kirkland

I live in Canada but I am planning on visiting India to have my first HT treatment. Given my extensive hairloss (NW 5A), I have decided to opt for FUT in order to maximize my donor area for future procedures (I am sure I will want a second HT). Some HT clinics uses staples, others use sutures and I have seen at least one use both to close the incision. The clinic that interests me uses dissolvable sutures so that you don't have to return to the clinc to have them removed. That is ideal for me given that I live halfway across the world and have no interest in staying behind two weeks just to have them removed by the same clinic which did my HT. However, I am wondering if the method used to close the incision may impact the esthetic of the scar itself. While I understand that individual physiology will be the biggest factor in scar formation, does anyone think that the use of sutures (dissolvable/non-dissolvable) vs staples will play a significant role? My quesion also applies to the differences between dissolvable and non-dissolvable sutures.

My negative experience with Dr. Rahal was also because of his rep; in this, case it wasn't Aaron but Chris. Dr. Rahal should be aware of this issue because it is turning away potential customers.

Your hairloss pattern is almost exactly like mine (NW5 with high sides) but I have a bit more left in the crown. After years of researching, I can definitely say that you can get a good result but that it will likely take more than one surgery, depending on your ultimate goal.

When you suggest that your surgeon has not been responsive, could you elaborate? Have you submitted photos of your concerns to the surgeon? What has been their advice? And as others have suggested, pictures would be helpful.

My understanding is that motorized punches reduce surgeon fatigue. But, like anything else, a good surgeon will still be a good surgeon, with a manual or a motorized punch. An improved punch system won't reform a sub-par skillset.

Chris

I did an initial consult with Dr. Rahal (or at least his advisor) and found the process to be off-putting. He may do good work but his customer service has not been satisfactory, IMO.

Well, mate, we have similar hairloss patterns. Depending on the hairline you want, you would be north of 5000 grafts. Minimal scarring = FUE but if you want to maximize your donor area, you would be wise to choose FUT. Unfortunately, that comes with a scar. SMP can work wonders for covering it, though. I don't know anything about graft limits imposed on docs in the US but there does seem to be upper limits on the number of grafts moved in a single session. Lots of great value outside of North America. Don't discount India, South Korea as potential locations.

Thanks Melvin. You are a great mod and I appreciate the assistance you provide.

Thank you for the input. I have watched your Youtube vids charting your progression. Keep them coming!

Yes, laxity is fine. I have been doing scalp stretches to help loosen the area.

The discoloration is what stands out for me. I'd like to see pics of your hair longrer on the back

Started fin over 1 year ago and switched to dut 7 months ago. Thank you all for your input. Would it be better to do FUT or will I get enough from FUE?

Based on my level of hairloss, how many grafts would I realistically need to restore my hairline and mid-scalp to around 40 grafts per cm sq? My vertex is still decent so I don't want to put grafts there. The redness is from SMP treatment a few years ago. I had it removed by laser almost 2 years ago but the pinkness is still there. My HT is going to cover it finally!

Man, this coronavirus could really screw up my HT plans this year with Eugenix.

You are right, Melvin. Eugenix has 3 levels, or packages, of services. The most expensive is with Dr. Sethi or Dr. Bansal doing the planning and design of hairline and doing the slits themselves. The next level has Dr. Bansal doing the above only. The least expensive package has one of Eugenix associate doctors providing this service.

I can say that as a prospective patient of Eugeniz, with the hope that they can do wonders with my Norwood 6 in a single FUE megasession, I hope that they are admitted into the Coalition!

Thanks Melvin. You're doing a great job!

I'm interested in knowing what the upper limits are in terms of FUE extraction and implantation in a single session without compromising overall quality. Eugenix seems to have refined the FUE process such that donor hair is kept outside of the body in a shorter time period.

I can understand very much how overwhelming the feeling can be for you. I had an SMP treatment go wrong and now I have a permanent red 'tattoo' on my scalp. Won't take my hat off in public, feeling embarassed even around your family, refusing to go out at all if not necessary. I have been going through it all like you. But there is hope! You have options! It might be just shock loss and over time it will recover. So take some time to see what happens in the donor and then recipient. If it does not come back in donor, get some SMP. It will blend in those patches nicely. You might want to consider an FUT treatment if you don't have good growth. Between FUT and a BHT, you can rock a good head of hair again and not feel ashamed to go outside!

Good video but it did not specify when FUT is a better option over FUE.

His prices are reasonable, that's for sure. This is why I was initially attracted to him. However, I didn't feel a sense of personal care with him. He was also pushing me to fill a date in his calendar towards the end of March.

Well, I'm going to reply to my own post. I had an initial consultation with Dr. Gupta, which went well. I did a follow-up consultation by phone and felt that his manner was to defensive. I was asking about getting a density rate of around 30-35 cm squared, which is seemingly a standard for many HT doctors. Dr. Gupta told me that he goes for 20-25 cm square with his patients. When I asked if he could increase the density in the front-third of my scalp (for the hairline), he balked and suggested I find another doctor who can achieve this density.

Those numbers seem about right. You would need to tap body hair to get close to achieving illusion of full density throughout all of the thinning areas.

If you are looking to add density 'throughout', I would say 4000 grafts. You have a NW7 pattern with much thinning throughout the crown area. That would suck up a lot of grafts. I would focus on re-building the hairline and adding density through the mid-scalp. That would require less grafts. Also, if you went on fin or dut, you could save your crown or grow some back.