Pilk

21 minutes ago, JDEE0 said:

He's just using an implanter pen aka the DHI method. You insert the needle of the pen which is set to a certain depth, and then you press a button to eject the follicle into the opening you've just created. 

Still going to bleed, and anyway it's nothing special, lot's of good Dr's (including the one I have chosen for surgery) use it, as do lot's of terrible clinics.

Don't get too caught up in the method, it's fine to generally have a preference based off of the results of different doctors work who generally use X method (DHI in this case), but at the end of the day great surgeons use all different kinds of methods and have equally as good results. Skill is what matters.

But they're not making an opening in advance correct?  To me its a better looking method and its certainly a cleaner method.  Probably no big effect on outcome I suppose.  

35 minutes ago, Curious25 said:

To implant a hair follicle, there has to be an opening of some kind.

I think his 'USP' as such, is a vacuum assisted punch he uses for extractions - @HugoX has had surgery with him, so he will be in a better place to help advise. 

I'm a rookie but if you got to about 4:30 on this youtube video it appears the implant and opening are simultaneous.  Much cleaner with almost no bleeding.  Maybe I'm not seeing things right here.  

Zera

5 hours ago, RandoBrando517 said:

Have you considered Zarev?

Just watched one of his surgeries on youtube.  Really remarkable.  So his implantation device is done without cutting slits?  Is that DHT?  Love how clean things were after the surgery. Thanks for the recommendations. 

38 minutes ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

I would reconsider getting an HT if you’re not willing to think of it long term. It’s not a quick fix, and 99% of patients get more than one surgery. Maybe you’re better suited shaving. 

That’s what I’m trying to figure out. So many young people on here trying to stay young and I get that.  Not looking for that.  I’d certainly give up a lower hairline for broad coverage even with the crown having mild coverage.  Just deciding whether  to be bald or not lol.  Options that weren’t really realistic 15 years ago are available.  

24 minutes ago, JDEE0 said:

I happen to think you could have decent results considering your age and level of loss. You're unlikely to really loose much more hair at all now, especially if your loss has been stable for a long time at this point, and although yes you are an advanced Norwood, your crown doesn't dip and your sides are high.

Your donor seems ok, nothing spectacular, but looks just fine all things considered. Considering that you're 61, I'm sure a conservative hairline height and placement of density would suit you very well. It would be a different story at 25 or 30, but at your age, even relatively sparse coverage that gets a bit thinner as you go back towards the crown, leaving it with light coverage, usually looks great and completely ordinary (although I do think you've got enough donor for adequate density and coverage, if you absolutely won't do more than 1 session, I think you can achieve what I said in one go). 

However, to achieve it in one go, Nadimi's sort of approach isn't going to cut it; that would be good for a multiple session plan (which is what I personally believe is best in most cases for the record, so nothing wrong with it at all). You need to go to someone who specialises in 'mega-sessions' which are procedures of say 5000 grafts and upwards in one go. There are only a few clinics in the world worth considering for this in my opinion, and even less who are consistently impressive. I would strongly just recommend contacting Hasson and Wong as they are probably the absolute best for these mega-sessions, explain to them that you really just want to get what you can done in one session and walk away after that (knowing that results will always be limited if you're adamant you'll never come for a 2nd op). 

I think they'll be able to do what I said in one go; frame your face nicely with decent, appropriate density for your age with a gradual decline in coverage towards your crown. 

(You could also consider Eugenix of course, but you didn't seem too keen on the travel and H&W are as good if not better). 

I tend to agree with this.  I'm not looking for a 30-40yo hairline.  Something that fits my age and gives me something to comb lol.  I've buzzed in the past and it works but wasn't my favorite look.  And its just as much trouble as having hair if not more.  Thanks for the reply. 

So did a virtual consult with Dr. Nadimi at the Chicago Hair Institute.  Not encouraging but I think she's just being honest.  I don't see myself going back for a second sitting at my age and starting to wonder if may not be a good idea.  I'd love to have hair but don't want to make matters worse if I'm a borderline candidate.  Going to get a few more consults and see if I hear consistent messages from the clinics.  

The photos you sent show an advanced hair loss pattern.  Your final coverage and density will be limited by donor graft availability since your balding zone is too large to provide full coverage with thick hair in a single session.  Based on the limitations of donor supply I typically recommend that an initial session for men with advanced hair loss patterns focus on the frontal and midscalp regions.  These regions are most important to the overall cosmetic result and an initial session that recreates the hairline and provides coverage over the midscalp will allow the best use of your limited donor supply.  A crown restoration can be done at a later date should you desire coverage there and should your donor supply allow for a second graft harvest.   I believe that you will need at least 2500-3000 grafts to produce a good frontal/midscalp restoration.  It may be possible to perform even more grafts during the restoration session, but your donor area will have to be inspected in person to assess your graft availability.

On 9/18/2021 at 5:48 AM, kirkland said:

That's a pretty good looking result to date. 

I like it.  Its a natural look and age appropriate.  I'd call it good and enjoy.  

1 hour ago, JDEE0 said:

As someone who has travelled around a fair few countries, you'll be absolutely fine. If you're that concerned, then I imagine you could just go straight from the airport to Eugenix, stay there at the accommodation the whole time and then leave back to the airport when ready.

But really, you should see the country a little, see some sights, eat some food etc whilst you're there in my opinion. The crazy traffic would realistically be the most dangerous part of your trip by far! 

I'm not that concerned but the misses has reservations.  I'd likely be traveling alone.  Appreciate the input. 

Question of those traveling to India....were you comfortable (feeling safe) during your stay.  I've brought the idea to my wife and she is ok with everything except the travel to India.  I know nothing about the surrounding, etc. but it seems from all the testimonies safety wasn't a concern or at least was not brought up.  I'm am going to consult with a few more doctors and make a plan.  

Considering this clinic more and more.  Appreciate video and the opportunity to see and hear them somewhat in person.  

I get the anxiety but honestly you did the right thing by fighting through it and not doing anything rash.  It looks like good progress and I think the hairline looks pretty good.  It will only get better and if you need something else done in the future it will be a good foundation.  

So I'm beginning to think about US-Midwest locations.  I see several MD's listed on the site from Chicago/Minnesota/Texas.  If a guy wanted to stay close to home is there a clinic recommendation for my type of hair loss?  Many of the US before and after seem to be multiple sessions with smaller graft numbers.  Compared to Eugenix, for example, what could someone expect to pay in the states?  Is it double?  4x?  more expensive?  

3 hours ago, JohnAC71 said:

Depends on if it was on the way out anyway.. typically we see shock loss in the donor area grow back. But in the recipient area it can be a risk. Eugenix can examine your hair in person for miniaturisation. 

Interesting.  Lots of learning to do and things to consider.  And I guess by 'on its way out' meaning hear that was destined to fall.  My hair really hasn't changed much for a while now.  I am going to start Fin and Min this weekend.  

31 minutes ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

It’s probably a good idea not to do the midscalp as you might get shock loss. It would be best to blend everything in together and the graft number seems reasonable.

Is shock loss to existing hair permanent?  

Got this from Eugenix....looks the 2700 is actually planned for frontal and mid, with 1500 to the crown.  

28 minutes ago, JohnAC71 said:

Have you seen @Wandererindongoing result ? I mention it as he also had 4200 grafts placed… 

 

Yes...thank you.  He started in better shape but had incredible results.  

Quick reply from Eugenix.  Does this seem reasonable?  Based on their response does that mean they will not reinforce the mid-scalp?  

24 minutes ago, Berba11 said:

Would you be travelling from the UK by any chance?

If so... The e-medical visa is not an option (or any e-visa), meaning you have to do it the old school way and fill out a form, get it printed, book an appointment at your nearest consular services (for me that means an annoying trip to London), hand in your forms, any relevant paperwork (such as a letter from the clinic confirming your surgery), your passport, your visa fee (give or take £100 I think) and... wait to see if there's a visa in your passport when it arrives in the post.

I'll be going through this exact process in two weeks when I trot off to London. Fingers crossed the visa is granted. There are flights to India from the UK including direct flights. There's also a 72-hour Covid test that needs to be taken before travel to India, so that's an extra cost & hassle. So there's some hurdles to jump through but nothing much different to travelling to any other country that has certain visa requirements.

From the USA....haven't gotten far enough along to know how the process works.  I figured covid would play into it and was prepared to work through the process if the decision is made.   Thanks for the tips. 

12 minutes ago, JohnAC71 said:

 

15 minutes ago, JohnAC71 said:

Zoomster had a amazing result and I have no doubts it’s going to get a whole lot better. If you look through the forum for Eugenix results you will see they

13 minutes ago, Gatsby said:

In my opinion Eugenix are the masters of High Norwood Scale hair loss. 👍

have tons of the higher Norwood 6 completed journeys. 

11 minutes ago, JohnAC71 said:

Can’t really disagree with that 😂

This is one of the things I was hoping to accomplish by posting pics....to get an initial direction.  I appreciate the help and I think I'll contact one of the forum reps and start a conversation.  How is traveling to India these days?  

On 6/28/2021 at 6:40 PM, Melvin- Moderator said:

I’ll leave this here

This is nuts....could never imagine this amount of change.  

32 minutes ago, JohnAC71 said:

You should check out @Zoomsterresults from his first ht… and he’s now on his second 👌 

Holy smokes that is well beyond what I would have expected.  I have plenty of beard, chest and back hair if needed....lol.  

5 minutes ago, Gatsby said:

Hi and welcome to the forum! Looking at your photos their is definitely scope for improvement. However the degree of improvement depends on a lot of factors. But firstly I just want to congratulate you on your patience which has prevented you from ending up with ugly 'punch graft' surgical procedures and other options that could/would have you left with scars and other issues. I will let other members chime in with their sage advice but I would firstly look at our forum recommended doctors and have several different consultations. Explain to each one what your goals are and what they say is achievable. Look for surgeons who specialize in high Norwood 6/7 patients and look at surgeons who turn out a high number of natural looking results with patients who have a similar hair type and loss as yours. The most important goal you want to be looking for is naturalness. When you are seeing a number of results that look like no surgery was ever carried out then consider these surgeons. In terms of medication, finasteride can help in strengthening your donor hair (specifically your crown). This is an individual decision of course if you are willing and able to take it. There are many factors in hair restoration. Keep asking questions as there is no such thing as a stupid question and don't rush into something unless you are 100% sure. Wishing you all the best!

I appreciate that.  My profession makes it hard to carve out a long stretch of time for recovery and I'm in the public eye evey day so there's no hiding for months.  I've never hated losing my hair like my dad did (system user until the end), but if there's something I can do and get a reasonable, natural outcome it might be worth going through the process.  Money is more available too with the kids on their own.  Might be time for a serious look at my options.  

6 minutes ago, JohnAC71 said:

You seem like a ideal candidate for Eugenix (India) they excel with cases such as yours. Check out the higher Norwood levels results from Eugenix and others. 
I also think @DrTBarghouthi(Vertex), HDC @Doron Haratiand Dr Bisanga @sl @Raphael84are excellent considerations !

 

I will take a look....appreciate the input.  

Another frontal.  Not much of a hairline left and wouldn't pursue a young hairline, but would rather reinforce what's left and fill in behind as well as possible.  

Appreciate this forum....very informative.  I've considered a HT in the past but never considered seriously until a friend had it done and his results were good.  I'm going to add some pics of my current situation and see if the experienced folks here would recommend pursuing a consult.  Never been on meds long term....just lost interest easily I guess.  The pics of side and back are about 2 weeks after #2 clipping.  The back and sides seem to grow fast and gets thick pretty quick.  Would not be looking for a full head but something natural for my age.  I've buzzed in the past and it was ok but would really like to see if there's reasonable hope for improvement through a HT.  Thoughts?