I did the Neograft hair transplant procedure on May 7th, 2014 along with a friend of mine. At first, Dr. Berkowitz seemed very credible. I checked online reviews and saw nothing but positive comments and feedback from his patients (keep in mind Dr. Berkowitz is an ophthalmologist- an eye doctor). A quick BBB search came back with no negative complaints and provided additional assurances. Three friends and I made an appointment for a consultation. From the moment I walked into their facility Dr. Berkowitz and his assistant, Linda, made me feel right at home. They tell you everything you want to hear and provide you with what I now believe was false hope. We asked numerous questions and everything sounded great so one of my friends and I signed up for 2,500 grafts at a cost of approximately $12,500 each, that is not a typo. Although my two other friends passed on the neograft transplant, Dr. Berkowitz office was still able to sell them a laser comb for approximately $500, making them believe it would be a less expensive alternative for improving their hair. During our consultation and Q&A, we asked plenty of questions and received some of the following information:
1. Dr. Berkowitz said he had done numerous Neograft procedures and we asked to see some "before and after" results. While we were shown images displayed on his walls and generic brochures, looking back we are unsure of whether or not he provided us with authentic pictures representing his actual neograft work.
2. We were told the procedure WITH Dr. Berkowitz would start at approximately 7am and end around 5pm. While the estimated time frame was pretty accurate, we were shocked to discover our $12,500.00 payment earned us the preferential (feel the sarcasm) treatment of having two technicians performing a significant amount of the work, if not all, rather than Dr. Berkowitz. I have heard of residents performing surgery, maybe a physician's assistant participating in a procedure, but a tech for an elective procedure where we dished out $25k between two patients?!?!?!??
3. Leading up to the date of surgery, we were given verbal representations that we would experience "98%" hair growth. Immediately preceding surgery we were presented with a document stating something to the effect of "we guarantee 10% out of the 2,500 grafts will be redone if you are not satisfied."
4. We were repeatedly provided assurances that we would see vast improvement within 3-6 months following surgery.
Despite being less than pleased with the results within the first few months, during my first few post-surgical visits I was naïve enough to continue to believe the improvement would take time. I was so naïve and desperate to improve my hair that I fell victim again to Dr. Berkowitz sales tactics. As if $12,500.00 was not enough, I was subsequently sold a $500.00 laser comb and a pill regimen that cost me approximately $50.00/month. I used both consistently, as instructed, and much to my dismay, no results. Now, nearly one year later, I had another follow up visit with Dr. Berkowitz on March 3, 2015. After expressing my frustration and dissatisfaction to Linda, Dr. Berkowitz had the audacity to enter the room and attempt to sell me yet another product. Needless to say, I finally saw through the veil that had been pulled over my eyes and declined to purchase another product from his office.
In my opinion, I have not received the results that were marketed to me and I certainly have not been pleased with what I now perceive as up sells every time I visited his office after surgery.
I now notice Dr. Berkowitz marketing his services in several arenas, ranging from local spots on ESPN to a local Detroit newspaper called the Chaldean news. If you find his advertisements enticing enough to garner your interest, I invite you to contact me so that I can provide you with my own real life before and after images so that you can make an educated decision on getting the neograft procedure performed.
Feel free to email me at markkejbou@gmail.com. read more
