Hair Transplant surgery in Bangkok Plastic Surgery Clinic |
Hello Friends,
Sorry, that it has taken me so long to get back to you but Ive been having Laptop connection problems that Ive just now overcome. Usually you would have found me using my office PC, but Im currently on work assignment in Las Vegas from Oregon.
Basically I can tell you if you have any reservations or fears about the quality of medical practice in Thailand you can cast those fears away right now
Dr. Pichet and his Clinical medical staff are as good if not superior to anything we have here in the states. Im awed at his practice because he services people from all over the world. In addition to being a top expert in the art of hair transplantation he is a renowned plastic surgeon who takes his work seriously with professionalism---but yet as a patient you will find yourself welcomed as if you were a family member. I challenge you to try and find that anywhere here in the states.
Believe me you have nothing to worry about. When I went to Dr. Pichet I was almost a damn chrome dome! I had everything but the horseshoe haircut. And, like you I certainly had concerns and reservations about medical practices in what is deemed a 3rd world country--- However, I found out first hand 3rd world was all bullshit---Thailand is every bit as modern and up to date as anywhere. Bangkok alone has about 10 million population. True the average common person wage is like $300 Dollars a month, but its relative to life as we knew it in the 60s in the US. You can walk the streets day and night and never have to fear for your safety. Since 2002 I have been to Thailand 11 times8 of those times were for strictly recreational purposes which Ill be happy to enlighten you on if you are interested.
Getting a Hair Transplant is a medical procedure and there is going to be some pain and discomfort with it just as there would be with any procedure. The difference is that its pretty much all on an outpatient basisYou do not have to be put under or go to a hospital. And the best part is that no one but yourself, the clinic staff, and who you blab to will ever know you went through the transplant procedure. However, the metamorphic change you undergo will be so personally rewarding that I have little doubt that youll look back on it someday as probably the best thing you ever did for yourself. Thats how I feel about it anyway. However, I was so far gone bald that I went through the procedure twicea year apart from each other just to get more density. It literally changed my life and gave me a better outlook on life as well
Especially with business associates as well as with the ladies.
You have to realize one important thing---this metamorphic change is very gradualit doesnt happen overnightor in a month6 months, but takes at least a good year to happen---whats funny is people sense something differentgrowing a mustache, or beard, then shaving diverts their attentionor you can tell them youve lost weightit all takes their focus away from noticing the fact youre growing new hair. After about 6 months get a short haircut then it will fill in uniformly and after about 9 months you can begin grooming it towards the style you wish. Like I saidI was so bald I felt I had to do the procedure again, and now that its been almost year and a half since my last procedure and Im truly a happy camper because its literally made such a dynamic and positive difference in my life and how others perceive and react to me.
Believe me I researched this a lot before I made up my mind to do it. Here in the US and in Canada, the cost was simply out of the question. I didnt have the money resources to even consider it. One of Medical group wanted $25k and Canada was right up there with them. Then one day since I knew I was going on Vacation to Thailand with a couple of buddies I serfed the web and accidentally found Dr. Pichet. After consulting via email with him I decided to persue it because the cost was so affordable. I went there, had it done in one day, and my two buddies didnt even know I had done it. Of course I had to be sneaky because that first day I had a turban bandage on my headbut that came off the very next day, and after that I wore a straw hat and they never knew the difference.
One more thing, every day a driver was sent to pick me up (free) and take to the clinic where the Dr examined my progress and the nurses would wash, disinfect, and cleanse everything until I was healed. After 9 days the stitches were removed in the back of my head where they had taken the chunk of donor hair that they transplanted. They had to suture together the two sides from where the patch had been removed, but when I left Thailand after my 30 day stay everything was pretty much healed.
Right now I have to go do some things, so Sean if you have any more questions or would like even more graphic details email me back. Furthermore, tell me a little about yourself, where youre from? interests, age, married? Single? etc and if you do decided to go there I can help you make a real vacation out of the whole process and promise youll have a fantastic time. Basically I can tell you if you have any reservations or fears about the quality of medical practice in Thailand you can cast those fears away right now
Dr. Pichet and his Clinical medical staff are as good if not superior to anything we have here in the states. Im awed at his practice because he services people from all over the world. In addition to being a top expert in the art of hair transplantation he is a renowned plastic surgeon who takes his work seriously with professionalism---but yet as a patient you will find yourself welcomed as if you were a family member. I challenge you to try and find that anywhere here in the states.
Believe me you have nothing to worry about. When I went to Dr. Pichet I was almost a damn chrome dome! I had everything but the horseshoe haircut. And, like you I certainly had concerns and reservations about medical practices in what is deemed a 3rd world country--- However, I found out first hand 3rd world was all bullshit---Thailand is every bit as modern and up to date as anywhere. Bangkok alone has about 10 million population. True the average common person wage is like $300 Dollars a month, but its relative to life as we knew it in the 60s in the US. You can walk the streets day and night and never have to fear for your safety. Since 2002 I have been to Thailand 11 times8 of those times were for strictly recreational purposes which Ill be happy to enlighten you on if you are interested.
Getting a Hair Transplant is a medical procedure and there is going to be some pain and discomfort with it just as there would be with any procedure. The difference is that its pretty much all on an outpatient basisYou do not have to be put under or go to a hospital. And the best part is that no one but yourself, the clinic staff, and who you blab to will ever know you went through the transplant procedure. However, the metamorphic change you undergo will be so personally rewarding that I have little doubt that youll look back on it someday as probably the best thing you ever did for yourself. Thats how I feel about it anyway. However, I was so far gone bald that I went through the procedure twicea year apart from each other just to get more density. It literally changed my life and gave me a better outlook on life as well
Especially with business associates as well as with the ladies.
You have to realize one important thing---this metamorphic change is very gradualit doesnt happen overnightor in a month6 months, but takes at least a good year to happen---whats funny is people sense something differentgrowing a mustache, or beard, then shaving diverts their attentionor you can tell them youve lost weightit all takes their focus away from noticing the fact youre growing new hair. After about 6 months get a short haircut then it will fill in uniformly and after about 9 months you can begin grooming it towards the style you wish. Like I saidI was so bald I felt I had to do the procedure again, and now that its been almost year and a half since my last procedure and Im truly a happy camper because its literally made such a dynamic and positive difference in my life and how others perceive and react to me.
His Reply to a young American man to come to do Hair transplant;
Being Objective I can easily tell you that Dr. Pichet is both a compasionate and "Hands On" Doctor as well as an exceptionally skilled surgeon---Not only that he is a good man, and he is real people. He will always make time for you, and you can always talk to him through email as well as by phone.
I've got the male pattern going and the widows peaks and I'm trying to deal with it early.
Ok so I can sense that you're a relatively young man...I think you're wise to do transplant early in life because you will have such a large amount of permanent donor hair, and it's going to be far less noticible. I mean by that you can mask having had the procedure a lot easier. Myself, I was 59 when i had this procedure done the frist time.
Unfortunately, I only have three days in Bangkok so I'm sure the wife will notice when I get back. Do you have any reservations about getting on a plane 36 hours after the surgery?
3 days after my first surgery I was off to Chaing Mai for a week--The surgery didn't slow me down a bit... When i returned Dr. Pichet removed the stitches from the back of my head. Because you, no doubt, are younger i suspect that you'll heal much faster then I did. So that's to your benefit.
On the other hand let me say this...I think you would be much better off to take the time and stay in Thailand until the Doctor removes the stitches if at all possible. The reason being is that if you return to the states you will have to find someone to take care of cleansing and applying disinfectant to the surgical area as well as have someone medically competent to remove the sutures. Of course if you're going to be letting your wife in on all this then she can help you keep the area clean, disinfected, and apply the healing ointment which the Doctor will provide to you. Furthermore, come time to have the sutures removed your own medical Doctor will no doubt be able to take care of that.
However, my situation was probably much more different then yours. For me it was a secret thing. My wife to this day doesn't have a clue that I ever had a hair transplant. I told her via email 2 weeks before I returned back to the USA, that I had been in a Tuk tuk accident and had to have several stitches in the back of my head. Of course dumb ass me couldn't keep my dirty fingers from feeling around the back of my head after i got back, and as a result I got an infection for which i had to go to my Doctor stateside and get cleared up. A few antibiotics later no problem -- infection gone. simple as that.
Bottom line is this: if Dr. Pichet says it's OK---that you can do the surgery and leave 3 days later---AND if you have someone home who can look after you and make sure you get daily care until you'r completly healed---I'm sure there won't be any problem. However, please talk to Dr. Pichet about it and get it cleared through him first. Flying back after surgery should not be any concern to you what-so-ever. if I can go fly to Chang Mai for a week and go on every tour imaginable, ride elephants, etc, etc, then you certainly should be able to fly home on a plane.
Merle From USA
Second time experience surgery with Dr. Pichet in Bangkok. |
Dr. Pichet,
I'm safely home and so very happy with all my procedures. My chin and nose are still quite swollen but looks really good. My breast implants and butt implants look great as well and as soon as all the swelling goes down I think everything will look awesome.
Thank you so much for your kindness and being so professional in my care, there is no one I'd rather have do my plastic surgery but you anymore. The trip to Thailand is definitely worth the effort it takes to get there.
Again, Thank you so very much.
Shelby from USA
Breast surgery experience in Bangkok with Dr. Pichet, |
Dr. Pichet I want to thank you and your staff for everything that you did for us while we were there. We really appreciate everything you did for us. A special thank you to Mrs. Mao and to Jimmy, the driver and to your beautiful wife for everything. You guys made our stay in Thailand a wonderful experience and we will never forget it. Once again thank you for making us feel like princesses. Oh and my husband and I are very happy with my new breast.
Thank you again (compu cao),
Yesenia From Okinawa and USA
| Experience
Surgery with Dr.Pichet |
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 Hello
dr pichet
"It's only me Margaret letting you
know I have arrived back in Englland .I Very much like
to thank you all for taking such good care of me .You
are all so kind.As you say . [ I felt like princess ]
My family are well pleased with results . The swelling
on face has gone down a lot . I will send you nice photo
soon for album using my new digitalcamera .
My trip to Thailand will be good as my friends how want
surgery will not be nervous and unsure any more."
Mrs.Margaret
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| Marilyns
Journey to Thailand for her SRS Surgery @ Dr.Pichet |
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Hi, my
name is Marilyn, and this is the story of
my SRS operation in Thailand. One of the many
journeys I had to travel in my transition
to fully become a woman in body. I am sure
there are still many journeys I have to travel
in becoming a woman in all the many interesting
levels. One thing I have leaned so far, is
that a woman will always learn more about
being a woman. I was always a woman in mind,
but did not always allow myself to explore
the woman inside me. For 30 years I was trying
to run away from me.
Some background:
I think for a better understand of my journey
to Thailand for my SRS operation, I must give
you a short background about some of my previous
journeys to this journeys and way I am writing
this letter.
Being different is not always easy. So like
most transsexual people, I realized at an
early age that something was wrong. At the
age of about 10 I knew I was a woman in a
mans body. This was not something you would
like to just accept. In my country, South
Africa, especially during those days, something
like this was bad and sinful. To change my
gender seemed not possible. So, I had to try
and overcome this problem of mine. The only
way, it seemed was to run away from it and
go on with life.
Easier said than done. Many a time, I tried
to remove my genitals myself without success.
Know, today I am thankful for that (the fact
that I was unsuccessful). My way of running
away was to work. I married at the age of
22 and have a daughter of 6. I am also thankful
for her. Maybe, trying to fit in, was also
a way to run away. But, you can only run away
for so long. For me 30 years was my limit.
During July 2000 my X and I went to see Dr
Elna McIntoch, a sexiologist in South Africa
who studied in San Francisco. She organized
the psychologists I had to see and the GP
for my hormones. Dr McIntoch follows the Harry
Benjamin standards of care. These standards
of care I fully support, especially know.
This is not a short journey. As I said before,
I knew at the age of 10, but did not accept
it. You can not change overnight. It is a
process that takes time. I had to learn to
accept that too. Maybe, all good things come
with time ? You must allow yourself that time
but I know it is not always easy. |
I have been on hormones for more than 2 years prior
to my surgery on 29 December 2002, and lived since
18 December 2001 full time as Marilyn. I legally
changed my name in 2001/2002. These are all journeys
I could talk about, important journeys that all
of us must travel and fears we must overcome to
be able to start a new journey. Remember, live for
me is, is a mixture of journeys, some must be chronologically,
others we live simultaneously.
My focus for this letter is my journey for my SRS
operation, so let my give you a bit more background
- Why Dr Pichet in Thailand ?
During 2002 I planned for my operation to be in
December 2002. I am an analyst programmer. No work
no pay, thus I must plan my time well. Originally
I planned to have my operation in my own country,
South Africa. The logic, my family and friend are
close by for support. The negative, the available
plastic surgeons for a SRS operation in South Africa
is few and far between, and they have limited experience.
No references. They could not give me exact costs
and I had to be happy to wait until they decide
to contact me. This caused a lot of stress for me,
and made me feel very exposed.
In this journey, you are taking a very big and final
step. You need to deal with a lot your past, present
and future. No matter how much I was looking forward
to it, it was still very stressful for me. It was
important for me to try and great an environment
where I can feel save.
The other problem with the surgeons in South Africa
I went to see, was that they dealt with you as if
they do you a favor. This was strange for me. I
am paying for this operation, and they provide a
service, so I thought, but was showed to be incorrect
in my country. This created a lot of stress for
me. Stress I could have done without. For me, I
made the decision, planned my costs, and mentally
was ready for the operation. To take that away from
me was very, very negative.
I went to see once of the South African surgeon
in October/November 2002. I told him I want the
operation in December 2002. He just did not come
back, and if I follow up, he got mad at me. By 12
December 2002, I was hopeless. My primary psychologists
told me he contacted all the surgeons in Thailand,
and they also did not come back.
Then I decided to contact the surgeons in Thailand
myself. I do not know what the psychologists did
wrong, or if he really contacted the surgeons, but
they reacted same the day.
I send an e-mail, and the next day I got a reply.
The contrast between what I experienced in my country
versus Thailand is major. It is unbelievable.
Dr Pichet was able to help me by
end of December. I went to Ann Lawrences site I
read up on Dr Picket. Dr Pichet is doing this operation
in a regular basis and has good references. You
do not want to be first.
Besides the fact that Dr Pichet has a lot of experience,
he treaded me like a human being, with dignity.
He planned his schedule around me. As I said before,
for me it was important to feel save, and Dr Pichet
made me feel save and protected.
Dr Pichet charged me $4000-00 for the SRS operation.
This was value for money in every way.
When I arrived in Thailand, I went to the clinic.
That evening I had the operation. I also did a nose
job with Dr Pichet. Dr Pichet, his staffs and the
hospital staffs are some of the most caring people
I have ever met. They never made me feel exposed
and treated me with a lot of dignity. They also
tried their very best to make this journey as painless
as possible.
I met someone 6 months before, and he came with
me to help me. Dr Pichet organized that he stayed
with me in the hospital at no extra cost. I must
say, Dr Pichet and his staff helped me to keep my
living costs down. They look after you very, very
well while you are in Thailand. Dr Pichet organized
a hotel for 500 baht(12usd) a night for two people.
The hotel is clear and has all you need. For me,
that was once again value for money.
Then the crisis: The person how
came with me was just sleeping all the time, leaving
me on my own. Remember, the first week and a half
you are not mobile and very weak. You are fully
dependent on others to help you. After the 4 days
in hospital, I went to the hotel. Dr Pichet and
his staff came 2x a day to help me and look after
everything. I had to take 3 meals a day for medication.
This friend of mine was just sleeping, and I was
stressing all the way. Dr Pichets staff picked
this up, and started bringing food for me. After
two days in the hotel, this friend of mine left,
and it seemed that I am now really in trouble.
I phoned Dr Pichet, and he immediately sent his
staff to come and help me. They moved me to an apartment
close to the clinic at no cost. Ying, one of the
sisters came to stay with me to look after me. I
stayed there until I was strong again and moved
to another hotel close to the World Trade Centre
for 600 baht(15usd) a night. Once again value for
money.
During this time in Thailand, I made friends. As
I got stronger, I started walking, and exploring
Bangkok. I never felt alone, because of the support
and friendship I received. Nit and Ying showed me
Bangkok and how to get somewhere.
They made this journey very special for me. Changing
your gender is not something small, and is something
you want to be as positive as possible.
I am very happy with the results of the operation.
Today is about just over two weeks since my operation.
It will still take some time to heal, but I walk
well, and the reality of the operation is starting
to come through I am a woman in body now.
I recommend Dr. Pichet, not just
because he is a good surgeon, but also because of
the support he and his staff provide. If you want
to e-mail me, you are welcome. My e-mail address
is: marilyn.warburgo@webmail.co.za.
I would also like to thank my family for their support.
I ultimately believe that all of this was only possible
because of a greater power that was there for me
in times where I did not thought He was their. All
was looking so bad, and believing opened it up for
me. Know, I feel complete and ready for some new
journeys.
Kind regards,
Marilyn Struwig
South Africa
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| SRS
( Sex Change )Experience Story In Bangkok with
Dr.Pichet |
 |
I wrote
an account of my Bangkok experience and have
sent it along to Anne Lawrence along with
the 3 photos. Attached is my account. I do
hope to see you again, when I do my face.
Thank You Lynn
I arrived at Bangkok, starting the new day,
October 10, 2002. The city odors smelled of
Southeast Asia, and coming off the jet 747,
I was in a panic attack, as I was flashing
back to Vietnam, memories of over thirty years.
I came to do the business of SRS surgery,
unprepared for the emotional overload. I have
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from
the Vietnam War. I immediately lost the focus
for which I came. Dr. Judy had great insight,
and I knew I had PTSD and now I understand
it is severe in nature. |
My therapist, Dr. Judy, suggested perhaps Bangkok
was not the best place for my SRS. I am 54. I felt
that time was something of a rare commodity. To
save enough money for Canada or the USA and then
go on a long waiting list would put me way over
60. I had the funds for Dr. Pichet and Bangkok,
and it was time to face my fears. I always was afraid
of the surgery, and was not entirely certain I would
do the SRS, but I would get something for my money,
even if it were to be a face lift. None in my Arizona
gender community had used Dr. Pichet. The gals had
used another Thai doctor. I knew little of Dr. Pichet.
I am not sure if this was an act of bravery or just
needing to move on with my transition. Whatever,
I was once again in Southeast Asia running point.
Overall, Bangkok was a hard journey for me. Not
because of the Doctor or surgery, but because of
PTSD issues that I was going to work through. At
the end of 20 days not only did I learn a few things
about myself, and some emotional healing did take
place, but also I came home a happy woman with a
new body and a new life, along with great respect
for Dr. Pichet.
So Midnight I arrived. 8am, two of the Doctors
staff members picked me up at the hotel, Wantana
Mansion, and I met Dr. Pichet at 9am. I first saw
his face (a big friendly smile) on the other side
of a glass door just before he walked into the room.
I knew I would do the SRS. The Doctor and I chatted
about my options. I asked tough questions and got
honest answers. He made me understand the risks
involved. For someone who has trust issues, I found
myself taking a leap of faith with Dr. Pichet. By
noon I was in the OR, jetlagged, and generally trying
to deal with Asia, and going under for the surgery,
the SRS.
I neglected (never even occurred to me to mention
it) to tell the Doctor of my bad back, a result
of 14 years in golf construction and maintenance.
I can get intense pain if I lay on my back too long.
Waking up in the hospital room in the dark in the
middle of night or early morning (I really dont
know), coming out of anesthesia, I was a bit out
of my head (PTSD), and had severe back pain. The
kind nurses explained the next morning, after I
had my wits about me again, that I had been a problem
child. I do not doubt that at all. I could not however
speak Thai and could not communicate my back pain
to the nurses. It was a very long night. I explained
my back pain to the Doctor that morning and he quickly
gave me an injection easing my back pain. From that
point on and the next three days I had a pleasant
hospital recovery, with caring and very professional
staff.
And I was never alone. Nit, Dr. Pichets personal
secretary, was there in the hospital room with me
the three days. Her presence was most welcomed and
appreciated and unexpected. We had some wonderful
chats. She is a neat lady and I do miss her. AND
I WAS NEVER ALONE!!!!!
The fourth day I was back in my hotel room. I could
have stayed in Dr. Pichets clinic the entire stay
but I paid my hotel bill up front and the hotel
would not refund. Dr. Pichet made up for the error
and did provide me with plenty of food and beverage,
easing my expenses, while in my hotel. I was seen
by the Doctor daily. One night I had a bad panic
attack--nothing to do with the surgery--and I called
the Doctor in the middle of the night, and he gladly
attended to my needs.
I always had the option of spending my days at the
clinic, which I often did. By the way, next door
to the Doctors clinic is Tesco, an English based
grocery. I got fresh fruit, peanut butter, whole
wheat bread, cheese, hard rolls, and tuna fish sandwiches.
I found Thai food too sweet or too hot and I got
the runs from the local chow(which the Doctor dealt
with). I spent a good part of my time in Bangkok
chasing down American type food. Also, at the Doctors
clinic is assorted delivery menus from KFC to pizzas
delivery. When the Doctor found out the type of
food I wanted, his staff went out of their way to
get it to me.
I also ventured out on my own a bit to the big hotels
for cheeseburgers and lamb stew, and at the Grand
Hotel had a wonderful rib-eye steak. I became obsessed
with food. The doctor showed much concern for my
satiety (Bali incident was in the news) and he preferred
I use cabs and drivers he knew personally. Being
the idiot I am, I often went out on my own with
any old cab, and the Doctor politely let me know
that was not a smart thing to do. I have more nerve
than sense at times. Besides, he preferred me moving
around as little as possible, especially the first
days after surgery.
At the Wantana I made friends with the resident
British living there. I learned the ropes through
Robert. Lack of companionship and conversation never
happened. I was very lucky in that regard. The hotel
itself was cheap and you get what you pay for. I
could have used a little softer bed, but it only
ran me about $10 a day American.
I learned while there, the doctor owned his clinic,
and thus lower overhead and that accounted for his
lower surgery prices. He had patients coming in
from Korea, Europe, Japan, and the USA while I was
there. They came in all the time and I learned he
does at least one SRS a week. The day I arrived,
a gal just finishing the SRS was leaving the hospital.
I briefly chatted with her mother. It is always
good to meet someone from back home when youre
in far away places.
In spite of my claustrophobia and my refusal to
stay put, I recovered nicely. I did not focus as
sharply on my healing as I should had. My problem.
Doctor did his best to get my attention. When I
left Bangkok October 28, I was really just beginning
to enjoy the city, and then I had to leave.
Once home, I did focus on surgery and taking good
care of myself. I came home with excellent instructions
for care from the Doctor. Those who have seen the
surgery have all given good reviews. It pleases
me to stand before the mirror. Folks tell me I seem
different now. I have a glow about me. I believe
it is just a product of being at peace within myself.
At the time of this writing it is almost Christmas
2002. Healing has been excellent. I do owe a lot
to Dr. Pichet. He has my recommendation. I would
like to go back for facial work.
To sum it up I offer the following advice
to new prospective patients.
1. Tell the doctor your needs. For example had I
mention my back problem first, some discomfort could
have been avoided. Communicate.
2.Bring a companion with you.
3. If you chose to stay in a hotel, spend a little
more money for comfort.
4. There is a British market next to the clinic.
5. Tell the Doctor your needs.
I am at peace and I am indebted to Dr. Picket's
medical and surgical skill. Neala Lynn Balmes
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