November 2023 Eugenix Transplant with Dr. Bansal

[IceBergg]

Hello all,

I have been a long time lurker on this platform and finally decided to give myself a little treat. I've got my bags packed and am just about ready to travel to India for a date with Dr. Bansal. I thought I would start this thread to document my hair transplant journey and provide an additional resource for those considering taking the plunge.

I am 32 years old living in the Chicagoland area. I first noticed hair loss when I was 17. I experienced a gradual recession of my hairline throughout my early twenties while thinning of the crown became noticeable in my late twenties. Hair loss runs in my family. The men from my fathers side all have some sort of hair loss but nothing worse than a Norwood 4. My maternal grandfather had a full head of hair (or he wore a wig, idk..).

I have dabbled with topical minoxidil. I used it on and off for probably 4 years but did not see much benefit, if any, and I disliked the greasy feeling in my hair. I have been on 1mg Finasteride daily for the past 5 years. I have not responded with additional growth, but it is possible the medication has slowed the progression of my baldness (it is really impossible to say). I have had no side effects so continued use is my intention. Additionally I take biotin gummies daily. 

Being from Chicago I am aware of the local hair transplant establishments. Some are hair transplant mills while other very reputable doctors (e.g. Konior/Nadimi) are out of my price range. I decided on Eugenix due to their remarkable track record of quality results and reasonable price tag. I first reached out to Eugenix in August of 2022 for a consultation and they convinced me to acquire their services. I was able to loosely book a procedure... by that I mean I told them I was looking to have a procedure sometime in late 2023 and was undecided on which package I would be choosing. The Eugenix consultant assured me that was alright and gave me an estimate for whichever package I would end up choosing. I reconnected with a Eugenix staffer in April of this year and finalized the details. I signed up for the Premium Package which includes:

Procedure Lead By – Dr Arika Bansal

Cost Per Graft – INR 210 + Tax

Planning Designing & Complete Slits to be Performed by Dr Arika Bansal and further assisted by our Senior Eugenix Technicians under the supervision of the leading doctor.

Value Added Benefits - Complimentary two nights’ accommodation with airport pick up and drop off. Seven days post-op medication will be provided by us.

Eugenix doctors reviewed my photos and gave me an estimate of 3500 grafts. These projections included lowering my hairline, adding density to my crown, and restructuring my temples. I am sure that number will fluctuate. I myself am on the fence about getting temple points modified, I've seen some sketchy results involving temple point transplantations... 

I have attached some recent photos in very harsh bathroom lighting. I am open to any and all advice! I am particularly wondering if anyone has tips for sleeping and taking long flights post-op? 

Well, wish me luck!

 

[Shadman]

36 minutes ago, IceBergg said:

Hello all,

I have been a long time lurker on this platform and finally decided to give myself a little treat. I've got my bags packed and am just about ready to travel to India for a date with Dr. Bansal. I thought I would start this thread to document my hair transplant journey and provide an additional resource for those considering taking the plunge.

I am 32 years old living in the Chicagoland area. I first noticed hair loss when I was 17. I experienced a gradual recession of my hairline throughout my early twenties while thinning of the crown became noticeable in my late twenties. Hair loss runs in my family. The men from my fathers side all have some sort of hair loss but nothing worse than a Norwood 4. My maternal grandfather had a full head of hair (or he wore a wig, idk..).

I have dabbled with topical minoxidil. I used it on and off for probably 4 years but did not see much benefit, if any, and I disliked the greasy feeling in my hair. I have been on 1mg Finasteride daily for the past 5 years. I have not responded with additional growth, but it is possible the medication has slowed the progression of my baldness (it is really impossible to say). I have had no side effects so continued use is my intention. Additionally I take biotin gummies daily. 

Being from Chicago I am aware of the local hair transplant establishments. Some are hair transplant mills while other very reputable doctors (e.g. Konior/Nadimi) are out of my price range. I decided on Eugenix due to their remarkable track record of quality results and reasonable price tag. I first reached out to Eugenix in August of 2022 for a consultation and they convinced me to acquire their services. I was able to loosely book a procedure... by that I mean I told them I was looking to have a procedure sometime in late 2023 and was undecided on which package I would be choosing. The Eugenix consultant assured me that was alright and gave me an estimate for whichever package I would end up choosing. I reconnected with a Eugenix staffer in April of this year and finalized the details. I signed up for the Premium Package which includes:

Procedure Lead By – Dr Arika Bansal

Cost Per Graft – INR 210 + Tax

Planning Designing & Complete Slits to be Performed by Dr Arika Bansal and further assisted by our Senior Eugenix Technicians under the supervision of the leading doctor.

Value Added Benefits - Complimentary two nights’ accommodation with airport pick up and drop off. Seven days post-op medication will be provided by us.

Eugenix doctors reviewed my photos and gave me an estimate of 3500 grafts. These projections included lowering my hairline, adding density to my crown, and restructuring my temples. I am sure that number will fluctuate. I myself am on the fence about getting temple points modified, I've seen some sketchy results involving temple point transplantations... 

I have attached some recent photos in very harsh bathroom lighting. I am open to any and all advice! I am particularly wondering if anyone has tips for sleeping and taking long flights post-op? 

Well, wish me luck!

 

I think with 3500 grafts you would get great coverage. With Eugenix you're good to go. Best wishes for your procedure.

[Eugenix Hair Sciences]

@IceBergg

Thank you for choosing Eugenix Hair Sciences. We're happy that you have taken your time to do the research and thankful at the same time for showing your trust in us. Looking forward to seeing you in November, please feel free to send us a personalized message in case of any further questions. 

Warmest Regards
Eugenix Hair Sciences 

 

[IceBergg]

I underwent my hair transplant procedure last week at Eugenix. Over the course of two days 3206 grafts were implanted into my crown and frontal regions. There was some pain/discomfort during the procedure but nothing that was too unbearable. Post-op I had mild tingling in the donor region, some tightness/occasional itchiness in the recipient region, and swelling in my forehead. I did however have a reaction to the antibiotics provided. Symptoms (nausea/vomitus, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness) developed the third day post-op. I contacted Eugenix and they instructed me to stop the course of antibiotics. The next couple days symptoms started to taper off and I am pretty much back to feeling normal. Aside from that unfortunate sickness I have been happy with the work done by the people of Eugenix. I have attached some pics taken immediately post-op. I will post images following my first headwash and then on a monthly basis. 

[Gatsby]

You've gone to an excellent surgeon @IceBergg. You've also got excellent natural temple points. Wishing you all the best and I hope you update your journey. Thanks for sharing!

[IceBergg]

Thanks @Gatsby! Yes I will be sure to update 🙂

[IceBergg]

I have attached some photos post head wash. It took 2 separate washes to get all of the scabs off. Officially day 10 post op. Let the shed begin!

[Shadman]

On 11/16/2023 at 7:31 AM, IceBergg said:

I underwent my hair transplant procedure last week at Eugenix. Over the course of two days 3206 grafts were implanted into my crown and frontal regions. There was some pain/discomfort during the procedure but nothing that was too unbearable. Post-op I had mild tingling in the donor region, some tightness/occasional itchiness in the recipient region, and swelling in my forehead. I did however have a reaction to the antibiotics provided. Symptoms (nausea/vomitus, diarrhea, fatigue, weakness) developed the third day post-op. I contacted Eugenix and they instructed me to stop the course of antibiotics. The next couple days symptoms started to taper off and I am pretty much back to feeling normal. Aside from that unfortunate sickness I have been happy with the work done by the people of Eugenix. I have attached some pics taken immediately post-op. I will post images following my first headwash and then on a monthly basis. 

I think you'll have great density in the frontal part. How many grafts you received for the crown ? 

[IceBergg]

You know I actually asked for the graft breakdown but they never sent me that info. I will reach out again and let you guys know. 

[IceBergg]

Graft breakdown:

Total of 3206 grafts were implanted. 2470 grafts used in the frontal region and 736 grafts used in the crown.

365 singles

1841 doubles 

600 triples

400 quadruples

[IceBergg]

I’ve attached my one month update photos. I still have some redness in both the donor and recipient regions. Shedding has begun and everything looks about as expected to me. 

See you all in a month!

[general-etwan]

Looks good so far, though I see the hairline as being too unlevel. Wonder why she thought that was good enough.

[IceBergg]

I agree I am not sure why. Perhaps for a “natural” effect?

I remember after the first day of surgery I noticed it was not level. They started with more of the midscalp region and I could see how uneven it was. I mentioned this to my care coordinator before we started the second day of surgery. She agreed but said Dr. Bansal did perform measurements showing it was even. She also pointed out that there were vacant slits that were going to be filled into the hairline that day so it would even out. Obviously that was not the case..

[IceBergg]

Here I am at 2 months. I had buzzed my hair to a 1 guard a few days ago. Will probably continue to buzz short for the next couple months. See you next month!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 8 by IceBergg
Adjusted photos

[Jimmy87]

To my very novice eye this looks really great and very natural with the slight variance in the hairline. 

 

I'm planning to book in with Eugenix for a beard transplant this year under the same package. In my enquiry they mentioned that a blood test is required, is this just a general blood test or was anything specific required when you got the blood work done? I'll be travelling from Australia so a different Healthcare set-up from the US I guess. Congrats again!

[IceBergg]

Honestly a lot of the blood tests seem unnecessary. I work in the medical field and was surprised by what they requested. They wanted basic stuff such as cmp/cbc as well as communicable disease tests such as HIV/hepatitis. But also wanted PT, cholesterol/phosphorous/bilirubin.
 

I went to my primary care physician for my yearly physical and requested these additional labs be performed. Surprisingly it was all covered by my insurance. 
 

Good luck on your transplant! Eugenix seems to good work and I’m hoping we both are success cases!

[Gatsby]

You're at the hardest part of the post op journey @IceBergg. But from here on in growth will begin to kick in. You have a very youthful looking face so this is going to make an incredible transformation. All the best and thanks for sharing!

[IceBergg]

Thanks Gatsby I appreciate the support! I’m hoping for a great result such as yours!

[Eugenix Hair Sciences]

@IceBergg

Thank you for providing the update. Shedding is still ongoing and is expected to last approximately 90 days from the date of the procedure. After this period, you can anticipate gradual growth month by month. 

Keep us updated on your progress. 

Warmest Regards
Eugenix Hair Sciences 

[IceBergg]

3 month update:

[A_4_Archan]

Work looks clean and you are now ending your shedding phase and now the growth will start to kick in..initially you will see baby hairs sprouting out all over the transplanted area which later on will start growing dense...upcoming few months will be the most exciting months of your life..Happy growing and keep updating brother.

[Berba11]

On 1/8/2024 at 11:15 PM, Jimmy87 said:

To my very novice eye this looks really great and very natural with the slight variance in the hairline. 

 

I'm planning to book in with Eugenix for a beard transplant this year under the same package. In my enquiry they mentioned that a blood test is required, is this just a general blood test or was anything specific required when you got the blood work done? I'll be travelling from Australia so a different Healthcare set-up from the US I guess. Congrats again!

You can get the blood tests done in India and it'll cost you whatever the Aussie dollar equivalent of about £30 is. You need to arrive a couple days ahead of surgery to allow for time to get the results back, and you pay the blood test guy cash (they will come to your hotel room). Speak to your coordinator about it in advance and again pretty much as soon as you arrive in India.

[IceBergg]

4 month update: 

Eugenix contacted me and said that I should be seeing 20-30% sprouting of new follicles at this point, which I feel checks out.

I feel good about the growth thus far. However my donor area is still looking sparse. My hair is rather long at this point yet you can still see the outline of where grafts were harvested. 

Another thing I’d like to point out is the way the transplanted hair is blended into my native hair on the right vs left side. 

If you look back at previous photos you can see that the transplanted hair on the right side of my head was blended seamlessly into the native hair. While on the left side of my head they left a small gap. At this point with the hair sprouting that gap is noticeable. 

Anyways, here are the photos!

[Buffaloboy]

4 hours ago, IceBergg said:

Another thing I’d like to point out is the way the transplanted hair is blended into my native hair on the right vs left side. 

If you look back at previous photos you can see that the transplanted hair on the right side of my head was blended seamlessly into the native hair. While on the left side of my head they left a small gap. At this point with the hair sprouting that gap is noticeable. 

Another gap at the lateral!?

I don’t understand how Eugenix keeps making this mistake.

I would usually say “give it time”, but this has happened so often with Eugenix that I feel that it’s likely just an issue they can’t figure out.

The hair line is definitely lower on the left (your right) as well. Maybe that was to make it seem more natural/not perfect?

Other than that, your hair is looking great though. You look like a new man! I wouldn’t worry about the donor.

 

 

Edited March 10 by Buffaloboy

[IceBergg]

I didn’t realize that was a common theme. I can say perhaps it is due to the process. There were two different surgeons working simultaneously. One on the right side and one on the left side. Perhaps the individual working on the right side was more skilled than the one on the left.. idk. 
 

Thank you for the kind words though!