Gabreille Nelson Mukhia

Finasteride might just be the most misunderstood drug or the most manipulative seducer. Especially when it comes to the part of a physician prescribing it to the patients or not prescribing it, it becomes almost impossible to come out unscathed. One most definitely does not want to be blamed for being the cause of anybody's sexual disintegration. If the physician prescribes it, the patients are really not sure if they are walking down the right path. Especially when it comes to the sexual side effects, most patients are super sensitive about it. "Thou shalt not mess with my libido!!!" But then again they want to lose no more hair. Sometimes the effects are Psychogenic. However, that's the worst. Real side effects stop after withdrawing from the medications. People who "think" that they have side effects with the medication "feel" that the negative effects have been sustained in their bodies. Now how can one ever cure a feeling!!! The devotion towards "Lord libido" can cause irrational and biased fears. If the physician does not prescribe the medication, then the patients feel violated at worst. They feel misinformed, underinformed or downright cheated. If you discourage then from taking it then they will feel that "nothing is impossible" and taking useless treatments (I shall not name them for my own safety 😉😉😉), would do the trick. However, Mr. Dihydrotestosterone is least bothered and the other treatments can "talk to the hand!". If the physician gives the patients a choice... Lord almighty, all hell breaks loose!!! Nothing in the world can compare to the mayhem then! The level of indecisiveness exhibited with taking Finasteride is overwhelming when you see the poor individuals battle it out within themselves. Sometimes no amount of reassurance can be of help. But facts and figures apart, is it ethical for the doctors to prescribe this medication - Finasteride to the patients? It is FDA approved but definitely not "Lord libido" approved. And "Mr. Dihydrotestosterone" does not have very nice things to say about it. Sometimes "Lord libido" must be revered. But what if the fear of this "Lord libido" demands for the sacrifice of the virgins called "hair"? But most times it's "All hail Lord Libido"...

It is normal for patients to suffer from a temporary shock loss after they go through the procedure. Even the shedding of the transplanted follicles could be termed as a form of shock loss. The hair follicles could become thinner or fall off. I suffered shock loss too. My donor area had also lost some surrounding hair for some time. However, the shedding has temporary. We have also seen some patients who grew the hair directly without any shedding of the follicles. Also in some patients we have seen minimal shock loss in the donor area. But I think one must be prepared for the "ugly duckling phase" when one goes for a transplant. Personal opinion according to what I have experienced and observed.

One has to be so careful with diffused hair loss. Even though I have seen many beautiful cases with stunning results, the fact always remains that the pre existing hair have a probability of going away especially in young people. With diffused hair loss pattern, the surgeons need to be 100% sure of the change in look. Going for a large number of grafts in the absence of Finasteride (for whatever reasons) will facilitate for a probable future procedure. In some cases, even with high survivability of the transplanted grafts, the look change might not be satisfying. The distance between two pre existing grafts may not be sufficient for the doctors to plant new grafts in certain areas. That process tends to be a disaster when patients have unrealistic expectations. A more concentrated approach in the thinning areas with interventions to prevent any further balding would be appropriate. It is crucial that the surrounding grafts in the recipient area are not supposed to be damaged. That goes without saying, of course. Going for a hair transplant with diffused hairloss - the patient must be aware of the pros and cons. Now a successful hair transplant (with regards to the patient's perception) depends on his/her expectations being met. Even if from a surgeon's point of view the surgery might be a resounding success, if the patient is unhappy, all seems lost.

It is true. In India, people need to be be qualified for marriage. Haha... I guess you are correct. Not losing oneself and one's meaning for the procedure does make an impact.

Can we quantify the extent of research that a person should go for prior to the decision for a transplantation procedure? And is all research result yielding? The major purpose of a cosmetic surgery would be for an individual to have an enhanced look. The earlier one receives a better look, the better. But there are a fair amount of people who research for years altogether regarding the procedure to be done. Sometimes, by the time they get their look change, their age has advanced and they don't really get to enjoy their new hair for most part of their prime. Is it indecisiveness, fear of dishonesty or lack of confidence in the industry in general, apart from the financial and time investment, that they get to have such a long period of rigorous researching? It is obvious that getting the correct surgeon is necessary but how much of a research is really required? And is it more beneficial to invest more time at a single stretch of time for the procedure? Or is it better to keep researching for a longer period of time, all the whole enduring the reasons that the person is researching transplant in the first place? With the amount of information on the internet and otherwise, it could become overwhelming for a patient to go through with the procedure. However, is there a noble requirement for a cosmetic procedure for certain individuals rather than a compulsion of vanity? Some researchers are spread across a decade. Does that desire to get the procedure done really last that long? Or does it fade with the time spendlt researching? And does this fact bring about a bitter experience to people? It is a very materialistic phenomenon - this hair transplant. It does not give instant gratification and requires such patience in part of the individuals going through it. The procedure itself, the growth spurt, the wait for density and the shedding period - such a hassle! And if individuals do wait for a long period of time to just decide whether to opt for the procedure and more importantly with which doctor, does it leave them exasperated?

Hello, I think it is true that the transplanted hair could look different from the native hair on the frontal zone or the crown also. No man on this Earth can recreate what God created. They can imitate it though. The doctors tend to take strong resilient grafts from the donor. They could appear much thicker than the native hair there was. Also, if the inner walls of the graft tissue are damaged by manhandling then the by product hair would be curly and matching to the other hair. Blending would be difficult. Specially when beard hair or body hair is used, the resulting grafts are different altogether. He beard hair is coarse and do not tend to stick together. The density in the areas where beard hair are transplanted is also not always impressive. Not as impressive as scalp hair. They scalp donor usually yield good hair quality which when done properly (during the transplantation) would blend in and look completely natural. Although I have noticed that after the shedding phase is over, the new follicles form the roots do take time to gain a good texture after transplantation. I think that most hair transplant patients keep their hair slicked backwards if the density is not enough. If you have a good density, the hair can be styled as per your wish. All of the above, I personally feel. I did see that it took time for my transplanted hair to blend in too. I have had 100% scalp donor used.

The whole product that people are taling away is "satisfaction". For those who provide it, it is another hair transplant. But for an individual going through it, it is a whole new experience in his life that he pays a hefty amount in the form of finances, emotion and the eternally dreaded "EXPECTATION". I didn't know the stats were 40% for those ot satisfied. I feel much pain for them. I wish there was more mental health awareness. Especially in my country, India. We are getting there but not just yet. There are so many clinics in India who perform black market surgeries. I do not think that these guys feel the responsibility of the damage they do to people and their emotions. It is a very sad fact that most of these people who go into surgery are vulnerable people who feel the need to identify themselves with the standards of the world. I seriously doubt that many who get transplant, get it done for themselves. I would highly discourage getting a transplant for the sake of someone else. In India, we have people, young people, who come in with their parents. The parents feel that the child should get the procedure done. The "patient", himself or herself do not really care and are okay with the way they look. Some are downright not okay with goug in for a surgery. But the parents want them to be perfect for - MARRIAGE. They are constantly reminded that their hair loss is a bad mark on their perceived selves. The above is just an example of such wrongs in the society. Naturally, depression and self loathing follow. They never feel good enough. I really wish that there was a compulsory counseling for every patient seeking hair transplantation or any other cosmetic surgery. I feel that it would definitely help reduce the number of unsatisfied patients around the globe. It would also give quacks a real tough job to bank in on the patient's vulnerabilities.

This topic is only for a discussion and I have the utmost respect for all hair transplant patients. I myself have undergone hair transplant. Is it a possibility that patients who go for multiple hair transplant procedures even after having a good coverage on their scalp, have a tendency to develop or are experiencing body dysmorphic disorder? I have always found it intriguing that as a Counsellor, is it more ethical to try and understand where this need for little tweaks and top ups come from? Patients who actually have a visible requirement for the procedure have the obvious reason to opt for the procedure. But at the same time, there are patients who want to take it a notch higher by getting a little bit done here and again go for more sometime later. Sometimes I see patients who look gorgeous with the hair they have. And their hairlines are so perfect (according to me) but they, however, feel otherwise. It can get downright offensive if I tell them directly that they seem to have the perceived stigma in their mind. It becomes difficult to understand why an already beautiful growth - which does not cause any physical pain, distress or embarrassment, would drive the individual to enhance it further. As a Counsellor, it is always on the back of my mind that "isn't it the correct thing to try and help the patient find self-acceptance" first? I am of the principle that the patient is taking away happiness and peace when they get a procedure done. However, is it possible if the patient will not be satisfied and if they have an ongoing dissatisfaction and resentment towards themselves? It is the best thing to do if a patient has a superficial motive to enhance or regain their look by counter attacking baldness. But here are patients who never stop at the surgeries. The procedures keep piling up. They endure the investment of finances, limited donor and all the hassle of getting the procedures done. Do you all, as patients for hair transplantation, feel that maybe we could also be looking at situations where people might need more than just a look change? And that era.might need to change something much more than just the outer appearance for them? With all respect to anyone who reads.

Beautiful results.

Celebrities require near perfection in everything they have regarding appearance. It is a must that they remain and appear flawless. By default, they have access to some of the most premium products that can conceal and better the look, be it hair or any other cosmetic product. It is wrong to gauge the results with a celebrity's results. Their level of maintenance is extremely professional. Which unfortunately cannot be imitated by us non media involved people. Also, it is common knowledge that celebrities are paid to endorse products. It is more of a business deal with them rather than a medical testimonial. Except for every few genuine celebs testifying for the product, it is scary to completely rely on their results as a fair measure of the quality. The doctor and the doctor alone is the measure of his work. He/she must be a "doctor" and not a "businessman" to understand, care and nurture the patients. Although it is a cosmetic surgery, the level of satisfaction and the sense of achievement for a doctor only comes when a patient is mentally and physically happy and healthy.

I was more satisfied by the 14th month density after the procedure than the 12th month. I had a look change by the 6th month itself but was not very impressed with the growth. The 12th month was good but I was so happy to see the density keep increasing. I think that it cannot be generalized for every patient. It might be different for different individuals.

It is always better to speak to the surgeons directly. As a representative, we can give you answers to non scientific queries. However, only a surgeon should speak to you regarding the procedure itself as there are important factors like - requirement, donor availability, planning and the medications which require complete detailing and accuracy. In addition to speaking to the doctors over call, an in person consultation and/or a video consultation is also very important. The medical consultants are your advocates to their clinics. However, please do not rely only on the consultants for perfect information. I am a Counsellor at Eugenix Hair Sciences and I would highly discourage the patients from substituting the words of the Consultants for the Doctors. You can view the Consultant as a friend at most, who can make sure that you are comfortable and prepared with everything required. It is a must that you speak to the Doctors. Most times, consultants are not able to provide you the correct or relevant information.

Perfect. See you tomorrow for the procedure then sir.

You should altogether avoid going for this procedure. Agreed that hair transplantation is a cosmetic procedure. However, it is also a surgical procedure. And at some point you must stop. You have already exhausted you scalp donor as per your post. You should never plant body hair or beard hair on your hairline. Your hair looks good. And it looks natural. Please do not opt for this hairline augmentation procedure. I think you should just enjoy the great hair that you already have. It is just my opinion. Although I have seen people who have gone through multiple procedures and extracting approx 200 grafts from the scalp donor for a hairline procedure shouldn't be much of a hassle if the extraction is done in a discreet fashion. Altogether, this procedure seems totally unnecessary.

Your transplanted grafts should be fine. It is already 8 days post op. Don't beat yourself over it. Nothing adverse is going to happen due to it. Cheers...

I am very surprised. It is impossible to have any adverse effects with the use of saline water on your recipient area after the transplantation. In fact it is highly recommended. In fact we make sure that the patients don't forget to do so.

Hello, 1. You should get it from any chemist store and you should definitely take the Doctor's prescription. The medication is available everywhere and does not have to be from very specific clinics. 2. Finasteride shouldn't be expensive. I think the members in the forum from your country can help with the trusted brand names. 3. You can go for 1 mg every day when you start and then taper it to 2 mg a week after a year of finasteride consumption. I have suggested the above according to my personal experience with the medication. And I did not face any hassle in procuring or taking the medication.

What are the adverse effects of the saline spray on the recipient area?

It is true. Haha. One has to be careful right...

There are factors that need to be discussed accurately prior to you going for the procedure: 1. What is your expectation from this procedure? You must have a very clear expectation as "satisfaction" is the product being delivered to you in the long term. 2. How is the density in your beard? Are you okay with the doctors extracting the donor from your beard? 3. If extremely small and sharp punches are used, the scarring is minimal. Also the doctors must be very discreet in the extraction and make it look uniform. Planning is perfection. 4. Do you want to have the coverage of your entire scalp in a single sitting or over two sittings? Because that will also determine how many grafts can be extracted from the scalp. The doctors cannot afford to make too many wounds on your scalp donor in a single sitting. They must spread it out to extract with regards to the full potential of your donor availability. 5. Medicines could also help thicken your hair. But it is a option and you can choose to opt for it. You choice depends on your body's reaction to the medications. You should get a fair idea of the look and density the doctors can give you and compare it to your expectations. Thereafter, you should take each step carefully further into your hair restoration journey. There are so many Senior members in this forum with ample knowledge to guide you. Wish you the best in your journey.

The post hair transplant care is very simple: 1. Spray saline water on your recipient area for every 2 hours periodically for approximately 7 days. The saline water keeps the scalp clean, moisturized and free of infections. It also soothes itching to some extent which one experiences when the skin is exfoliating or healing. Since one is not allowed to wash the scalp or touch it. 2. Take antibiotics, antacids and painkillers for 3 times a day for 7 days. 3. Wash the donor area with Betadine scrub (antiseptic solution) and spray it off with saline water. Apply Fucidin cream after the washing and drying of the donor area. 4. Sleep in the right posture. Usually the mind is aware and the body follows suite. You cannot run the recipient area while sleeping. It can be difficult for patients who have had he frontal as well as the crown area done at the same time. 5. Remain away from dust or polluted areas for at least 7 days. Wear a surgical cap and a loose baseball cap or a bandana for 7 days when leaving an enclosed safe environment. 6. Stay away from pets and children who could accidentally rub the recipient area. 7. Avoid heavy exercises. 8. Avoid staying in a reading position with the head tilted forward. It could cause he anaesthetic fluid to come down towards the face due to gravitation and cause swelling. The swelling shall persist for a day or two if it appears. However, it can be avoided by continuously pushing the fluid away from the center of the eyebrows towards the cheekbones wherein the fluid gets absorbed or distributed this reducing swelling. The swelling is not painful. 9. Head wash should be done after a specified time, approx 7 days. 10. Eat healthy. Have a good intake of proteins. 11. Manage stress. It is not possible to avoid stress but one must learn to prioritize and deflect. 12. Stay happy and share pictures with the doctor everyday or check up with the doctor every day. 13. Opt for any measure suitable to prevent further progression of baldness on the pre existing hair.

I apologize on behalf of the person who has used such demeaning words in Hindi to you sir @Ashishmehta... he has been downright slanderous... I feel so sad that you had to tolerate such abrasiveness on our behalf. I do realise that you are a respected individual of your community. Your results are awesome and I applaud your classy reaction to him. Thank you sir.

Noooo... never never never... they might probably end up killing you... I don't think that a clinic charging less price is genuine at all. I live in India. Say no to low price clinics. To get anything done from them will probably cost you your mental peace and aesthetics. When it comes to your body and health, go premium... always...

Okay. It is difficult isn't it? Having to find all of these substitutes and dealing with side effects of medicines. It's a bummer that you experienced side effects with Finax. But then again if there is not much to saved then well!!!

Having read the above notes, I would like to say that I respect all the mentioned Doctors and their transparency in the field of hair transplantation. They are known doctors with hundreds of patients. Now the real quacks that we should be careful about are out there getting procedures done for unsuspecting people and ruining their lives. It is shocking but you will find dentists performing hair transplantation. For all the hard work that all the genuine doctors have done, there are 100 quacks who cheat people. I think no doctor would want to ruin the results of their own patients. Let's just hope that all the doctors and patients can have good results and a healthy procedure.