Sean

I agree. Dr. Rahal has been performing FUE, it's not like he started yesterday and I was the first patient. Some of the patients are not on the forums while some of his other patients are updating their results from those surgeries. So, it is pretty exciting to see their results when they post them as they do look good. I am one of those patients of Dr. Rahal that definitely wants to keep everyone posted with my progress of my Large FUE procedure. I am very excited as this was my first hair restoration procedure and counting down the days to peace in the next couple of months.

Tough question. Some doctors have their prices on their websites while some don't. Prices vary so much. You'll have to contact a couple of the hair restoration surgeons on here to see what they can work out with you. It's like you can pay $10,000 for the same amount of grafts another doctor would charge you $20,000 for. That's how transplantation can vary and even so with recommended doctors. Some doctors don't reveal their prices until you go speak with them either. Just imagine if prices for strip and fue were revealed for all the doctors on this forum. Being that they are all recommended, it would probably only come down to location as a deciding factor, since they all have proved their results through photos on these forums. Don't look at what you need to spend, as in giving a price range or your maximum budget as a figure to go by, go by how many grafts you will need and the cost may vary surgeon to surgeon. If you really are a norwood 5 on the scale, then you might want to look into planning two procedures. Depending on the size of your head, you will need at least 3,000/4,000 grafts or more implanted to start your journey. Compare and see who gives you the most grafts according to your budget. Some doctors are even willing to drop costs if you share your photos or book a procedure in advance. A doctor definitely has to see the amount of donor you have available and if you are going to progress further to give you an answer to what is possible to get your mane back. Good luck.

Looking awesome for 7 months! Nice Work.

Awesome work Dr. Mohebi. The kid looks happy. I don't know if this is a factor to look out for, but since the kid is 15, his head will still grow in size right? So, will the temple areas look the same in density later, or will he need any touchup in that same area? The work looks good though. Very nice.

Hi Julius, here is the info: Total Graft Breakdown: A total of 3016 grafts were implanted. 1091 singles, 1439 doubles, 407 threes, 79 fours, is the graft breakdown. Density consists of 65cm on hairline, behind hairline it is 55cm, sides are 50 cm, overall it is 58cm density.

Thank you David. Yes, Dr. Rahal only recently began offering FUE, over a year ago. After seeing his overall work, I took great faith in his skill and ability in hair restoration. It is true I did not see a lot of his FUE results, but his work did seal the deal and gave me assurance. So, you can say this posting of mine is like a test because I am trying to attract people to follow my results and critique it as they want to along the process. The people will be the judge. My scalp is just the platform, in the months to come, and by the end of the year, we will all see how it comes out. I am very optimistic though. Here may be some important factors for everyone to consider when watching my progress: 1. My overall health is good. 2. I do not smoke and do not drink alcohol. 3. I have had testosterone blood tests done to check levels and everything is in the norm. 4. I have been on a healthy diet for the past couple of months prior to my surgery until now. I am following 5 healthy lean meals a day again after coming back home from my procedure. It consists of either chicken, fish, salads, low fat, and all that healthy stuff. 5. I am getting at least 8 hours of sleep and now maintaining it. 6. I am not taking any body building supplements, such as creatine or protein powders. You can check out my natural healthy supplements on my hairlosswebsite link. All of what I am taking is to improve and keep myself toxin free and healthy. Nothing causes hair loss or is known to, from what I am taking. 7. I am taking finisteride (proscar), cut into fours, one estimated 1.25mg piece a day. 9. I haven't started to take Rogaine Foam yet, but will start the day I am suppose to as my post op directions state. 10. I am drinking green tea regularly after my procedure as it has shown positive results in some studies. 11. I am not going to be working for the next 3 months but will be home to keep stress levels low, to avoid risking any damage to my grafts. 12. I do meditate, to keep stress levels healthy daily. As some studies have shown, it helps with stress reduction. 13. I am sleeping with an air purifier on daily to keep any dust particles away, as dust may cause issues with the recipient zone. 13. I am following all post op instructions to the core. I think if you look at all the variables above, I am a good candidate to see these results on. It's like a research study basically. Not everyone follows that routine, people smoke, people drink, people do different things, and certain behaviors may have a negative impact on hair transplant growth/hair follicles, but we do not really know since there are so many variables. I am trying to eliminate all the possible negative variables so that you can see how the result turns out on person watching his health. So, I am taking this process very seriously and avoiding any risk. Thanks for the comments.

It all depends on a lot of factors. How long is the surgery? How well you are able to tolerate pain? etc. I just had surgery August 31 for FUE and I did feel pain when I was given shots on my scalp, that was temporary, then I was fine in the middle of the procedure it seems, until the end, where some shots felt they were wearing out so I had to get injected again. The first night I had mild to severe pain, they did give pain killers, the next day was a whole lot better, then it went away. Some people can handle it, some can't, but I don't think there is really a hair restoration procedure where you will feel no pain. I know how it felt in FUE, and I met other patients that had strip at the guesthouse we stayed at, and they too felt it. First night sucks, after that, it gets better. I had surgery with Dr. Rahal. It was a long procedure. 7:20am to 7:30pm basically. I do think though it's best to knockout a surgery in one day and not come in again the next day. I originally had a 2 day surgery scheduled, but some things went in my favor during the process and it became a one day. I think that was worth it. I don't think I would have liked a 2 day procedure.

Blake, you definitely have to check out the demonstration video on their site. It is pretty interesting. I think they take the hair, then remove an area near the bulb and then multiply those cells, and then inject them into large quantities in one area to create a new follicles or to put some in other areas to strengthen or rejuvenate others. I guess they are doing both, multiplying hairs, nourishing dead follicles, etc.

If I remember correctly, Intercytex was having issues with implanting cloned follicles because they couldn't find the right receptor to contain/hold the cloned hair follicle on the scalp. That's because cloned hairs need a foundation or platform to grow on in the scalp. Hariri makes a good point, this is straight injecting hair cells where they try to attach and or create own follicles. I think this company is really on to something. I just hope they don't give up the research or run out of funding.

You really have a big list of doctors to decide from on this forum that perform FUE. All your choices are great. I just took the step to get FUE with one of the doctors you mentioned, Dr. Rahal, on August 31st. Got 3,016 grafts done. I can't wait to see it grown as i've been suffering with hair loss/thinning for 10 years. You can see the pre op and post op pictures of the FUE work on my hairlosswebsite link below my post. There are a lot of people that told me the work looks clean, and they liked the hairline. My ultimate goal is to keep the sides of my head faded with a clip one or skin tight fade, with the front of my hair sticking up. So, I am looking for a dense hairline as mine was thinning and receding all over the place. I went for density up front/hairline work/ with temple work done. You can follow my progress to see my FUE progress if you'd like. I'll post pictures or try to every 2-3 months. I am really counting on this transplant to make a significant transformation on me. I can only tell in the months to come how it will turn out. Right now, I am only like 6 days out of surgery. It took me few years research on these forums to pick FUE as the transplant route I should take, and to do it with one of the recommended docs on this forum. For me personally, it was Dr. Rahal's hairlines that impressed me and his consistent results. But Good luck to you and I hope you find a FUE surgeon that will help you reach your goals. By the way, I saw Dr. Rahal's FUE work here before, a male and female, I think they both had a great result. I am counting on forum members to give me their opinion on my result in the months to come. I think I am the first 3,000+ graft FUE procedure of Dr. Rahal's that has posted pics here.

Zenmunk, I posted my pics on my hairlosswebsite link at the bottom of my post. If you go to my post op photos, you'll see the extraction area. I just wanted to see if my extraction was in accordance to what you were saying. I had 3,016 FUE with 5,000 FUE remaining in the bank for future use. I feel my FUs were extracted in a safe way but I can always use a second opinion or multiple opinions rather from users like yourself and others. It definitely helps us all. My plan is keep my hair really short on the sides, buzzed close to the skin. Your post made me wonder about the safe zone and extraction sites. A lot of doctors use different extraction sites and methods. I think this also depends on the punch size used too, if you are to keep it very short or buzzed.

Pretty interesting topic. What do you think of the extraction pattern on my scalp, etc safe zone? I just had a 3016 Graft FUE procedure on August 31st.

A great result, you guys sure made this guy happy. Nice work!

I agree with you. I have seen results of so many procedures where one doctor can excel 2000 graft placement vs another doctor that is also recommended that may not produce the same result with the same number. Or a doctor that can uses less hairs to get the same result a doc that uses more hairs gets. Some people may say it is physiology of the patient and all that good stuff, and that each patient is different, but then again, the doctors that use less hairs seem to consistently produce the same results. I just don't get it? Could it be related to the tools each surgeon uses? The post operative care the surgeon gives? I mean what could be the catalyst that makes on surgeon consistent with A grade results, while another gets B grade, yet they both are well known. This varies for all hair types, what one doctor can achieve with higher norwoods, another can't, and what one doctor could achieve in smaller norwoods, another can't, using the same or around the same number of grafts. There are more and more cases being presented on these forums and it makes you wonder what is going on when you are shopping around for doctors and comparing their results over and over again. I have seen plenty of transplants with similar norwood patterns, graft placement, with looking better or fuller on one person vs another person with not so much of the same result.

MovingOn33, do you have a graft breakdown of what they were able to harvest from 7,260 grafts, how many 1's 2's 3's 4's? And how long did this procedure take? I am so anxious to see your updates. It's gonna be a killer result. 7,260 grafts, that's some serious coverage. You'll have a mane when it's all grown.

I agree, that's too much, $10 per graft. Definitely take a look at the doctors Lorenzo mentioned, and check out other doctors on this site. Good Luck.

Dr. Parsley the 3000 grafts you placed were put to use the right way. The result looks great. The person must be thrilled. What a difference. It is a significant change for a Norwood 6.

Yea most will probably tell you around that number probably. I just got a 3,016 graft procedure and I classify myself as a norwood 3v. I mean some clinics are able to harvest more while some may use other types of hairs to compensate for the low donor area. You might want to ask around though. I know that with strip, they can harvest a lot more at one point, but I know what you mean with that scar issue. It was a personal issue and I felt very uncomfortable with it. I did see some fue results of another surgeon on people that were higher norwoods but the work incorporated body hair and beard hair as well, since they did not lack enough scalp donor hairs. Not everyone can be a candidate for certain types of procedures. I think you should really try to research it and ask around. Hopefully, they'll come up with that cloning process that may help a lot, but it will take time, they are already running trials. In my mind, the way I look at it, if I progress further, and keep using my donor, i'll really run out of ammo to combat hair loss, but then was thinking even to go as far as micropigmentation as my last route, or even body hair and beard hair just to maximize it all. I think if you can save up enough money, it can basically get you anything if you do it right the first time. You can take a look at your Norwood, and take things one step at a time in an organized manner. Some people can get the result they want in one shot, but others it may take a combination, but they can still get there. Where there is a will, there is a way.

Well, I might want to buzz my hair in the future for a month or something in the summer. So, just cause of the possible scar issue, I went with FUE instead. I personally did not want to take any chances, but some people can get away with strip procedures. I couldn't see myself with it because of my really low military style skin tight fades on the sides of my head. You'll find doctors that do both types of procedures on this forum. It all comes down to preference. I do fear the linear scar though. I can see what you mean.

I guess it depends on how short you really want to buzz it. Looking at Bill's recent pics, I can't even see/detect a scar. His hair restoration looks impressive. Will you ever do near skin tight fades or something? There's a lot of factors to consider. Tricho is definitely a better way to do strip though. The old ways of doing strip, people had really large scars, but things have changed. You just have to weigh the pros and cons of procedures to see which one suits your goals.

Trapps99, I agree with you. I don't think they should have handled it like that. I have not gone to them yet, but have researched a into it. I looked at tons of their photos and their websites, and it really does seem promising. That response though of saying don't you think we are the best just doesn't cut it. I mean if they want to make money they should at least give a quote instead of saying you wont be considered for treatment. They did say on their website they have a right to turn anyone down, whatever that means. But, their work does seem promising from the closeup of their photos. They do have the hair transplant scar photos before and after as well. I'd hope the owner of that place would give better service, that is terrible PR, whoever was responsible for saying that to you. It definitely hurts business and makes it look like a sham. But who knows, what if they really can provide what they are showing. The only way to find out is researching more or to see them in person. That email you got, definitely is a turn off though. I'd expect better service and communication from any business.

I think you can add this to the list and it may help: Eating Healthy, watching your diet, there are a lot of bad foods out there Get Plenty of Sleep, try to get 8 hours Stress Reduction Exercises (meditation etc) Stay Hydrated With Lots Of Water and avoid carbonated beverages etc. Everything you do becomes a commitment. You can't just do it one day and then forget it the next. You have to make it part of your daily routine one way or another. Hair doesn't grow back in a day or two, if you see any changes, it might take few months really. It's one of those things you have to work to get and be committed to. There are shampoos you can get, maybe vitamins and minerals to help a small percentage, but the proven remedies are Rogaine and Propecia, If you ever take that route with the proven remedies, then I'd first to talk to a doctor since you are very young. Don't ever try them at your age unless you speak with a doctor. Only the doctor can recommend what is right for you when it comes to medications such as propecia/finisteride or rogaine. Good Luck.

Just to add, I did research about this before as an add on feature to my own hair restoration process in the future if needed. In my opinion, I found a company that I felt was sufficient after seeing their results. The company is known as Artistry Concepts Hair Replication Center. I feel the guy that has been working on this for years over there has plenty of experience to back up what he does. They do have a website. I still think if people totally run out of donor hair and need to add some density or fill in some areas, this may be a good tool to use, just like toppik but it doesn't rub off, and for scarring, it is ideal i guess. This place that I mentioned does have their own patented technology. I guess some people may want to check it out and read up about it themselves before they make any decision about it. But it does look promising. I wouldn't have this type of work done from anyone that does not have the credentials to back up their micro-pigmentation work. Micro-Pigementation Experts and Hair Transplant Surgeons are two different people working on two different things. They may be efficient in one thing, but may not achieve the same quality as the person that has mastered their own specialty. I'd look into places like the one I mentioned because they seem to have the credentials to back it up and plenty of before and afters to compare. Do plenty of research though. I would use this as a last resort if all else fails. Good Luck.

I've read this on another site, "Esfandiari A, Kelly AP. The effects of tea polyphenolic compounds on hair loss among rodents. J Natl Med Assoc. 2005 Aug;97(8):1165-9. Abstact: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of polyphenolic compounds, present in noncommercially available green tea, on hair loss among rodentts. In an experimental study, we randomly assigned 60female Balb/black mice, which had developed spontaneous hair loss on the head, neck and dorsal areas into two equal groups; A (experimental) and B (control). Group A received 50% fraction of polyphenol extract from dehydrated green tea in their drinking water for six months. Group B received regular drinking water. Both groups were fed regular rodent diets (Purina Rodent Chow 5001) and housed individually in polycarbonate cages. The results showed that 33% of the mice in experimental Group A, who received polyphenol extract in their drinking water, had significant hair regrowth during six months of treatment (p = 0.014). No hair growth was observed among mice in the control group, which received regular water." AND that "The catechins in green are inhibitors of Type I 5 alpha-reductase." Isn't that the same as the one blocked by Finasteride? I understand the negative of green tea before a transplant is that it has the possibility of thinning the blood, however, what if used after a transplant? Post-op a cup or two a day or something?

Congrats! Wow, That's just amazing. The results will definitely be impressive, over 7,000 grafts, I still can't get over that. You are definitely about to have a major transformation in the coming months. I can't wait to see your progress. I just came back from my own procedure with Dr. Rahal for 3,016 FUE grafts I had done on August 31st. Best of luck to you.