eugenix Eugenix: 2848+ grafts performed [2700 grafts planned] Dr Arika Bansal and Dr Somesh

[Bearkrum]

Name: Vikram

 

[Pictures: Before  Presurgery Post-Surgery ]

Disclosure: I was asked by Eugenix to sign a media consent for them to document my procedure which I am quite flattered about. I do not know if they will eventually use my footage, but the opinions are my own. Reach out to me if you have any suggestions on things I should include.

Package: Exclusive package (was upgraded from Comprehensive package)

Doctors: Dr Arika Bansal (Hairline) and Dr Somesh (Remaining frontal scalp).

*Slit making of recipient area was performed by doctors. Extraction and implantation of graft were performed by Eugenix technicians

Summary:
I went to Eugenix Hair Science, New Delhi for a hair transplant of my frontal area. The surgery was initially meant to be for the 7th and 8th of August, but it took an additional day due to pausing because of an elevated blood pressure. 

During the surgery, Both Dr Bansal and Dr Somesh did an amazing job with the planning and making of the slits in the frontal area and hairline. 

The technician then took over with the extraction and implantation phase of the surgery. As this portion was quite lengthy, I ran into some issues with pain management and communication. However, the staff listened to my feedback and made my entire experience positive. 

I hope to not have to undergo the procedure again, but I would come back to Eugenix if given the opportunity. 

About me:
29-year-old East Indian Chinese mix from Singapore who has male pattern hair loss from my paternal side. 

In addition, during the surgery, I came to know that my scalp showed signs of scarring possibly from an undiagnosed seborrheic dermatitis. This could be attributed to the speeding up of my hair loss in my late 20s. However, the doctors put me at great ease when I questioned the success of the procedure in spite that new development. 

My hair loss journey started around the age of 23/24 and became worse in the last couple of years possibly due to stress, diet and health.

How did I find out about Eugenix?
I was initially thinking of going to Turkey for a hair transplant as I heard it was the global hair transplant centre. 

Through my research, I found that the clinics in Turkey had much variation and lack of transparency regarding the qualifications of the staff. Especially in the involvement of a physician during the procedure.

When contacted, I felt that Eugenix had a more trusted reputation and clearly described the entire process and the staff involved in every step. That put me at ease as I didn’t want to skimp on safety due to cost.

Hotel:
I was given a choice of 2 hotels for my 2-day complementary stay. I opted to stay at the Hilton Doubletree at Baani Square which is less than 5 min car ride over to the clinic. 

I am very pleased with the hotel as the staff were always warm and welcoming. As I eventually had to undergo 3 days of the procedure, the breakfast buffet spread took away much of the thinking required in the mornings. The buffet had good representation of continental and Indian food and made having a heavy breakfast before the procedure a breeze.

The Hilton also included airport pick-up and drop-off which was great!!

The only feedback I have is the staff seemed quite persistent about getting a good review about their service which made it quite uncomfortable when they knocked at my door to ask for it. 😅

The good:
- The service of Eugenix is top class and well beyond my expectations. There was a surplus of staff that made me feel quite pampered throughout my experience.

- I was initially worried that the extraction/implantation would be done by technicians. From the little I could see, I found that they were very meticulous with the handling of the grafts and they knew what they were doing.

- At Eugenix, there was no micro-economy. Even though I opted for the comprehensive (lowest) package, I was treated the same as all the other patients. 

-Even though I was operated on by two doctors, I met most if not all the doctors present at the clinic. Even after the doctor portion was complete, Dr Somesh still popped in to ensure that things were moving smoothly. Dr Venita, Dr Sakshi and the resident anaesthesiologist also paid visits to me throughout the day.

- I appreciated that the Eugenix team was not transactional with their care. Even though my surgery took an extra day, I was not asked to pay more for the procedure due to the extra lunch etc.

- I always had Gatorade and bottle of water with me in the operating room. 

- They had a driver (Amit Kumar) who would pick me up and drop my back to the hotel every day (including post-operation) which took care of all my transport needs during the process.

-I went to Eugenix for dressing and progress check every day for my remaining days in India which dealt with my daily post-op care 

- Eugenix booked me at the Hilton Double Tree Baani Square which was very comfortable and had located close to a supermarket and food options. There was also an anytime fitness next door which I didn’t get to use.

Things that can be improved:

-As someone who is not Hindi speaking, some innocuous steps such as the spraying of the saline solution took me by surprise. In addition, during the extraction and implantation phase, there were 3 people working on my scalp which I would not have known if I did not ask what was happening in the moment. I wish that some things were announced to me so that I wouldn’t be taken by surprise. 

-During the procedure, one of the local anaesthesia used stung quite a bit during injection. When they were cross-checking the area, I was at times unaware and would not express the pain. Thus, the pain management was at times not sufficient, and would hamper the momentum of the surgery.

-It was at times hard to communicate to the staff in the operating room. Especially when they were working on my beard area, I could not talk or do large gestures with my arms. Only in the later end of procedure day 3 did Deepika (local anaesthesia nurse) and I were able to converse some sign that I could do with my hands to express my pain level. 

-The OT bed was on the shorter side for me. Whether it was cultural or due to spatial reasons, I was constantly nudged by passing staff members. As I was in some discomfort, I found myself being jumpy and more anxious because of this.

The Journey:

 

Presurgery

 

Intrasurgery 

 

Postsurgery

For postop day 1-3, I went back to Eugenix for dressing. I really apprieciated that they  

[Bearkrum]

Post-op Day 3

Last day for me coming to Eugenix for post-op care. I have appreciated being able to have someone take a look at my progress and make my recovery care much easier.

I am continuing to take the medications as prescribed and I am spraying saline on my scalp all the time. 😇

Edited August 15, 2022 by Bearkrum

[follically challenged]

1 hour ago, Bearkrum said:

Disclosure: I was asked by Eugenix to sign a media release which I am quite flattered about. I do not know if they will eventually use my photos, but the opinions are my own. Reach out to me if you have any suggestions on things I should include

 

Package: Comprehensive package but was upgraded to exclusive package

 

Doctors: Dr Arika Bansal (Hairline) and Dr Somesh (Frontal scalp)

 

*Recipient slit making was performed by doctors. Extraction and implantation of graft preformed by Eugenix technicians

 

Summary:

 

I went to Eugenix, New Delhi for a hair transplant of my frontal area. The surgery was initially meant to be on the 7th and 8th of August but it took an day due to my elevated blood pressure. 

 

During the surgery, Both Dr Bansal and Dr Somesh did a amazing job with the planning and making of the slits in the frontal area and hairline. 

 

The technician then took over with the extraction and implant ion phase of the surgery. As this portion was quite lengthy, I ran into some issues with pain management and communication. However, the staff listened to my feedback and made my entire experience positive. 

 

I hope to not have to undergo another procedure but I would come back to Eugenix if given the chance. 

 

About me:

 

29 year old East Indian-Chinese mix who has male pattern hair loss from my paternal side. 

 

In addition, during the surgery, I came to know that my scalp showed signs of scarring possibly from an undiagnosed seborrheic dematitis. 

 

My hair loss journey started around the age of 23/24 and became worse in the last couple of years possibly due to stress and diet. 

 

how did I find out about Eugenix?

I was initiatply think g of going to turkey for a hair transplant as I heard it was the global hair transplant centre. 

 

My research found that the clinics had much variation and lack of transparency regarding the qualifications of the staff.  

 

I felt that Eugenix had a more trusted reputation and clearly described the entire process and the staff involved. 

 

Hotel:

 

I was given a choice of 2 hotels for my 2 day complementary stay. 

 

I opted to stay at the Hilton Doubletree at Baani Square which is less than 5 min car ride over to the clinic. 

 

I am very pleased with the hotel as the staff were always warm and welcoming. As I eventually had to undergo 3 days of the procedure, the breakfast buffet spread took away much of the thinking required in the mornings. The buffet had good representation of continental and Indian food and I lost count of the amount of fresh watermelon juice I consumed.

 

Summary:

I went to Eugenix, New Delhi for a hair transplant of my frontal area. I would regard myself as a novice in this area. I have tried minoxidil inconsistently in the past

 

During the surgery, Both Dr Bansal and Dr Somesh hinted that my hair loss could be attributed to scarification due to previous seborric dematitis, a condition I had been unaware of. In spite of that news, the doctors but me at great ease when I questioned the success of the procedure with the new development. 

 

The good:

- The service of Eugenix is top class and well beyond my expectations. Throughout the day, I was offered drinks and 

- At Eugenix, there was no micro-economics. Even though I opted for the comprehensive (lowest) package, I was treated the same as all the other patients. 

-Even though I was operated on by two doctors, I met most of not all the doctors present in the clinic. Even after the doctor portion was complete, the doctors still popped in to ensure that things were moving smoothly. 

- I appreciated that the Eugenix team was not transactional with their care. Even though my surgery took an extra day, I was not asked to pay more for the procedure. 

- I felt in control of many aspects of the surgery. The team worked around my water break, restroom and lunchtime. 

- I always had a Gatorade and bottle of water with my in the operating room. 

- They has a driver (Amit Kumar) who would pick me up and drop my back to the hotel everyday. 

-I went to Eugenix for a post op dressing and check for my remaining time in India which made my recovery much easier. 

- Eugenix booked me at the Hilton Double Tree which was very comfortable. 

 

Things that can be improved:

-As someone who is not Hindi speaking, innocuous steps such as the spraying of saline took me by surprise. In addition, there were instances when There are 3 people working on my scalp which I would have not known if I did not ask what was happening in the moment. 

→ I wish that some things were announced to me so that I wouldn’t get taken by suprise. 

 

-It was at times hard to communicate to the staff in the operating room. Especially when they were working on my beard area, I could not talk or do large movements with my hand. Only in the later end of day 3 did Depika (Local anesthetia,nurse) and I were able to converse signs to express my pain level. 

 

-The bed was on the shorter side for me. Whether it is cultural or due to spatial reasons, I was constantly nudged by passing staff. As I was in some discomfort, I found myself being more jumpy and more anxious about moving as the procedure went on. 

 

 

Day 1:

I arrived at the clinic around today 1.30pm which was a half an hour later than planned due to the rain (Some of the roads were flooded). 

 

After some picture taking and some administrative work, the Depika my OT nurse did an test on the 2 local anesthetsia to be used for the procedure. I then met Dr Somesh who walked me through the agenda for the day. As my procedure would include 2 doctors, he explained to me what was going to happen. 

 

Shortly after, Dr Anika Bansal did the planning of the hairline before pictures were taken again. 

 

Day 2:

I had a difficult time sleeping the night prior so when I arrived at the clinic, my blood pressure was high. Thus, 

 

Day 3:

Due to the previous day’s drama, the hairline portion of the surgery was moved to another day. 

 

In addition, they took some grafts from my beard so that the remaining hair of my scalp were preserved. 

 

any pics to share?

[Bearkrum]

3 hours ago, follically challenged said:

any pics to share?

I do!! I made the post a little prematurely. 😅
 

I have requested the photos from Eugenix. I’ll update the post when I get them 

[MazAB]

Looking forward to the photos, and following your journey!

Follow my Journey with Eugenix and Dr Arika Bansal!

Edited August 12, 2022 by MazAB

[Bearkrum]

Post-op Day 6:

I came back to Singapore 2 days ago and the dry air of the plane probably didn't help things. I was able to bring the saline spray with me on the plane and keep my scalp hydrated.

Today is the first day back to work for me. My colleagues have commented that I look like Drake. I am glad that things look neat enough that I am able to take the surgical cap off at my desk.

I still notice some redness at the donor area and there is still some itching.

I am continuing to spray my scalp especially when things get itchy.

I am also excited to finally wash my head tomorrow.

 

 

 

Addendum (22/08/22): I finally stopped procrastinating and posted the complete journey write up here 

Edited August 22, 2022 by Bearkrum
Addendum

[Bearkrum]

Pre-surgery Pictures ((7th August 2022)

 

 

Edited August 15, 2022 by Bearkrum

[Bearkrum]

Presurgical Pictures (with surgical markings)(7th August 2022)

 

 

 

Edited August 15, 2022 by Bearkrum

[Bearkrum]

After Surgery Pictures (9th August 2022)

Edited August 15, 2022 by Bearkrum

[Gatsby]

Thanks for an honest and detailed write up @Bearkrum. I hope you keep the forum updated with your journey and thanks for sharing!

[MazAB]

Looks amazing! Homerun in the making😁

Follow my Journey with Eugenix and Dr Arika Bansal!

[Bb111]

Agree with above, great detailed write up. The work looks good and looking forward to following your journey.

[Pbaird98]

Sweet as 👍🏿

[Bearkrum]

Post-Op Day 7:

Head wash day!!

I am so excited to get to wash the recipient area tonight after not washing it since the 7th of August. This morning I still did the betadine and Mupirocin cream on the donor area.

My donor beard area has healed up well and I don't even notice any scabs even though I feel some soreness when pressed. My donor occipital area is still itchy at times and the scabs are shedding quite a bit. I am trying to not rub the area in spite of the discomfort as I am noticing that the area is quite sensitive.

Pictures:

[Ryan Daniel]

Keep spraying saline spray on the grafts to soften the scabs and they will fall naturally without needing to force them off 

[DHT]

Looking great @Bearkrum,

Another great work done by Eugenix, i will follow the thread. thanks for your honest reviews, keep us updated. 

[Bb111]

Day 7 is great, getting a lot of those scabs off feels good.

[BaldingEye]

Thanks for sharing! Looking great and it's time to be patient now.

[MazAB]

On track for sure 7 days in. Onward and upwards!

[Bearkrum]

Post Op Day 8:

It was a busy day for me so I didn’t get to spraying saline as frequently. There was still quite a bit of scabs remaining after my 1st head wash. 
 

My scalp is still itching quite a bit but I am not scratching. 🙌

 

I noticed some tenderness in my occipital donor area but looks like it’s healing nicely. 

[Bearkrum]

1st Head Wash: (16th August 2022)

Before

 

After

Edited August 17, 2022 by Bearkrum

[Bearkrum]

Post Op Day 8 (17 August 2022)

2nd Head Wash:

I am really excited to see that the scabs are clearing up nicely. I don’t know what people mean when they noticed grafts falling out but I don’t think I’ve seen any. 👍🏽

 

Before

 

After

Edited August 20, 2022 by Bearkrum

[Zoomster]

This is gonna be just great !!

[MazAB]

I'm curious about your beard being used as donor. Typically you see Eugenix dipping into beard when the graft count is higher than yours. Having only 2800 grafts, I'm surprised that didn't use all scalp donor. I'm sure there is good reason for it, but did Eugenix explain why they used some beard as well for you? Also, how many beard grafts did they use out of the 2800 total graft count?

Follow my Journey with Eugenix and Dr Arika Bansal!

[Bearkrum]

22 hours ago, MazAB said:

I'm curious about your beard being used as donor. Typically you see Eugenix dipping into beard when the graft count is higher than yours. Having only 2800 grafts, I'm surprised that didn't use all scalp donor. I'm sure there is good reason for it, but did Eugenix explain why they used some beard as well for you? Also, how many beard grafts did they use out of the 2800 total graft count?

Follow my Journey with Eugenix and Dr Arika Bansal!

Hey Maz,

The reason they gave me was that my occipital donor area wasn’t the best due to the miniaturising of most of my crown hair follicles. I didn’t mind as I have a pretty dense beard area. 😅

Is there a downside to using the beard grafts?

-Vikram