Vincent Sorgiovanni, 46, chose expertise over shortcuts. One year after his FUE transplant at StranDr, he reflects on care, confidence and natural-looking change  

Tell us about your hair loss journey. When did you first notice it? 

I started noticing a slight receding hairline in my late 20s. It became more prominent in my 30s, especially in photos. It affected my confidence more than I expected. 

When did you start to consider a hair transplant?  

The turning point came in 2023 after a conversation with Dr Targett. I had been working with the clinic on other cosmetic procedures, and she gently brought up my hair concerns. She spoke about the procedure in a natural, informed way. When I mentioned how many of my mates had flown overseas [for a transplant], she explained how StranDr offered a world-class option here, with better care and results. 

Why did StranDr appeal to you?  

Initially, the overseas option looked attractive because of the pricing and turnaround time – only because I wasn’t aware of how advanced Australian clinics had become. What stood out about StranDr was the care and long-term support, [from] weekly touchpoints to monthly follow-ups. They never made me feel like “just another patient”.  

There are many different transplant options. Why was the FUE method best for you?  

In my initial consultation with Dr Targett, she took me through everything, from the procedure to healing and post-op expectations. I chose the FUE method because it’s minimally invasive, leaves no linear scar and has a quicker recovery time. Plus, its precision means I could achieve a very natural look. 

Tell us about the day of the operation. What was the procedure like from your perspective? 

I arrived at 8:30AM and Dr Targett outlined the day to keep me at ease. She gave me medication to relax, and once in the procedure room, I felt no pain. Follicle extraction took about two to three hours. There was music and friendly banter – it felt more like a spa day than surgery. After lunch, we moved into the insertion phase, which a few hours. Around 1500 grafts were placed by Dr Targett and three highly skilled nurses. At no point did I feel discomfort.  

When did you first start to see visible growth?  

I started noticing real growth around the four month mark. By eight months, my hairline looked completely transformed, and by the one year mark, it had fully settled in. It’s changed the way I carry myself. I feel younger, more confident and no longer worry about angles in photos or hiding my forehead with a cap. It’s been a huge self-esteem boost. 

Were there any misconceptions you had about hair transplants that were debunked in the process? 

Absolutely. I thought hair transplants were painful, left scars, or looked “fake.” But the FUE method with StranDr proved all that wrong. The process was virtually pain-free and the results have been incredibly natural-looking. I was also under the impression that only older men did this. But more guys in their 30s are doing it, and that stigma is fading fast. 

How did the StranDr team support you throughout the experience?  

The support from the StranDr team was next-level. Dr Targett is warm, knowledgeable and incredibly skilled. The whole clinic has this nurturing energy, too – you can tell they care about outcomes and wellbeing. They checked in, answered questions and celebrated each milestone. From day one, I felt like a partner in the process.  

StranDr  
69 King William Street, Kent Town 
strandr.com.au 
@strandr.clinic