Just got my HT with Dr. Madhu, here's my experience as promised

[Vinny1980]

Ok guys, I want to thank you all for the kind wishes and all the wisdom you all shared, if it wasn’t for this forum I really wouldn’t have had the confidence to make this decision (I’m an OCD planner and am very risk-averse). I'm so paranoid right now with my grafts, I just put some hydrocortisone on the recipient area and now I am paranoid that I shouldn't have touched it! First couple of days make you bonkers man!!!! I'm trying not to look in the mirror but damn dude, there is hair on my head man! It almost brought tears to my eyes!

 

Here's my story:

 

After various consultations and research into different doctors and consultations, I decided two years ago that I wanted to think about having a transplant. I narrowed my search to three doctors and finally decided to go with one should the opportunity arise and then I waited an entire year and forgot about it. Then recently an opportunity opened whereby I would have a few weeks to get this done and also will already be on travel for a friend’s bachelor party in a foreign country close to India. I literally was so damn tired of spending so much time trying to mask my bald spots for so many years (sorry for the negativity but it just was something that really bothered me). I narrowed it down to 2 US doctors, Dr.Pathomvanich, and Dr. Madhu. After careful deliberation, I decided that Dr. Madhu was the guy for me, after numerous emails (I bothered them quite a bit and they were very diligent and polite in answering my questions). I've never been to India before, but was very excited and nervous. I spoke to the assistant at Dr. Madhu's office and they confirmed everything. In the online consultation they recommended 2800+ grafts. I was going to tell no one and go by myself (as I didn’t want anyone knowing). As you can see in my profile I have been fighting baldness for the past 10 years and really am finally ready to take the next step.

 

I arrived in Hyderabad and the city was much cleaner and also less crowded than what I thought India would be like (I’ve been to other comparable countries so I assumed it would be similar). I am a very friendly guy so I might be a bit na?ve but I felt comfortable going to the ATMs and taking money out and felt safe walking around at night (dodging day time traffic well that’s a whole different story).

 

I first met one of his assistant doctors and she was absolutely fantastic and despite a huge line of people in the waiting room, she really was patient with me. She really helped me understand what was going on and was just absolutely fantastic, she also spoke very good English so I could communicate really well. I met Dr. Madhu and he seemed like such a nice honest man (I know people and he is a genuinely good man). I really felt safe and my anxiety just went away. They ran a few tests for my scalp and also did some blood work and vitals. They told me that I would probably be able to get 2700-3000 grafts. He was very confident and I had no doubts and only excitement after our meeting.

 

The big day: I woke up early and went in the early morning. There was absolutely no traffic on the roads and it was pretty empty out there, very calm, and peaceful. I walked in and waited. I started to get a bit nervous again as I waited in the waiting room and was greeted by another new Doctor. I mentioned to him that if they gave me some type of relaxant medication they would probably have to double it as I am just have a hugely high tolerance for meds. I wasn’t sure if he understood me and well I wasn’t confident using my 1 week of Rosetta Stone Hindi to try to bridge the gap so I just followed him. Then I met Dr. Madhu again and well just his presence calmed me down tremendously. I sat inside and he instructed me about the procedure and BOOM we were off to get started. I sat down as they took the strip, he guided me to a room and showed me how they get the grafts and I then sat in a chair. The two ladies were working on me and implanting the grafts (sorry if my terminology is a bit off here but you get my point). I tried to crack a few jokes but I’m not very funny and I’m sure something was lost in translation. In the background I heard the nice sounds of music and they were humming away to these upbeat gentle tunes. I had no idea what the singers were saying on the radio but I know it wasn’t Hindi as my Rosetta Stone skills would have hopefully identified it haha, but the music was very nice. Indian music is very upbeat and beautiful. But to be honest, the only downside was I wish that I was able to watch some TV or something as I got a bit bored and restless during the procedure. That is probably because I have a super high tolerance for anxiety meds and meds in general so if they gave me something to relax me it probably wasn’t enough. Then Dr. Madhu came over and told me that they actually were able to extract 3100 grafts and we could use them, so we did. Afterwards I sat with them and met with Dr. Madhu again, he showed me my hairline and he said it went well, which made me feel so happy! Then they gave me some instructions and told me to come in for a hair wash. They then got the nice security guard to escort me back to my hotel (the streets now were full of cars and crossing is a bit scary so I was glad), plus the security guard was a sweet old man. I got back to my hotel and well started typing this. I currently feel pretty good and am hoping that I keep feeling this good (wrote at the time).

 

I woke up the next day and felt ok, but the pain meds started wearing off and it hurt a bit, but didn’t have any swelling. I just laid low and hung out in the hotel room and watched a bunch of movies. I took the pain medication Dr. Madhu gave me and I am sure it helped for the inflammation as it is a pretty potent NSAID. But my head hurt so I called them up and they told me to just take more of the same medication which helped but it was definitely not as strong as a vicodin (see below). The pain was manageable for me though.

The next day I went in for the hairwash and it was fine, the staff was so nice and they answered my post-op questions. Dr. Madhu again was pretty great, we had a conversation and I was on my way.

 

Advice: Most people in Hyderabad speak Telegu and some speak Hindi, but many can also speak English very well, but like in other foreign countries you have to be patient and speak slower. I would try to learn a phrase or two or three though as it was helpful and also made things fun. Just come with a good attitude as India well is India so well some things just work differently and in some cases are slower, so if you can’t deal it may not be for you. As stated above, if you don’t have a high tolerance for pain or just prefer something stronger (you don’t get vicodin/opiate medication in India or at least I don’t think) you may want to fill a script just in case prior to going. I stayed at the Bestwestern which was literally almost right across the street almost from his hospital. The hotel staff is really a fantastic bunch of people, very kind, and very nice. Nice TVs, AC, and comfortable beds. I had an issue with the discount I was supposed to get but I eventually worked it out. I went over to the Daspalla for my last day as my girlfriend is coming back with me and I wanted to have a bigger room with some restaurants. It really is a beautiful hotel and well worth the slight increase in price, especially if you would like to spoil yourself. Oh yeah, my US banks only allow me to pull out $1000 USD a day (think it is standard), let's say that is 44K rupees. Also if I have a Citibank account and go to a Citi ATM, I can take all of it out at once. BUT if not, let's say I use a Citibank ATM card at a Standard Indian Bank ATM then I can only take out 10K at a time. so to get my 40K max a day, I have to conduct 4 transactions. I found that out while I was there, so I would advise you to plan accordingly if you plan to pay in cash which is what I did ( as stated below please don't ask me what their credit card policies are, I don't know, ask them).

 

Alright guys, I’m still getting into the swing of things but will post some photos on my profile when I get back. I tried to be very detailed so hopefully this helps you, as Dr. Madhu was a great decision for me (but I will let you know in 6-12 months.......man I hope I all these little guys on my head come back after they fall out, as I've grown quite fond of them).

 

Again I'm an American guy who has been to many foreign places but never India which is awesome and I’m going back, hopefully with some luxurious looking hair haha. I really need to see more of the country). I’ve tried to be as detailed as possible here. There is a ton of information on his website, so please don’t ask me any administrative questions with regards to Dr. Madhu’s office's pricing, payment,etc. His office is very responsive and not to sound like a jerk, but I have gotten some questions like pricing that are clearly available on his website. I hope this helps you guys, Dr. Madhu 2 thumbs up! Hopefully in 12-18 months it'll be another two thumbs and two toes up!

Edited July 7, 2011 by Vinny1980

[Cant decide]

Congrats. I wish you well. Where did you put all those grafts as it looks like you had a pretty decent head of hair pre op. Then again, I am 10 years older than you and was much worse in my pre op state. It is all relative I guess.

 

Good luck. I am sure you will be thrilled.

[TakingThePlunge]

Vinny1980,

 

Congratulations and thanks for posting such a detailed and interesting account of your experience with Dr. Madhu! I'm very much looking forward to following your progress.

 

Happy growing!

[Vinny1980]

Hi Cant Decide, I had some pretty deep recession in the temples, but I think the Propecia and Rogaine combo allowed me to retain quite a bit in the vertex over the past 8 years. I became a master of my own hair also, as I learned to cut it myself (butchered by barbers in the past) and with the combination of the styling, cover-up spray, and wearing it down I did a pretty good job of covering it up. I will be posting some pics up shortly though, so you will be able to see where he put them. Thanks for the kind words!

[sumguy]

hi

 

im also contemplating visiting this gentlemen for my procedure!Interesting what you mentioned about the scalp test, i have a oily scalp and my first h t made a big scar and engulfs a significant part of my donor areas---will this really limit my amount of grafts u think? tried emailing dr m but he didnt get back to me

[cardel25]

Thanks for the detailed description of your experience. Im looking forward to see some pre op pictures. I am also wondering where the grafts were placed as your hair line looked decent before. But as you explained it was due to cover up.

[Vinny1980]

Hey guys, I posted a few pics although its tough to do by myself and with my phone, so apologies if the quality is poor. I also I put in my pre-op pics as well. Excited, as its the end of Day 7 so I am about to start applying Rogaine. Just really excited to do anything to encourage these guys to stay with me and grow strong. The scar area has been on and off pain though, but I've been putting neosporine (neosporine+pain relief) on it which, provides some pain relief, especially at the knot areas.

 

Let me know what you guys think!

[sunny007]

Hey guys, I posted a few pics although its tough to do by myself and with my phone, so apologies if the quality is poor. I also I put in my pre-op pics as well. Excited, as its the end of Day 7 so I am about to start applying Rogaine. Just really excited to do anything to encourage these guys to stay with me and grow strong. The scar area has been on and off pain though, but I've been putting neosporine (neosporine+pain relief) on it which, provides some pain relief, especially at the knot areas.

 

Let me know what you guys think!

 

 

Do we need to use rogaine or minoxidil for our entire life after the operation to retain our hair? That is quite difficult

[cardel25]

Do we need to use rogaine or minoxidil for our entire life after the operation to retain our hair? That is quite difficult

 

Its a life commitment if you want to keep the hairs you gain from using it. You could for maintainence aplly it only once a day. That makes the burden smaller. Bernstein who is recommend by this network suggest using it once a day when you have gained the results you want.

[sunny007]

Its a life commitment if you want to keep the hairs you gain from using it. You could for maintainence aplly it only once a day. That makes the burden smaller. Bernstein who is recommend by this network suggest using it once a day when you have gained the results you want.

 

 

Thanks for your reply.

 

Is there any side effects for this minoxidil if we use it for the entire life? I am afraid about its side effects in future.

[Bay1]

Hi Vinny

 

The pictures look great! I'm glad to here your experience went well. Looking forward to getting mine done now! Were you able to withdraw all the money needed for the surgery in one or did you need to withdraw over a number of days?

[Vinny1980]

Depends how much money you need with the limits you bank will instate. But foreign banks meaning if I use a citibank card at another bank's atm in India instead of a citibank ATM, you will have to perform 4 10K transactions to get 40K if your bank has a 40K limit (that is Indian banking regulation) as I stated previously. I personally spanned it over a few days, but that's also as I love to walk around and go the bazaar and talking to ppl so I'd it up an ATM whenever one would be next to me (they are a few by the hotels i mentioned and one just to the left of Dr. Madhu's office). I was told before that I wasn't a candidate for HT, so I wasn't comfortable doing a direct transfer and wanted to pay after I met everyone, which I did and became instantly comfortable. But in my opinion, a very professional atmosphere and if I plan on having a second procedure I might strongly considering a bank transfer instead if it works out more cheaply, but that varies by your bank. I called all my banks before hand, and I would recommend you do the same as each policy could differ. best of luck bud, keep me posted on how it goes, and always looking for tips

[Guest mariewoltz25411697]

Congratulations on your HT. I hope the results will turnout great. I have few concerns though. You are probably Norwood 1 or 2. It is surprising to me that you required 3100 grafts. If you require so many grafts then how many wood a Norwood 6 require? Probably you should count the number of grafts by magnifying a good resolution picture. I remember reading a post by a guy complaining Dr. Madhu didn't really transplant the number of grafts as he said. His screen name is Shines.

[Vinny1980]

Thanks Marie, at this point what is done is done. Dr. Madhu seemed like an honest respectable guy, but it is a bit of a transplant shop (get in, get out, Next patient) and follow-up care is limited when you are finished. The hairline is a bit uneven, but I think that is me being a perfectionist and also I am sure it was made that way for a reason. You also get what you pay for and I think he did a great job at a great price and I am confident it's going to turn out great. But I will keep you posted with photos and when the results are positive, I won't be complaining ;-)

[SPacificDude]

Hi Vinny1980

 

i am fairly new to this whole experience of researching on doctors and just like u I am not based in India..

 

i would be very grateful if u cud share the payment experiences with me.. and the various correspondences u had over the email before you actually had an actual transplant with dr. Madhu and his team.

 

its almost more than an year since ur last post.. it wud be awesome if u could upload ur pics now!.. and this would give us all a genuine feel into ur pre-operation results..

 

thanks and looking forward to ur reply along with ur pictures..

[dugman]

Hi Vinny,

 

Since it has been almost 6 months since you had your hair transplant, can you post some of your before and after pics ?

[Glider]

Hey, couLd you please post pictures of your pre and post opp, thanks!

[Tusharh]

Hi All,

 

Can anybody please assist me in knowing the cost of hair transplant at Dr madhu, i would also like to know if there is any good surgeon in mumbai who is affordable and is genuine.

Thanks for your help in advance.

[Basquiat]

I can't help but feel like this transplant didn't turn out how you wanted it to...