Indian_Canadian

Hello Fellow Members, I intend this to be the first post of my HT journey in 2020. My sincere thanks to this community and every person online who has shared knowledge, perspectives, opinions, results, etc. This has equipped me to make an informed decision. I know at least 14 relations and friends who have expressed sincere desire to get a HT, but remain at the periphery due to fear of high assumed costs, side effects, etc. resulting from lack of research and not personally knowing anyone who underwent the procedure. This documentation of my experience will be a first hand example to motivate them and other new people on this forum (assuming all goes well). As such, this is my contribution to equip future patients with information and confidence. About me - Male; 29.5 years old; Indian immigrant currently studying in Canada. Why HT? - While I have never visited a doctor for a proper diagnosis, I assume I am suffering from Androgenic alopecia inherited from my mother's side. I have been experiencing hair loss since 17-18 years of age. Finally I am at that stage where the hair loss has become very evident and troubling when I look in the mirror or at my photos, and I would like to do something about it sooner rather than later. I am not interested in non-surgical restoration methods like wigs/hairpieces, etc., but open to medication. Why India? - I really wish I could get it done here in Canada for convenience. I first visited Dr. Rahal for a consultation. He is local to me. I have no doubts in his ability, but his services will cost me about 3-4 times of what I will pay in India for the services of a highly skilled doctor. For an affordable HT, I chose India over Turkey to avoid language barriers and for the comfort of homeland. Also, most IAHRS members and other globally recognized surgeons are more affordable in India than Turkey (except Dr. Resul Yaman and Dr. Ekrem Civas I think). FUE or FUT? - Last year I got super excited and emailed Dr. Suneet Soni (Medispa) that I was interested in getting FUT done from him and he gave me a quote for 3500 FUT grafts. Unfortunately, my limited financial resources were urgently required somewhere else and I had to delay. I let Medispa know that I was going to delay. This gave me more time to think and research. I read about FUE with Dr. Bhatti (Darling Buds) and DHT with Eugenix Clinic, and saw many cases of scar stretching from FUT. Finally I decided that I did not want to take that risk regardless of which closure/stitching technique is used, and also I wanted a quicker and less painful healing. So I am interested in FUE or DHT only. Who in India? I am nearing the end of the process of identifying potential options, and until now I have shortlisted the following surgeons. My photos are posted at the end of text. a. Dr. Tejinder Bhatti of Darling Buds. He suggested 2800-3000 FUE grafts and answered all my questions satisfactorily and seems very professional. I thought his consultant Shera would contact me when I first emailed, but I believe I have been chatting with the Dr. directly. The fact that he doesn't perform FUT at all and his entire practice is based around aggressively promoting FUE, along with the fantastic FAQ on his website promotes confidence in his skills as a trustworthy FUE surgeon. He is a member of pretty much all prestigious global associations and was also featured in some publication's 'Top 20 global surgeons for HT' ranking. His website has transparent pricing. Cons: I came across some posts on this forum where the results were far from satisfactory and the post-operation response and support those patients received from the clinic seemed disappointing for a clinic of such high reputation. b. Eugenix (will probably select the comprehensive pkg. which has partial involvement of Dr. Bansal and Dr. Sethi). I was in touch with their consultant Nelson a couple of months ago and he offered a Skype session with a doctor (don't know which doctor). I postponed it due to personal reasons, but have resumed the conversation. Regardless, Nelson had mentioned that the doctor suggested 2000 grafts through DHT. I don't know which doctor since there are 5 at the clinic, and was a little surprised by the qty. of suggested grafts, but will bring up this question in the Skype session. Also, it would be good to know what percent (approx.) of total slits are done by Dr. Bansal or Dr. Sethi in comprehensive pkg. I chose Eugenix because Dr. Bansal and Dr. Sethi are highly reputed surgeons, inventors, authors of books and publications, and members of prestigious societies. They are also listed on Joe Tillman's recommended surgeons list. Their website has transparent pricing. Cons: I can't afford full services of Dr. Sethi or Dr. Bansal and will have to place my trust in the young doctors trained by them for majority of the procedure. c. Dr. Suneet Soni of Medispa He suggested 3500 FUT grafts (because I started a conversation advocating FUT). I have read that Dr. Soni is the best for FUT, but not necessarily FUE. All his successful results are also FUT + FUE. I emailed him recently (after many months) with new photos and requesting quote for FUE. He has not responded since a week. Not sure if he is still interested. Regardless, I chose him for his results, excellent website (though no transparent pricing), prestigious memberships, and artistic reputation. My recent photos are attached. Please share your opinions, ideas, insight, suggestions regarding my surgeon choices above and the photos below. I will be very grateful for your time and help. Tagging some fellow members who also posted similar questions recently and seemed undecided on their search. @Alphabeta @Dalveer @skallig @givemehair2019