caveman

@sekiro109 sorry just seeing this buddy. The SMP required me to trim my head down to a 1 guard. I believe you can also do it with long hair for density but I would recommend definitely not doing it that way. Often times they will use darker pigments and larger needles in that case and then if you ever trim your hair down it will look odd. SMP is usually done in 2-3 sessions. The first session is the longest. Usually several hours (4-5) and they lightly cover the entire scalp. 2 weeks later I had a second session. By this time the pigment from the first is basically faded. The second session really adds the color and density. I technically had a 3rd session included in my price to do minor tweaks and touch ups so it could look even better but I never went as it was too far from me and I had plans to do a hair transplant. I rocked my SMP with a 0.5 guard all over the head and it looked 🔥. I’m indoor setting or less harsh lighting it’s practically undetectable. If you’re under a large light or outdoors in bright sunlight, the SMP does get washed out. I think it’s honestly a solid option for those that can’t get a hair transplant. I will say though, because I have hair all over my head, the 3D look is really good. If someone is slick bald with SMP it may not look as good. let me know if you have any other questions side note - what you are seeing in my pictures is healed SMP. Lot of posts online from SMP artists are fresh results that look much darker than they will ultimately be.

Hey dude if anyone can do it, it’s one of those docs. If not try SMP it looks decent, and frames the face well. And low maintenance!

Appreciate that @Melvin- Admin. We are just getting started 😉. And you’re right. I guess if it bothers me enough I’ll decide to change it a bit. I feel like the 350ish grafts @Bandit90 used went a long way for his result. I may go for something like that if possible.

Ayyyy my favorite person. @SLA as always appreciate you buddy. I’ll actually post a fully grown out video if I can find it and if this site allows videos haha. You are definitely right that it is possible to make my current hair look decently. Especially with toppik in, you can’t even tell I’ve had hair loss at all. Without the toppik it varies day to day. Somedays it looks okay and other days I couldn’t stand it 😂. I think the reason I felt like that was cause of lack of density in certain areas but if I can get the density up in the second sitting, I’ll be able to have a nice thick head of hair 🤞🏽

Hey @Stewie. Thanks for the feedback brother. I saw your journey and I’ll definitely take your suggestion into account. Seems everyone is on the same page about current hairline and temple points. With that said, I’m thinking I’ll most likely keep things the same. Only if I can make a small physical change that results in a large aesthetic improvement, will I go for it. also I could do what @Bandit90said. Always time to go for round 3 if I want to make that change in the future. appreciate you dropping by.

@Bandit90 my man! I’ve been good hope all is well with you. Yeah lol basically the whole forum has deterred me from planning anything crazy in the front and rightly so. I’ve kinda dropped the idea for now, however if I could do something similar to what you did in less than 500 grafts, I’ll consider it. Appreciate the compliment on the SMP look. It definitely looks nice and I can rock it for now but def need some more hair. It was a good plan to buy me like 6 months of time and now I’ve got a good foundation going into round 2. yes, I definitely made a great decision being conservative and thanks to members of the forum like yourself. I’ve placed myself into a position where I can take several routes. Will keep researching and thinking the plan over

@Berba11 Do you have a post with your journey? I’ve been trying to look but having a hard time finding it if there is one

@Berba11 thanks for the kind words. I’m glad that it’s looking pretty solid. After further consideration I have definitely dropped the idea of hairline lowering and will do like you have said regarding the recession points (only if I have enough grafts). when you softened your v shaped points, did you feel a bit more comfortable with combed back hairstyles that show your forehead? i will say this about my friends and family, overall their impression of the current hairline shape is very positive. No one has mentioned to lower it or anything like that. It’s just on a side profile that I’m getting feedback to soften the corners. My main critic is my dad 😂 and he’s 64 and blessed with minimal baldness. he’s probably like a NW3 right now. He doesn’t care much about aesthetics and was against me getting the transplant in the first place. His argument is if you’re gonna do it anyways atleast round off those corners a bit haha. I think he means well though

@GeneralNorwood I’m gonna try and measure my scalp and see if I can get a rough estimate of surface area I need to cover. There’s a couple YouTube tutorials about it

@GeneralNorwood haha ya definitely don’t think it’s wise to use 1000 grafts there. Will still find out if less grafts can be used to adjust corners only. Sorry the picture is not good lol I tried my best but will have to ask someone to take the picture for me when I am able to. for density, do you believe 40graft/cm^2 is possible throughout the scalp? What density do you have for your hair? It looks quite a bit more dense than mine. I will look into a consult with muresanu. Skype would be ideal as I cannot travel just for a consultation at this current point. Thanks for the recommendation.

@general-etwan hey buddy. I saw in some previous posts you were interested in seeing how SMP may look to augment your hair transplant. I know you were talking about donor areas, but I have had SMP done on my scalp and posted a few pictures. Check out my post if you want to get an idea of how it may look! Hope your progress has been great since your 3rd session.

@GeneralNorwood so tbh from the front i like where the hairline sits. I’ve got no issues with it really at all. It looks age appropriate and suits my face okay. I did my best to take a picture from a distance which I attached here (picture taken at 6 ft distance). My concern is more from the side profile. I would like to somehow use very very limited grafts to make the side profile a bit less receded. I attached a picture of what I am talking about. I also attached a couple pictures of my growing hair in direct sunlight. This helps wash out the SMP and gives an idea of areas that need work. I just don’t think going to zarev is in the stars for me. As much as I’d love to, I can neither wait that long nor pay for the price of a procedure with him. It is, however, great advice.

UPDATE: I had my video call with dr das today. We discussed several questions I had. 1. In depth planning off donor area and recipient area. Create sections to check donor density and sectioning off transplant zone to assure desired density. She did mention that routinely this not practiced as it depends on a per case situation but they are willing to do it for me since I am concerned. She did also mention something about a certain machine that’s used for this but they don’t have that. Not too sure what that is maybe someone can shed light? 2. Graft count and areas of focus. I explained my goals. I had already spoken to dr arika 2 weeks ago so eugenix had a general idea. The previous plan to lower hairline is not out of the question but I have abandoned it. However, if I wanted to, it would be around 1000 grafts. That being said I am still curious what can be done just to soften the corners and we won’t know until I am seen in person. Focus of procedure would be to add density behind hairline into midscalp, reinforce current hairline and add significant density to crown/lateral humps. The calculations provided to me on a previous post is what dr dad also agreed to. However, the total count on that picture is listed as 2000-2500, but really it is 2500-3000 (the final total was added wrong). I am curious if I can get the desired density from 3000 grafts but I do see it as possible. 3. Current density and goal of density At this point the eugenix rep stepped in and explained they have the details of my current density, etc. and they will send it to me. I’ve asked in the past and haven’t received it. Hopefully I’m able to see where I stand and this was something eugenix actively recorded during my last surgery. For goal of density, I am not sure. Normally the hairline is like 40 graft/cm^2. How much does it decrease as you move into the midscalp and crown? Ideally, I’d like to maintain as close to 40 as I can going back into the midscalp and will be okay with slightly less density in the crown but not way less where it looks depleted. This is something I need to account for. It would be nice to get an answer from eugenix (estimated) explaining what number of grafts I’d need on each section of my head to achieve a good density. I imagine this is possible as I’ve already been there for my first procedure. 4. Doctor involvement In my first procedure I had opted for my surgery with dr arika (super premium package) I believe at the time critical implantation was done by the lead surgeon (dr arika). In the current package planning/design, and slits will be created by the main doctor (dr das) and remaining procedure will be completed by senior technicians. I believe I have covered everything that was discussed. I may have further talks with the team to confirm the plan that was proposed to me will give me full coverage.

@GeneralNorwood great thoughts and suggestions. So I spent pretty much all day going through your post again and I do consider what you are telling me to be very productive and legit information. Alright so you’d be willing to have more recession and wouldn’t mind the larger wider forehead. I will take this into consideration based on your experience. Also the hairstyle you like combed forward would definitely resolve the recession I just don’t know my hair will grow like that. one thing is for sure. What I didn’t do is plan on the first sitting (even though I thought I did) I think marking off sections of the head and measuring for the actual size of recipient area and then calculating available donor grafts is important. Also knowing what my target density per section is key. We did not do that at all in my first transplant. I definitely must do that this time. I also don’t even know my current densities in different areas of scalp and I am curious if it is still possible to achieve the density that I am looking for. I really like the hairstyle you have in the picture you posted. I’d be happy with something like that. However, I also do want to sport hairstyles where my forehead can be exposed and look good still. Do you believe I could achieve that with just adding density behind the current hairline? My left temporal angle is so receded that when I grew my hair out and did a combover my head looked crooked (this is because as I comb the long hairs from left to right it covers much of the right side of my hairline making it look lower on that side and significantly receded on the other side). my thoughts with the corners is “ if I can use less than 200 grafts just to round off my corners to make them a bit more subtle, will those 200 grafts be detrimental in the density behind my hairline?” Now I may be mistaken with this low number of grafts so correct me if I am wrong. If the doctor says I need 1000 grafts to soften the corners I will drop the idea for sure. However if I am able to strategically address that concern with minimal grafts I think it may be a good idea. As far as keeping my sides short currently, it is because when I grow my hair out without cutting it, it looks really bad, especially the sides. If the next procedure allows me to homogenize this area with extractions, I would love to grow it out as I also like that look. I would prefer not to use beard grafts unless needed as I also love my beard. Probably more than my potential hair haha. You mention 3500-4000 grafts wouldn’t be enough to get full coverage at my current state. Do you think I will require more grafts than that? I thought with between 2800-3500 I could achieve max desired density. I will have some consultations to determine what my actual plan can be. I may have to fly/ go somewhere to have an in person consultation as you did with zarev ( I don’t think I can wait to go to zarev though).

@GeneralNorwood thanks you for giving me illustrations of what plan I should have moving forward. I greatly appreciate it. I know you keep it real. That being said, I am curious, why are you so against my plan? The corners of my hair transplant are really bothering me so I’m not sure I would be happy keeping the deep recession. I know donor graft count is critical in a case like mine. I reviewed your case too so I’m wondering are you warning me from your personal experience? The hairline and temporal angles that you completed with eugenix are probably like 80% more aggressive than where I am at right now. I believe adding a couple hundred grafts to round out my corners would make me happier and will look nicer. I met dr sethi in Philly a few months ago and at the time I believe he said he could get an additional 3500-4000 scalp grafts from my donor. Beard grafts would be additional. I suspect perhaps 500-700 could reinforce my midscalp, and another 1800 or so could help cover my entire crown. after reviewing your personal experience, I understand why you are pushing me towards keeping the current hairline and working behind it. That being said, I believe that if you had a much more conservative hairline with receding corners, you may not have been as pleased with your outcome either. Your hairline and FTA are perfect. Like too perfect 😂 so I wouldn’t bring things down as much as you but am looking to subtly modify what I already have without wasting many grafts on the hairline. I am viewing lots of patients like Melvin, yourself, Armen, bandit, etc who are all adjusting the hairline with minor changes that result in a way more pleasing aesthetic. You are concerned for me about adding density throughout the midscalp and reinforcing the current hairline but do you think it would be really that dangerous to fix the corners if it’s something that would make me happier with myself? im not trying to turn your points away because I definitely understand and agree with them. That was why I agreed to this conservative hairline design in the first place. Rather I’m trying to get your feedback for a plan that would involve fixing the corners (I just want to round them off a little bit, they look so sharp and pointy right now and don’t match my facial features) as they are really bothering me even though I know you are against it. If your corners were receded the way mine are I really do think that you might not be as happy with your overall result at the end of the day. Do you see any plan in which I can round the corners off minimally while still focusing on adding density throughout the midscalp and crown?

Hey yeah I agree planning will be critical and I am really looking for high doctor involvement in the procedure. I remember all those years ago when I first started researching, that was one of the major factors in deciding on a surgeon. I have a meeting with dr das tomorrow so I will address my concerns directly with her. I am definitely not considering eugenix out, I just want to clarify a few things which I will report here later. You are right about the pricing. I understand that they have to do it and I respect it, however I feel a bit unhappy about them changing it for existing patients. It’s all good though, gotta work with things the best we can. What I was told by my eugenix rep was that now doctors only perform incisions and techs will handle rest of the surgery. I don’t know how I feel about that. Again, in my initial search for a transplant surgeon this was something I wanted to avoid so will be clarifying that with dr das. If price goes up but doctor involvement goes down then…. We will find out details soon.

You right. Hair is hair. Decided to get a follow up procedure done. Any recommendations on where you’d go?

I drew up a more closer example of what I’m looking for. I’m not the best with editing pictures I think this example looks better 😂 let me know your thoughts @GeneralNorwood @Berba11

@GeneralNorwood thanks for your honesty. I actually agree with you about not lowering hairline. I just would like to adjust the recession points in the corners to help frame my face a bit better and I didn’t do a good job mocking up the hairline. I’ll try it again and get some feedback. That being said I do want to focus exactly on the red circled area you have in the picture. I also want to add density to my lateral humps and crown (which wasn’t really fully touched in procedure 1. As far as going back to eugenix I am leaning towards them but am not sure. Dr zarev is out of the question for me as I can’t wait that long. Any specific people you think would be able to add density between existing grafts and do a good job for me? Also eugenix plan is a bit different. This is what they proposed. I am wondering if this will be enough grafts to give me the density I am looking for

I agree with your thoughts. I may benefit more from slightly adjusting only the corners (recession points). I’ll see if I can make a new version of edits to show amended hairline design and keeping it more conservative. it’s funny you mentioned Thailand I’ve been looking at absolute hair clinic today and maybe will see what they have to say

Thanks for the feedback @Berba11. Going into the first procedure I thought exactly the same as you and opted for this more receded natural style of hairline. Unfortunately I have not been happy with it. I truly don’t think it frames my face well and I’ve gotten feedback from countless friends and family that it doesn’t look the best. The pictures I attached with the change in hairline is very crude. I don’t plan to make it exactly like that. My main concern is making the corners less receded. I’ll definitely keep ur advice in mind when I physically actually go to India but I will definitely be tweaking things a little bit (maybe not as drastic as in my pictures lol)

I am growing my hair out again and it’s been several weeks since I’ve buzzed it. It looks kinda bad at this length but I wanted to grow it out so I can have a good idea of what we need to address in round 2. Below are a few additional pictures of my current state. I’ve circled some areas I see as problematic and would like to address them in addition to the changes proposed in the previous post. Homogenization is something I’d also like to do. Right now some spots in my donor and recipient area both look way thicker than other areas so adding some evenness would be amazing! I’ll continue to add posts and details as I figure things out

Here are a couple pictures of my healed SMP with short hair. It looks decent in most lighting. I want to adjust my hairline and corners. I don’t really enjoy how it frames my face currently and so I have proposed a similar adjustment as illustrated in the images below. I had a call with dr arika and she has said 2500 grafts will be enough to fill in the density and adjust the hairline. that graft count was a little less than I expected. Ideally, I want to maximize density in all areas. As of now, my midscalp is sparse as well as my crown, my lateral humps also need some work. eugenix has completely changed their packages since I last booked a visit. Their prices for specific doctors have increased so it’s limiting my options as to who to go with. I imagine I need someone with experience who is able to go in between the existing grafts and preventing shock loss (as I had some on the sides of my head that didn’t really recover) does anyone have recommendations? To keep my options open, is there any other affordable clinics that have expertise in this type of work?

Hello everyone. I know I’ve been MIA for a bit but wanted to give everyone the latest updates on my journey. @Melvin- Admin you’re definitely right about shaving your head before getting a transplant. I advise everyone to do that first. I also did before deciding to go to eugenix. I did not like the shaved look. Unfortunately, due to circumstances, I couldn’t opt to immediately go for a second procedure which is why I decided to do SMP and see how I’d like it. For the time being it wasn’t bad at all but now I’ve had the chance to come up with a plan to go for my second procedure. I want to clarify again I have not spoken ill of eugenix at all. Everyone will have different results, that’s just how the game works. For 4600 grafts, being a norwood 6, I think I got great coverage. The quality of my hair has nothing to do with eugenix or their techniques, rather that seems to be genetics. Anyways, I’m going to post a few follow up posts regarding my SMP work and also a general game plan going for round 2. Any suggestions, ideas, or feedback is always welcome.

I just had a consultation for SMP. It will be $3200 to get it done in 2 sessions. Now I’m thinking some more about what to do from here. If I choose the 120 rs package at eugenix, it will only be slightly more expensive than SMP, but I will have real hair. For 3000 grafts it would be around $5500-6000 including the flight and hotel. what does everyone here think I should do? Go for SMP to get a quick fix for now and then revisit the transplant later or go and get my second procedure done? I am sure I’ll do both SMP and my second procedure at some point regardless but I am confused about the order in which I do it. I have currently been more social and am worried that the 1 year recovery time for the transplant may be a hindrance in my day to day life currently.