Dally6

Thanks for the reply and interest in my situation Dr Barghouthi. I call it an injury but perhaps that isn't even the correct term. I could never get a proper diagnosis. Neuropathic pain is probably correct but dysesthesia was also used. Basically I was a young athlete that developed chronic fatigue syndrome. I managed this condition for many years. A few years ago I started getting intense isolated pain in four locations (all on my right hand side) that further perplexed all my doctors. One area was a small area on top of my scalp. Out of desperation I tried stem cell therapy which greatly improved my health and pain (but didn't cure it). Unfortunately some of the local stem cell injections into my scalp caused some damage. So the "injury" on my scalp is a small area that is painful (but manageable) + 4 small areas of nerve damage from the injections (that don't hurt unless aggravated). I'm not sure if that helps. Either way id be interested in getting a HT if I can navigate this issue.

Thanks. Thats a helpful explanation. DHI sounds like it may also be less painful and also quicker? I assume slits don't need to be made or the still do?

Long story short: I had an injury that required some injections into a small patch of my scalp. About 4 injections caused isolated nerve damage after needle impact (some were applied too hard). The daily nerve pain bothered me for about 5-6 months before subsiding, however the nerves are still sensitive and I absolutely shudder at the thought of a needle or sharp object touching them again. I also don't know whether doing so will damage them again (for many months). So basically 99% of my scalp is fine to inject with the exception of about 4 hyper sensitive isolated dots (maybe 4mm in diameter). Is this something I can navigate? I'm thinking maybe the incisions and implantation - while done with a sharp object that pierces the scalp - may not go deep enough to hit the nerves...

How was the anesthesia administered? Multiple injections into the donor and recement areas? How many injections? They didn't numb the area with a swab first?

Can you refer me to some of his bad work? I was considering his clinic.

Why does the title say 11,600 graphs but the body says "5400 scalp and 1400 beard to scalp were planted and as you can see the recipient area healed magnificently". Confused. Thanks

Im new to this HT journey and investigating options. Im told I'm a NW5 based on the pics I submitted to a reputable clinic. Another clinic told me I need 4500 graphs.Either way I need a lot of and my hair loss will continue as I wont take meds. Based on my research it would be appear an FUT would be a best initial option (as it wont exhaust my donor region), but I would much rather get an FUE. However, I didn't know taking hair from the beard was an option. I have a thick beard. I guess my question is: instead of an FUT now + FUE later (as I was planning), could I not get an FUE now + Beard extraction later?

Wow! Amazing job! Congratulations- looks great! You needed a large number of graphs and Im wondering why you didnt choose FUT? Isnt that the preferred method for large areas?(sorry newbie)

The quicker I am fully recovered (wound healing/bandage removed, no pain, proper sleep, gym etc) is certainly preferred. According to the scientific method the skin is permeable (obviously not as much as other body parts: gums, digestive tract, eyes, anus etc.) Occasional use of shampoo, moisture, sunscreen etc is perfectly fine for most people depending on the ingredients, but they are not necessary. I dont use any of those products.

Great advice and thanks for the table! Very helpful. Should all of those surgeons listed be considered viable candidates worth exploriing? (ie. they have been vetted for providing excellent work). There are so many clinics to choose from its difficult to make a decision.. I dont want to travel to India but d like to get a HT in Portugal so perhaps Ill investigate Dr Ferrier.

Thats interesting. He charges 6 CHF per graph. Is there a reason for him being 30% more expensive even though they are both in Zurich? I also noticed Dr Zarev in Bulgaria charges 4 Eur per graph and I would assume his overheads would be considerably less than Hattingen yet his prices are only 11% less. I guess my question is: do these prices reflect the quality of service or dis the variance in price based more so on administrative costs (marketing, decoration etc)

I noticed Hattingen getting recommended on here a lot. Is there a reason they are not officially recommended by the forum? Also, I would assume they would charge a significant premium based on the overheads in Switzerland being higher; is that what makes them more expensive or are they also more expensive because they offer a superior product?

Very interesting. A lot of pros and cons for each procedure. Is there a pro/con chart I can refer to? I understood FUT was a quicker procedure but if recovery is significantly longer than its not really quicker. This is definitely something I need to consider. I want to bounce back quickly. Is DHI the same as FUE in this regard? I dont want to have my hair very, very short. I know its popular with kids these days but its not my style. I dont think the FUT scar will be an issue based on what I read on the Hattingen website (assuming its reliable info): "The area is closed using the latest plastic surgery techniques leaving a very narrow linear scar. Using the latest technique, Tricophytic Closure, it is possible for hair to regrow back through the thin scar helping to camouflage it even further. The result is a barely noticeable scar with long or shorter hair." They also seem to recommend FUT for larger, singular procedures which require significant donor hair (my requirement): "The Follicular Unit Extraction is a very suitable method of donor hair extraction when the patient has a low demand for donor hair, smaller sessions. However if there is the need for higher graft numbers and with follicular unit extraction by calculation the donor cannot provide safely then FUT would be the much preferred method of harvesting. An advantage of this harvesting technique is the effectiveness and efficiency to remove a large number of FU´s in a single day as well as a high % of intact follicular units in optimum quality". Thanks for the tips re preservation substances. Maybe its contradictory that I would get a HT but not take chemicals, but that's where I am. "If you can't eat it, don't put it on your skin" is the mantra : ) Id rather be bald than engage a daily chemical regime (shampoo or otherwise).

Ive already consulted that list and contacted the surgeons closest to me. Thanks

I submitted an online application. I hope to hear from him soon. Id like a surgeon that provides both methods so we can objectively discuss the best option.