I wasn't going to post anything, but given that this forum reaches so many people that are ultimately making a life changing decision - perhaps some context as to why who you choose matters might be useful.
I'm in my early thirties. About 7 years ago I had a consultation with Dr. Rahal in Ottawa (with him in person) - at which time I had A LOT more hair and he had indicated I was not a good candidate for HT surgery and I was sent off.
I was pretty devastated, and over the years the progressive loss became worse to the point where I decided to try his clinic again to see if technology had changed or they may have a different perspective.
I met with one of his patient advisors and all of a sudden I was now a candidate. With MUCH less hair as I was now a NW5A with barely anything left on top (see pics below), they had recommended an FUE procedure with SMP and PRP and hopefully 2500-3000 grafts to be distributed throughout my frontal area and mid scalp (somehow).
I found it extremely confusing that now, all of a sudden, I was a candidate - but 7 years ago I wasn't. I decided to take my search online and found Dr. Jerry Wong in Vancouver whose clinic is re-known for mega-sessions and great results. My FaceTime consultation with Dr. Wong sold me on him. He explained why the recommendation by Rahal's clinic was not a good idea in the long term - going through the difference between the FUT and FUE procedure in terms of yields, and the possibility of doing subsequent procedures with FUT and how FUE can destroy donor area for follow up procedures, the risks with SMP essentially turning your head into a big tattoo over time etc. etc.
Needless to say, I couldn't have made a better decision avoiding Rahal and seeing Dr. Wong. I know Rahal does amazing work , but it seems like he only wants to do FUE, and to be honest this is not a good idea for an advanced hair loss patient before exhausting your FUT options.
PRICE: I was quoted the same at Dr. Rahal for 2500 grafts, with SMP and PRP as I paid for 5300 Grafts with Dr. Wong WITH the possibility of doing a follow up procedure as my donor area won't be tarnished like it would be had I done FUE first. About $20,000, but I received more than double the amount of actual hair moved.
See below my before surgery, after surgery and my 6 month post-op photos. I took them after waking up so the hair is all over the place. Months 4 and 5 have been really good in terms of maturity and growth.
5300 grafts. I would say the frontal zone took about 3500, crown 1000 and mid scalp maybe 800? (I am aware that I will need another procedure to fill crown and mid scalp)
So far it's going well! Very happy with Dr. Wong and his teams work - and the after service. I'm convinced the reason he can do mega-sessions and other clinics can't is because he's gotta have something like 6-8 techs working with him to extract and assist with placing the grafts. He does every single incision on his own. Guy is a legend, and does things RIGHT!