success rate and with his refusal to promise the impossible.My 60th birthday was approaching and my husband encouraged me to at least make an appointment and find out if I was a suitable candidate and what the cost would be.

My assessment with Mr Collins and his team resulted in my decision to go ahead with the restoration. I was given detailed instructions about what to do prior to and subsequent to the procedure and I followed these carefully. I did not find the process particularly stressful because everyone I met went to great lengths to explain what was going on and to make the experience as easy as possible.

I was told to be patient. It is now nearly fifteen months later and I am very pleased with the result. People I know are commenting on how well I look, asking (to my amusement) if I have changed my hair colour or hairstyle.

We had a family wedding a few weeks ago and I was able to enjoy the occasion without worrying about being photographed.

My hair will never return to the way it was in my youth, but then neither will the rest of me! However, I now shampoo and dry my hair without spending time in a futile attempt to disguise the obvious.

My self-image has greatly improved, grooming my hair has become a normal part of my daily routine and I can honestly say that I am very happy with the result.

Limerick, July 2011

My hair began to thin in my early 20′s. I first went to see Dr. Collins when I was 28 and I’m now 35 and have great hair and great self-confidence thanks to Dr. Collins and his team.

The process of restoring my hair started with medication, which made a significant improvement to my appearance and self-esteem and I successfully continued this treatment for 6 years before deciding on a Hair Transplant. The procedure was painless and stress-free and the amazing thing is that nobody (except me) noticed I had it done unless I told them, which I was happy to do as a result of the boost of confidence.

Now, 9 months after my transplant, my eyes are still opening to the wonderful experience of gaining a great level of self-esteem. Every day is a new delight.

Thanks,

Dublin, May 2011

Dear Maurice Collins,

I had tried all the treatments that the chemists had and none of them worked. So i decided to see a specialist. What i liked straight away about Dr Collins was he wasn’t pushing surgery. He said i could try Regaine and a Quarter of a tablet a day which i did for a while.Then i decided to bite the bullet and have the surgery. I got the loan out of the Credit union. That was 3 years ago and I have to say it was the best thing i ever did. I am more confident, look years younger and a lot happier looking in the mirror. Dr Collins and his team were Excellent.They are the best at what they do.

Co Galway, May 2011

Its amazing how after my hair transplant how my self confidence has grown like my new hair. It has changed me as a person i now go three times a week to the gym.

I can look in the mirror and see my new hair makes me feel better inside and feel younger looking. Thanks to Dr.Collins and all the team in the clinic.

Regards,

Co. Offaly, May 2011

I did not take the idea of having a Hair Transplant lightly. Although I knew that I was loosing my hair, which had started to take over my life, and daily activities more than I had realized. However, it still took much consideration and research to finally take the steps to do something about it.

The hardest part of all, was finding the information on Hair Transplant Surgery. i.e The best Surgeon and Transplant Team.

The information I found was quite limited. Also I did not feel that this is a subject, that you can discuss with your peers. All I wanted was for my hair to look natural, once I had the transplant and not to look artificial in anyway.

Thanks to the internet and newspaper articles. I found Hair Restoration Blackrock (HRBR)

The HRBR website is very informative, and therefore held many answers to my questions.

Having made an appointment for my consultation. I went to see Dr Maurice Collins, at the very prestigious and impressive state of the art Hair Restoration Centre at Samson House Blackrock, Dublin.

What I liked about HRBR is the fact that your consultation, is with the surgeon who would potentially be performing the Hair Transplant Surgery, and not a Sales Person.

Dr Collins made me feel at ease at my consultation, I felt relaxed enough to ask him all the questions about my hair loss. My thoughts of a Hair Transplant procedure. And most important the type of result, I could expect after surgery.

Dr Collins informed me that my hair loss was at quite an advanced stage, all over the top of my scalp. His prediction was that over the next 10 to 15 years, the majority of hair which is present would disappear. However, he did go on to say, that I was a viable candidate for a Hair Transplant. Due to my donor hair being plentiful and of good quality. In addition to surgery, he suggested that I take the approved Medication, Finastreide and Minoxidil, to improve the quality of my hair, and prevent further hair loss.

Upon leaving Samson House, with all the information I needed. The only thing left for me to do, was to decide if a Hair Transplant would be the right choice for me.

DECISION MADE

On April 19th 2011, It was surgery day, I met again with Dr Collins, Joanne and the Transplant Team. I knew that today, would change my life, and only for the better.

The Team took great time in the reconstruction of my new hairline, and also bringing my hairline forward. This was more than I inwardly thought could be achieved, to which I was more than pleased, taking into account the advanced stage of my hair loss.

After this I went into surgery, I instantly sensed the teams professionalism, and that they were striving for perfection, and to get the best result they could for me. The whole day was dedicated solely to myself. Overall, I found it to be a very pleasant experience, I had no pain at all during Surgery. And I felt very excited to see the end result.

Approximately 12 hours later and just before, it was time for me to leave HRBR, Dr Collins and his Team. I was shown my new hair for the very first time, I found this a very moving and breath taking moment. It was above, and beyond all my possible expectations. With over 3,700 grafts to the front and mid scalp.

The results were astounding, and most of all my hair line looked completely natural, and not artificial in anyway. Which was something that had always been a great concern to me.

I followed my post operative instructions, given to me by HRBR, including spraying and how to care for my new grafts. It was also reassuring to me, that if I had any concerns at anytime, I could contact them, even out of surgery hours, nothing was to much trouble for them.

It is now over three weeks post operative, and I cannot wait for my new hair to grow. It has given me a new lease of life, even though it is still in its very early stages, I do feel that this Hair Transplant has regained my inner confidence. I have found the entire experience life changing. It is only now that I have realized even more, what I have been missing in my life … MY HAIR!

I would recommend HRBR to anyone considering a Hair Transplant. Dr Collins and his Team are second to none.

I cannot thank HRBR, Dr Collins, Joanne and all the Team enough for what they have done for me.

Manchester, May 2011

Samson.

I don’t know what it is about hair, but men have a thing about it.

Some men can accept it I suppose, when baldness begins earlier in life and is a slow process; in other words, when it slowly becomes part of their appearance, even part of their character. But there are some whom baldness attacks in another way and leaves them with the dreaded comb-over. They hate the comb-over, but they hate the thought of revealing their baldness even more. And the odd thing about it is that everyone else knows they have a comb-over. Still, they don’t mind as long as the bald pate is covered.

I think it was from the aged of fifty or so that my receding hair and my comb-over began to take shape. It also became a great problem. I would watch the weather forecast to see if the next day going to be windy. If it did turn out to be windy, I would wet my finger with my mouth and hold it up to find out which direction the wind was coming from so that I could position myself in such a way that the comb-over wouldn’t blow over.

I also used a lot of spray to hold the comb-over in position. And whenever I wasn’t working the baseball hat became part of my attire. This was okay when I was on holidays as everyone else wore baseball caps. But then, everyone else could dive into the pool and enjoy their swim. I couldn’t, of course. I remember the last dive. As I emerged from the pool, someone smiled and said, ‘A high forehead!’ Their way of saying I was going bald. So I stopped swimming and sat on my deckchair and watched everyone else enjoying themselves. Difficult as all this was, it was somehow preferable to revealing my baldness to the world. And the awful thing about it was, I knew there was no cure. Or so I thought. I had seen people wearing hair pieces – you can spot them a mile away! And I had seen people with crude implants – plugs that were even worse than hair pieces.

But it wasn’t until I saw Maurice Collins on TV talking about his new procedure at Samson House that I began to wonder. Was it possible that people could have hair again? – their own hair transplanted from other areas of their own head? Furthermore, from my point of view, was it worthwhile? After all I was now approaching the age of 70. I discussed it with my wife; yes, I told her, I would love to try it, 70 or not. She was also acutely aware of my problem and she agreed. Why not? So I decided to go for it. Even then I didn’t think it would work. Even after the first transplant procedure, I didn’t think it would work. However, the staff assured me as I was leaving that it would, and they were right.

I think my wife and I were on a short visit to Prague when I spotted the first new hairs on the front part of my head where the first transplant had been done. The growth was gradual, so much so that no one else noticed it and I was so delighted that I decided to get the rest of my scalp done. What a change! What a wonderful feeling. I had hair again! No more baseball caps. No more fear of the wind. No more fear of baldness.

For the first time in thirty years, I dived into the pool while on holidays this year. I swam every day and intend to do so again on my next break. Maurice Collins said the procedure would take twenty years off me, and so it has. People say to me, ‘How are you? You’re looking very well. I smile. They know I am looking well, but the procedure has been so gradual, they don’t know why. My wife knows why, and she’s as delighted with it as I am. She says it was worth every cent, and I agree.

And, by the way, I didn’t get a cent for writing this! Incidentally, did I say I was 70? Maybe I am but you wouldn’t know it to look at me. And I don’t feel 70!

April 2011

Hello Everyone,

My name is Frank (not real name) and this is my story. I’m sure it will help you. I first started to notice my hair loss at my 21st party. Of all nights. I was sitting at the bar with friends having some drinks. I happened to look into the mirror behind the bar. I could see a tiny bit of recession in the middle of my head. I carried on as normal, and tried not to think about it. Then many months later it started to get worse and more noticeable. This is where I choose the wrong path. I was 22 now at this stage. I saw an advert from a commercial clinic in a tabloid paper. So of course being young and vulnerable I picked up the phone. They were over the moon I phoned. I had a consultation 4 days later.

The day came, I met a man well dressed and all smiles, as if butter wouldn’t melt….. This man or ”creep” I should say was a ”salesman”. I didn’t know that at the start. Anyway he told me he can sort me out, no problem at all, and everything will be great. So he put me on a laser course. He said ”six months will do the job”. I was delighted to hear that. 3 months later I could see the same results alright, but then just after 5 months, my hair was reversing back again. I asked the ”salesman” about this. He said sometimes this happens. He also said some people need another 6 months. I did it of course. Altogether I had laser treatment for 2 years. I know now what I’m talking about. Laser does not work, and never will work.

Things got worse.

The same salesman recommended me to try the strand by strand. In other words ”A-WIG”. I was 24 at this stage. So again I choose wrong. I decided to go for the wig. I’ll be honest it looked ok. I was happy enough at least at the start. Then time passed by the wig would fade and in my mind I knew it was a terrible idea, having this thing ”glued” on my head. I wore the wig for a total of ”3 years”. All I can say is for them 3 years I would never go outside when it was sunny or go on sun holidays. Why? Because I was afraid the sun would damage and fade the wig. So again I know what I’m talking about. Never ever have one.

But then there was light.

I came home from work one day, still having the wig on my head. I turned on RTE. Saw an advert for The Late Late Show. Roy Keane was a guest. I love Roy Keane. So I taped it and looked at it the next day. One of the first guests was Maurice Collins and 3 patients of his from ”HRBR”. They all had my problem hair loss. They all looked very well and happy since going to HRBR. I could relate to them all. I just knew the guests or Dr Collins was not a scam or anything sneaky. Why? Because for a start it was The Late Late Show, and I could just tell by Maurice he was honest and wanted to help and get the truth out there. I phoned HRBR the following Tuesday. Booked a consultation. I had to wait 3 months, but I didn’t really mind. The day came. I met Dr Collins. He was very kind and understanding towards me. He sat me down and asked me a few questions about my family hair loss history, medical questions and so on. He then examined my hair and took pictures. I had a lot of hair loss at this stage. Maurice looked at me straight in the eye and said ”Alan you will never have a full head of hair again”. I was devastated.

He also said to me I can help you. So he put me on tablets to help strengthen my hair or even reverse some of my hair loss. It was only when I got home I realised that Dr Collins was so honest and never lied or even tried to sell me anything. Even the finasteride tablets I wanted to try them, but he never pushed me to take them. He was so professional and honest. He had my best interests at heart. It was a nice change. While I was taking the finasteride I went back on the wig and see what results would show a year later. Went back to Dr Collins a year later. I had a lot of my own hair back by now. So I decided to get rid of the wig. So I got a tight hair cut and went back to work. People said I looked well and it suited me. In my own mind I was a lot happier, but I still wanted a transplant to help me feel and look even better.

I want to stress Maurice Collins never ever once said to me I need a transplant. In his words ”Nobody needs a transplant”. This was totally my decision. I had my transplant on Sept 7th 2010. Everyone at HRBR explained the procedure many weeks before my opp and on the morning of the opp I was very relaxed and knew I was in the hands of very talented and experienced people. I knew from doing all my research I was in the ”only place” in Ireland that could help me or anyone else with my problem. The procedure itself flew by, ten hours I think. I slept for about six. I never felt any pain or discomfort. It’s now six months since my opp and results are really showing. I can honestly say I’m over the moon. Maurice promised me I would never have a full head of hair again. To me it looks like all my hair is back. The results of this procedure are inside your own head. I know I look much, much better and feel better.

Very Important.

I never told Dr Collins this. He will know now after reading my letter. I explained I went to a commercial clinic, had laser treatment, wigs, and so on. Well all together ”I spent over €15,000” in that place. All that money I spent and it was ”all for nothing”. Look everyone, I promise I know what I’m talking about. Stay away from commercial clinics. If something sounds too good to be true it usually is. My message is simple if you’re thinking of treating your hair loss, HRBR are the only people that can help you. I really wish I could do more to thank Dr Collins and all the staff at HRBR.

Concluding on a funny note

I explained I taped The Late Late Show to watch Roy Keane’s interview. Well after seeing HRBR on the same show. I never bothered to watch Roys interview.

Meath, April 2011

My experience at Sampson House HRBR as a wheelchair User

As a wheelchair user, I, Brian, would like to share my positive experience of HRBR at Sampson House with others.

I am a spinal injury T3 / T4 and last year decided to look into doing something about my hair loss. I carried out a Google search for hair restoration and found Sampson House HRBR in Blackrock, Co. Dublin. I phoned to make an appointment, stating that I was a wheelchair user. The receptionist told me that this would not be a problem since the building is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

Setting out for my first appointment and having been sent very detailed directions, I found that Sampson House was quite easy to find. Arriving for the first time, I parked my car outside the front of Sampson house clinic where there is a designated disabled parking space. I didn’t use the underground car park provided on my first visit since I wasn’t sure how to enter it. I found the access to the building itself quite easy. The reception area was easily accessed after buzzing the intercom, which is at a good height and easily reached. The front door is of a good width and easily accessed.

On all occasions the HRBR staff at Sampson House were very friendly, helpful and considerate. The reception staff accompanied me in the lift to the first floor, before inviting me to wait in a very pleasant, wheelchair accessible waiting room. Tea, coffee and television are provided in the waiting room and a fully wheelchair accessible toilet is available the same floor. I discovered that it had the appropriate handrails fitted at the right height and would be easily accessible and operational for any wheelchair user with use of their arms.

Shortly after arriving I was brought to the examination room to meet Mr. Maurice Collins who I found to be very professional and easy to communicate with. Mr. Collins carried out a full examination of my scalp and proved very understanding of my concerns. He advised me on my best options and I departed Sampson house that day confident that my hair appearance would improve over the course of the next twelve months. Following advice provided by Mr. Collins on my first visit, my hair thickened somewhat and on my second visit to the Clinic the following July, we were both very happy with the progress made.

On this subsequent visit I used the underground car park and found access to Sampson House very manageable for a wheelchair user. On my second visit I decided to have some graphs implanted in one area of my head where I was balding. I booked surgery for February 2011 and attended the clinic for the pre-operation in early February. At this stage I was getting familiar with Sampson House and its environs, and encountered absolutely no problems as a wheelchair user.

I had my hair graphs’ surgery at the end of February 2011. On the morning of surgery, as is natural for any operation, I was a little nervous. However, I found the whole procedure a pleasant experience. Never at any time did I have difficulty with transferring on and off the theatre tables from my wheelchair. Gel cushions were provided for the theatre tables especially for my comfort and for the prevention of any red marks. Entertainment was made available to me and music that I had selected in advance of the procedure was provided on the day during the graph transplants, which contributed to the fact that I felt little pain or discomfort. I felt that everything was done very professionally.

Although I had initially considered driving back home after the procedure (home is two hours drive north of Dublin), I took the option to stay in a hotel in South Dublin, and afterwards was delighted with this decision. For the night immediately following my operation I booked a wheelchair accessible hotel situated close to Sampson house. That night I followed the post-operation instructions of spraying my implants with salted water every 15 minutes. I had my post-operation check up the next day and was told that everything had gone well and that the graphs were a great success.

I was a little nervous going to HRBR about my hair loss concerns and had at one stage even considered shaving all of my hair off. I am so glad that I made the decision not to do so and instead that I went to Mr. Maurice Collins at the HRBR clinic for advice.

I now have a better appearance and more self confidence and would certainly recommend anyone with concerning hair loss to visit the HRBR.

If you are a wheelchair user I hope that my experience can help you in your decision making and encourage you to visit the clinic. I too had my concerns, but as evidenced by my story, I went trough through the procedure problem-free. What’s more, I am very happy with the outcome.

Kind regards

Ireland, Feb 2011

To whom it may concern,

I am a 38 year old male who underwent a very successful hair restoration procedure at HRBR in March 2009 and I wish to outline my expereince of hair loss and hair restoration at HRBR.

I first noticed my hair beginning to thin on the crown of my head in my mid twenties. I was a little concerned and changed my diet and began more exercise to reverse the situation. However nothing I did worked and by the time I was 30 my hair loss was becoming a very real concern to me and was affecting my personal confidence and my social life.

I saw adverts in the newspapers internet for various types of tablets and hair sprays which I tried but nothing worked. I was very upset by my continued hair loss which was getting worse and I believed nothing could stop what nature was doing to me. Then I saw a programme on RTE which featured Dr. Collins and HRBR and it seemed that the results achieved were excellent. It took me about 6 months of thinking about it before I made an appointment. I was concerned that I would be the victim of a “hard sell” or being convinced to undertake a procedure that I did not want and could not afford.

However, when I had my first consultation with Dr. Collins there was no discussion about having a hair restoration procedure, instead he asked me questions about my hair loss, took phototgraphs of my hair loss and started me on finestiride tablets and Regaine. I realised he was interested in my overall health and well being and that he understood the very depressing effect that hair loss was having on me. Even though I was personally in a very vunerable emotional position there was no pressure what so-ever put on me to undertake a procedure which only increased my trust in Dr. Collins and HRBR.

After a number of months taking the tablets and Regaine not only halted my hair loss but new hair started to grow which I was delighted with. Indeed the process was so gradual that none of my work colleagues even noticed. I had 6 monthly consultations with Dr. Collins and stayed on this course of treatment for about 4 years. In that time Dr. Collins did not raise the issue of a procedure however I was curious about it and did ask him a few general questions.

After 4 – 5 years on the tablets I noticed that their effect was starting to wear – off and I did not want to lose my hair for a second time so I raised the possibility of having a procedure with Dr. Collins. Again there was no pressure to pursue this course of treatment but given that I had been a patient for 5 years I had 100% trust in HRBR and I knew that they were exceptionally professional and used state of the art procedures and equipment. Both myself and the team worked together as to what areas of my hair loss the procedure would focus on. Given that Dr. Collins had photographed my hair loss over a period of about 5 years the team knew the exact pattern of my hair loss and this meant the most targeted and natural result could be achieved.

I did not feel nervous or apprensive about having my procedure as I knew that the skills of Dr. Collins and his team and the facilities in Samson House were world class and that I would receive the very best care. It is now 1 year since I had my procedure and the results have been exceptional. I have a healthy and natural looking hair line which is absolutley undetectable and even my Barber could not tell that I had a procedure completed. It was a huge benefit to me that in the weeks and months after the procedure that I could pick up the phone and speak to Dr. Collins or any of his team and indeed arrange an appointment at very short notice if i needed too.

The benefits to me of having the procedure have been numerous. I look and feel younger, I feel much more confident and healthier and my personal confidence has improved beyond measure. I can go to pubs and clubs and feel confident enough to talk to people without feeling self conscious. When I am out socialising I no longer seek out dimly lit areas where my hair loss could be disguised and I have stopped wearing baseball hats!!.

I still have some hair loss to the back of my head and perhaps down the road I might consider looking at how that can be addressed. However I am still enjoying the current results and when people meet me face to face they see I have plenty of healthy natural hair to the front of my head which is what i really wanted to achieve from the process.

The most important result is that my overall health and well being have improved hugely and my self confidence has returned which is a brilliant feeling.

My sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Collins and all his team at Hair Restoration Blackrock.

Dublin, Feb 2011

Letter to a Young Man who is considering getting a Hair Transplant Procedure

To Whom It May Concern,

If you are reading this letter, you are lucky because when I was in your position I wish somebody had written such a letter for me to read. I appeal to you to read this letter and don’t make the mistakes I made.

I am writing this letter for two reasons,

Reason Number 1

Because Dr Maurice Collins asked me to! This man really does care and he wants help you. Maybe Maurice may not agree with me writing this (and I hope he leaves this in) but I can see that money is not the number 1 motivation here. This man can and does change lives. He has seen the horrors of what has been done to people like me and wants to help. If you have any doubts, then I tell you…. DON’T!!….you have come to the right place

Reason Number 2

If reading this letter helps even one person to avoid what I went through then this will make me feel better. I was de defrauded, I was mutilated and I was humiliated. I am too scared to go public and confront the culprits so this is my way of dealing with what happened to me. I will carry the scars associated with my mistakes for the rest of my life

Here is my story,

As in the other the other testimonials, in my early 20s I started to lose my hair and felt the same way as any young man would. The problems with my hair dominated my life. I studied all the options in the Sunday Papers, there was not many and I went with what I thought was the best option. This is where my nightmare years began. It’s difficult still to admit but I was fooled by the sales patter of people who I trusted.

My “treatments” spanned over the period of 20 years and I will just say that I also wasted a huge amount of money. I started out by getting artificial fibres into my head, Bad advice! They did not work. They caused regular infections, broke, fell out and looked totally un natural. Even though I have had them removed, these procedures have caused permanent damage to my skin.

The next thing I was sold was a hair transplant. I had 3 in the space of a short time, when the initial results looked promising I thought that finally my problems were solved. However after a time, long after the money was paid over and the company didn’t want to know me any more I began so see in the mirror that once again I had made the wrong choice. My hairline wasn’t natural and what I didn’t fully realise what the mess the so called surgeon had made of the back of my head. I don’t want to talk more about what was done but suffice to say that I will never be able to wear my hair short again and cannot show in public my hair, when wet.

The story only gets better when I finally discovered Maurice and his team. I would agree with everything said in the other testimonials and my story is long enough without repeating the outstanding service that the HRBR team provide.

To end on a positive note. My situation has changed for the better. My hairline has been improved on and the damage and the scarring at the back of my head have also been attended to as best as it can be. Maurice was honest with me from day one and I appreciated when he told me that he could not do miracles but assured me that he would do his best. He did not fail me on that promise. What also heartens me also is that while there is not much more that can be done, the contact and the checkups will still remain.

I still have hope and I am much much happier with my lot.

So to repeat once again if you are a reader with I’m sure lots of doubts if you are considering going with a cheaper option , please take my advice and take your time and don’t rush into anything.. Don’t let yourself be fooled like I was.

Hope this helps and Thank you Maurice and all at HRBR

Dublin, Feb 2011

Hi Maurice

Just sending a quick email to thank you and all the staff at HRBR for looking after me last Thursday.

Not surprisingly, and no doubt like all your patients, I was feeling quite apprehensive and a little nervous when I arrived on the morning. But I was immediately made to feel at ease. From then on, I couldn’t have wished for the day to have gone more smoothly. Everyone that I had to deal with was extremely courteous, friendly and professional.

It was very reassuring to have so many of your staff involved at the ‘design’ stage and while there are a few months to go before I will see the final results, I am very pleased with the design and even after the first day, it was clear that any ‘stranger’ that I met had no idea that I had just had a hair transplant.

One friend has already said, it is going to take 10 years off me when the new hair starts to grow!

Thank you once again to everyone at HRBR for looking after me so well.

I look forward to seeing you again in 6 months time and will arrange that with Beverley in due course.

Regards
UK, Jan 2011

Dear everybody at HRBR

I left a little pressie for everyone to say how extremely happy I am.

You are always met with a smile at HRBR … standards are extremely high from the moment you arrive for any appointment.

Your medical standards are beyond comparison. Your expertise over the last two years fascinates me – the bar is continually being raised. This time it was like going to the movies and having your head massaged!

The consistence of your message from the various people means an awful lot like – keep spraying, keep spraying, mind your head getting into the car, leave it air dry etc etc.

Jo’s flair for styling, her dedication and her competency is only matched by Dr Maurice’s excellence that others will never achieve.

Thanks again, yours My Own Hair Naturally of course!!.

Dublin, Jan 2011

Dear Maurice,

I wish to thank you and your team for the exceptional care that I received during the course of my surgery last week. I truly felt that I was receiving the Star Treatment!. I am very grateful for the payment structure that you have put in place for me. This is very much appreciated by me.

I am very excited about the prospect of enjoying the full benefits of my treatment by summer. This has had the added benefit of lifting my spirits presently!.

Finally, I’d like to take the opportunity to wish you a peaceful Christmas and my best wishes for the year ahead.

Dublin, Dec 2010

Dear Dr Collins,A very sincere thank you for the wonderful care I experienced since my first visit to Samson House in Sept 2009. You have exceptional staff, starting with the girls at reception right through to Joanne and the nurses. The warm welcome, the kindness, sensitivity, efficiency and just the total ease. Nothing was rushed and there was great clarity about everything that was happening. I felt that your staff were hand picked for the great and very special work they do. You made everything so easy for me and I am very happy that I went ahead with it and I am very confident that the outcome will be good, please God. Yours sincerely,

Westmeath, Oct 2010

To Maurice, Joanne and all the staff at Hair Restoration,I would like to thank you all for the kindness and professionalism you afforded me while having my procedure carried out.

A very Merry Xmas and good fortune for 2010 to you all.

Dear Maurice,

This is just a short note to express my appreciation to yourself, Jo and the team for what I consider to be a wonderful result from my two FUT sessions in June 2007 and June 2008.

As you know, I had extensive hair loss (Norwood VI at least) and in my early fifties had more or less written off the possibility of achieving a satisfactory hair transplant. At that stage in my life I had learned to live with my baldness – I felt I had no choice – but it was always an irritant. So when by chance one evening I stumbled upon a report on Irish TV from a reputable programme on the impressive work of your clinic I just knew I had to find out more via a consultation. The big questions was could your team and your procedures help me? The answer, to my delight, was an encouraging “yes we can”.

The consultation with you was most informative. Far from being a sales pitch, I felt it was a caring approach from someone who genuinely wanted to help someone else with a problem. I don’t want to dwell on this because I know you’re an honest man, but I was struck by your relaxed yet serious approach, your honesty and above all your integrity. I know the latter is a judgement call but I have no doubts I was and am right. This was perhaps the most important factor in my decision to put my head in your hands. To have trust and confidence in your surgeon is of the utmost importance.

Having a new natural looking head of hair will not change peoples’ personalities or solve their problems in life. However it is a marvellous feeling to know you have achieved a look that you yearned for for so many years and don’t have to worry about anymore. Some people might have preferred my bald look but I know in my heart that I am very very happy with my new look.

To anyone contemplating this procedure all I can say is that it worked for me and worked very well. Also if Dr. Collins tells you there is a good prospect of success – believe him. The outcome for me exceeded my wildest expectations. If my Fairy Godmother had granted me three wishes come true this definitely would have been one of them.

Once again Maurice, a million thanks to you, Jo and the team. Continued success in the future with your marvellous endeavours and I look forward to seeing you again in 2010.

Hi Dr. Collins,

I hope you are keeping well. I have been meaning to email you for quite some time to express my gratitude to both you and your team at Samson House for the level of professionalism and patient care shown towards me over the last 2 years. I am very happy with the results you achieved through last year’s scar repair and hair transplant.

Needless to mention, the overall experience was in stark contrast to that of my first surgery in the states back in January ’08. Even after my first consultation, I felt reassured and secure in the knowledge that you could repair the damage and 1 year later, that is exactly what you did. I am 16 months post op now and probably near the end point as far as the results are concerned. The scar is nothing to what it was and the 860 approx grafts have made a big improvement to the receipient area. Given what you had to work with, it was an amazing job and I am very grateful to yourself, Jo and all your team for helping me to turn the page on what had been a difficult period.

I think that more work may be needed in the new year as the receipient area on the right hand side is still a little thin/patchy in areas but that is something we could look at during my next consultation. For now though, I am quite happy not to be preoccupied with hair loss or pending hair transplant surgeries and again this just goes to show how much further along we are compared to when I first met you in 2008. It is no longer something that I am in a panic about or that is to the forefront of my mind all the time – which is probably why it has taken me so long to send you this email.

I look forward to seeing you all in January.

Kildare, May 2009

Dear Dr. Collins,

It was when I was about 24 or 25 that I noticed my hair was thinning. I didn’t mind the receding hairline but when I looked in the mirror, or was at the hairdresser, and saw the extent of the thinning my confidence completely went overnight. After a few weeks I began to wear a baseball cap. To make things worse my dad, uncles and many other family members all had great hair. From the start I wanted to do something about it and not let it get worse. I endlessly looked up the internet, saw ads in papers and saw an ad in the Irish Times. The reason for writing this letter is “you have to pay for good results”. This is definite and if money is a problem it is better to do nothing. The advertisement in a very professional newspaper impressed me. I saw all the “before and after” pictures on the internet, on leaflets and newspapers and it felt to me they were trying too hard “to sell”. I looked at Irish, European and U.S. internet sites. I didn’t want to travel but wanted my confidence back. I rang some Irish and UK clinics and they wanted to make appointments for the next week and kept ringing me back. This worried me as professional and reputable businesses should not be so over-keen to secure payments, quick surgery, no pain and they offered me discounts over the phone. My gut feeling was to ring the ad from the Irish Times. I rang it and it was Hair Restoration Blackrock and my appointment was for, I think, four months later. It was not a free consultation which impressed me more, after all “you get what you pay for”. To cut out unnecessary worrying leading up to the appointment I saw a DVD of a surgery on a Dublin man. The result was fantastic and he appeared on TV again and it was very true and no lies. The moment I entered for my consultation I knew this was the right place for me. After a thorough consultation I was given medication and foam to control further hair loss and an appointment to go back for a further consultation in a year. No sales pitch, just professionalism from people with a lot of experience and sincere attitude. A year later and the medication and foam were working but I wanted surgery and I was definite in my mind. I was 27 when I got a date for surgery and got a loan to pay for it. Other clinics on the internet with all the “before and after” pictures were half or more of the price I paid. This made me think 100% I had made the right decision to have surgery at this clinic.

The day of surgery I was nervous everybody would be natural. From the moment I entered the room, the surgeon and his team made me feel completely at ease and, after six-seven hours, it was a good day out after watching DVDs and having lunch. There was no pain and Dr. Collins and his whole team are the most professional people I have met. I want to emphasise that his team and nurse Jo Scannell are so professional and helpful. I could not have asked for better attention. Aftercare was great too and I could ring or email with any questions. The most important thing to me was the results and six months later I am delighted and to me the most important thing was nobody noticed as it was so gradual and natural looking. One friend had commented on my hair loss but not the “transplant” as it is so gradual and totally natural nobody will notice. My confidence is back and the baseball cap is gone and I have it all to thank to Dr. Collins and his team. The pain and torture of looking in the mirror is a distant memory and my hair seems to be improving as the months go by. It cost me but “I got what I paid for”. If I had gone to a “salesperson clinic” a simple surgery for professionals like Dr. Collins and Jo Scannell could have ended up with me telling a different story.

Dublin, June 2009

Maurice,

Before I tell my story I’d like to just thank Maurice, a true gentleman, Jo and the rest of the team who do fantastic work.

My story:

I wasn’t even twenty when I realised I was losing my hair. I was devastated. To some people that would be no big deal going bald but to me it was everything. I decided to do something about it so I went by an ad I saw in the Sunday World, what a mistake that turned out to be. I was sold a transplant by a salesman which turned out to be a complete disaster. Then they covered it up with a hairpiece. I thought this was as good as it could get, so for over 10 years this is what I settled for.

My confidence was at an all time low. My social life was nil. Even when I did go out I was always conscious, thus never enjoying myself. I even started wearing caps from when I got up in the morning till I went to bed at night. I just had enough.

I saw Maurice on Nationwide one night and I was really impressed with what I had seen. So I went to see Maurice and told him my situation. He listened, then gave his opinion and told me to go away and think about it, absolutely no pressure.

I discussed it with my family, they too were very impressed so I decided to go for it. On the day of the transplant I felt so comfortable throughout the whole procedure, very professional. 12 months on and I’m a completely different person. My confidence has grown big time. Now I have a head of hair and it’s the real thing. The rest is history. Again thanks to Maurice and his team for giving me my life back.

Monaghan, Nov 2008

To Maurice and Staff,

I would like to thank you for all the care and professionalism you provided me with when attending your clinic.

I will certainly be recommending your services to family and friends, and would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your staff a very merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year.

Dublin, Dec 2007

I was delighted that I actually made the move after such long deliberation to come and see you. It was getting to the stage which I’m sure, you and many of your other clients would agree, that the hair loss was having a huge impact on my self-confidence and self-esteem. It has got to the stage whereby it is now impacting on my work and how I would confidently present myself to my clients in the profession that I’ve found myself in.

I will take the medication that you kindly prescribed for the 6 month period and look forward to meeting with you then to see where we might be able to go from there. In the meantime, many thanks again for your professional, friendly and warm welcome.

I have just returned to Samson House for my six months check up. I had plugs implanted into my scalp in the 1980s which left me with an unnatural hairline. I had become paranoid from the age of 21 about my hair loss and had the plugs inserted. To date not one individual has commented on my new hairline. My new hair is growing at a phenomenal rate and my confidence is back. It really is so difficult to put into words about my euphoria with the ongoing growth. The last time this happened I was about six months old and not aware of the benefits! Each day there is growth and I am told by Dr Collins that this growth continues for about 1 1/2 years. The operation and its results are an absolute miracle to me and I would recommend to anyone who has had plugs to do something about it. While the cost of the operation was relatively expensive there is no monetary value in terms of the positives, the increased confidence, self worth and not having to hide a disfigured hairline.On a daily basis it has changed how I am living my life.

They say there are two things inevitable in life: 1) Death 2) Taxes. In my case there are three and you can guess the third!! So – many thanks on prolonging the third!Thanks again to everyone involved. P.S. Let me know when you guys find a solution to the first and second. Thanks!

Dear Maurice and the team,Thanks so much for doing such a great job on my hair. It feels fantastic. It means so much to me to have my hair back. It was one of the best days of my life. Really appreciate your hard work and dedication.

Dear Maurice, Beverley and all the amazing team,Thank you all so much for your hard work and kindness through my transplant process. Best wishes

Dear Maurice and team,I am almost twelve months post treatment and I am delighted with the results. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish and your professionalism and expertise are second to none! I am enclosing a wedding picture from December last as a testament to your good work! Many thanks.

To Mr Collins and team,Thank you for your excellent work and care. Congratulations on your beautiful new clinic. God bless.

Dear Dr Collins,I just wanted to write to thank you for what you did for me at my appointment. Few people can understand what it is like living with Alopecia. I felt you completely understood what I had been through. Your thoughtful words of kindness and sensitivity, and also your expert opinion, have meant the world to me. You said my hair was “spectacular” and that I’ve made a remarkable recovery! I came away feeling a million dollars! It’s been a long time since I have felt that good about myself. Thank you so much, I will remember your words as I travel along my Alopecia journey. I have become a stronger person having lived with Alopecia, I will keep taking my confidence pills!!

To Maurice and all the guys,What can I say? You gave me a new lease of life. Thank you again for your honesty and sincerity.

Dear Dr. Collins,At first I was a little apprehensive about spending such an amount of money on my appearance. It is important to be patient in the months after the transplant as the results take time to appear. When the hair starts growing the impact that the transplant has on daily life is substantial. It immediately takes years off and improves how you feel about yourself. Everyday I feel better about my appearance and myself. As a result I am happier, take greater care of my health, and am enjoying life more. It was so depressing losing my hair it felt as if there was no point bothering about my appearance. Since having the transplant I have taken greater care with my health, lost over a stone in weight through more exercise and a more careful diet. I seem to have more energy and confidence. I have enjoyed my holidays. I feel younger. I have had a number of difficulties at work and I was much more confident in my dealings with others which helped bring about a resolution. What is so surprising is that I thought this was a cosmetic procedure. The impact of the transplant has been of far greater psychological benefit than I could ever have imagined. I just feel better and am living a better life. Everyone says I look very well, less tired and fresher. Not one person has ever mentioned my hair or seems to notice why I am looking well.

I think anyone who has any anxieties about their hair loss should consider having a transplant.

Dear Dr. Collins and Team,

I want to express my thanks to all of you for the utmost professional treatment I have received over the past four years and in particular over the past month with my procedure.

When a surgeon and his team; A) refuse to perform a procedure and take your money, B) thoroughly educate you on the causes and treatments of the issue at hand, and C) provide non-surgical options as a form of treatment, you simply know you have found the right surgeon and team. These actions provide the patient with a great sense of confidence in the ethics and morals behind the surgeon and his practice. Over the years I have recommended family members and friends due to my overall experience, positive results from the medication and no doubt the impending success of my recent hair transplant.

It was clear to me that my best interests were looked after from day one, which is now nearly four years ago. I am now looking forward to seeing the results of my procedure over the coming months and years.

Hope you are all well, look forward to seeing you in April and once again thank you.

Warm regards

Dear Dr Maurice Collins and staff,Thank you all for your great work. Each and every staff member are just the ultimate in excellence in your field. It was a pleasure to have known you.

Thank you

Maurice,Here is a picture of me on my wedding day, a day I thought would never happen to me but it did and we sincerely thank you for making that happen. It was one of the best days of my life so far, hopefully plenty more of them come in the future.

Dear Mr Collins,Just a short note to thank you and your team for the great results I have had with the growth of hair since my transplant procedure. I never though such results were possible! Once again many thanks.

To Mr Collins and his team,A little note of thanks for your courtesy and professionalism

Dear Mr Collins and team,Just a note to say to you all and say how impressed I have been not just with the results of my surgery but also the whole manner and set up of the service which is second to none.

To all the team and HRBR,Many thanks for your professionalism, kindness and hospitality. Your individual contributions are acknowledged and highly appreciated. I’m sure you are all aware of the difference you can make to patients’ lives. Continued success with your marvellous endeavours.

‘I wanted to say thank you Dr Collins, for your time and expertise. What you have given me will change my life and I would like to thank both you and your wonderful team’.