[WanderinNomad]

Originally Posted by WanderinNomad

GTO, I am the perfect person to answer this. Here is the answer to all your questions.

Just go for it. Better than wasting money on all solutions in the market. Only one thing, go to the best doctor you can afford. The only problem is finding a good doc since this is an industry plagued by unethical practices in India and abroad.

I had a few PM's asking for doctors I recommend. I am posting it here so that it helps everyone. The first thing you should check is the doctors on IAHRS

https://www.iahrs.org/hair-transplant/india

This is a well respected organisation, and if you can afford the doctor's prices, just go for it. This is because these doctors are at a level that they will not fool you.
Also keep in mind, this is different from an organisation called ISHRS which is not as trusted.
Dr Bhatti used to be a part of IAHRS when I got my HT but when I checked now, he isn't there. But just do a search on him and you will find praises from all over the World and I can personally vouch for him.

Here are few reliable sources to search on this subject. Be careful on where you get your info from on this topic since this is a highly emotional topic for people, and as with all such topics, there is a huge fraud industry peddling all sort of stuff on internet.

1 A forum to read people's journey in detail:
https://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/?_fromLogout=1

2 Spex's channel- Just go to his oldest videos (posted 8 years ago) and watch them. There are a couple of videos over there. I am posting one of those videos.

https://www.youtube.com/user/Spexhair/videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed41...annel=Spexhair

3 https://darlingbuds.com/blogs/

Dr. Bhatti's blog


I think spex videos and Dr. Bhatti's blogs will give you all the info you need. For people's real life experiences with pics, the forum will do. I don't think you will need any additional source.

3 Doctors in India w'ho are well known:
- Eugenix HT
- Medispa ( Dr. Sumeet Soni)
- Dr. Gaurang Krishna


Also, one more thing I would like to point out. In an HT, each person's experience will be different because it will depend on various factors primarily among them bieng your age, the level of baldness (measured by Norwood Scale), the expectation of the person which is often not right ( people expect to have a full head of hair just like they had when they were 18 while HT is just a comoflouge of the existing situation and a good one means noone can say that you were balding from that area. It CANNOT bring your old density back), many have a great HT but they lose their non transplanted hair which makes them blame the HT, reluctance to take any medication after HT (you need to mentain your existing and transplanted hair over 10-20-30 years), etc

This is why a good and ethical doctor is important


I hope it helps.

[CR07]

Originally Posted by GTO

Although we have some old threads on hair loss, what we really need is a dedicated one for hair transplants.

I am 27. I did my transplant last July. Prior to that for nearly a year I had taken few medications for nearly a year (minoxidil lotion and dutasteride/finesteride tablets and few vitamin tablets). These medications improved my hair by about 20%. Since I wanted a perfect look for my wedding ( this may ), I went in for transplant last July.

Must say the results are spectacular considering i used to have extremely dense hair and even to do date the side and back hair are extremely dense. The results are so good, that people who had not seen me in last 3 years (pre hair fall) don't even realise that these are transplanted. That said, I know it still isn't as dense as it was pre hair fall, but I am pretty happy with current condition too.

I have also decreased the dosage of finasteride (alternate day 1 tablet). Till date I haven't had any side effects related to erectile dysfunction ( I assume this), since i am virgin.

[duker2997]

Hi GTO, a brief history of myself so that you'd get an idea. I had very dense hair growth and a very good hairline, as I joined Engineering I started experiencing increased hair fall (could be because of the use of a helmet, not sure). People in my family aged above 60 still have very good hair, so it wasn't heredity.

So I started consulting trichologists and was prescribed to use Minoxidil 5% and finasteride 1mg. Once I was on it, had very good results. Hair fall reduced, density improved. Till this point, there were no bald spots or severe thinning.

Mistake 1: I stopped using the medication once I saw good results thinking i was done. This resulted in increased hair loss within a few months. Consulted the doctor and was told it shouldn't be quit abruptly and the dosage should be tapered down and eventually stopped.

Was again on it for a few more months things seemed under control but the density wasn't as before.

Mistake 2: I was spooked about Finasteride causing sexual side effects and i again quit (I hadn't read about the medication that was given by the Doc in the initial days)
I later learned and was assured by the doc that side effects are seen in less than 1% of the people and it is totally reversible once the user has stopped Finasteride.

So the on and off usage of Minoxidil had caused diffused thinning of the scalp. All this was between 2016 and 2019.

2019 to mid 2021 Tried my hand at ayurvedic treatments and none of them worked in my case.

By now I had severe hair thinning and the scalp was visible under direct sunlight no matter in which way I tried to style my hair.

Again was back to using minoxidil *facepalm*

2022: Decided to get a hair transplant. Got it done in the month of Feb. I required around 2300 grafts and was charged for the same. But on the day of the surgery, they extracted around 2700 grafts of which about 700 grafts were singles so the surgeon did not charge extra. (more double and triple hair in graft would give a denser coverage).
Initial few days you might have to sleep on an elevated bed ( i used a recliner). Once the pain killers are stopped there'd be slight discomfort, a stinging feeling on the donor area. All of this would disappear by two weeks from the date of the procedure.
The transplanted hair shed and regrows after the third month. I am in this stage currently. Have been prescribed to take a few medicines for the first 6 months and I am also undergoing GFC sittings. Was advised to take 4 sittings.

My Suggestions:
1. IF you start minoxidil, you'll have to be on it for a very long period and stop it gradually. (This might again induce hair loss).
2. If the scalp is already visible and you'd want a permanent solution, the only option is a hair transplant which works out cheaper in the long run. I'd say it's more value for money.
3. Hair patches or weavings would never give you a natural hair feeling. Though it might look nice from a distance, you'd always feel it's not natural. It would also damage the existing hair roots under the hair patch. Not to forget the monthly maintenance it requires. (Removing the hair patch, shave the area, and again glue back the hair patch) A friend of mine took this route and is regretting it. ( I'm just quoting his experience)
4. Don't just go by the google reviews( I know you'd be aware of it) there are a lot of malpractices that are going on. Insist on speaking to a few patients who've taken the treatment from the doctor.

I can answer a few of your queries,

*My surgeon said by the book the life of transplanted hair is 15-20 years. If you have enough hair in the donor area a follow-up procedure can be done.

*Finasteride helps big time in male pattern baldness. Please do not be blindsided by the side effects blown out of proportion all over google and pass this drug. The side effects its seen in very less than 1% of people taking it. If your trichologist recommends it kindly take it.

*For just the hairline re-structuring there is no need to completely shave the head. Only the donor area needs to be trimmed.

*I'm still in the ugly duckling phase, and once I'm past this phase will post the pictures, which would give a better before and after comparison. Ideally, after 7-10 months post-op would be a good time for a before and after.

*Including the GFC I paid roughly around 120k in total.

Hope this helped, also to others who are on a fence about whether to get a hair transplant done or not I'd suggest getting it done.

Cheers!!

[CliffHanger]

For guys who are in 20s and 30s and starting to experience mild thinning, I would suggest the following instead of minoxidil and finastride.

- if you workout regularly - after your session, fold down on the gym ball, with your back on the ball and your head pointing downwards, tilt your head slowly on both sides for approx 20 secs, repeat for 3-4 sets. This gets to direct all your blood to the scalp. Do this after your every session in gym
- use Bhringraj hair cream, Himalaya sells one, search. Bhringraj fights DHT
- never compromise on good sleep

Another suggesion
- completely stop shampoos. Use Shikakai powder instead. Search for Malar herbals hair wash powder and conditioner. This is available online and in all Khadikraft stores in Tamilnadu, you can check for similar in Government organic stores in your city.

Try these for a couple of months and share the results here.

[em17]

Well ! Late to the thread, but I got one done back in 2015, in Delhi , by a doctor referred to me by a friend .

I had major baldness before for about 5/6 odd years , while I was In the UK the . Was asked to try a lot of homemade/ commercial products at that time. Lost hope and never believed of stupid antics to grow hair back, honestly I also didn’t care much as well!

Finally Went in for a transplant while the technique was still quite new.

2022 I still have dense hair on the same part , though I’ve lost hair at the crown which was fine till then!
And Honestly till date nobody except for an expert hair stylist gets to know what’s happened there!

I completely vouch for it, albeit done by a professional/trusted guy!

Saying that I’ve had friends who’ve tried it thrice, including international treatments(Turkey) that haven’t been successful.

I’ve referred them to same doctor as mine.
I got treated by Dr Gaurang. I guess he has been mentioned in the thread before as well. He’s at Safdarjung in Delhi. Happy to share the contact and my journey.
Trust me luckily I’ve been a happy and satisfied customer.

[Sahil]

I have been using Minoxidil (Rogaine brand exclusively) diligently for over 4 years now. I was always nervous about balding even though I didn't really have a problem but seeing my friends go bald quite rapidly I was always cautious.

The first person I met was Dr.Sajjad in Dubai several years ago. He was known to have transplanted most top bollywood stars and even some top Indian industrialists. When I went for the consult his assistant told me to buzz off pretty much since I did not have any issue and wasn't a candidate for hair transplant.

Few years later I started feeling my front hair thinning just a bit, I went and met Dr.Moinuddin Makani who is now known to have taken most of Dr.Sajjad's clients. He is based in Santacruz right behind the mini cooper showroom. He was honest enough to tell me that I do not need a transplant but as a preventive measure I should start Rogaine. He explained to me that there is no real side effect or harm but if all his clients had started using Rogaine early they would have delayed their hair transplants by over a decade! He himself was using Rogaine and his hair was great, although he is also not old probably in his 40s.

Ever since I have religiously been using Rogaine, the first few months you do find some shedding as the weak hair falls off but it is not that noticeable to another person. After 3 months the new hair starts growing. At 6 months you will start seeing a little bit of improvement but only after 1 year you will see a noticeable improvement.
I have had zero side effects and has now become a routine like brushing my teeth daily. I use the foam version of Rogain which is easy to apply and takes 30 seconds to do. Yes, I will be a victim for life but I do not mind for the kind of gains it gives.
I have recently also used the regular dripper version which is also not too bad to apply, apparently this version is "extra strength"

Before going for a transplant I think it's best to consider PRP, I have seen great results on some people. There is Dr.Yash Mehta of ASCS clinic in Bandra whose patients i have seen had great results in 3-4 sessions.

This would be my approach the day rogaine stops working for me, I will probably try PRP and then think of a transplant. Although even after a transplant the doctors recommend you to continue using rogain especially on the old hair that wasn't transplanted.

[audioholic]

Had my brush with hairfall due to extreme travelling between different climates, water types and initially tried different oils and stuff but of no use. Then after consulting skin specialist, switched to Minoxidil + Finasteride. Have been using it from the last four years. The initial improvement was seen only after six months of use. I would use it once daily before going to sleep. From the last two years, I am only using it alternate days. On the other day, I use a Hair Vitalizer from Ustraa which is based on Redensyl and a few other nutrients. While my Hair line has slightly receded over the last year or so, the hair density and thickness have been maintained well. However, the doctors I have consulted have said that since in my case we do not have balding in our family, I can maintain the hair to some extent.

[GTO]

Guys. A sincere request. To everyone posting their experiences, please also share the doctor's name and clinic. Very grateful for all the advice. Thanks

[Brumby]

Originally Posted by Raghu M

I am in my mid thirties. I lost some hair after moving to Hyd immediately. That was when I realized that I should do something about it. When I shaved off my head as per a religious vow, the person who shaved my head mentioned that I had loads of dandruff and that it is not visible to everyone generally. I got the entire dandruff removed (he removed it with his razor and trust me, it was very painful and burnt like hell). After that miraculously, my hair fall almost stopped. I used to shampoo everyday and that helped with dust not accumulating.

Thats the perfect way, only lifestyle/dietary changes can help slow down hair loss.

All what is advertised by the hair treatment clinics is just a way to earn living.

Ask any clinic if they can give guarantee of even two years with full refund if the treatment does not yield desired results and you will have an answer if you should opt for any such methods.

[GTO]

Thanks to the Team-BHP fan (he prefers to remain anonymous) who sent this information in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts via this page!

Hey,

Saw your thread on Hair Transplants. I got it done last year from Eugenix. They are as good as you'll see on YouTube reviews. I got it done from one of the main doctors in Gurgaon and the results have been incredible. I am quite young (29) so for me, it was about something sustainable to fix my hairline and they did a very conservative job while a couple of other places recommended more grafts. Eugenix really do care about the outcome and not about money, as they always have more clients than they can handle.

The procedure is painful when they insert those huge syringes for anesthetic, but after that, you don't feel anything. You will have to go full bald and for me, the whole procedure took 1 sitting of 6-7 hours. Then, one week of recovery (can't really step out).

I have had barbers in Dubai and London tell me that my transplant is one of the best they've ever seen.

[am1m]

Buggers! Just when I reconciled myself to accepting the only damn thing I inherited from my dad- gradually going bald (and the one thing I could have done without!), you guys go and start this thread! And dangle hope! Now I'm going to have to get off my ass and make some effort at least.

I used to have great hair, even used to wear it quite long in my 20s, but the inescapable realities of genetics started 'revealing' themselves in my 30s. By now, in my 40s, I've finally started making peace with this, but now..

But jokes apart, good to hear so many positive stories, as well as info on realistic expectations. So thanks!

[creative420]

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys. A sincere request. To everyone posting their experiences, please also share the doctor's name and clinic. Very grateful for all the advice. Thanks

Also, is it possible for people to share their before and after pictures? It would really be helpful. Only if comfortable.

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by Sahil

Few years later I started feeling my front hair thinning just a bit, I went and met Dr.Moinuddin Makani who is now known to have taken most of Dr.Sajjad's clients. He is based in Santacruz right behind the mini cooper showroom. He was honest enough to tell me that I do not need a transplant but as a preventive measure I should start Rogaine. He explained to me that there is no real side effect or harm but if all his clients had started using Rogaine early they would have delayed their hair transplants by over a decade! He himself was using Rogaine and his hair was great, although he is also not old probably in his 40s.

Before going for a transplant I think it's best to consider PRP, I have seen great results on some people.
There is Dr.Yash Mehta of ASCS clinic in Bandra whose patients i have seen had great results in 3-4 sessions.

Dr.Yash Mehta for PRP in Bandra - 9586255445
Dr. Makani for Transplant in Santacruz -9821715634

Originally Posted by GTO

Guys. A sincere request. To everyone posting their experiences, please also share the doctor's name and clinic. Very grateful for all the advice. Thanks

Also for anyone looking to buy Rogaine since it is not easily available in India you can try this website https://stylemake.in/

[SulemanP]

Originally Posted by creative420

Also, is it possible for people to share their before and after pictures? It would really be helpful. Only if comfortable.

1st of all Thank you GTO to start off this thread, it will seriously help many people including me...

Completely agree with GTO & you as it will seriously help people take informed decision in this area.

Going for hair treatment is good be it Oral application or a transplant method. However, i have a question does your mental health as in stress in today's world, play any role in retaining your transplanted hair?

Those who have done it or have some experience may plz help answer the question...

[am1m]

While not about hair transplant, on a related note, guys who are balding like me but not yet ready to shave it off (or try hair transplants)- going to a good hairstylist is worth it. You can't avoid the inevitable of course, but for a few years at least, a decent haircut can make you look pretty good.

I made the mistake of sticking with my neighborhood barber for years even after I started losing hair, because it was convenient, cheap, and most of all because I had (have) some old-school weird hangup about "men not worrying too much about their hair/appearance". During the covid lockdowns, was forced to go to the unisex salon my wife goes to because that was the only place that was open and taking bookings. Must say I got the best haircut of my life! While I still balk at the idea of paying 10x what I used to pay for a haircut and am still uncomfortable about chatting so much with the person cutting my hair, I still go there now.

I know this will sound duh-obvious to most of you (and especially to the "new gen male" that understands the importance of grooming), but a really good haircut can make a big difference for a few years, even when it comes to balding.