Approach

I would not touch the scar until you have a solid plan. "If" you need further HT surgeries, definitely wait until then since they can do another strip to harvest donor hairs (then suture it shut nicely).

Yes, 2 of them in the 1990's FUT

Melvin, I really appreciate your reply. Indeed Dr. Pittella did explain all your points, and all points are truly valid! Thank you for reviewing the importance of setting realistic goals, and that ultimately it's up to "me". It also helped that you reminded me: "Keep your expectations in check." Thanks again! I finally understand! PS) I now remember-- Dr. Pittella did speak to me about percentages of beard hair to scalp hair; and in my case the ratio would need to be closer to 50/50 due to my poor donor area.

Thank you. Fyi, Doctor P wants to use up all remaining donor hair. (He said best case is 5,000 grafts.) Then, he wants to take beard hair (on my face and under jaw line. (It's reasonable considering my poor donor area.) Estimated total grafts after surgery would be 10,0000 to 12,0000. I sensed by our conversation that he isn't a big fan of body hair. It's a last resort for him. He explained that the growth cycle is different, etc.

Good point. (My total grafts would be 10,000+) (He said he would do his best to mix in the beard hair appropriately.) Dr. P said to plan on removing a couple thousand grafts from back of my head. However, he said he really wants to aim for closer to 5.000 grafts. With that being said, this is nowhere close to the 70/30 rule you mentioned. Sometimes it's confusing because: Advice from knowledgeable guys like yourself makes sense. So, why would a doctor push the envelope so far? I think he's an awesome doctor, and I enjoyed talking to him. But, I anticipated he would give me a yes/no answer. Instead, he said: If "you" (patient) wants a HT, then I'll perform it to the best of my abilities. I asked him a few times: But, do "you" (an expert surgeon) recommend I do it, based on your experiences, etc? In the end, he said a 3rd procedure to fine-tune things and fill in any remaining areas would be the likely case. So, in conclusion, I do believe that physically, Dr. P can get a full head of hair (especially because of a 3rd procedure - maybe even mixed with body hair). But, one good thing is: he seemed confident I would be pleased. He showed me pictures of other patients' he did like my case. *(PS - he said some guys are willing to do anything to get hair on top of heard - even if it's mostly beard hair/body hair as he has noticed improvements in self-esteem, etc. Ughh, I wish I could pull this off with scalp hair only!

Thanks for your well-thought-out opinion. It makes sense. I esp recognize your point about my "starting point" is not ideal / risk. Thank again.

Did he use a lot of beard hair?

Via video consultation, Dr. Pittella said he can restore my NW 7 head. He seemed confident. There is a caveat though. He said, although my donor area is poor, he estimates he can remove up to a few thousand grafts from the back of head. As well, he will need to remove nearly every beard hair on my face & neck. (He can leave enough hair to grow a goatee.) Specifically, my question is: If "you" were in a situation like mine, would "you" proceed or not? and *Why? Thank you!

I am interested too.

Here I go talking about temple points again (sorry)! Any thoughts?

Kartik -- it's great that you are thinking through things and doing research! No offense whatsoever that you feel differently about my suggestion. Your question asked about doctors in India, specifically. Truly, there are great HT surgeons in all parts of the world though. Gatsby and Melvin are great resources. You may hear different opinions from members on the forum and that's ok! Nothing personal. Listen to each members opinions. This will give you constructive way to compare and contrast.

Welcome to HRN. As with anything, I definitely wouldn't shop on price alone - especially for something as important as HT. Take your time, talk to the guys on this site and meet doctors (in person when possible) for consultations. There are great doctors all over the world, but to answer your question: I've heard Dr. Sethi in India is a great doctor for NW 7 if you're a candidate.

I realize time will tell. I just wanted to be sure I understood clearly, ie, potential to fall out someday. Thank you for clarifying.

Can you say more? Is your point --- Some of the newly transplanted hairs could eventually miniaturize and fall out?

You are the voice of reason. Well said!