Eugenix Dr Arika and Dr Priya 31 July - 1 Aug 2023 | 3rd HT

[jackofall]

Hey Everyone! Giving back to this community by posting about my experience at Eugenix for my 3rd HT.

I did not have the plans for my 3rd HT for another 3 to 5 years since my 2nd HT in Feb 2022. I was considering Dr Bicer or Eugenix or Dr Pitella for the 3rd HT and possibly my last one if everything goes well with hairline and crown. But I had to visit India in August this year due to an unexpected situation and be in India for 2 months. This triggered the thought of getting HT done in India as it gives me time to recover and stay low. 

I contacted 3-4 clinics in India and of all, Eugenix was the most responsive. Dr Bhatti's clinic responded too a wee bit late. Other clinics were not courteous enough to trust and demanded me to be seen in person to decide if they can do FUE HT. @Eugenix Hair Sciences customer reps were patient and answered all my questions. Eugenix was my top choice last year in 2022 too if I could go to India but I decided to go to Turkey for short travel and due to work schedules. Compared to 2022, prices for Dr Priya climbed steeply(considered like Bronze premium package and on top of it 18% taxes + 2.5% credit card charges) but @Gatsby and few other forum members said the cost would be something to consider for life and best results. I was convinced with Eugenix after talking to Dr Priya virtually and her planning and considerations she explained after seeing me on video based on my requirements. I was advised I would need 2800 to 3100 grafts to dense my hairline, crown and 1st FUT scar. I was worried that I might not have enough healthy and strong donor scalp hair, but she assured me about using my beard hair as I have a thick strong beard. Even though they have become expensive but as they were transparent about all taxes and charges upfront and how they answered my plethora of questions I pulled the plug and make advance payment to confirm my surgery days. They were accommodative about my changes in dates till my India tickets were booked. Complimentary 2 nights stay in a 4 star hotel was provided in the price, airport pickup and drop off and 7 days medications post OP were included. Ive noticed on other fourm posts the complimentary accommodation is different as some got 3 nights and some had finasteride included for year. Seems to be based on package I am not certain. For almost 2-3 weeks Mr Anurag handled my case and was extremely helpful, supportive and patient to assist with every question and concern I had. At no point was any frustration evident from Anurag with all the back and forth. My topmost area of distress was the anesthetic pain for the initial few shots on the head and beard as my pain level during the two transplants was excruciating on the forehead and close to ears.

I am on daily finasteride 1mg for more than 2 years and advised by Eugenix team to continue for as long as I can. I opted for non trim HT in the frontal, anterior, mid and crown areas. I agreed to shave my donor area as the FUT scar had to be filled. As it is non trim, Eugenix team and Dr Priya mentioned surgery would happen for 2 days due to the complexity and care to be taken for existing transplanted hair. I had to submit medical history reports, blood test reports and quite a few test reports that are not usually done in USA 2 weeks before surgery date. They all looked good and I was ready to fly in for surgery as per Eugenix Concierge team. 

Travel, Arrival and Accommodation in Delhi:

I flew into India a week before my surgery day. There was a small hiccup on my side that I might have to change my surgery date from 31 july to 1st Aug and Eugenix was accomodative about the change. Anyways, things sorted out on my side and I could continue with my planned date on 31st July. On 29th july late night, I received a call from Eugenix team that Doctor has an unexpected situation and my surgery would start on 1st Aug  I was apprehensive as I had a tight schedule with surgery and travel but agreed with the change to return the favor as things go unexpected for any person. On 30th July I was supposed to fly to Delhi in late afternoon, but on the morning Eugenix team reached out again to me that surgery would go as per plan on 31st July and Dr Arika would do the planning and designing slits and Dr Priya would be attending on 2nd day of surgery. 

I was picked up by driver at Delhi airport and it was hassle free checkin at Double Tree hotel. I texted Eugenix team about my arrival and since it was evening, they asked me if I can come in for pre-checks and get them done with. They collected my BP, and tried out sample local anesthesia on both my arms to see how my body reacts for allergy. When all medical checks finished, I signed a few documents and was taken for a photo session. All the people were friendly and courteous. I was informed to report by 10am next day at the clinic. Everyone I met, stressed to have heavy breakfast, wear an open button shirt(no tee), wash my hair and scalp in the morning and be prepared for a long day.

Day 1 of Surgery:

I was picked up by Eugenix driver and reached the clinic couple of mins earlier than 10am. Was asked to seat in the basement reception area and offered any condiments. After few mins, some attendant took me to 2nd floor. I was eager and jittery and hoped to meet the Dr Arika but was greeted by 2 specialists who explained me of how things are done at Eugenix, their DHT methods, and tried to clear any questions I have about process and post surgery. While this was being explained, a nurse walked in checked my BP to confirm I am doing great and gave me some pills for pain management. After 30 mins or so, Dr Arika walked in with strong presence and few assistants/specialists. She asked me what my requirements and expectations are. After telling her what I have already discussed with Dr Priya she looked at my donor area and to my disappointment announced that my donor looks exhausted and would be tough to go for 2500+ grafts. She checked with another doctor who arrived with her, but she said the donor looks weak and has good enough grafts for about 1500 to use for hair line density and crown. Then they looked at my beard and gave some elating news that can use 1000+ grafts easily from my beard but killed some excitement asserting about beard growth and expectations as they beard hair does not grow as well as scalp hair and have to extremely patient with results.

After I agreed verbally, Dr Arika drew some line markings on my scalp and said that they would take photos and show me the markings on a large display to plan or change her initial design. After the photo session, I sipped some green tea and in few mins Dr Arika arrived with all the specialists who were in the room earlier. Dr Arika said she would design the slits on the crown and next day Dr Priya would do the hairline. I continuously emphasized on having full density on front middle scalp and to make it natural with existing hairline and temples and then use as much hair as possible on crown and then the scar. After some discussions, I understood her planning and sketch on my scalp and was asked to sign on all my photos to provide my confirmation. Some more documents signing happened of which one document explained the hair graft gap would be 3mm lowest and cannot be done lower.

I was asked to change and get ready to go to OP. A few minutes later changing, I was again taken to the guest room and not OT and the 2 specialists who greeted me initially said there is a change of plan about Dr Arika would work on my hair line and frontal areas. The reasoning would it allow me to sleep on my back at-least that night and to use best scalp hair on the hairline and front areas. Sounded plausible to me and would address my expectation too and I agreed with the new plan. After all this, a new assistant sat down with me and went over the pricing and payment, and we took care of that. I was then informed about trimming the donor area to zero level and kept the non trim hair intact. I was taken to the same photo room, took photos again and after trimming donor area a new set of photos were collected. 2-3 attendants were taking care of this but later during and after surgery I realized these guys are multi talented and are there with me for entire 2 days during all areas of surgery and post op cleanings.

In the OP room, my signed photos were hung to remind everyone of the plan including me . I had significant apprehension regarding the discomfort from anesthesia injections, but I must admit that the pain was manageable and bearable by an huge extent compared to my previous HT experiences. Thanks to Nurse Deepika, she was really good even with first few shots and kept engaging me with my interesting topics, music to be played and some vibrating device that kept down the pain I experienced in some areas.

Dr Arika came after local anesthesia took its effect. She created slits and in an hour +, completed 1204 slits. She explained, the slits are good enough and based on donor can do more later as needed to progress to middle scalp. Dr. Shishir then came in and marked donor areas for extractions. Till we breaked for lunch around 3pm, nurse Deepika made sure I was a least discomfort with anesthesia injections. They do local only in smaller areas as required for slits and then donor areas where they extract in smaller areas too. After anesthesia was given in marked donor areas and tested for no pain, a new team of senior techs then came in and started graft extraction and immediately the techs started with graft insertion which they call DHT. My eyes were covered for entirety of the surgery, but I could figure there could be 4 people working on my scalp extracting and implanting. I admired the part they kept adding grafts details on the white board and kept asking about my pain levels, how my back and shoulders every 30 mins. They are exceedingly nice boys who kept asking me for water or breaks. Ranjan was my go to guy and he was sweet and kind to my and took care of me like I am his brother. This was totally unexpected and I would not forget the names Deepika and Ranjan due to their kindness and hospitality. Till Lunch 600 grafts for planted and there were 600 more to go. 30 mins lunch break and no pain. Lunch was a tasty sandwich and I was given options in the morning.

I informed the team before and after lunch, how local anesthesia wears off quickly due to my high metabolism. They noted it and asked me before they started next donor area extractions. After 200 extractions, planting was started and I experienced some pain on the hairline as I expected. Some areas were harsh, so they loaded up with some local. I really hate local on forehead. It stings every time. But it was not terrible, thanks to nurse Deepika. Last 300 extractions were left and the next locals were not as smooth as it was in the morning. I asked if nurse Deepika has left and the new nurse said yes. I told her that the local is bit hurting than in the morning and requested if Deepika can do it. Since she left already, new nurse tried her best to reduce pain but it was pricking pain in some donor spots. She informed these areas are sensitive as they close to lower neck and she tried her best. 

Around 730pm 1st day of surgery finished and I did not feel tired as much I thought I would be. For the next 30 mins I changed and a representative Parul later attended to me in the same room I had lunch. He explained in details how I should sleep and avoid the scalp area to avoid touching. I was given more instructions on how to care for my head for the next 7 nights along with a kit of items; mainly a bottle of saline spray that I should to spray on the recipient area every hour when I am awake. Kit also had some sheets to spread on the pillow and bed at night to absorb any oozing from donor areas. Few people kept walking in to OT and everyone who I could not see the faces kept asking me if I was doing fine. I was not sure if Dr Arika ever walked in as I did not hear her voice or her affirmation on the surgery rest of the day. Techs Ranjan and Baadal gave me massages especially after I had to lay on my tummy for couple of hours which aggravated my existing lower back pain.

I am a light sleeper and I could not get enough sleep sitting in the couch and was worried about affecting transplanted hair areas. I possibly slept in 20 min intervals for a period of 4 hours only. I was eagerly waiting for the next morning as I had to eat heavy breakfast and be at the clinic by 9am next day. 

Day 2 of Surgery:

To be continued..

My previous post of my 2nd HT 

 

I will add the photos pre and post op by next week, but thought I will spend time this weekend with content.

 

Edited August 6, 2023 by jackofall

[Eugenix Hair Sciences]

@jackofall

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 

[jackofall]

Pre op photos 

Edited August 8, 2023 by jackofall

[jackofall]

Post op photos

 

Edited August 9, 2023 by jackofall

[Rawkerboi]

Your Pre Photo Hairline look fine to me, it was natural and coz of your hair characteristic(Curls) it was giving more fuller look anyways with added density it will be more dense but since your donor was weak, should have avoided Hairline and focus more on mid-scalp or crown

 

So how many total Grafts were implanted?

 

[jackofall]

19 hours ago, Rawkerboi said:

Your Pre Photo Hairline look fine to me, it was natural and coz of your hair characteristic(Curls) it was giving more fuller look anyways with added density it will be more dense but since your donor was weak, should have avoided Hairline and focus more on mid-scalp or crown

 

So how many total Grafts were implanted?

 

2910..1200 front, 1400 mid and crown, 300 spread between fut scar and donor farming. 300 was planned for fut scar but that area was dead and only 50 could be used on the scar. Dr priya advised to not waste extracted grafts to revision the scar and used them on weak donor areas

[jackofall]

Day 2 of Surgery:

2nd day started at 9am and it was all planned for crown and rear scalp. Dr Priya met me on the 2nd day and spoke about the plan using my scalp donor and then beard donor. She added the layout on my mid and crown areas. Next phase was extracting from scalp area and only 335 could be extracted from scalp. These areas of the scalp were painful than other areas with local anesthesia shots and the nurse tried her best. But I wished the nurse Deepika was available on the 2nd day to. After 200 extracts were done, planting started on crown area.

After scalp extracts was completed, side locks were used and around 335 could be implanted. Then it was from beard. Beard local anesthesia was the terrible of all. I beared through it and in all 1042 beard grafts were enough for crown and FUT scar. Crown grafting completed around 3pm. For FUT scar, unfortunately Dr Priya informed me about being FUT scar being a dead skin and the grafts would not grown in most areas. She advised to use the remaining grafts for donor farming where last FUE scars were visible. I felt its the best use of remaining 200 grafts. I am planning to go for SMP for the FUT scar in 2 months.

Hoping this is my Final transplant for life. The next 7 nights were tough to sleep as I cannot rest my scalp or be sure my whole head does not get touched or hit by anything as hair transplant was done in most of the areas. 

[Gatsby]

Congratulations on your third surgery. If you had have chosen Dr Bhatti you may have undone all of your good work. Your curly hair will be an asset in giving the illusion of greater density. One thing though. Don't have SMP for a good 8-12 months post op. As your scars continue to heal the ink will migrate over time. Sorry but what was your total amount of scalp grafts and beard grafts in the end? Wishing you all the best and I look forward to your updates. Thanks for sharing!

Edited August 21, 2023 by Gatsby

[jackofall]

34 minutes ago, Gatsby said:

Congratulations on your third surgery. If you had have chosen Dr Bhatti you may have undone all of your good work. Your curly hair will be an asset in giving the illusion of greater density. One thing though. Don't have SMP for a good 8-12 months post op. As your scars continue to heal the ink will migrate over time. Sorry but what was your total amount of scalp grafts and beard grafts in the end? Wishing you all the best and I look forward to your updates. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks mate! 1042 beard grafts, 350 from side burns and 1530 from scalp.

Smp was only for fut scar and infact where there is no hair coverage from top areas. Will it still be a problem with ink as the scar won't heal any more? 

[jackofall]

Day 14 post op photos

[jackofall]

Day 18 post op photos after hair cut. I see lot of tiny transplanted hair loss, also noticed long existing hair loss more than usual. there is itching and dryness too as i stopped using head and shoulders. Eugenix care team advised not to use head and shoulders and only use dove. Dove is making my scalp dry and itchy and I the fragrance is bothering too. 

Does alcohol or smoking affect hair growth? I am social drinker mostly having scotch on weekends only.

[jackofall]

Hey @Melvin- Moderator - when would be a good time to try Xyonhealth Topical Dutasteride? Would you share you opinion on my 3rd HT?

When can I start using the product Pete & Pedro TEXTURE POWDER to add more volume to my transplanted hair? does it have side effects on hair and scalp?

[Gatsby]

I found that after my first hair transplant with Eugenix that my scalp was very dry so I didn't use any shampoo for a good month or more. If the SMP is only on the old scar then that's fine. You'll find with your hair characteristics that SMP will be enough to disguise it without grafts. I wouldn't add any texture powder to your hair/scalp for at least 3-4 months. There's a risk that you could cause an infection. The risk is small but real. Give you scalp and hair plenty of time to heal.

[MazAB]

You did good going to Eugenix! Give it at least 4 months before you start using any hair products. You have to give the newly implanted grafts plenty of room to breathe. You'll be very happy with the results in due time.

[jackofall]

Does alcohol or smoking affect on transplanted and existing hair growth? I am social drinker mostly having scotch on weekends only. I am on daily Finasteride 1mg.

Photos from day 40. I got smp done on fut scar only. 1 session completed through smp. 2nd one is due on 50th day

Edited September 10, 2023 by jackofall

[Shadman]

Yes,  smoking or drinking definitely affects growth of the transplanted hair. I think your donor is still recovering, any reasons for doing two SMP sessions in less than two months post-Op ?

[Shadman]

1 hour ago, jackofall said:

Does alcohol or smoking affect on transplanted and existing hair growth? I am social drinker mostly having scotch on weekends only. I am on daily Finasteride 1mg.

Photos from day 40. I got smp done on fut scar only. 1 session completed through smp. 2nd one is due on 50th day

 

Yes,  smoking or drinking definitely affects growth of the transplanted hair. I think your donor is still recovering, any reasons for doing two SMP sessions in less than two months post-Op ?

[jackofall]

2 sessions are mandatory for smp. I have gone with it only for the fut scar and nothing on the donor area. Fut scar was dead skin and tissue which was identified and confirmed Dr priya during fue surgery

[jackofall]

2 months progress. I feel my hair is shedding more even the unshaved hair and lot of dry flakes and dandruff. Any feedback hrn folks.

[Shadman]

20 hours ago, jackofall said:

2 months progress. I feel my hair is shedding more even the unshaved hair and lot of dry flakes and dandruff. Any feedback hrn folks.

 

because of growing hair long there might be more dandruff or skin flakes. I think you need to clean your scalp properly. Moreover,  For the dandruff or flakiness I think you should use ketoconazole shampoo, obviously after having consultation with the clinic

[Gatsby]

23 hours ago, jackofall said:

2 months progress. I feel my hair is shedding more even the unshaved hair and lot of dry flakes and dandruff. Any feedback hrn folks.

Two months is the worst point post op. Your donor and transplanted hair looks incredible at this point. Happy growing! 💯

[jackofall]

Status on completing 3 months. Front area still sparse and lost previously transplanted long hair too in 3rd month. Wishing all lost and new transplanted hair starts growing from 4th month. My hair stylist said he noticed lot of baby thin hair in the mid area

[Gatsby]

Four months is where the growth begins. Allow the donor up to a year to fully bounce back @jackofall. You’re looking in point. 👌

[jackofall]

Completed 4 months. I feel I am losing less hair now and little dense on front but better results on mid area. Attached latest photos 

[Shadman]

21 hours ago, jackofall said:

Completed 4 months. I feel I am losing less hair now and little dense on front but better results on mid area. Attached latest photos 

Looking good at month 4.