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JacobG

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Everything posted by JacobG

  1. I think she has already retired. Not long after my procedure she finished up (I think).
  2. @rsb $1.5 USD per graft, which if I recall correctly is the same as 2019 for my first procedure. @Emiry You're free to think whatever you like, I'm not on Bhatti's payroll 😂 @Shadman My full results really didn't show until about the 12-18 month mark. I'm sorry you had a bad experience, and again I'm not dismissing your sentiments regarding Bhatti's work. @A_4_Archan Thanks for the reply. Agree that genuine concerns should be considered, and that's the beauty of this forum - people can do their own research and make informed decisions. I'm just acutely aware of negativity bias, where one is unhappy, they're empowered to go straight online and vent their frustrations or poor results. The other side is they countless other people who have a successful procedure and vanish to live a normal life. I went totally off the radar after my first procedure back in 2011 with Dr Radha. The reason was simply that it was such a great job that I just got on with my life. Probably a little selfish, but it all worked out, and being bald on top was a mere memory from years before. This last op was purely to bring the hairline down, since I wear it low and always have, I didn't want to have to think too much about styling it low. Again. Not being dismissive and I'm sure there have been some bad experiences for some, but I'm happy with my last results, and I'll keep y'all posted regarding the current procedure with photos when my head isn't the size of a watermelon. I'll keep the updates going again until it just becomes normal life again and I fade off into the background.
  3. After having great success with my 2019 transplant with Dr Bhatti in Chandigarh, I decided to track him down again to lower my hairline to a mid-life-crisis level. I wanted it down quite low, in fact much lower than Bhatti was willing to go. I was keen on having it beyond the standard parameters of the human face, and I was quickly told I'd probably look a bit strange, and if I frowned, my hair would move all over the shop! Jokes aside, I just finished the procedure a few days ago. Before I start - I have noticed the few posts here that are quite critical of Dr Bhatti. Naturally I'd chalk these up to negativity bias. For every bad post, there's scores of happy humans, and it's important to remember this - even when reading a restaurant review! These experiences seem to be rooted (mind the pun) in expectation and communication. I don't want to diminish the experience of others, nor be dismissive of their concerns.... But. Before the procedure, you'll go through a thorough discussion about your expectations, and Dr Bhatti will draw all over your face and head - asking you if this is what you want. This is your chance to be up front, and clear about your expectations, so he can explain to you what is, and isn't possible. You're in the process of creating the illusion of natural hair where it no longer is. Make sure your expectations are that you'll have hair implants that are NOT the same density as the rest of your full areas of unaffected hair The hairline shape (particularly around the face) is your call, with input from the doctor. Obviously I didn't get my monkey-face wishes, but I think in retrospect I'll probably appreciate that advice 😝 The density is based on how much density you have available in the donor areas (hair/beard etc.) or how much you're willing to pay. Don't complete a tiny session and expect density akin to a teenager's head Don't measure your results as 100% by the first 4-7 months. My hair kept getting thicker to about 18 months out, and this will likely vary from person to person With my previous transplant, NO areas were patchy or missing bits, that is to say - the grafts stayed alive as planned and as transplanted (which reinforces the importance of the initial discussion and planning on where you want the hair to go) IF transplanted grafts didn't survive and I was left with patches - then I'd know the doc wasn't great, but my recipient area from the last op was 100% fab No doubt the doc will look to see where hair can be transplanted and compare it against that which is already growing. I did see a chap's post here showing a patch where he wanted more, but I could see there was pre-existing hair there shaved down. I can understand why if there were no grafts left, that it was left as is The doctor's offer of coming back to go again across areas you feel weren't covered enough are an olive branch you probably wouldn't get from a good percentage of docs. He could quite simply say 'this is what we could do with the grafts you had, and if you want more, you'll need to do a larger area', but in fact it seems he was pretty cool with a come back and let's sort out your expectations Sorry to be a little too pro-Bhatti, but I've had a fantastic experience 4 years ago with him and his team, and have seen the incredible results from others. I feel like the negative comments here are more akin to 'I accidentally dropped my phone in the ocean in the Maldives. I suggest never going there to anyone' I'll upload some pics soon. I know that's probably the most important part of the entire post, but I'm waiting a few days for the swelling to go down. Typical white guy here, I think my head is about 30% larger than it usually is, which will skew the perception of the transplanted shape. More to come!
  4. I'm interested to see how this turned out after all. I don't want to raise a dead post, but I'm a big fan of Dr Bhatti. Had my second transplant with him two days ago. The first I had was in Chandigarh, and this time I visited his Mumbai operation. I really don't want to be disrespectful, and it's not my intention to be dismissive of any disappointment you may have experienced. I really do feel that people have interesting expectations regarding hair transplants. They don't de-bald you, or return you to your former state. They don't replicate the density of your other areas of hair that haven't thinned yet. It's about selective illusion, the impression of hair being there. Not being dense, not being original, just framing the face. My first operation with Dr Bhatti was in 2019 and it was absolutely fab. I feel terribly vain coming back to 'lower the hairline' even more. With my prior transplant, there were no gaps, no failed transplants (patches or missing parts) and the density was well calculated to accomodate what donors I could provide vs the area I wanted covered. This is the big factor. If you had endless donor hair, or requested more - then density would likely correlate. My results looked best after a full 12-18 months. I hope you can see the results now, and be sure to compare your before and after photos. It's very easy to apply confirmation bias when expectations might not match the situation. Again - no disrespect intended, I think your latest photos look great!
  5. Hi all. Haven't been back here for many years, since I had FUT with Dr Radha in 2011. The transplant with her was 100% successful, and I'm glad I did it, but wished I'd asked for the hairline a touch lower. At the time, when you've basically no hair on top - you're just happy with having coverage at the top. It was quite high on the sides, and since I wear my hair low, I found I was combing the sides forward, which gave a combover appearance. On the first pic, this is back in 2011, not long post-op in 2011 with Dr Radha (this was FUT at the time). You can see how the sides were a touch high (probably natural for my age, but I was keen on getting the sides filled out). I decided (after years of procrastinating) to finally get the sides brought in some, and the front lowered a tiny bit. (Image from 2011) After years of research, via the usual lurking around here and looking at results, I decided Dr Bhatti would be my first choice. Whilst I probably could have paid a similar price elsewhere, I was particularly keen on his expertise, given the solid results I'd seen over the years. The experience was fantastic, professional and really comfortable. The team were wonderful and warm - I felt like one of the family for the day. During the consult with Dr Bhatti (discussion of the procedure, expectations, and reality), he wasn't all too eager to lower my hairline as much as I liked, further stating it was to not to his recommendations for a natural look - but also said that it was my surgery, and of course, my choice. I figured that because I wear it low, the sides will be best filled out in any case - I'm not one for a shaved head anyway. Dr Bhatti drew on the hairline as I requested (my hair was uncut and quite messy, on advice not to cut it before the surgery). (01/10/2019) The procedure went well, and I was impressed with the facilities and technology at the clinic. Darling Buds is very technologically advanced. From the full blood test (which also included liver function, and a page full of data), to the equipment used during the surgery, it was all the latest tech. I was surprised at how neat it was this time. I recall my last surgery where many of the implants bled a fair bit after, but this time, there were literally only a few tiny little spots. I had the usual swelling of my forehead (as everyone does) for a few days, but it subsided rather swiftly. I followed the instructions on how to wash, when I could use the shower, and when I could wash off the skin scabs etc. Sorry for the blurry pictures (particularly this one), I didn't take much care in capturing the process. (02/10/2019) During my procedure back in 2011 with another doctor, 90% of the hair shed before it grew back - but in this case, at least 60% just grew straight away, which was really great, and confusing. I was expecting to have to hide my hairline for months to come, but at the two month mark, I've had to cut many of the hairs back because they've grown too long (particularly on the sides). I certainly wont complain about that. Dr Bhatti also thickened my hairline and the front area a fair bit, the density is great (though it probably doesn't show on these pics so well). (17/10/2019) I'm still only a few months (literally) in, but very impressed so far. I'm happy with the design of the hairline (though it's not to everyone's taste), and look forward to it growing down (and getting my fringe back without having to cover the sides). (17/10/2019) Just short of 8 weeks in, and I've even had to cut back lots of the implanted hair, because it went a bit crazy and grew faster than the rest. (14/11/2019) It's growing very fast, and very little has shed (not that it makes any difference to the final result). Apologies for the lack of resolution in the pictures - I haven't really taken any with the intent of tracking the progress (since I've done this years ago). I'll take some updated pictures as I go, but this time I'll use the GoPro instead of the phone, for some clarity. All in all I highly recommend Dr Bhatti at Darling Buds. Chandigarh is a beautiful little city, safe, full of gardens and parks - on the foothills to the Himalayas and a short drive to some amazing scenery and mountains (even with the bandage on your head). Getting there is super easy (a short flight from Delhi) and it's a great excuse for a holiday. India is one of my favourite countries to visit, and it wasn't difficult to convince me to go back. I notice that hair clinics are springing up all over Asia (I was in Bangkok the week prior and saw enormous billboards on the sides of the highways), and also note that there are plenty of very cheap options. My advice would be to stick with doctors who have a proven track record and history (such as those accredited here on hair restoration network), and don't try to save a few bucks - you don't get multiple chances with hair follicles. Also be very cautious of pretend patients who post fake horror stories here (with no images or evidence) about reputable doctors. It seems this space has become quite competitive, and there's some bad eggs trying to slander others. I'm sure there's some great new doctors about, but I'm yet to be convinced of the countless transplant business newcomers and their results. Only proven results and a solid history is worth trusting (in my opinion). Addendum! (future pictures coming)
  6. She is amazing.. Looking at the work in your pictures, it's brilliant, neat and perfect. I had FUT just for the better success rate and now due to Radha's brilliant stitching - wear a shaved on the sides look (#2) with absolutely no trace of the scar visually. It has been about 14 months since my op and I had less up top than you - I'm over the moon with my results and you will be too. Glad I could be of help Now comes that agonising time where the grafted hairs fall out bit by bit leaving a shiny, seemingly empty patch of your scalp. One thing I did notice early on (and to keep your spirits up) is that the hairs begin to grow actually quite fast, they just don't grow very long or dark initially. I could spot my growth with a torch on an angle to my scalp (similar to the way you do a scary torch-face for a horror story but further up) much earlier in the picture. Probably just about 2 months out it was visible. Prior to that I stressed that nothing would happen. Radha doesn't have 'God' complex, she is constantly researching and watching other HT docs for good tips/ideas/breakthroughs. It's her intelligent, tried approach combined with her passion for the field that makes her among the best in the world. You could go locally and pay $40,000 or fly to the states and pay slightly less - but the results of many 'expensive' doctors don't match hers (by a long shot). I didn't choose Radha for her cost (though it was amazing compared) but rather watched her results for years and decided she was the best. I'll upload some new pics at some point soon (my profile pic was taken about 4 weeks ago) - You're in for a journey of sorts. It goes something like this (chronologically) 1) Sh** - this isn't working, it's all falling out and nothing's coming back 2) Mm I can see new fuzz coming through, but shouldn't it have all grown by now? It's 3 months 3) Wow.. there's a lot coming through.. probably not all of the transplants though 4) BOOM.. super thick crazy every-single-folicle-explosion 5) Reflecting on the best decision you ever made, you continue on like you never actually lost any hair and people quite often forget this forum as a result. Activate new life/sense of being. Enjoy the journey.
  7. Thanks for the comments - I'll take some close-up pics of the hairline shortly. I've not many pics from prior (but as you could see I was basically completely bald on top, I was sporting a pretty high grade comb-forward.. I see so many results from this great doctor so I'm not surprised that after just 5 months it's so successful already. I look forward to even more!
  8. It'd be a great decision. She's very fussy and everything must be perfect. I did have some shock loss early on but it was fairly minimal. Shedding : most of the transplants shed before the new growth phase, though about 20% kept on growing straight away from the transplant. Re the clinic : It was very clean and perfect, the meal provided and the service and hygiene was brilliant. India of course is a little confronting when you're used to bland/sterile Australia but everything about her procedure area, location and surgery was brilliant, I believe that it is from these high standards that so many grafts have grown perfectly and early. I was crossing paths with people flying to see her from Europe because of her reputation. As you may be able to tell : I can't stress enough how impressed I am, I'm happy to give any details re transport/visas/details for the trip should you be interested. J
  9. Hi Yogeshg - Thanks for the message - I had about 5100 - 5400 individuals.. That's the best I can recall (must have been the Valium) not sure what percentage of those were more than singles though (I was told but forgot to take the paperwork with me). I'm very happy so far, I know there's probably much more to go though, even if nothing further happened from here, I'd be absolutely pleased. The scar (it was FUT) is razor thin and it's impossible to see unless you search for it from 1cm away and using a comb. Have you thought about how much, FUT/FUE and with whom if you'll go ahead? J
  10. Hi all! I've been meaning to set up a timeline of my progress for several months and have finally decided to do it. I've read so many interesting things on this forum, lots of great experiences and information sharing but also some quite alarming sentiments. I would like to stress (as does everyone) that sometimes psychiatric help would be better than medical help! I was reading recently the sentiments of a young guy who was so bitter and angry at the world for his hair loss and it was it was heartbreaking reading that any human could have such a value system. Anyway, that aside - I must say that my decision to see Dr Radha was the single best decision of my life. I've been lurking in the shadows watching patient results and I see very few patient results like hers, she is more than a HT surgeon, she's an artist and a genius. Having the opportunity to speak with her and get to know her a little was among the best experiences of my life. She's a passionate person and I've since learned of a lot of charity work/surgery she does for burn victims and the military. So, back on track - I watched from afar and admired her results and decided to take 7 weeks off work and fly to India via Bangkok. This was a great chance to catch up with extended family in Bkk before surgery. As it turned out, the day I booked for several months prior didn't align with my flight alterations and by chance the day of the surgery was my birthday (the universe had spoken). The consult was great, she was very thorough and asked what I wanted. I cannot stress the depth in which she described the result and maintained the critical 'expectation vs result' discussion well. I decided to go with a fairly high hairline style to give a more natural look (given I'm 33). I'd love the Latino hairline look but I don't think I'd pull it off (pun not intended). Surgery was the next day - all in all took about 8 hours, her team were beautiful and friendly and very compliant to Dr Radha's requests. Her surgery is an indescribably efficient and functional place, her methods were calculated and perfect, everything was transparent and she ensured I knew exactly what was happening, even showing my hair follicles being cut from the grafted portions. She shaved the area at the top of my head and decided to put implants on the wee bit in the middle where the remaining hair was as of course - this was on the way out. There was little to no pain and I rested up in a beautiful hotel in Vishakaphatnam with wonderful staff. My body reacted a little hilariously to the surgery and my face puffed up a fair bit - it was more comical than it was concerning. I'll show photos of my progress - I've no interest in hiding my face or disguising myself and I feel it gives a better idea of the effect the surgery has to be able to put the hairline/grafts into context. I'm absolutely stoked with the result and want to fly back to India to kiss Dr Radha though I don't think she'd appreciate that. Any questions - feel free to message me, Jacob. Photos, dates and relevance, left to right : 1) Pre-surgery 2) Post Surgery (3/10) 3) 1 week post surgery. 4) 4 weeks from the top (31/10) 5) 31/10 6) 15/12 7) 24/12 8) 20/01 9) 04/02 10) 24/02 11) 11/03 12) 23/03 13) 23/03
  11. I'm at month 2 of my transplant with Dr Radha. My scar is basically invisible, razor thin and somehow has hair growing from it. I'm at the shedding stage but some random transplants have survived and are now really, really long.. I refuse to cut them out of principle! I can already see new hair coming through (not normal scalp fuzz but actual fine and long hairs) so I'm hoping it's all going to be early! I'll make a new thread soon with some images. I think stressing about the transplant and the outcome is 'biologically perilous'. Placing so much excess stress on your body with a subconscious full of doubt will not help your body. Like a cold sore or a flu virus - the best way to be sick or prolong an illness is to be stressed. Stay happy, smile lots and enjoy the ride that is life..
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