Scheduled 2000 FUE with Dr. Rahal

[fueguy]

Hey guys,

 

I’m scheduled for 2000 FUE with Dr. Rahal on Tuesday. I must admit that I feel a mix of emotions right now. I’m nervous and excited! I’ll start with a little about me and why i’m getting a hair transplant.

 

I’m 34 and from Toronto. I first noticed hair loss at around 25. At first it was slight hairline recession, which I was ok with at first. But then my hair loss progressed to more of a “diffused pattern” in the frontal area. That’s when I started medications. Rogaine 5% at first and Propecia later. I also added Dermaroller to the mix shortly after. Overall, I’ve had success with medications. While my hairline is essentially gone, the back and sides remain strong.

 

With my hair loss under control, I feel that it’s time to get back the hair that I’ve lost. I feel shitty without hair. I feel older. I look older. I like to think that i’m informed, having researched this for years. My expectations are in check. I’ve planned for a second procedure at some point in the future. And I have chosen one of the best.

 

Having learned so much from this forum over the years, I’d like to contribute as best I can moving forward. Having said that, here are a few things that influenced my decision. I’m sure that some will agree and disagree with what I have to say. And that’s ok. It’s what makes this community great. Please keep in mind that these factors are important to “me.” I encourage you to do your own research. Making an informed decision is empowering.

 

Strip vs FUE - Why I Chose FUE

 

Let me start by saying that I’m not “anti-strip.” I feel that a Strip+FUE combo is the way to go for a lot of guys. I considered two large strips, followed by FUE strategy. Overall, I would get an additional 2000-3500 lifetime grafts vs FUE alone. But I also considered my age, family history, use of medications and conservative hairline approach Dr. Rahal suggested.

 

I’ve had great success with Propecia, Rogaine 5% and Dermaroller over the years. And while my hair loss is most visible in the front, I’ve been able to stabilize my mid-scalp, crown and donor regions. My family history also indicates that I’ll progress to a 5A. My current hair loss pattern and level of hair miniaturization (measured by Dr. Rahal) confirms this. Based on these assumptions, I feel that the option to “wear my hair short” outweighs the benefits of “additional lifetime grafts.” Bottomline, I don’t feel that i’ll need them.

 

Manual vs Motorized FUE

 

That brings me to the “manual vs motorized” debate. Personally, I feel that you can achieve a great result with manual or motorized. The debate should really be about “dull vs sharp” and quality punches. Let me explain. In my opinion, a sharp punch is the best method to minimize trauma. A dull punch will create shearing and frictional forces that can damage the follicle. A punch with thin walls, sharp edges and small internal diameter greatly minimizes resistance. So much so that it negates any oscillations or frictional forces seen with motorized FUE. This of course eliminated Harris’ SAFE System for me, as I strongly feel that shearing/frictional forces and distortion of follicles, combined with improper handling (since FUE grafts are typically stripped of fat) are likely responsible for the majority of poor growth. Of course this also eliminates Artas, which uses Harris’ SAFE System and blunt force.

 

Doctor vs Technician

 

Another hot topic right now is “who does the extractions” - doctor vs technician. For me it’s more about “experience.” I would rather a technician with 10 years experience extract the grafts vs a doctor with two years experience. Or vice versa. Transection, size of punch used and difficulties in extraction, etc. all point to the operator's experience or lack of. I feel that a transection rate of less than 3%, combined with using a punch size of 0.75mm - 0.9mm are much better indicators of experience.

 

FUE in Turkey

 

I did consider Dr. Koray in Turkey due to cost. His FUE results are also excellent. But after the conversion to CAD dollars, cost of flight, etc., the difference in price was negligible in my case. One thing that I also considered is the need for a possible touch-up. I’m going into this knowing that I may need a touchup of some sort - an area that didn’t grow “as well”, etc. It’s a very real possibility and more common that many think. Anyone considering a hair transplant in Turkey or traveling any distance for that matter should take note of this. Or at least budget for it, as I doubt any clinic would foot the bill for travel. Having one of the best in my own backyard should the need arise is reassuring. I should point out that both clinics were complimentary of each other’s work and very professional during the consultation process.

 

Why I chose Dr. Rahal

 

Besides meeting all of the above criteria, I wanted a surgeon skilled at hairlines. Hands down, I feel that Dr. Rahal’s hairlines are the most natural and that he could give me the most natural results. Unfortunately, my hair characteristics are less than ideal. I have coarse hair that’s straight (though slightly wavy when long) and high contrast between hair and scalp. I needed a surgeon skilled at creating a “feathered hairline zone” with less than ideal hair characteristics. I also wanted a surgeon skilled at creating the illusion of density or “more with less.”

 

I also had the luxury of meeting several of Dr. Rahal’s patients in person, a few from this forum. As expected, I was impressed by the results. It was also expressed by many Rahal patients that Dr. Rahal’s aftercare is exceptional. Something that’s important to me.

 

I want to say “thank you” for the support and words of wisdom from each of you along this journey. Scheduling this procedure was not an easy decision for me. I’ve waited years to get this done and promise to update everyone on my progress as the months go by.

 

One perk that Dr. Rahal offers is a guest-house attached to the clinic. So if you’re staying at the guest house next week, I look forward to meeting you!

 

And if you’re from Toronto. Email me. Let’s grab a beer!

[Nowsthetime9]

Nice write up. Looks like youve done your research. Good luck and keep us updated!

[ModernHair]

You'll do great! Good luck! From what I hear, you're in really good hands!

[mav23100gunther]

Best of luck buddy, great choice in surgeons!

[HairyPotter79]

If you didn't have those sort of nerves/feelings beforehand I would think something is wrong,when you wake up 5 years after your surgery you'll still have had the surgery and when you wake up 20 years from now again you'll still have had the surgery..it's a big decision and from your write up you have nothing to worry about,to a degree I think there's only so much us patients can do and it seems you've done it so try and relax and let the doc and his team do that part then you'll be alright.dr rahal seems like an amazing surgeon I considered him myself but travel and overall cost just wasn't realistic for me but your in good hands best of luck sir!!!!

[Noodles123]

You're going to be in great hands. My friend got his FUT from Rahal back in Sept '14, and now 8 months in his hairline is amazing and will only look better. It drastically changed his looks for the better and easily took 10 years off.

[sl]

All the best for you and as said nerves are normal and seems you have done extensive research and met ex-patients also and heard first hand experiences and seen results in person. Sure all will go well for you.

[fueguy]

Hey guys, as promised here’s an update on my FUE procedure with Dr. Rahal. In the end, I opted for 2438 grafts. Amazing experience!

 

We drove in from Toronto the day before and met Larissa (their patient care manager) to go over all of the paperwork and get a tour of the clinic. She’s great FYI. Overall impression of the clinic is that it’s massive and nicely renovated. Larissa calls it the Rahal campus.

 

The clinic has two levels, and I think I counted five rooms for procedures, a guest house and offices. Not sure how many procedures were going on that day. But I know that I was the only FUE scheduled. It was busy though. Staff are also well-trained. Everyone wears black uniforms including the doctors. I would describe everyone as polished.

 

I stayed at the guesthouse, which is cool because it’s attached to the clinic. VERY convenient. My procedure started at around 7:30 AM. I was up at 5 AM though. Couldn’t get much sleep that night. The morning started in Dr. Rahal’s office.

 

First impression of Dr. Rahal is that he is empathetic and patient. I think he could tell that I was nervous, so he took the time to make sure all of my concerns were addressed. We also chatted about different procedures, doctors and techniques. It was interesting to hear his opinion. All in all, very professional.

 

I was really looking forward to Dr. Rahal designing my hairline. I’ve said before that I feel his hairlines are the best in the business. And he didn’t disappoint. In the end, we both agreed that a conservative approach was best. We did discuss density versus coverage, and I decided to book an additional 400 grafts. I also wanted my hairline to be slightly asymmetrical. I’d say the process took around 45 minutes. Definitely happy with the hairline design.

 

I then met a nurse who took some before photos and changed into a gown. I was also given slippers and led into the procedure room. I didn’t manage to eat much on the morning of and was offered some light snacks, which included a couple of granola bars and juice. There was a lot going on around me. Everyone coming in and out of the room did stop to introduce themselves, which I definitely appreciated.

 

The procedure started with Dr. Rahal freezing the scalp. While Dr. Rahal was freezing, the nurse used a massager on my back. Not bad at all. Freezing took a couple minutes at most. Dr. Rahal entered the room again around 15 minutes later and started the extractions. I mentioned earlier that Dr. Rahal uses sharp punches and why I feel they are superior to dull punches. Please see my first post as to why. I’d say that Dr. Rahal performed the FUE extractions for about an hour. The nurse then took over. Dr. Rahal was in and out of the room every 45 minutes or so after.

 

We then took a break for lunch. I was given a menu prior and decided to go with a tuna sandwich and chicken salad. They have a little area set up for patients to eat at. Great view. Next was the hairline incisions. And some more one-on-one time with Dr. Rahal. Genuinely a nice guy. Followed by implanting. I counted eight technicians and one nurse in the room throughout the day.

 

The procedure ended around 5 PM. The freezing was wearing off at this point, and I started to feel a dull ache. I really just wanted to wrap things up at this point. Dr. Rahal did give me some extra freezing, which did help. After the procedure, I went over the post-op instructions and headed to the guesthouse. Popped a couple pills and crashed. Before I crashed, I did take a second peek at the hairline Dr. Rahal designed

 

I was surprisingly fine the next morning. And more excited than anything. It’s a great feeling to look in the mirror and get a glimpse of what’s yet to come. Swelling hit a few days later. Nothing to complain about though. Overall great experience, and if you’re fortunate to have one of the best in my backyard. I’ll definitely keep you guys posted as the months go by. For now, enjoy some of the photos that I asked the technician to take for me.

 

Any questions, let me know. Thanks guys.

[mav23100gunther]

Thanks for the write-up and pictures buddy. Looking really promising!

[TakingThePlunge]

Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with Dr. Rahal! The work looks excellent. Please keep us updated on your progress.

[ontop]

What a great post it must be said & can only motivate others in doing there research just like you clearly had done.

 

With a attitude you have & the choice of a great Dr the odd are stacked for a good positive outcome.

 

I wish you well just like the other members.

[Rawkerboi]

Neat work and thanks for the pictures.

Do you have any pictures of new guest House?

Heal well

[fueguy]

I do and will try and post tomorrow. I have to remove some of the guys staying their also. Great guest house FYI. Literally beside the clinic. It's cool to stay and chat with others getting a HT--Rahal staff also pop in with pizza every so often

[GPS3]

Looks like its going to turn out amazing!

[mav23100gunther]

Any update?

[JeffC45]

fueguy, been about 11 months now. Any update?

[AllAboutHair]

Howz the progress?

[losingmyhair1]

Hi there, could you please update us on your progress?

[ru5884111]

Update!

[mav23100gunther]

This guy is long gone

[fueguy]

hey guys. I'll post some pics soon. VERY happy with my FUE. Dr. Rahal nailed it. Especially the hairline.

 

Sorry for taking so long. Wife had a baby. Loving life!

 

Give me a few days.

[fueguy]

Hey guys. Here are my pics as promised. I tried to take the same angles in the sun vs not for a couple of reason.

 

I wanted to show how natural the hairline is. Love the hairline the best and why I went with the hairline king in the first place. Dr. Rahal nailed it. It's the soft transition I love most. Not a wall of hair. If you need hairline work go to Dr. Rahal.

 

Dr. Rahal nailed the density. I would say it peaked at around 13 months. Everything seemed to blend in and thicken. I'm light skin and dark hair and needed all of the grafts to grow to give the illusion of density. Dr. Rahal nailed it here too.

 

It's an amazing feeling to just get up and go in the morning and not have to fuss with my hair. Style and go.

 

I'll give more of my thoughts soon. Need to jet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[mattj]

Basically totally bald in your frontal third and now this. Great transformation!

[lukeyb1687]

Wow! Looks incredible! You must be extremely happy! Congratulations!!!

[home1212]

Hey guys, as promised here’s an update on my FUE procedure with Dr. Rahal. In the end, I opted for 2438 grafts. Amazing experience!

 

We drove in from Toronto the day before and met Larissa (their patient care manager) to go over all of the paperwork and get a tour of the clinic. She’s great FYI. Overall impression of the clinic is that it’s massive and nicely renovated. Larissa calls it the Rahal campus.

 

The clinic has two levels, and I think I counted five rooms for procedures, a guest house and offices. Not sure how many procedures were going on that day. But I know that I was the only FUE scheduled. It was busy though. Staff are also well-trained. Everyone wears black uniforms including the doctors. I would describe everyone as polished.

 

I stayed at the guesthouse, which is cool because it’s attached to the clinic. VERY convenient. My procedure started at around 7:30 AM. I was up at 5 AM though. Couldn’t get much sleep that night. The morning started in Dr. Rahal’s office.

 

First impression of Dr. Rahal is that he is empathetic and patient. I think he could tell that I was nervous, so he took the time to make sure all of my concerns were addressed. We also chatted about different procedures, doctors and techniques. It was interesting to hear his opinion. All in all, very professional.

 

I was really looking forward to Dr. Rahal designing my hairline. I’ve said before that I feel his hairlines are the best in the business. And he didn’t disappoint. In the end, we both agreed that a conservative approach was best. We did discuss density versus coverage, and I decided to book an additional 400 grafts. I also wanted my hairline to be slightly asymmetrical. I’d say the process took around 45 minutes. Definitely happy with the hairline design.

 

I then met a nurse who took some before photos and changed into a gown. I was also given slippers and led into the procedure room. I didn’t manage to eat much on the morning of and was offered some light snacks, which included a couple of granola bars and juice. There was a lot going on around me. Everyone coming in and out of the room did stop to introduce themselves, which I definitely appreciated.

 

The procedure started with Dr. Rahal freezing the scalp. While Dr. Rahal was freezing, the nurse used a massager on my back. Not bad at all. Freezing took a couple minutes at most. Dr. Rahal entered the room again around 15 minutes later and started the extractions. I mentioned earlier that Dr. Rahal uses sharp punches and why I feel they are superior to dull punches. Please see my first post as to why. I’d say that Dr. Rahal performed the FUE extractions for about an hour. The nurse then took over. Dr. Rahal was in and out of the room every 45 minutes or so after.

 

We then took a break for lunch. I was given a menu prior and decided to go with a tuna sandwich and chicken salad. They have a little area set up for patients to eat at. Great view. Next was the hairline incisions. And some more one-on-one time with Dr. Rahal. Genuinely a nice guy. Followed by implanting. I counted eight technicians and one nurse in the room throughout the day.

 

The procedure ended around 5 PM. The freezing was wearing off at this point, and I started to feel a dull ache. I really just wanted to wrap things up at this point. Dr. Rahal did give me some extra freezing, which did help. After the procedure, I went over the post-op instructions and headed to the guesthouse. Popped a couple pills and crashed. Before I crashed, I did take a second peek at the hairline Dr. Rahal designed

 

I was surprisingly fine the next morning. And more excited than anything. It’s a great feeling to look in the mirror and get a glimpse of what’s yet to come. Swelling hit a few days later. Nothing to complain about though. Overall great experience, and if you’re fortunate to have one of the best in my backyard. I’ll definitely keep you guys posted as the months go by. For now, enjoy some of the photos that I asked the technician to take for me.

 

Any questions, let me know. Thanks guys.

 

 

those pics in your post bring back memories of my own FUE procedures (now 3 - front, midscalp, crown) with Dr. Rahal. all were great experiences and I'm certainly happy I chose him as well. Your result looks amazing! congrats