Surgeon advice - Bisanga, Reddy or other?

[Badgerboy]

After a few months of research, and years of contemplating the idea of a transplant, I feel like I’m ready to bite the bullet and get it done now that I’m 38.

I’m looking for some guidance on surgeons as it seems to be a bit of a minefield finding those that are genuinely very good and not just paying fees to get “recommended”…

I don’t mind travelling within Europe. I have looked at the usual surgeons in Belgium, Spain and the Uk and have narrowed it down to Bisanga and Reddy, although I would appreciate ideas on others that are genuinely very good. The plan is to have the surgery next summer (we are expecting our first child in January so want to get settled with that first). I know that surgeons like Couto have very long waiting lists, plus I also worry that all the work I’ve seen is on thick European hair.

I started on 2.5mg oral minoxidil 1 month ago so won’t be seeing any results yet (although I had a fair bit of shedding). I’m tolerating it well so may increase to 5mg/day. I plan to start finasteride once our baby is born in January too. I’m hoping I’ll know by the summer if 1) I’m able to tolerate the meds and 2) see any improvements ahead of surgery (especially the crown) to ensure I get the right number of grafts.

Attached are some pics that show the extent of my loss and my hair type. I “think” I have a reasonable donor, but have attached some pictures of those areas too.

I have a consultation with both Bisanga and Reddy in December in London. Bisanga has provisionally estimated 2000-2400 for the hairline and 1000-1500 for the crown. I’ve seen lots of examples of his hairline work, but limited work on crowns, so worried he may not be the best for that. I’ve sent Reddy some photos and waiting for his estimate ahead of the consultation - his Instagram pictures look impressive and he seems to have a good reputation as far as I can see.

Are these Surgeons good options for my hair type and loss? I’m happy to travel for the right surgeon (although not keen on Turkey) and fairly open minded on cost to ensure I get a very good, natural and lasting result! 

[HHH]

Both great docs, I think based on hair and loss that Dr Bisanga would knock this out of the park with 2400 grafts. If I were you that's where i'd go.

Wouldnt bother with the crown for now personally, let meds do their thing for a year and see how if it thickens things up- doesn't look bad at all from the pics you've uploadedl. Just out of interest, why not start fin now?

 

BTW I get what you mean about it being a minefield but from following results for about 4 years now, Bisanga has been incredibly consistent in achieving terrific results.

Edited November 12, 2023 by HHH

[manutd4545]

Bisanga would be a great choice.

[Badgerboy]

3 hours ago, HHH said:

3 hours ago, HHH said:

Just out of interest, why not start fin now?

My understanding is that finasteride should not be taken while trying to conceive/if your partner is pregnant? Idea is to start as soon as the baby is born 

[manutd4545]

Could try topical if that is of a concern but lots and lots of people taking fin have conceived.

[HHH]

25 minutes ago, Badgerboy said:

 

Ok fair enough, I don't know where the literature falls on that, I know people who have had kids on fin with no issues, but would'nt want to recommend it just in case something happened, and you'd probably kick yourself for the rest of your life if that's the case.

I agree wait until Jan, it's not that long anyway and won't make a difference to you.

Congrats on becoming a father !