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Thanks for your prompt response and apologies for my tardy one! I consulted with Dr. Laorwong and amongst other things he said it was not necessary to take Propecia and Minoxidil 1 year before surgery, 3 months should be fine in order to improve the donor hair. This time period contradicts a lot of what other patients have been saying on this forum. By contrast, Dr. Path said it was up to me whether I wait a year and take meds or do the transplant this year. Both responses leave me somewhat confused ...

Thanks A_4_Archan for the prompt response! Sounds like Thailand is great option then (it's also a lot closer to travel to than Turkey or the other locations you listed). I will also email Dr Kongkiat Laorwong to ask for a quote (I understand he trained under Dr Path). Initially I was thinking of having the surgery done in August (and I have time available then) but can also do it in November. I've understand it's best to take Propecia and Minoxidil a year before your transplant but wondering if a few months is OK or assuming I get it done in August, not at all? I didn't have any side effects from either medication, I just wasn't very regular with using it. Thanks in advance for your feedback. Cheers, Thomas

Hi All, Occasional lurker on this forum and now finally gathering the courage to post! I'm a 38 year-old Australian male based in Hong Kong considering undertaking a transplant this year (likely November). First started noticing hair loss about 10 years ago and have taken Minoxidil (mainly the foam but also tablets) as well as Propecia intermittently ever since with mixed results. I'm not too keen on being on Propecia long-term as the side effects scare me. The Minoxidil foam was a pain to use but the tablets were much easier. In June 2018, I saw Dr. Path in Bangkok who recommended 2,250 grafts via FUT and oral Minoxidil to fill in the crown. Fast forward approx. 5 years and in March 2023 when I emailed him again, he recommended I needed about 4,000 grafts via a combination of FUE and FUT (he said it could be done in one go). Dr Path also said I could consider getting beard grafts too (not sure about this). The price for 4,000 grafts was approx. US$11,000 + HIV test + travel & accommodation costs. I'm curious to get this group's feedback on Dr Path's recommendation for me. Does it seem reasonable/sensible? I'm open to using alternative transplant clinics in Turkey or other locations (India?). I chose Thailand as it is only a 2 hour flight from Hong Kong and have read several positive reviews of Dr Path's work although he does seem to be getting on in age a bit! I have attached some photos from March this year for reference. I think I am about VI on the Norwood Scale? Whilst cost of a transplant is important, I don't want to go for the cheapest option so am happy to pay for quality. I am also able to take 9 days off for the operation so as not to rush. Thanks in advance for your responses. Cheers, Thomas