Dr Somesh | Eugenix Delhi | 2350 grafts | 12 June 2023

[transplant49584]

Hi all, 

First off I’d like to express my thanks to everyone who has taken the time to document their journeys so far, I definitely wouldn’t have had the confidence to pull the trigger on booking a HT without the wealth of knowledge available on here. Below write up may be a bit long winded but I thought I'd get all the info down while it's still in my head. 

I’ve been very self conscious of my receding hairline for a few years now. I usually keep the back and sides relatively short, with the top a bit longer and I use hairspray to ensure the fringe covers my forehead recession. My anxiety spikes if it rains or there is significant wind to ‘expose’ me. 

I’m currently on a career break to do some travelling and try out a different career path, and so I decided to explore the option of a HT during this period as I’d be away from the people I usually spend the most time with and could therefore avoid the anxiety of the shaved head and ugly duckling phase. 

I had a few consultations in the UK and Ireland, and then began to research online including using hairrestorationnetwork. This led me to discover Eugenix which seemed to have excellent reviews. I sent an enquiry to Eugenix along with pictures of my current hair and that began the process. I was sufficiently impressed with the reviews I had seen online and decided to go with the exclusive package with Eugenix (where planning, designing and slits are done by a senior doctor, with senior technicians performing the extraction and implantation of grafts). The initial proposal was for 2500-2700 grafts. 

I’ve been taking 1mg finasteride for c.6 weeks, and arguably I should have waited longer to see the results of this before deciding on a transplant but with the timing of the career break I just felt it made sense to go ahead with the procedure while I have this opportunity to spend time away from home. 

The Eugenix staff were very attentive from the get go with whatsapp communication and calls. Honestly, it felt like if I had a query I could send a whatsapp message and I’d have a call back within 30 minutes. 

As part of the pre op checklist, I was required to get a set of blood tests done. I had to get these done privately as the wait time at my GP surgery was too long. The doctor who did the tests for me said it seemed a bit overkill to get all these tests for a HT procedure, but it likely meant they had excellent clinical standards because it meant they were getting all patients to do this. 

As part of the exclusive package, Eugenix provide complementary 2 nights in the 5* Hilton hotel very close to the clinic and return airport transfers. 

I attended a pre-op appointment at Eugenix on Sunday 11th June and Eugenix provided a chauffeur to take me to and from the clinic. At the pre-op meeting, I was made to change into a pair of crocs upon entry to the clinic. I had my blood pressure taken, was administered two local anaesthetics in my arm to test for a reaction, and asked to sign a consent form. The final advice from Eugenix staff was to await a text advising my reporting time for Monday morning and to get a good night’s sleep. 

On the day of the surgery, a fairly luxurious car was sent to pick me up from the hotel.

I arrived to Eugenix just before 0930. I changed into scrubs and had pictures taken of my ‘before’ hair. I then met with Dr Somesh for the hairline design session. I was impressed with Dr Somesh from the get go, he was very friendly and immediately displayed attention to detail. Dr Somesh used a range of tools to propose a hairline and then asked me for my feedback and whether I wanted to make any adjustments. I asked if I could take some time to review the hairline in a full mirror because it was difficult to see the angles in the small mirror provided during the hairline design stage. I was then taken to have photos taken of the proposed hairline, and these photos were then presented on a HD tv for me to review in detail.

Once I was happy with the proposed hairline, I was taken to have my head shaved and further pictures taken with the hairline drawn on. 

Dr Somesh also pointed out that I had two small alopecia spots in the beard on my neck that I had always just assumed were due to my genetics. He advised that he would write a prescription to treat these. 

Following the final photographs, it was time to head for the operating room. In the room I was given the choice of music to be played in the room for the duration of the surgery. 
I had blood taken from my left arm for PRP, and then it was time to administer the local anaesthetic. 

Once the initial local anaesthetic was applied, Dr Somesh began making the slits. Again, I found Dr Somesh to be very friendly and professional throughout this. We had some good chats about various topics. When Dr Somesh had finished making the slits, he advised that I would only require 2350 grafts for coverage.

Following the slit completion, it was time for the PRP to be injected. I was very impressed with the attentiveness of all staff in the operating room – I was constantly asked whether I was in any pain or required top up of anaesthesia, as well as if I was comfortable or needed to change position. 

Following the PRP, the graft extraction commenced. I must say the sound of the tool used to extract grafts was very unnerving but at no point did I feel any pain. 760 grafts were extracted and then it was time for lunch. 

I had been asked in the morning what I would like for lunch and so I tucked into a tomato based chicken pasta dish that had been ordered from Zomato. As soon as I had finished eating, I was asked whether I was ready to return to the operating room.

The final grafts were taken and implanted by the senior technicians. Dr Somesh returned towards the end of the surgery to review the graft implantation. I heard him conversing with the senior technicians and he explained to me that he had asked for some more grafts to be taken (more doubles I think), and that he requested the direction be changed on some grafts near the corner of my hairline so that they would fall more naturally compared to the direction of my temple hairs. 

In terms the overall surgery, I have no complaints and can only express my gratitude to all the staff. Due to the anaesthesia I could only vaguely feel the pressure of the graft implantation, and I had a bit of anxiety because I thought I could feel grafts being placed halfway down my forehead! But these worries were quickly cleared when I looked in the mirror post surgery. 

I thanked all the operating staff and was taken to another room for post-op pictures and a post op briefing on medicines and post-op care, where I was given the following: 

• Medicines (for week following surgery)
  • Painkillers
  • Probiotics 
  • Antibiotics 
  • Antacid
• Fit to fly certificate 
• Post op care materials including gauzes, betadine, saline spray, surgical caps, sheet to protect pillows from oozing etc
• Copy of 'Autobiography of a Yogi'

I was asked whether I would be willing to do an interview on camera for the media team at Eugenix but I opted not to for privacy reasons. I gave consent to Eugenix to use my pre and post op photos with my face blurred. 

I was then taken back to my hotel in a luxury car and relaxed for the evening. The next morning at breakfast I noticed another hotel guest with a surgical cap on so we shared a nod and smile of acknowledgement. I returned to Eugenix on Tuesday morning to get my donor area washed and saw the same mystery man in the waiting room. We had a brief chat there and it turned out to be @Shadman, and his surgery was also done on the same day by Dr Somesh. At Eugenix on Tuesday, I also had a brief conversation with a friendly gentleman from USA who had just had surgery on a high Norwood case (although I never got to ask his name). Myself and Shadman shared a car back to the hotel and chatted again at breakfast the next morning. It was great to have met someone so friendly and knowledgeable, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Dr Somesh has performed on both of us! 

I purchased a year’s supply of finasteride and 6 months supply of hair vitamins/supplements from Eugenix. 

Overall, I am very happy with my overall experience with Eugenix and I’m hoping the results will match the service. 

Please let me know if you have any queries or comments on the above. 

Pictures from day 4 post-op are below, I would welcome comments on how things are looking e.g. density, graft placement etc. I know it's early days but some reassurance from the community would be great! 

[Eugenix Hair Sciences]

@transplant49584

We appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that you had a positive experience with us. Thank you for choosing us for your hair restoration. We wish you all the best in your new journey. 

Keep us updated on your progress. 

Warmest Regards 
Eugenix Hair Sciences 
 

[duckling]

can you post the close up image of other side also ? and any reason why you arent on minoxidil (either topical or oral) ?

great write-up. 2400 grafts is good enough for nw3. if you wanted very high density then going towards 2.7k(count as per initial assessment) would be better but i think its best to save grafts for future than going very aggressive in hairline. 

the work looks very clean and you should get a good result.

finasteride should help your crown area which looks slightly thin. minoxidil would be a great addition and works great there too.

Edited June 17, 2023 by duckling

[Shadman]

Hello, @transplant49584 

it was great meeting you. I had a great conversation with you while coming back from the clinic & again next day at the breakfast. Moreover, it was great to read your detailed write up. Such a great writing, I will be sharing my experience within the next few days. I hope both of us will have satisfactory result. Planning and execution from Dr. Somesh was outstanding . Just a small info I would like to let you know which is my procedure was on 10th, probably a bit of miscommunication. And lastly, as far as I can remember, you’re in your holiday and will explore. I hope that you’ll enjoy your holidays. 

[transplant49584]

23 minutes ago, duckling said:

can you post the close up image of other side also ? and any reason why you arent on minoxidil (either topical or oral) ?

great write-up. 2400 grafts is good enough for nw3. if you wanted very high density then going towards 2.7k(count as per initial assessment) would be better but i think its best to save grafts for future than going very aggressive in hairline. 

the work looks very clean and you should get a good result.

finasteride should help your crown area which looks slightly thin. minoxidil would be a great addition and works great there too.

Yes both sides now below, I didn't realise when making the original post that I'd picked 3 pics of the same side lol 

No specific reason for avoiding minoxidil, I'll consider using it in future once I get past the first head wash next week. I've been using minoxidil foam on my beard for a month now as I'm hoping to thicken the cheek coverage. Would you recommend oral vs topical? 

Thanks for the feedback! 

I've actually just caught the front of my hairline on my t-shirt as I pulled it off, so I'm hoping that hasn't damaged any grafts 

[MAL87]

Nice writeup and job looks pretty clean! I'm seeing Dr. Somesh next month and am looking forward to the updates from you and @Shadman. 

[duckling]

looks good. i like the irregularities he has given in hairline, should be a natural looking hairline. lets see how it looks at 1 year mark. 

7 minutes ago, transplant49584 said:

Would you recommend oral vs topical?

topical is easily available over the counter but oral minoxidil you will need prescription and also tough to find sometimes (depending on where you live) as topical is the one which is said to be the much safer version and have more studies about efficacy. i will suggest to start topical first. if you dont get much results or want more result then go oral later. (which is gaining popularity in forums)

12 minutes ago, transplant49584 said:

I've actually just caught the front of my hairline on my t-shirt as I pulled it off, so I'm hoping that hasn't damaged any grafts

no, nothing should happen with tshirt just touching them lightly. probably use shirts to avoid this scenario. and just dm your clinic and confirm about this to get assurance.

[transplant49584]

20 minutes ago, MAL87 said:

Nice writeup and job looks pretty clean! I'm seeing Dr. Somesh next month and am looking forward to the updates from you and @Shadman. 

Best of luck, I reckon you're in good hands! 

[Berba11]

Great design!

I'd heard that Dr Somesh had left Eugenix a couple of months or so ago but apparently not!

[transplant49584]

20 minutes ago, duckling said:

looks good. i like the irregularities he has given in hairline, should be a natural looking hairline. lets see how it looks at 1 year mark. 

topical is easily available over the counter but oral minoxidil you will need prescription and also tough to find sometimes (depending on where you live) as topical is the one which is said to be the much safer version and have more studies about efficacy. i will suggest to start topical first. if you dont get much results or want more result then go oral later. (which is gaining popularity in forums)

no, nothing should happen with tshirt just touching them lightly. probably use shirts to avoid this scenario. and just dm your clinic and confirm about this to get assurance.

Is it recommended to apply minoxidil to new grafts as well as existing hair eg crown? 

Here's hoping, unfortunately I'd probably describe it as more than a light brush but no blood thankfully. I'm so annoyed at that lapse in concentration, today is the first day I've worn a t-shirt because my shirts are in the hotel laundry. No doubt this will make the ugly duckling phase slightly more concerning. I'll check in with the clinic and I'm back for a head wash next week too. 

[Shadman]

 

17 minutes ago, transplant49584 said:

Is it recommended to apply minoxidil to new grafts as well as existing hair eg crown? 

If you want to use minoxidil, then you can use it at the non transplanted area. But for the transplanted area, it would be better not to use tropical minoxidil at least for the first three months. This is why I will be having the oral minox for the first three months. And for the next few days, it would be better if you can wear a shirt, by doing that you’ll have no risks at all. basically after seven days you’ll not have any restrictions at all. 

[duckling]

57 minutes ago, transplant49584 said:

Is it recommended to apply minoxidil to new grafts as well as existing hair eg crown? 

use on non transplanted area. keep it to crown and mid-scalp at first.. 

[transplant49584]

Graft count: 2315 (all scalp)

Singles - 435

Doubles - 1335

Triples - 415

Quadruples - 130

[Gatsby]

A great write up! Wishing you all the best and happy growing. If you are after thickening your beard up then you would be better off using oral minoxidil as it will help all of your scalp hair and beard as well. 👍

[A_4_Archan]

Excellent clean work and density seems to be good...good to see more and more work from dr somesh here..this would help people choose an economic package from eugenix and still get better outcomes ....will follow your journey closely ....happy growing and keep updating ...

[gtyler]

Any updates?? Looking to book with Dr Somesh in October. 

Edited August 12, 2023 by gtyler
Addition

[rishi]

How much per grafts for Dr . somesh?

[transplant49584]

On 8/12/2023 at 9:46 PM, gtyler said:

Any updates?? Looking to book with Dr Somesh in October. 

10 week update pictures below: 

I got a cut at the weekend to tidy up the back and sides. No cut on top. I think my hair is quite slow to grow in general 

[transplant49584]

On 8/18/2023 at 9:52 PM, rishi said:

How much per grafts for Dr . somesh?

I paid 120INR + 18% tax 

[mxnprettynice]

@transplant49584When exactly did you experience shedding? Was it a sudden, or did it happen gradually over weeks?

[shadow_god]

Hi, 

I am following your journey. I had my HT done by Dr Somesh on22nd July,2023. I feel I have lost 90% of transplanted hairs, which is okay. However, I have lost some native hair where density was less and grafts were implanted in between to get a fuller look. Did you also experience any shedding in native hair in surrounding areas?

[transplant49584]

On 8/24/2023 at 8:54 PM, mxnprettynice said:

@transplant49584When exactly did you experience shedding? Was it a sudden, or did it happen gradually over weeks?

Hey, I can't remember exact dates but it was very gradual from memory. I don't remember seeing lots of shedding over a short period, but I do remember comparing photos a few weeks apart and seeing very obvious shedding if that makes sense 

[transplant49584]

On 9/9/2023 at 2:37 AM, shadow_god said:

Hi, 

I am following your journey. I had my HT done by Dr Somesh on22nd July,2023. I feel I have lost 90% of transplanted hairs, which is okay. However, I have lost some native hair where density was less and grafts were implanted in between to get a fuller look. Did you also experience any shedding in native hair in surrounding areas?

Hi, hope you're progressing well since your surgery. I don't recall noticing native hair shock loss. Have you seen any improvement here? 

[transplant49584]

Quick 5 month update: 

Density in transplanted hairline areas is slightly less than native areas. Hoping a few more months of growth will even this out and it won't be as obvious in some lightings. 

Overall fairly happy with results, and looking forward to more gains in the coming months. 

[Gatsby]

Oh wow @transplant49584. For only five months your hair is kicking arse. Lots of growth ahead of you! 👍