Options for those in Australia

[Viney]

Hey all, new here. 29 year old from Australia. Hopefully I'm not breaking any rules with this post.

General consensus here seems to be none of the options in Australia are worth it. Before stumbling on this forum I did have a friend who had brilliant results from Hair of Istanbul but after some research I'm seeing he might be one of the luckier ones, so now I'm trying to do a bit more research and make my own educated decision rather than just copying him and hoping I get the same results he did.

Given how important and serious I consider this procedure to be I'm not really concerned with price I just want the best result possible. Assuming I need a lot of work at the front to fix my hairline and then a decent amount of work also in my crown area which is thinning out.

Not currently taking fin but I did try it over an 8 month period a few years back and experienced no side effects so I know I can return to it at any point (i.e post hair-transplant). Didn't notice any results from fin while taking it but I didn't take it long enough to really make an educated assessment. With international borders opening I figure I need to get this done before it's too late (if not already.. 😕)

Any other Aussies waiting on lockdown to finish to go to any particular countries/doctors for procedures or past experiences which were good? Happy to get a few consultations done and make a decision just looking to see which doctors/clinics to start with.

 

Thanks all.

 

Edited December 5, 2021 by Viney

[Britanium]

@GatsbyIs a fellow Australian and has chosen Eugenix, who I believe could also be a consideration for yourself. HOI is a massive risk, your friend was very lucky ! 
 

[Viney]

45 minutes ago, JC71 said:

@GatsbyIs a fellow Australian and has chosen Eugenix, who I believe could also be a consideration for yourself. HOI is a massive risk, your friend was very lucky ! 
 

Thanks JC. Was your recommendation the first that came to mind or is my particular situation/hair comparable to Gatsby's or more suited what Eugenix provides? Just wondering why you went with that and if there was much of a basis.

 

Curious to know where this forum thinks I sit on the Norwood scale. That might allow me to filter some doctors results by a similar scale and see some results I like.

Edited December 5, 2021 by Viney

[Britanium]

1 hour ago, Viney said:

Thanks JC. Was your recommendation the first that came to mind or is my particular situation/hair comparable to Gatsby's or more suited what Eugenix provides? Just wondering why you went with that and if there was much of a basis.

 

Curious to know where this forum thinks I sit on the Norwood scale. That might allow me to filter some doctors results by a similar scale and see some results I like.

Your Norwood pattern showing is clearly a 6. It would be wise to consider Fin again to retain/strengthen your current hair. As your still young it’s wise to have a long term plan in place. I mentioned Eugenix as they excel in the higher Norwood levels. Hattingen would be another consideration as they also do great work. Were you looking at FUT or FUE ? 

Edited December 5, 2021 by JC71

[Viney]

25 minutes ago, JC71 said:

Your Norwood pattern showing is clearly a 6. It would be wise to consider Fin again to retain/strengthen your current hair. As you still young it’s wise to have a long term plan in place. I mentioned Eugenix as they excel in the higher Norwood levels. Hattingen would be another consideration as they also do great work. Were you looking at FUT or FUE ? 

Thanks JC. Based on my research all things point to FUE being my preferred option.

 

Will look into seeing a doctor to get back on FIN, cheers.

Edited December 5, 2021 by Viney

[Gatsby]

4 hours ago, Viney said:

Any other Aussies waiting on lockdown to finish to go to any particular countries/doctors for procedures or past experiences which were good? Happy to get a few consultations done and make a decision just looking to see which doctors/clinics to start with.

I'm in Melbourne and I have have been waiting for two years now (after many years of researching) for my hair transplant. I'm so glad you didn't pull the pin here in Australia. for the same money (or less) you have the best in world at your finger tips. I'm now booked finally to have surgery at Eugenix next month January 16th. Look at the recommended surgeons listed here from the forum and see who best meets your goals. If you had no side effects from finasteride then I definitely recommend going back on it stabilize you hair loss. All the best!

[Viney]

Hi @JC71, I have a doctor's appointment next week and was going to recommence taking fin. Do you think this is a good idea or should I try and get the transplant done ASAP and then recommence fin - or does the timing not really matter?

Edited January 8, 2022 by Viney

[Britanium]

20 minutes ago, Viney said:

Hi @JC71, I have a doctor's appointment next week and was going to recommence taking fin. Do you think this is a good idea or should I try and get the transplant done ASAP and then recommence fin - or does the timing not really matter?

See the Dr and recommence Fin 👍🏽 

[Viney]

12 minutes ago, JC71 said:

See the Dr and recommence Fin 👍🏽 

Thanks mate. Through more research I'm warming to your earlier suggestion in this thread on Eugenix for my specific situation. Seems like with the higher NW level and my preference for FUE they're a good fit.

Edited January 8, 2022 by Viney

[Britanium]

3 minutes ago, Viney said:

Thanks mate. Through more research I'm warming to your earlier suggestion in this thread on Eugenix for my specific situation. Seems like with the higher NW level and my preference for FUE they're a good fit.

For the higher Norwoods they are doing some fantastic work. Glad your looking at other options. Our own Mod @Melvin- Moderatorhas literally just had his latest Ht done there. And next up is @Gatsby These are going to be 2 more exciting threads to follow. 

[Viney]

1 minute ago, JC71 said:

For the higher Norwoods they are doing some fantastic work. Glad your looking at other options. Our own Mod @Melvin- Moderatorhas literally just had his latest Ht done there. And next up is @Gatsby These are going to be 2 more exciting threads to follow. 

Yeah I actually sat through the two Instagram live Q&A videos which were posted on the Eugenix page while Melvin was being treated. It was great insight.

[Britanium]

Some other considerations could be Fuegenix (similar name but different company) @DrMunibAhmad and @Dr. Felipe PittellaTransplante Capilar, both are doing excellent work with higher Norwoods.

Edited January 8, 2022 by JC71

[Viney]

Eugenix have gotten back to me with their thoughts on my particular situation. They've given some really great insight. They're suggesting for now perform a procedure (2500 grafts) on just the front hairline and thickening the front of my hair.

They're then suggesting for now as the crown hair is scattered (clearly weak but not completely bald) try with medication for an extended period and see how this goes. I like this option because if the medication doesn't work I should still have ample donor hairs to conduct a transplant to work on the crown and fix any remaining issues with the hairline if required.

My thoughts on Eugenix was I thought they'd be particularly good with dealing with a large number of grafts - but if I am instead only focusing on the hairline (for now) should I be looking at any other particular doctors which specialise in hairlines? One thing I really like about Eugenix assessment is they could have been a lot more greedy but haven't suggesting the crown may be able to be fixed and stablised with medication only.

 

This was their assessment:

Edited January 18, 2022 by Viney

[Britanium]

You could check out some other clinics that are capable with the higher Norwoods.. I mentioned a couple above. Dr Bicer, Dr Bisanga, Dr Mwamba, Dr Zarev, HDC @Doron Harati, @DrTBarghouthi(Vertex), Hattingen and Medispa @Dr. Suneet Soni

[Britanium]

I do like the Eugenix approach though. However it’s always a good idea to consult with at least 3 clinics, more if you can. 

Edited January 9, 2022 by JC71

[Viney]

On 1/9/2022 at 10:52 AM, JC71 said:

You could check out some other clinics that are capable with the higher Norwoods.. I mentioned a couple above. Dr Bicer, Dr Bisanga, Dr Mwamba, Dr Zarev, HDC @Doron Harati, @DrTBarghouthi(Vertex), Hattingen and Medispa @Dr. Suneet Soni

Been looking at Bisanga's hairlines and they're pretty remarkable. One thing I do like is that a lot of the results I can find of his are people with similar hair and issues to what I have, rather than say Eugenix or Bicer who a lot of what I've seen are generally dealing with thicker, darker hair. There's nothing wrong with this that just seems to be more of their clientele which geographically makes sense.

I've been in communication with Bicer for a long time - she was actually the first clinic I contacted - but I have to say it's been very slow. I'm still yet to get to the stage of a quote or consultation from them.

Going to reach out to Bisanga as I've been impressed with some of the results on this forum. Hopefully I'll hear something from Bicer soon so I have a broader range of consultations to make a decision.

 

I kind of regret the title of this thread as it probably deters most people outside of Australia to even look at it. Just to be clear, regardless of living in Australia, I'm willing to travel far and pay the money for something I can have confidence in. When it comes to a procedure so visible and life changing there's no mucking around.

 

PS: I've been back on fin for a bit over a week, no side effects yet 👍.

 

PPS: I've just discovered Dr Freitas on this forum and I am completely blown away by some of the results I'm seeing. Wow. Perhaps another one to consider? Or should I stay away given I'm likely going to need another transplant later down the track to address my crown and his full hairlines might result in me being short of adequate donors?

I'm also probably being a bit of hypocrit given his clientele seem to be Spanish people blessed with thick dark hair. Not great for making comparisons with myself.

Edited January 18, 2022 by Viney

[Viney]

@De Freitas ClinicHi, sorry to tag you, hopefully this is allowed.

If I want a consultation on my hair do I just send my pictures to info@clinicadefreitas.com or was there a different email I should use? Also what information do you need apart from pictures of my hair? 

Just looking at Dr Freitas as a potential option for me.

Thanks,

[De Freitas Clinic]

8 hours ago, Viney said:

@De Freitas ClinicHi, sorry to tag you, hopefully this is allowed.

If I want a consultation on my hair do I just send my pictures to info@clinicadefreitas.com or was there a different email I should use? Also what information do you need apart from pictures of my hair? 

Just looking at Dr Freitas as a potential option for me.

Thanks,

Good morning. Thank you for your question.

For patients from abroad we offer the possibility to make your initial evaluation online. The online assessment is performed through an evaluation form which is sent to the mailbox of the patient. You should complete it with your data, photos and information about your expectations regarding the surgery.

The Dr. will evaluate your form and give you a diagnosis and a quote below.

In order to start with the process I need you to indicate by private your full name and email address, please.

I remain at your disposal.

[Gatsby]

@Viney firstly congratulations on having the sense to avoid any surgeon here in Australia. Over the past (literally) 37 years I have had consultations and discussions with basically all of them and I have got to know some techs. I am yet to see one single result that can come close to this forums list of surgeon's results. You will spend way more money here also than on any of the elite surgeons listed by this forum. I don't mean to derail your consultation with De Freitas Clinic but I have recently had my surgery with Eugenix and I was a hard nut to crack and get it right due to being a Norwood 7 along with scars and a compromised donor from previous bad work. The names you are looking at are all good and I promise you that the two days in the air and a couple more for recovery are a drop in the ocean compared to the time you will be spending looking in the mirror for the rest of your life. The longer you can stay on finasteride prior to surgery the better as it will give you a good idea if you can stabilize the loss that you have and perhaps even improve on your crown. Wishing you all the best!

[Viney]

16 hours ago, De Freitas Clinic said:

Good morning. Thank you for your question.

For patients from abroad we offer the possibility to make your initial evaluation online. The online assessment is performed through an evaluation form which is sent to the mailbox of the patient. You should complete it with your data, photos and information about your expectations regarding the surgery.

The Dr. will evaluate your form and give you a diagnosis and a quote below.

In order to start with the process I need you to indicate by private your full name and email address, please.

I remain at your disposal.

Thank you for the very quick response. I have sent you the details via PM.

13 hours ago, Gatsby said:

@Viney firstly congratulations on having the sense to avoid any surgeon here in Australia. Over the past (literally) 37 years I have had consultations and discussions with basically all of them and I have got to know some techs. I am yet to see one single result that can come close to this forums list of surgeon's results. You will spend way more money here also than on any of the elite surgeons listed by this forum. I don't mean to derail your consultation with De Freitas Clinic but I have recently had my surgery with Eugenix and I was a hard nut to crack and get it right due to being a Norwood 7 along with scars and a compromised donor from previous bad work. The names you are looking at are all good and I promise you that the two days in the air and a couple more for recovery are a drop in the ocean compared to the time you will be spending looking in the mirror for the rest of your life. The longer you can stay on finasteride prior to surgery the better as it will give you a good idea if you can stabilize the loss that you have and perhaps even improve on your crown. Wishing you all the best!

Thanks for stopping by. I actually spoke with Amandeep in January and your case got mentioned during our call when talking about Australian's travelling over there. He did mention I was a more ideal candidate than yourself haha - I don't think my procedure would be 5 days! Eugenix would probably be my choice if I were already a NW5/NW6 which appears to be where I'm headed, but with medication perhaps I can prevent ever getting there.

So far I'm liking the professionalism I've experienced from BHR Clinic but honestly I think I could go in confidently with any of my shortlist.

If anything the travel excites me - particularly after the last two years where I haven't flown anywhere - I don't really care where I go or how long the flights are, I just want to pick the doctor I can have the most confidence in.

[Gatsby]

22 minutes ago, Viney said:

Thank you for the very quick response. I have sent you the details via PM.

Thanks for stopping by. I actually spoke with Amandeep in January and your case got mentioned during our call when talking about Australian's travelling over there. He did mention I was a more ideal candidate than yourself haha - I don't think my procedure would be 5 days! Eugenix would probably be my choice if I were already a NW5/NW6 which appears to be where I'm headed, but with medication perhaps I can prevent ever getting there.

So far I'm liking the professionalism I've experienced from BHR Clinic but honestly I think I could go in confidently with any of my shortlist.

If anything the travel excites me - particularly after the last two years where I haven't flown anywhere - I don't really care where I go or how long the flights are, I just want to pick the doctor I can have the most confidence in.

My surgery was actually six days but hey who's counting? 🤣 You're doing all the right things! 🤘

[Berba11]

31 minutes ago, Viney said:

Thank you for the very quick response. I have sent you the details via PM.

Thanks for stopping by. I actually spoke with Amandeep in January and your case got mentioned during our call when talking about Australian's travelling over there. He did mention I was a more ideal candidate than yourself haha - I don't think my procedure would be 5 days! Eugenix would probably be my choice if I were already a NW5/NW6 which appears to be where I'm headed, but with medication perhaps I can prevent ever getting there.

So far I'm liking the professionalism I've experienced from BHR Clinic but honestly I think I could go in confidently with any of my shortlist.

If anything the travel excites me - particularly after the last two years where I haven't flown anywhere - I don't really care where I go or how long the flights are, I just want to pick the doctor I can have the most confidence in.

If your shortlist is De Freitas, BHR & Eugenix, you may as well just decide whether you'd prefer a short holiday in Spain, Belgium or India... All are excellent HT options and you'll be in safe hands whichever you choose. As Gatsby says, you're doing all of the right things!

[Melvin- Admin]

You have some excellent names. Dr. De Freitas is one of the most impressive surgeons we've added in recent history. Dr. Bisanga is an incredible surgeon with a long track record of producing excellent results. Dr. Sethi and Dr. Arika Bansal are excellent choices and have a long track record on this forum. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with either clinic.

[Viney]

Good news, I received a consultation response from de Freitas clinic, they got back to me in about 3 weeks which is much quicker than I anticipated. Pretty happy with that.

Just one more consultation I want to tick off then I have a big decision on my hands.

Edited February 23, 2022 by Viney

[Viney]

Back again with another update.

On recommendation of Bisanga I have visited a dermatologist interstate (at Gatsby's city) who has taken measurements on hair density and overall hair transplant candidacy. Unfortunately in his view I have a below average donor area (I will confirm the density per cm2 once I receive this data from the clinic). He thinks I am still an okay candidate as I have no miniaturization, no scalp issues and am in good health but should only focus on having a transplant on the hairline at this stage and be very conservative in my approach. He feels the 3,000 grafts I had been quoted by various clinics for my hairline is too extreme and won't leave me with enough donor for future procedures. This was a bit of the kick in the guts. He also said I'm currently a NW4 whereas most of the online clinics based on my pics had said NW3.

We're going to try and save my crown, to do this he has told me to stop taking Oral Finasteride (1mg daily) and change to Oral Dutasteride (0.5mg daily) in combination with Sublingual Monxidil (0.9mg daily). It seems like Sublingual Minxodil is a very uncommon treatment online. Since it was founded in Australia, perhaps you can only get it here? I suppose I will be the guinea pig and science experiment for everyone else... No significant side effects from the minox or dut so far but it's only been about 5 days, I kind of enjoy the taste of the sublingual minox when it dissolves below my tongue so that's a plus.

We will reassess the medication each 3 months but the dermatologist has told me it will be very hard to gauge the results of the medication unless I take it for a full 12 months. Happy to have met with this dermatologist as he seems pretty knowledgeable compared to who I can access locally so shout out to Bisanga for the great referral.

Main thing I took out of the visit was that I'm going to have to really spend some time ensuring I choose a doctor who prioritizes donor management and protecting the donor. I will also likely need to spend a bit extra to ensure the main doctor is punching the extraction sites to ensure the best use and protection of my donor. Challenges ahead but I'm optimistic it will all work out.

Edited March 22, 2022 by Viney