rocketmas

Your HT looks great and seems like a very neat job. You will have a great head of hair in 8-9 months. Keep posting !

JeanLDD,

Thank for a thoughtful response and presenting both sides of the issue. 

Sean

Thanks.

Th hairlines created by Dr Rahal all look younger/better looking to me as there is more of a  flatter look in the front with slight dips on the edges,  rather than more pronounced dips on the side, which highlights and looks like the hairline is still receding.

I guess it could be called a Korean hairline...but those are low. I am not necessarily referring to lower hairlines, just flatter at a normal to higher level.

Assumption here is that there are sufficient donor hairs and case is NW3.

I think my question is clear ? Its about hairline design and which looks better.

Thanks, Sunil

This is a question, which I would appreciate opinions of the experts out here -

I spent some time viewing the HT videos of some of the good doctors here, Dr. Rahal, Dr Ferduini, Dr Bhatti, etc,. In almost all cases I tried to compare NW 3 cases with similar receding hair line and baldness. In most cases 2500-3000 grafts were transplanted. It seemed to me that in almost all cases Dr Rahal seems to create a younger looking hairline than others, and let me try to explain what I mean. In almost all cases the baldness at the front of the head is in a "W" shape with deep or not-so-deep wedges of baldness on both sides of the centre hair lock (Usually in a shape of a "U" or a sort of "V") It seems to me that Dr. Rahal focuses on filling the two wedges (Of the "W" shape" well ) first, and gives an impression of a flatter better, youthful hairline. 

The approach of many other doctors is to bring the "W" shape down a few cms but keep a distinct W shape and hairline. Maybe its called a age-appropriate hairline. Its difficult for me to buy this concept, although I am 50 plus, but I feel a good youthful hairline will not necessarily look inappropriate, and looks great!

Obviously this outcome could be a function of donor availability, etc.. but I have tried to keep most variables constant and compare apples to apples.

What is the view of this forum on this ? Obviously this is an important issue on hairlines and of interest to all.  What are the pros-and cons- and why don't other doctors who are also great in hairline work follow this approach ?

Thanks, Sean

Thanks. All input is appreciated.

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I am currently in India, my expectation is high (as I have been on this forum since 2004 and I understand the nuances),  motivation is low to take a trip to the West for HT. But I know I will not hurry into it or go forward in India if in doubt.

BTW, I am very familiar with India, with the medical field and the pros and cons compared to the West. Plenty of well-qualified doctors and intelligent people, but the systems, processes and crowds don't let them focus on any highly-specialised, out of the box approach, or to put much thought into it.  Its great for cookie-cutter treatment and it works for what is mostly required. 

Trust me, I know, as I am here because I take care of ageing parents, and have doctors in the family.

Having said that, Dr Tejinder may well produce world-class results, and I will take up Shera on his offer and research this more. This is certainly a treatment which is more 1 on 1 and requires extensive face time.

Thanks for the inputs folks. BTW -  I recently researched Dr Ferduini's site and was quite impressed to say the least !

Cheers, Sunil

Hi,

We have some of the most knowledgeable people on HT here, so always appreciate the feedback. I myself have used  this forum since 2003 intermittently, and keep coming back for answers. Some superb folks here 

Here is my situation, I had my first transplant with Dr Ron Shapiro in 2004. 2500, FUT procedure. Very satisfied with the work and kept me happy for many years. Now 14 years down the road, I am 50 plus and have thinned around the front of the head and have a receded hairline. I am NW3-4, and am probably looking at a 3000 grafts FUE procedure. 

I was considering going to Dr. Rahal as I like the ultra fine, mega density and super hairline work, but I am in India now and am just unable to go all the way to Montreal for HT. Friends tell me HT in India is quite good nowadays  (just they don't have the experience I do :)). I have seen many people with shabby HTs here. But then they did not research the subject nor did they know what to expect. I know there are others, who get a great HT done, but they have put in the research work.

My expectations are high so wanted to ask the knowledgeable here on Dr. Bhatti or others in India, on who is world-class in terms of results, consistency, experience,  tools used, etc..

Would appreciate your thoughts folks!  Ultrafine hair transplant, mega density and superior hairlines are all important.

Thanks, Sean

yes largely satisfied. Want to go now to Rahal as I believe he is more aggressive wit hairlines and does an excellent job high density..

Hi,

I am familiar with work of Dr. Rahal and am in India now. I have had a previous HT with Dr Ron Shapiro. I have been considering Dr Rahal for my second HT.

I would go to Dr Rahal just because he is much more established and has more work and patient stories that one can find on Dr. Radha's . I am not sure how good Dr. Radha is in dense packing, hair line work, and achieving " overall youthful appearance".

In a few years, its entirely possible that DR Radha does world class work comparable to the best. I just havent seen enough of post-surgery pics yet to agree with this at the moment.

I would suggest that the cost savings are compelling and good enough reason t research Dr. Radha more.

Good luck,

Hi,

I am familiar with work of Dr. Rahal and am in India now. I have had a previous HT with Dr Ron Shapiro. I have been considering Dr Rahal for my second HT.

I would go to Dr Rahal just because he is much more established and has more work and patient stories that one can find on the web. I am not sure how good Dr. Radha is in dense packing, hair line work, and achieving " overall youthful appearance".

In a few years, its entirely possible that DR Radha does world class work comparable to the best. I just havent seen enough of post-surgery pics yet to agree with this at the moment.

I would suggest that the cost savings are compelling and good enough reason t research Dr. Radha more.

Micky, Lorenzo,

Thanks for pointing out the critical difference between the two doctors regarding hairline design, youthful vs mature hairlines, etc...

I am not much of a detail person, but I did get the videos and gave the hairlines, densities, hair direction, overall apperance, etc, a microscopic

look. Should have done it earlier but sort of glossed over this due to

paucity of time !

I believe the points in your mail are all valid and important. One does need to

consider before making a decision.

Cheers, I owe you one guys !

Will post pics once I have the surgery done.

Best/Sunil

Micky,

Thanks and that may well be the decisive factor. I am now going to sit and sift through images of past HTs of both doctors.

Can I request you also to sen me your thoughts on the differences when you get a chance?

Best, Sunil

on the decision. Thanks for all the great input on both doctors and the decision is tough to say the least--- what with competitive rates, great sales representatives and awesome case studies !!

ANd both doctors have the short date that I want while in US !

I am going to toss a coin to decide on this one ....and I dont like to make critical decisions like this !

I guess Vancouver is a better town to visit, but I have been there. Ottowa is not too bad, I havent been there

Cheers folks - not enjoying this !

S

All,

Thanks for sharing insightful details with me. I have learnt and relied on this forum since 2003, and appreciate the inputs and good wishes of all here.

However, as it happens many times, more data/information raises more questions, so

help me with a couple of questions :

1.) I have known of Dr Hasson's expertise and fame, ever since 2003. However, Dr. Rahals seems to be relatively recent (last 2-3 years ?)

Is this a true assesment ? I would imagine Dr. Rahal has been doing HT's for 10-15 years or so...Why was he not so well known before ? Has he acquired some skills in the recent past , Or has just cranked up his PR machine ?

SO if I have to compare their experience and # of surgeries performed by each what would be the difference? Is any realdata available ?

2.) Second question is regarding dissatisfied customers or documented dissatisfied customers ....The forum seems to indicate that Dr Hasson has some dissatisfied customers whereas Dr Rahal has none ?

Look forward to unbiased inputs/comments .....

Best Regards,

S

Thanks. I have added a couple of pictures with doctor's recommendations,in the photo albums.

Both the doctors recommend 3-3.5 K for the surgery. They have sent in the picture indicating that they will mostly beef up the frontal portion. However my concern is the

hairline on the sides. On my right side the hairline has receeded a good 3 inches more than the front tip. Left is slightly better.

Both doctors seem to indiate that lowering the hairline or working on the temple sides is not a great idea. Why is this ? Is it because it will aesthetically not have the desired results, or it will look age-inappropriate, or it may need too many grafts and may not be worth the effort ?

Also, I have a good donor area and in the days of mega-sessions why shouldn't I shoot to get a good full-head ? What is the limitation ?

In any event, I will have the surgery over the next 10 days and will keep everybody posted.

Senior members and experienced folks - let me know your viewpoint ?

Thanks,

This is a question posted often on this forum, but I am looking to tap into the collective wisdom here to make a decision, relative to my personal needs.

I am 48 years old. Have had a FUT 2000 grafts surgery in 2004 with Dr ROn Shapiro. 8 years on have signifcant thinning on frontal area, and a receding hairline. Due to the thinning one can see upto an inch through my hair looking from the front.

I notice in the last 8 years things have changed a lot and densities achieved are very high. My expectation have also thus changed... Why not go for the best possible results.

I am told that I need 1500-2000 grafts just to beef up the frontal area. So this is good. Another 2000 grafts is my desire to lower the hairline along the front and more along the temples which have receeded. H&W and Rahal are willing to do the total 3-3.5 K grafts.

So where do I go ? I am 49 and dont want to do a repeat transplant this lifetime. I would like great density and improvement to hairline. Lowering of hairline would also be great, and is desirable. If the surgery can take a few years off my age that is a bonus. Crown is normal and donor area I am told is average.

I notice doctors are reluctant to do more than 3500 grafts. They think that 3.5K would give me great results and be age appropriate ! My belief is since I am going under the knife why not a few more grafts, particulalry since donor area is not a concern.

Dr Rahal's clinic indicates they will get me the density of 60 grafts/sq sm and guarantees 95% of the transplanted grafts would stay. I have not heard these guarantees from H&W. How much gravitas do these guarantees hold ? and do members feel that H&W has equivalent results ?

Also, I would classify myself a NW3. Planning the surgery next week, as I am in the country and both doctors have cancellations available within the week.

Will appreciate all inputs to help me make a quick decision. I researched this thoroughly in 2004 before my first HT. Not as much this time. But over the years and from 2004, I have grown fond of this forum and rely on the information here a lot.

Looking forward folks.

Thanks,

many countries are cheaper due to exchange rate conversion and cost of living. It

has nothing to do with the quality of treatment.

i am in India and have lived in US for many, many years. I get better, personalized

treatment in less time than i would take to reach a live voice with an Insurance company

in the US, and for far less. Granted US would be better if I needed to see a super-specialist for a serious illness.

But one has to do his background research ,and know his way around in such countries.

Hi - A question for the veterans,

I am Norwood 3A. Frontal density is around

20-40 hair per sq cm. That is, it generally

looks full, but after a shower and when

groomed looks quite thin and the scalp can

be seen through. Also, I am Asian so probably

have medium coarse hair.

I am thinking a transplant (1500 -2K grafts ) which will add density to the frontal region and to the hairline.

Questions:

1.) Since I have some density in the frontal region, some doctors tell me the shock loss

will be high and could outweigh the benefits

of a transplant.

As I think on this, it implies that no one

with existsing hair should be thinking of

adding density because of significant

shock loss ? 20-40 hair per sq cm is almost

considered bald!

Is there any good study on shock loss and

how could it be reduced, what percentage is

reversible. And at what existing density does

it start making sense to add density?

Other dosctors have told me not to worry about shock loss. All my opinions are from the top in

the field

Thanks,

Sean

Hi - A question for the veterans,

I am Norwood 3A. Frontal density is around

20-40 hair per sq cm. That is, it generally

looks full, but after a shower and when

groomed looks quite thin and the scalp can

be seen through. Also, I am Asian so probably

have medium coarse hair.

I am thinking a transplant (1500 -2K grafts ) which will add density to the frontal region and to the hairline.

Questions:

1.) Since I have some density in the frontal region, some doctors tell me the shock loss

will be high and could outweigh the benefits

of a transplant.

As I think on this, it implies that no one

with existsing hair should be thinking of

adding density because of significant

shock loss ? 20-40 hair per sq cm is almost

considered bald!

Is there any good study on shock loss and

how could it be reduced, what percentage is

reversible. And at what existing density does

it start making sense to add density?

Other dosctors have told me not to worry about shock loss. All my opinions are from the top in

the field

Thanks,

Sean

Thanks guys.

Based on many inputs I have received I have

pretty much decided to go with Dr. Shapiro

himself or Dr. Hasson. And I am willing

to wait for mu turn with either doctors

(Small price !)

The decision between the two is going to

be difficult and I will base it on feedback

from the esteemed members, references and

speaking to the doctors themselves on the

following specifics :

1.) The doctors opinion on what they will do for me, in terms of hairline and frontal density.

Dr. Shapiro has some good white papers on hairline

work and reconstruction.

2.) The general feedback I get on hairline and

frontal work skills of both these doctors.

No more consideration of other doctors.

Any feedback is appreciated.

-Sean

Hi - A question for the veterans,

I am Norwood 3A. Frontal density is around

20-40 hair per sq cm. That is, it generally

looks full, but after a shower and when

groomed looks quite thin and the scalp can

be seen through. Also, I am Asian so probably

have medium coarse hair.

I am thinking a transplant (1500 -2K grafts ) which will add density to the frontal region and to the hairline.

Questions:

1.) Since I have some density in the frontal region, some doctors tell me the shock loss

will be high and could outweigh the benefits

of a transplant.

As I think on this, it implies that no one

with existsing hair should be thinking of

adding density because of significant

shock loss ? 20-40 hair per sq cm is almost

considered bald!

Is there any good study on shock loss and

how could it be reduced, what percentage is

reversible. And at what existing density does

it start making sense to add density?

Other dosctors have told me not to worry about shock loss. All my opinions are from the top in

the field

Thanks,

Sean

Hi - A question for the veterans,

I am Norwood 3A. Frontal density is around

20-40 hair per sq cm. That is, it generally

looks full, but after a shower and when

groomed looks quite thin and the scalp can

be seen through. Also, I am Asian so probably

have medium coarse hair.

I am thinking a transplant (1500 -2K grafts ) which will add density to the frontal region and to the hairline.

Questions:

1.) Since I have some density in the frontal region, some doctors tell me the shock loss

will be high and could outweigh the benefits

of a transplant.

As I think on this, it implies that no one

with existsing hair should be thinking of

adding density because of significant

shock loss ? 20-40 hair per sq cm is almost

considered bald!

Is there any good study on shock loss and

how could it be reduced, what percentage is

reversible. And at what existing density does

it start making sense to add density?

Other dosctors have told me not to worry about shock loss. All my opinions are from the top in

the field

Thanks,

Sean

I am a Norwood 3A. I have met many doctors

and almost all have told me 1500-2000 grafts

are required in the frontal and hairline region.

Hairline reconstruction is requied.

I am struggling on deciding between H&W and

Shapiro Med group. Dr. Shapiro is only

available in February. Matt is able to

get me in with Dr. Charles or Dr. Keene sooner.

I prefer going in for treatment in the next

2 weeks because of the coming holidays,

but do want to make the best decision for

my hair and go to the best.

My questions :

1.) Given my needs - max 2000 grafts frontal and hairline who is a better doctor between Dr. Hasson and Dr. Wong .

I know that this is a tough one to answer but

your opinion is valuable for me.

2.) At The Shapiro Clinic, are Dr. Charles and

Dr. Keene almost as good as Dr. Shapiro ? Sorry, not "almost" but are they as good?

Does anybody see compelling reasons for me to

wait for my appointment with Dr. Shapiro?

I am in San Jose so I will have to fly no matter

whom I decide to go with.

I have read this board extensively and most

people seem to think H&W is the best?

Thanks, folks,

Sean

I am a Norwood 3A. I have met many doctors

and almost all have told me 1500-2000 grafts

are required in the frontal and hairline region.

Hairline reconstruction is requied.

I am struggling on deciding between H&W and

Shapiro Med group. Dr. Shapiro is only

available in February. Matt is able to

get me in with Dr. Charles or Dr. Keene sooner.

I prefer going in for treatment in the next

2 weeks because of the coming holidays,

but do want to make the best decision for

my hair and go to the best.

My questions :

1.) Given my needs - max 2000 grafts frontal and hairline who is a better doctor between Dr. Hasson and Dr. Wong .

I know that this is a tough one to answer but

your opinion is valuable for me.

2.) At The Shapiro Clinic, are Dr. Charles and

Dr. Keene almost as good as Dr. Shapiro ? Sorry, not "almost" but are they as good?

Does anybody see compelling reasons for me to

wait for my appointment with Dr. Shapiro?

I am in San Jose so I will have to fly no matter

whom I decide to go with.

I have read this board extensively and most

people seem to think H&W is the best?

Thanks, folks,

Sean