The Bay Medispa - Double Bay, New South Wales

Nathan Holloway

I want to write of my own experience at going under the knife – at what was promoted as one of the most expert hair transplant surgeries in the country at The Bay Medispa in Double Bay, Sydney.
Promises of a natural hairline with scarring barely visible to the naked eye – and certainly imperceptible to the casual observer – was what first drew me to the clinic. Indeed, this was marketed as the ‘Martinick technique’, which on paper makes sense – implanting hair in a more irregular way and preferring the more traditional ‘FUT’ (strip of skin) approach to harvesting hair grafts. According to the clinic, FUT grafts are healthier than FUE grants, the latter of which are harvested individually via a pneumatic ‘punch’ approach.
The clinic certainty seemed the part – clean, friendly and centrally located, with a range of other cosmetic services and surgeries available too. In fact, this outwardly professional image was what first drew me in. I even had a conversation about smoothing out my neck lines while I was there – it’s that kind of place, everything under the one roof. For what was presented as routine surgery, what could possibly go wrong? And so, under the knife I went – or more accurately, under sedation, which I was told was not general anaesthesia however certainly had the effect of putting me to sleep for several hours. After it wore off, I woke to a deep slice of skin having been removed from the back of my head, with a few implants to go. I was reassured that after the recovery period the scar would heal and would be imperceptible.
Several months later I found myself back at the clinic – there was now hair loss around the scar, apparently called ‘shock loss’ – which can be temporary or permanent and in my case seemingly the latter. Again, I decided to go under the knife – reassured that this would fix the previous surgery. Fellas, it did not – and now I have a large scar at the back of my head. While the front certainly has grown in, appearances of a hair transplant are obvious. What of a natural hairline? What of imperceptible scarring? Attempting to fix the front of one’s head at the expense of the back is not a good strategy.
However, what is more concerning from is that there was minimal aftercare from the clinic. Indeed, in-person consultations seemed to be discouraged – I was referred to the clinic’s support officer, who has no medical training or expertise (often recommending vitamin e oil as a solution). To date, a year after the hair transplant, I have not been given an in-person consultation and given no reassurance over the new scar – which some could argue cancels out any worth new hair at the front of my head may bring.
After handing over fees one year after this ‘hair restoration’, this patient has received no medical attention or aftercare. Not good enough. I feel for the many people who must walk through the doors of The Bay Medispa expecting aftercare – this is, after all, a medical practice in the heart of Sydney. This wasn’t the case for this writer.
I write this as both as a cathartic exercise but also as a warning to others considering hair transplant surgery (or cosmetic surgery more generally). Beyond the glossy brochures and promises of a new and more confident look, there is considerable risk. I would certainly reconsider my options if I had my time again – why not shave it all off? While the staff at The Bay Medispa are certainly friendly, and Dr Sara Kotai and Dr Jennier Martinick very available before surgery, that is no comfort for a poor surgical outcome and a complete absence of aftercare. Not looking after your patients after surgery is not good enough and we should demand more from the Australian cosmetic industry.
Furthermore, with no consumer protection, prospective candidates for cosmetic surgery should reconsider their appetite for negative health and financial risks. I certainly hope that this particular clinic improves its practices for the sake of the wellbeing of the many men and women that will knock on its door.

Metin Zane

I've had the antisweat laser done about 4 months ago. Very professional almost painless. I never use to be able to wear grey shirts because of the sweat running down my arm. Now no sweat. Cant believe all these years of embarrassment all had had to do was get the procedure done. Thank you i would recommend to anyone.

Nhan Tran

From the moment I entered the facility at The Bay Medispa, I was met with the support and professional care of Dr Sarah and her team.

Dr Sarah continually checks in on you during the entire process to see how you are tracking. She makes you feel heard and reassured. I did not feel any pain during the session because of the way Dr Sarah conducted herself and her professional manner. She took great care in ensuring I was feeling okay in each moment.

The odour and sweat that were produced in my arm pit area were completely gone after the first session! I did not have to wait 1-2 days to see results. I felt the results straight after the initial session. During the first week after the session I felt some pain in the targeted area and it only lasted 5-6 days. After this I have been feeling more confident and free because I no longer experience the sweat and odours that were produced before I went to Dr Sarah for help. I am very grateful for her professionalism and care and would recommend her to my friends and family!

Jaimi Walker

I have been seeing Sara for treatments for several years now and I couldn't be happier. She is highly skilled, knowledgeable, and it feels like I’m catching up with old friends whenever I see Sara and Jaclyn. Sara always takes the time to listen to my concerns and I appreciate that she never pushes unnecessary treatments. Over the years, my treatments have helped to maintain my appearance without looking overdone or unnatural. I highly recommend Sara and the team to anyone looking for a trustworthy and experienced cosmetic provider.

Janine Coppeller

I have been a client of Dr Sara for over 5 years now. I look forward to seeing Dr Sara and all the team. From the second you walk in to the beautiful clinic you are looked after without any judgement.
Dr Sara and her team are by far leaders in their field and continue to have all the latest treatments and products to advise me on. When you visit The Bay Medispa you can feel confident you will be advised on the right treatment or procedure without any sales pitch.

Darren Harvey

Dr Sara and her team are fantastic. I’ve been seeing Dr Sara for 4 years and just love what she’s done for me . I’ve had a number of different treatments over the years and am looking and feeling the best I’ve been in a very long time. I never get sick of the “ you look well” when I bump into someone on the street I haven’t seen in a while.
I can strongly recommend the beautiful Bay Medispa.
Darren

Polly Ireland

Dr Sara Harvey and her wonderful team make you feel right at home on arrival.
Sara took the time to discuss my areas of concern, guided me with various options and discussed costs before any procedure was carried out.
Her attentive team made the whole experience enjoyable and relaxed. I left with a big smile and the face of a younger me.

Anthea Woodhill

From the moment you enter The Bay Medispa you know you are in good hands. Dr Sara Harvey and her professional team are experts in what they do. My experience with all my treatments was exceptional with minimal downtime as they were gentle, caring, knowledgeable & reassuring with excellent results. I look forward to more treatments & even my husband now wants to book in and be pampered too!