Dr. Emorane Lupanzula takes time from his busy operating schedule to meet with Pride Life and answers some of our questions......

Are you curious because we were?

Dr Lupanzula, you are recognized throughout the World as a leading hair transplantation surgeon, what made you decide to go into this intricate area of surgery and where did it all begin?

“I began my career as urgentist (emergency doctor) in a hospital in Belgium and on one occasion I met a patient who was severely burned. His face and his skull were very damaged. After the accident, this patient under went Hair transplantation because a large part of his hair was burnt following the terrible accident. I was particularly interested within this case and was surprised by the exceptional results that the patient obtained with hair transplant. He had new hair, it was amazing! He also understood the importance of having his hair restored, as it formed part of his identity. Thanks to his hair, the patient was more confident and happier in his life. The way he looked changed and he felt more comfortable in society. From this day forward, I was very interested by this intricate area of surgery. Having had a strong successful career within medicine, I then set about learning the intricate techniques of hair transplant surgery in America, the home of specialist surgeons within the field simultaenous to furthering my academics at the University of Lyon in France.”

So can miracles really happen? Is it that simple that if someone has hair loss, particularly men, you can intervene the loss by operating?

“We are not talking about miracles when you mention the Hair transplantation, we are speaking about medicine. I can’t stop hair loss because It’s an internal phenomenon. But where hair loss starts, we can replace new hairs in the loss area.When I say new hairs, these are not new, it is your own hair. I harvest grafts from the donor area that I determine and replace these hairs in the receiving area.This method works only with your own hairs. The patients are very satisfied with this process because they regain growth in the area. We have many before and after gallery images of delighted previous patients as well as coverage on You Tube if you would like to see more”.

Some of the gallery images on your website are unbelievable. It must be life changing to these individuals? Are these extreme or typical cases and what sort of costs are involved?

“All the cases you can see on my website are real and the pictures are true. I don’t alter any pictures or videos this would be most unethical. For associated costs there is no definitive flat price as it depends on each case which is why I always meet my patients for a first time consultation. No two hair loss scenarios are the same. After this initial meeting we can calculate the costs of the surgery because we know the number of grafts that we will need to reimplant.You also have to know that the overall result depend on the condition of each individual, like any surgical procedure. If you have a good quality of hair, we can do as you say, a miracle.”

So anyone can have the transplantation or is there certain criteria? Are great results guaranteed?

“If I do the surgery, it is because I know that results be will guaranteed. I do not perform the surgery on people under 25 years because they are too young, everything can still change. Before booking a surgery, I always want to see the patient in a physical consultation to make sure that the results will be great.”

The media regularly runs articles on hair loss products that appear to indicate they can reduce or even stop hair loss? Surely these lotions and potions can not prevent the loss?

If so, what actually do these expensive products do?

“Hair loss products can be used, but be sure of one thing they can only stop temporary loss, it is never definitive. And perhaps the most problematic topic for these products is you have to continuously use. With a transplantation it is for life, a permanent remedy to your loss. “

Your Clinic, Medikemos, Dr. Lupanzula is out of this world. Perhaps you can tell us a little about the inspirations behind its modernistic design and what your patients think?

“My wish was to make something that inspires confidence to the patients. It is also a reflection of my work. It is pure, clean, high standard and comfortable. Everything is made to work in the best conditions with very strict hygiene rules.We also have a kitchen in the clinic so we have a lunch with our patients, It is a family atmosphere.We want to be in a environment which is relaxed and stress free, not like in a hospital.”

For anyone reading this article that are curious about hair loss, or worried as they are experiencing some loss, perhaps you can briefly tell us the procedures available and what their next steps should be?

“The first step is coming for a consultation and to meet with me so that I can see the case and propose a solution. After this, is the surgery and the following 12 months for the reconstructed area to grow. I use to say that we are going to be married for 12 months. Thereafter we hold a consultation with all of our patients and are available every day should there be any problems or questions”.

With international recognition what countries do you operate within?

“That is correct, I operate internationally and have patients in many countries. I hold consultation in Belgium, in France, in Spain, Poland and the UK with a base in Pall Mall, St James. I physically operate in Spain and shortly in Birmingham, however I prefer to operate in Belgium in my own clinic which has been designed to an exceptional standard and promotes a hygienic, sterile yet ambient and relaxing environment. “

There are many people that advertise that they can do hair transplant surgery… what do you advise patients deciding on which surgeon to select / look for in a leading surgeon?

“It must be a conscious decision, take your time to decide and the most important thing is to have confidence in the surgeon you choose. Check their galleries, before and after imagery as well as videos and do your research.The key with Hair transplantation isn’t just the surgery on the day, it’s the reconstruction that becomes evident over time. The difficulty with Hair transplantation, like any cosmetic surgery, is that many clinics profess to be leading within the field, the problem is that they are not..... once again I reiterate it is not just about the surgery on the day it is the long term results of reconstruction of the area. In a nutshell, I’d say to conduct full research, see evidence, meet with surgeons ask their opinions and do not be driven on price alone.”