Regular Member Baldnomore8 Posted December 27, 2018 Regular Member Share Posted December 27, 2018 (edited) Background: I am of Asian background and currently residing in Australia. Naturally my head size and forehead is larger than normal which makes any balding or receding hairline more noticeable in comparison to others. I noticed that I started dropping more hair in my mid 20s and significantly once I reach 30s (due to younger days lifestyle, work stress, hereditary, etc) At one point, I shaved bald for couple of years (low maintenance and I think I looked decent). I have tried numerous medications, tonic, supplements, shampoo etc but the only medication which worked effectively is from a hair specialist doctor in Malaysia which formulated his own day and night tablets and Finasteride. The day and night meds were effective for the first 1.5 years which I experienced significant growth including facial hair but the effects soon wore out. Medication were quite expensive to maintain monthly as well but cost is insignificant at that time. I didn’t want to continue Finasteride as I was feeling the side effects (less libido) despite the hair growth. After much research through forums and discussions with other patients, I decided to finally take the plunge to do hair transplant this year. As I normally have long break from work only during the Christmas period, I started planning for the journey mid 2018. I was choosing between 2 doctors, Dr X from Bangkok (to remain anonymous) and Dr Tejinder Bhatti. Thailand would be an easier journey due to the distance from Australia (not transit required) and I am very familiar with the country. Chandigarh, India was very much a foreign country for me and the total journey will take more than 24 hours with few transits. After much communication with both the doctors, I decided to book Dr Bhatti from Darling Buds on 25 December for FUE (Yes, my own Christmas gift). Reasons for this decision but not limited to the below includes: 1. Communication is the key especially when this is considered a ‘minor surgery’ and Dr Bhatti is very effective in responding to all of my queries. At one point, he even reassured not to worry and I will be in good hands. 2. Dr Bhatti didn’t overpromised nor did he under promised 3. The surgery cost itself is very reasonable and overall cost including multiple flights and accommodation (5 star reputable hotels) is still manageable. I decided that I would like to splurge on this trip as part of my holidays. I stayed 7 days in Chandigarh and 6 days in Kochin. 4. Personally spoke to 2 friends of my colleagues who had undertaken the surgery with Dr Bhatti and they gave their positive feedback which helped in my decision making. 5. Dr Bhatti only performs one surgery per day (unless it minor surgery with less grafts, he may fit 2 but rarely). E-mail Consultation: I was quoted 2,800 to 3,000 grafts for the hairline, temple points and the midscalp. I was instructed to stop finasteride and whey protein intake immediately so that the transplanted hairs will be based on the good grafts only and not those which are good but required to be sustained with Finasteride. Stopping whey protein was difficult as I have consuming protein since 18 years old due to my active fitness regime. All other supplement to be stopped 15 days prior to surgery. Ive also taken all of the required travel vaccinations as a precaution. I paid the full amount for 3,000 grafts as I don’t want to carry too much cash and if there is any difference, the doctor will refund the amount. I booked of the flights separately and accommodation. Travel plans: Original travel plan: Melbourne – Phuket (5 hours transit) – Bangalore (5 hours transit) – Chandigarh (arriving 1 day later) Unfortunately, when I woke the morning of travel, my flight to Phuket at 3pm has been cancelled to be rescheduled to the next day due to the mechanical failure. Definitely, this isnt a good start. There wasn’t any flight to fit my schedule for the connecting flight to Bangalore. So one option is to find new flights from Melbourne to Chandigarh with different transit cities. In the end I decided to choose Melbourne – Singapore (2 hours transit) – Bangalore (overnight stay in airport hotel) – Chandigarh (same flight previous). I cancelled the Melbourne – Phuket (with full refund) and Phuket – Bangalore (partial refund). Still speaking to my travel insurance company to see if I can claim anything as the revised flights now cost double (Qantas). I had to rush to the airport as the flight was earlier at 12pm. Didn’t even have time to book the day hotel in Bangalore as the waiting time was approx. 10 hours in the airport. A huge relief when I got on the plane from Melbourne despite the slight delay which worked out fine for me as I have been rushing all morning and boarded safely with the connecting flight to Bangalore. Fortunately, there was 1 day room available at Bangalore airport, needed the shower and few hours of sleep. Arrived safely to Chandigarh (1 hour delay) and Dr Bhatti’s driver was happily waiting with a sign. The reality is finally setting in. Pre-consultation (24 Dec): Went to straight to the new clinic (or hospital) from the airport. Finally met the ever friendly Dr Bhatti who was finishing up on another operation. He only does 1 surgery per day which is also a plus point. He drew the hairline and took some photos so that I can decide overnight. I reconfirmed with Doctor that I would prefer to be more densed with a higher hairline is required. He reaffirmed that I only need 2,800 grafts with the hairline he has drawn which is exceeding my expectation. Met few of the staffs (provided pre-surgery meds and blood test) and the driver sent me back to the hotel (25 minutes away with the traffic). Take note there are 2 drivers and they are your disposal at any time throughout your trip. Pondered about the hairline and showed to my partner which she happily agrees. I am travelling alone for this trip. Squeezed in a final intense workout as I will not be working out for 2 weeks to be on safe side. Barely slept throughout the night….Thinking if this is the right decision. Maybe I should shave and stay bald….but soon reassured myself I have plenty of years to be bald so that can be delayed! Dooms Day (25 Dec): Drank juice in the morning and black coffee as instructed and driver picked me up at 7am. Dr Bhatti drew the same hairline with minor correction. Take note that the revised hairline is lower than my original hairline as I always had the ‘M Shape’ Asian hairline naturally. So this hairline shape is very foreign to me. I decided to go ahead with it as Dr reassured that this isn’t an aggressive hairline which he later drew to show the difference. Hair was washed, shaved and into the theatre room. Doctor explained the procedure in detail from the anesthetic jabs, punching, extraction, slit to planting. Throughout the day, I noticed that there will always be minimum of 5 staffs per shift. One nurse will constantly watch you even on your food and toilet breaks to ensure that you are fine. Dr Bhatti personally performs the most important parts which are the anesthetic jabs, punching and slit (which according to him is the most part of the procedure). The punching sounded like a drill and the slitting sounded similar to cutting vegetables. Unlike other patients, I barely slept. The procedure started around 930am and completed by 5pm. Chatted with the Dr, nurses and a lot of thinking throughout the procedure. Pain was minimal, more uncomfortable mostly during the punching and extraction due to the face down position. So my face was very uncomfortable as I have boney face features. The jabs would be considered the most painful part but it wasn’t even painful to begin with as I have other worse jabs prior (including to the eye ball). Great credit given to Dr Bhatti and his team, all of them done a fantastic job and I wasn’t even feeling afraid or scared at any time throughout the procedure (as evident through the heart rate machine). Was very happy to see revised hairline in the mirror AFTER the procedure is completed and donor site bandaged. Left with night medication, saline sprays, special bandanna and slightly higher self-confidence. Also provided a feedback form (in detailed) to help improve their services and facility which I happily went through with the manager the next day. Went back to the hotel with funny looks from onlookers but didn’t bother me much. I had a 2 seater long sofa and single seater sofa with a separate leg rest which I intended to use for the next 5 nights to reduce swelling. As I am feeling slightly weak, I decided to get help from the hotel staffs who came in to rearrange to seating for me to combine all of the sofas. Unfortunately, at around 9pm I began to feel blood flowing from the back and side continuously. I used multiple tissue roles and towels but the bleeding didn’t stop. I contacted Dr Bhatti immediately (he is on call 24 hours), and he advised to press firmly through the towel or hard pillow for 15 minutes. The blood was still flowing so he immediately arrange his driver to pick me up and meet at the clinic right away. There were delay being Christmas holiday and I live next to Elante Mall so the traffic was horrendous. I didn’t panic but was slightly worried but being at the donor site instead of planted site, I wasn’t too fussed. Consulted my best friend, MR Google but couldn’t find a decent answer. Driver came in the lobby and actually held me tight to make sure Im walking fine. Again, he reminded me not to knock my head when entering and exiting the car (he always reminded me from Day 1 despite his limited English). I apologised to him as he still had to work at 10pm but one thing which is highly commendable, he proudly said, “CLIENT IS MY GOD!”. That made the difference despite him just being a driver. Dr Bhatti opened the bandage and soon found the reason, there was a burst blood vessel which is very rare. Small stitch and the bleeding stopped. Left back to the hotel shortly after and Dr messaged me at midnight and early morning just to check on my condition. The main outcome of this shows how much dedication and support that I have from Dr and the team post-surgery which is crucial especially in this foreign country. Didn’t sleep much on the sofa, reclined at 45 degrees with neck pillow. 26 December: Went for check up early in the morning after breakfast. Hair was shampooed and bandaged changed. Everything is looking good and bandaged is still being used as there were spots which are still bleeding. Provided the after care counselling (which is very extensive) which includes meds, shampoos, solutions, creams etc. Too much information but thankfully, its all on paper for reference. The staff also arrange for the refund as promised. Swelling started around the forehead and I have been massaging it constantly throughout the day Also, I did wipe the graft site accidentally yesterday when the blood was flowing but thankfully, nothing was dislodged. Phew. Went back hotel to rest and in the evening, went to visit the beautiful sites of Chandigarh at night (Sukhna Lake and Rock Garden). Ate at a local joint (Roti with Butter Chicken) and thankfully, not bad tummy so far. Shampoo the graft site myself and found few grafts dislodged. Dr confirmed that shouldn't be from planted site as no bleeding occured. Again, didn’t sleep much but this time I slept on the bed, with multiple pillows on 45 degrees. 27 December: Didn’t sleep much again as I am naturally a light sleeper and due the time difference and early morning person, its been hard to sleep in. Will be meeting doctor later today as I plan to go back daily for the morning wash. Sorry for the lengthy post but again, I am very happy with the results and the amazing team so far. Next 12 months will be an exciting journey, I hope. I have started an Instagram account which I will post daily updated including images. I wont be replying much here but feel free to add me on Instagram ID: baldnomore8 Total grafts: 2,803 Single: 237 Double: 1,594 Triple: 972 Remaining future grafts: 2,200 Pre and post surgery photos attached, let me know what you think! Thanks for reading this lengthy post but the main reason is to give back to the forum which has helped me significantly in my decision making. Enjoy! Will be posting more on my Instagram! Edited December 27, 2018 by Baldnomore8 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Shera Posted December 27, 2018 Senior Member Share Posted December 27, 2018 Hey Baldnomore8, Congratulations on your surgery with Dr Bhatti. I'm so glad your experience exceeded your expectations. Feel free to call on me or other members of the team should you need any support or guidance in the coming months. Happy growing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Corbinite Posted December 28, 2018 Regular Member Share Posted December 28, 2018 Congrats man! Bhatti is a great doc. Just curious...do you have body hair (chest and beard)? Bhatti uses BHT well as well. Just asking if you would ever plan to go with the BHT route. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Baldnomore8 Posted December 29, 2018 Author Regular Member Share Posted December 29, 2018 On 12/28/2018 at 4:22 AM, Shera said: Hey Baldnomore8, Congratulations on your surgery with Dr Bhatti. I'm so glad your experience exceeded your expectations. Feel free to call on me or other members of the team should you need any support or guidance in the coming months. Happy growing. Thank you! Hopefully the journey is smooth from now on! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Baldnomore8 Posted December 29, 2018 Author Regular Member Share Posted December 29, 2018 On 12/28/2018 at 3:22 PM, Corbinite said: Congrats man! Bhatti is a great doc. Just curious...do you have body hair (chest and beard)? Bhatti uses BHT well as well. Just asking if you would ever plan to go with the BHT route. Unfortunately, with my strong Asian genes, I don't have much bht to use. I do have facial hair but i wouldn't resort to it at this stage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Baldnomore8 Posted January 6, 2019 Author Regular Member Share Posted January 6, 2019 I have been updating regularly on my instagram account. Just thought i update here periodically too. Day 12 image attached. There appears to be more 'cracks'. What do you think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Yake Posted January 8, 2019 Regular Member Share Posted January 8, 2019 It all looks good. Bdw future graft being 2200. Does that mean you are just remained with that much grafts or you will require 2200 grafts for your second sitting? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Baldnomore8 Posted January 10, 2019 Author Regular Member Share Posted January 10, 2019 On 1/8/2019 at 7:06 PM, Yake said: It all looks good. Bdw future graft being 2200. Does that mean you are just remained with that much grafts or you will require 2200 grafts for your second sitting? I have remaining 2200 grafts to be harvested for future ht. Crown may need some in the future but i dont know if i will do ht again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Baldnomore8 Posted January 10, 2019 Author Regular Member Share Posted January 10, 2019 Day 15, all scabs and crusts came off easily yesterday. Donor site still reddish on the right, left looks normal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Yake Posted January 10, 2019 Regular Member Share Posted January 10, 2019 3 hours ago, Baldnomore8 said: I have remaining 2200 grafts to be harvested for future ht. Crown may need some in the future but i dont know if i will do ht again. You will have to. Male pattern baldness increases with time so you have to think long term or unless you take medicines to protect your native hairs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Baldnomore8 Posted May 7, 2019 Author Regular Member Share Posted May 7, 2019 Week 18 update. What do you think? Temporal still not as dense as i would them to be. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member ndubya Posted May 7, 2019 Senior Member Share Posted May 7, 2019 Looks pretty good for 4 1/2 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Baldnomore8 Posted May 7, 2019 Author Regular Member Share Posted May 7, 2019 5 hours ago, ndubya said: Looks pretty good for 4 1/2 months. Thanks, i hope more growth the next few months! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Baldnomore8 Posted May 7, 2019 Author Regular Member Share Posted May 7, 2019 13 hours ago, spex said: VERY early days, 4 months is ONLY the very very start of the action. Will take a further 12 months to obtain FULL effect and result. Be patient and try not scrutinise as a watched kettle never boils. Already NIGHT and Day to where you were pre op ! Regards Spex Totally agree mate. In hindsight, its only 1/3.5 out of the journey! And its 2x better than it was prior.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Lennney Posted May 8, 2019 Senior Member Share Posted May 8, 2019 17 hours ago, Baldnomore8 said: Totally agree mate. In hindsight, its only 1/3.5 out of the journey! And its 2x better than it was prior.... Great attitude to have. Your hair looks a lot more than 2x better in my opinion. I think it may look even better grown out a bit. The added length helps with perceived density. At least it does for me. Try going for a longer on top style, with your sides also longer than they are now. Happy growing! If you're thinking of traveling abroad, consider this read: Airfare guide Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Baldnomore8 Posted May 8, 2019 Author Regular Member Share Posted May 8, 2019 6 hours ago, Lennney said: Great attitude to have. Your hair looks a lot more than 2x better in my opinion. I think it may look even better grown out a bit. The added length helps with perceived density. At least it does for me. Try going for a longer on top style, with your sides also longer than they are now. Happy growing! Ive been trimming weekly as i prefer shorter on the sides. Moving forward from this week, i will let them grow! Thanks buddy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Baldnomore8 Posted May 10, 2019 Author Regular Member Share Posted May 10, 2019 Doc has given biotin 5000mg and finasteride for 6 months. Should i switch from biotin to complex b after 6 months or continue biotin and complex b? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Baldnomore8 Posted May 23, 2019 Author Regular Member Share Posted May 23, 2019 On 5/10/2019 at 6:29 PM, spex said: Get on MSM and complex B vitamin if not already ! Regards Spex Doc has given biotin 5000mg and finasteride for 6 months. Should i switch from biotin to complex b after 6 months or continue biotin and complex b? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Baldnomore8 Posted August 13, 2019 Author Regular Member Share Posted August 13, 2019 Week 33 update, commenced hair prp last week. Will be doing every 2 weeks x 4 and monthly thereafter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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