Finally Done With my procedure at Eugenix Clinic, India -- 3003 grafts

[Osman1234]

Late Post Alert!!!!!!!!

Hey Guys, 

Hope you are all doing fine, 

I had my surgery done on October 13, I wanted to post my experience for a couple of weeks now but was held back due to the post-vacation job workload. 

So, I would like to start off by mentioning my history of hair fall and progression. I am currently 26 years old, my hair fall started when I was 18. Hair fall had a huge impact on my life and wellness initially but as time passed I was able to cope up better as I use to console myself telling me one day when I start earning I can fix this issue. My hair fall progression pattern I would say was slow-medium. I never did a rigorous treatment to prevent my hair fall, I used minoxidil 5% a couple of times for a period of I think 4-6 months and tried some crazy homeopathic treatments. But since 3-4 years I did not do anything but maintain very short hairs, I use to trim them very short, I believe this has helped me retain some hairs but that's probably not entirely true.

So how did I end up with Eugenix?

Honestly speaking I did not do a lot of research like I see people doing on the forums. But I had these clinics on my list from my initial research (As I was Inclined mostly towards Turkey and India), 

1) Eugenix, India, Dr Arika Bansal 

2) Darling Buds, India, Dr. Bhatti

3) Asmed, Turkey, Korey Erdogan.

4)Hakan Doganay, Turkey.

with this list In mind I consulted MattDominance, he is a YouTuber I use to watch for transplant and hair fall related content, he has paid counseling where he suggests hair transplants clinics. Although I felt he has a consultation fee a bit on the expensive side but I needed guidance and wanted some honest suggestions and opinions on the clinics. He first asks about the clinics we are interested in and gives his opinion on them and also suggests some clinics he feels best. He suggested some good clinics in Europe but I was not inclined towards going to Europe for my procedure. From my list he said Eugenix would be a top option to consider and also suggested MediSpa, Dr. Anoop Soni would be a great option. After speaking to Dr. Arika on phone and seeing Eugenix's results I was very much inclined towards Eugenix. I am an Indian residing in Canada, so I thought I can get done with my procedure when I go to India for a vacation, Although this was not a deciding factor I would have traveled to turkey if I had felt my procedure would be better there. So I booked for a 120 Rupees package In which hair design and slit making are done by Dr. Arika, Extraction and Implantation are done by the technicians.

My Experience at Eugenix

so Initially I had my procedure booked in May 2021, but due to a massive covid outbreak in India at that time, I had to postpone my surgery to October 13. I got a 3-week vacation from my work so I had to plan my surgery mindfully so that I could enjoy my vacation with my family In India and get done with the procedure. I traveled to India on October 3, After a great week with my family I was ready and excited for the procedure. 

Amandeep Singh was the patient coordinator who was dealing with my case, he booked a 3-day stay at a hotel nearby the clinic. I arrived at the hotel on October 12 in the evening, he sent me a couple of forms and questionnaires to be filled and asked me to report at 9 AM the next morning. 

I was at the clinic at around 8:50 AM on my procedure Day, one of the technicians took me to a seating room where he served me a great coffee and asked me to wait there until the doctor arrives. After some time another technician came in with some consent forms and did a BP check-up and some tests to check anesthesia sensitivity. 

After some time Dr. Arika Bansal came in and drew the hairline design, Initially, It was a bit higher and then I asked her If It be can be lowered a bit then she lowered it 2-3 mm, I was ok with the hairline and it was finalized. Then there was a Photography session with the hair design.

Soon After I was taken to the surgery room and local anesthesia was given. Dr. Arika began the procedure with slit-making and that took about an hour or so. After that technicians continued with the graft extraction and Implantation. There was slight pain while giving the anesthesia but the extraction and Implantation were painless. The technicians were very welcoming and took the utmost care to make me comfortable. I had a nice lunch at the clinic and had a couple of breaks in between for coffee and tea. I was done with the procedure by 9 PM, Ahhh finally a long day came to an end. 

Aman, a patient coordinator at Eugenix explained to me everything that has to be done for the next 7 days and gave me a medical kit that contained all the things I needed for the post-op care. Also, the clinic created a dedicated WhatsApp group to assist me with any queries. They were very helpful with my queries.

All in all, it was a great experience with Eugenix, very professional.

7 Days Post OP

I traveled the next day to my home, I took utmost care not to bump myself anywhere.

I was told to spray saline water every 2 hours, and I took antibiotics twice a day.

Sleeping was difficult, I used a travel pillow for a week so that I dont accidentally rub my head in sleep.

Did the head wash after 7 days, detailed instructions were provided by the clinic on how to properly do it. 

 

Pre-op photos

 

 

Post-op Photos

 

After Head Wash Photos

 

After 18 Days Photos

Overall It was a good experience and I am hoping for the best results. 

Shedding started already I will post the 40 days Post-Op photos and my experience with finasteride 1mg daily soon.

thanks for reading guys,

Edited November 29, 2021 by Osman1234

[nodono]

@Osman1234 congratulations, looking good and  donor looks pretty much intact. I also went thorough procedure on Nov 6th Eugenix. I will be following your posts closely. 

[follically challenged]

looking good.

pre-op pics not loading for some reason though...

[Berba11]

Great! Looking forward to future updates. 

[Mggm]

@Osman1234i think the pre op links are all broken

[Osman1234]

@nodono Hey Thanks, I see that's great, Just saw your post, Would be keen to follow your journey as well.

Yeah, I felt too that the doner healed quickly.

Edited November 29, 2021 by Osman1234

[Osman1234]

@folicallychallengedThank you. I just fixed that, hopefully, they are visible now.

[Osman1234]

@Berba11 Thanks, 

 

[Osman1234]

@Mggm I just re-uploaded then, hopefully they are visible now.

[Osman1234]

50 Days Post OP 

Guys do you have Itching and Dandruff Issues. I assume it's because of winter, I live in Canada so this time of the year It gets pretty cold. 

any solutions on how to tackle Itching and Dandruff Issues?

 

Edited December 4, 2021 by Osman1234

[Osman1234]

@MazAB @Zoomster @nodono  @Melvin- Moderator @Gatsby @bald-and-bearded @JC71 @Rbs @Egy @folicallychallenged

 @Berba11 @Mggm

Guys Need your advice!

I had my surgery done on October 13, I was advised to take finasteride 1mg daily since day 1 of my surgery, I had no issues with finasteride until 1 month, 

then suddenly around November 12-13, I started feeling these following sides,

1) Testicular pain and also some pain in the groin area, 

2) Weaker Erection I would say (80-85%)

3) Irregular pain in the Shaft of the willy,

4) Mild Nausea (feeling of vomiting),

5) I felt like the skin of my willy became loose and It's still like that after 3 weeks.

I texted the Eugenix team on the WhatsApp group they created for my post-op care, A doctor named SHISHIR at Eugenix advised me to stop for 15 days, I stopped.

Now after almost 22-23 days later I texted him he said to continue with 1mg every other day.

I think all my sides are gone except some pain in the shaft sometimes during the day comes in for a minute or so and goes away. 

Also, I Observed that I wake at least 2-3 times during the night to pee(I use to wake up once or sometimes I do not, before fin). 

I am thinking to start with 0.25mg finasteride on every other day, (or) Topical fin(0.1%) + mix(5%) everyday. 

I Used Topical fin(0.1%) + mix(5%) every day for like 3 months before surgery with no issues( Except some very mild testicular pain).

I am inclined towards oral fin 0.25mg, I want to give myself another chance.

What's your advice guys and did anyone have a similar experience?

 

The Photo of Topical finasteride + Minoxidil solution I was referring to above.

 

[Melvin- Admin]

Definitely try microdosing first.

[MazAB]

Agreed, go with the daily micro dosing. If that works you could also try and add in topical Dutasteride in tandem with the oral fin to make up for any short fall in blocking 5 Alpha. 

Edited December 6, 2021 by MazAB

[Mggm]

1 hour ago, Osman1234 said:

@MazAB @Zoomster @nodono  @Melvin- Moderator @Gatsby @bald-and-bearded @JC71 @Rbs @Egy @folicallychallenged

 @Berba11 @Mggm

Guys Need your advice!

I had my surgery done on October 13, I was advised to take finasteride 1mg daily since day 1 of my surgery, I had no issues with finasteride until 1 month, 

then suddenly around November 12-13, I started feeling these following sides,

1) Testicular pain and also some pain in the groin area, 

2) Weaker Erection I would say (80-85%)

3) Irregular pain in the Shaft of the willy,

4) Mild Nausea (feeling of vomiting),

5) I felt like the skin of my willy became loose and It's still like that after 3 weeks.

I texted the Eugenix team on the WhatsApp group they created for my post-op care, A doctor named SHISHIR at Eugenix advised me to stop for 15 days, I stopped.

Now after almost 22-23 days later I texted him he said to continue with 1mg every other day.

I think all my sides are gone except some pain in the shaft sometimes during the day comes in for a minute or so and goes away. 

Also, I Observed that I wake at least 2-3 times during the night to pee(I use to wake up once or sometimes I do not, before fin). 

I am thinking to start with 0.25mg finasteride on every other day, (or) Topical fin(0.1%) + mix(5%) everyday. 

I Used Topical fin(0.1%) + mix(5%) every day for like 3 months before surgery with no issues( Except some very mild testicular pain).

I am inclined towards oral fin 0.25mg, I want to give myself another chance.

What's your advice guys and did anyone have a similar experience?

 

The Photo of Topical finasteride + Minoxidil solution I was referring to above.

 

You can try microdosing with 0.25mg oral fin and if that doesn't work, go for topical fin as you used to. If that also doesn't work, go for topical dut. I have heard topical dut at just 1x/week work for those who have had side effects on oral fin. Also add Keto 2% shampoo which is a very mild DHT blocker.

Minoxidil with microneedling also does wonders. You will have to ask Eugenix when you can start microneedling after a HT and if it will have any effects on future HTs if any.

[Gatsby]

@Osman1234I too began experiencing side effects about two months after I commenced fiansteride at 1mg per day as instructed by Dr Arika. For me the experience was only with my libido (or lack of it I should say). I ceased taking the medication and my side effects were completely gone after about 10 days. By then my libido was back and as toey as a cut snake! So I would recommend staying off the drug until all side effects have ceased. Then I would recommend challenging the drug again at 0.5mg on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. After say three or four months you could then up your Friday dose to 1mg and stay at this dosage for three months. If no side effects then you could up your Monday dose to 1mg (this is currently where I am at and so far no side effects). Perhaps three or four months later you could then increase your Wednesday dose to 1mg so you are then at the point of being on 1mg Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If however you feel you are responding at any point at a lesser dose then I would not concern yourself about continuing to increase the drug. I personally believe that the right dosage for an individual is the dose that works. All the best! 

[Rbs]

Sorry to hear that man but as most of the replies mention; do not get disheartened. There is no "perfect dose" that has to be ingested for it to work; everyone's body chemistry is unique and what doesn't cause sides is the dose that is perfect for you.

Since you had no issues for a month I'm pretty sure you can rule out nocebo effect and assume that you are facing some sides to fin.

Like suggested here; try the alternate regimes (Microdosing, topical, dut mixed etc) BUT keep a journal (Regime, doses, effects etc recorded) so that you can get to the right mix or dose that works best for you.

Worst case? you have so many success stories without oral fin out here including Melvins

Good luck and happy growing!

[nodono]

Hey @Osman1234 no need to panic, just stop it and relax. You will become normal soon max 10 days. i am the real example for that :). So take it easy.

in terms of decision its upto you, your HT result does not depend on fin its for just other existin hair. I completely stopped it due to personal reasons.

[SLA]

...in fact, in Japan and maybe other some other countries, they prescribe .25mg daily finasteride dose as studies show it is nearly as effective as a 1mg daily dose.

Good luck and keep trying to find what works best!

[Gatsby]

1 hour ago, SLA said:

...in fact, in Japan and maybe other some other countries, they prescribe .25mg daily finasteride dose as studies show it is nearly as effective as a 1mg daily dose.

Good luck and keep trying to find what works best!

Yes it appears the 0.25mg of finasteride appears to hover around the 60-70% mark of efficacy to that of 1mg of finasteride.

[Osman1234]

@Melvin- Moderator Thanks, yeah that's my plan.

@MazAB Yeah, Exactly I am planning to micro-dose with 0.25 every other day to begin, I hope I get along this time.

@Mggm Thanks, Yeah I will surely think about Keto 2% shampoo once I feel comfortable with 0.25 mg.

@Gatsby Thanks, actually Your case gave me the motivation to go on for a second try, I wish and hope to get going this time because I don't to miss out 

reaping the benefits finasteride offers.

@Rbs Thanks, Yeah exactly that's what I am planning but hoping to get along with finasteride because I know nothing can be so convenient and effective like it.

Worst case? you have so many success stories without oral fin out here including Melvin's:- Yeah I just recently got to know his results are without fin that gave me instant relief.

@nodono Sorry to hear that It didn't work for you. Yeah, I would like to give it a try with micro-dosing as I saw it worked for many people.

@SLAThanks, Exactly man, they say that DHT reduction is almost the same even with 0.25 mg.

 

[bald-and-bearded]

In my opinion, every patient who is told he needs to take Fin for a hair transplant to be successful should first try it for 6-12 months, get comfortable with it and then plan procedures accordingly. Because adherence to Fin is apparently low and plenty of people don't even consider the idea of beginning to take it.

The assumption with Finasteride is that DHT blocking is "fine" for most people. But you say you got side effects which means blocking DHT wasn't exactly okay for your body. Microdosing can help alleviate side effects but even small doses can reduce DHT levels significantly. In the end it's a balance between delaying hair miniaturisation and risking side effects.

You seem to have retrograde alopecia (thinning of the sides) so I suspect you will fall short of scalp grafts in the future as your baldness progresses.

Some of your other options are

1) using body hair as donor in the future

2) topical fin or dut (safety profiles are not strongly established yet however)

3) SMP for the illusion of density

[Britanium]

@GatsbyAnother great quote “By then my libido was back and as toey as a cut snake!” 😂

[Osman1234]

3 Months update 

Here is my hair condition exactly after 93 days post hair transplant. 

 

Restarted finasteride 0.25mg thrice a week since 3 weeks now after having sides with 1 mg everyday, thank god no sides yet hoping that the micro dosing will work for me this time. 

Few questions

1) How will i officially know the shedding phase is over? I dont see any baby hairs growing or such but I also dont see any hairs shedding while shampooing.

2) I am continuing with the dove intense repair shampoo suggested by Eugenix at the time of first head wash can i continue with it ? because I see a lot of people using mild shampoo or baby shampoo.

3)I am planning to have a hair-cut on the sides, what should I be careful about while having a first hair cut? 

 

[MazAB]

21 hours ago, Osman1234 said:

3 Months update 

Here is my hair condition exactly after 93 days post hair transplant. 

 

Restarted finasteride 0.25mg thrice a week since 3 weeks now after having sides with 1 mg everyday, thank god no sides yet hoping that the micro dosing will work for me this time. 

Few questions

1) How will i officially know the shedding phase is over? I dont see any baby hairs growing or such but I also dont see any hairs shedding while shampooing.

2) I am continuing with the dove intense repair shampoo suggested by Eugenix at the time of first head wash can i continue with it ? because I see a lot of people using mild shampoo or baby shampoo.

3)I am planning to have a hair-cut on the sides, what should I be careful about while having a first hair cut? 

 

You are right on track and looking great at month 3! 

1.) Shedding typically slows down at 6 weeks and is over before the 2 month mark.

2.) Yes, continue with dove. No harm continuing.

3.) You'll be good shaving down to whatever you want on the sides. No restrictions at 3 months.

[Osman1234]

@MazAB  Thank you for the info!