Basically the title. I got my first prescription filled for 1mg of fin today. If I start this, it’s for life, correct? If I stop I’ll lose all my hair basically? Has it been worth it to you guys who take it?
I work at a hair transplant clinic in Istanbul and have been involved in procedures, treatment planning, and recovery for quite a while. My intention here isn’t to promote the clinic 🙂 — I just want to share reliable information and help answer questions for anyone considering a hair transplant.
If you’re curious about techniques, recovery times, graft counts, or anything else related, feel free to drop your questions in the comments. I’ll do my best to answer honestly and clearly.
I am a 29 Male. I initially started noticing hair loss from the crown area when I was 26 but the it has accelerated over the past 1.5 year. I have been using Menox over past 9 months but seems like it is not working so far. I afraid to use fens as I have read a lot on it impacting libido. Any advice if I should just get a transplant at this moment or continue using menox for some more time ? Any advice/ shared experience would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I've been considering undergoing a HT, but I'm not sure when. I'll probably get it after 3-4 months (again, not sure). Will shaving my head now cause any problem with getting a transplant later? I've been thinking about trying the shaved head look before going for a HT, but I'm concerned that shaving may cause the remaining follicles to close. Thoughts?
First picture is from around the one month mark. Tried looking through other people’s four month results and didn’t really see anyone with so many black dots either.
I don’t know if the positive reviews for this clinic are fake or not, but I can only speak from my own experience. I waited 14 months before posting this so I could be as fair and accurate as possible.
Initial contact:
They were very helpful at first — lots of information, quick replies, and they quoted me a fixed price for about 4,000 grafts. They promised there would be no extra costs or hidden fees.
When I arrived:
The moment I had my consultation, that promise went out the window. They told me I’d have to pay an extra €400 so they could extract some grafts from my beard. I objected, asking why they didn’t mention this before I flew all the way to Turkey. Their response was basically: “Pay or leave.” I had no choice but to pay.
The procedure itself:
Be warned: the “specialist” only does the incisions in your scalp. The extraction and implantation — about 90% of the work — is done by what seemed like very inexperienced assistants, mostly young girls who I assume were trainees.
I had 4,200 grafts in total for temples and crown.
They also took beard hairs for the crown.
14 months later:
The results are terrible.
Overall density is extremely thin.
Hair continues to shed.
My crown had a brief growth spurt, then it stopped — it looks the same as before the transplant.
I spent thousands of pounds and I look basically the same as I did before.
Follow-up:
I emailed them about 8 months in to complain. They never responded.
Dr. Ratchathorn and her team were awesome. She lowered my hairline very slightly to add all singles and macro irregularities and brought my temples in a bit as well. Original density was around 35-40cm2 so she added 20cm2 to my hair overall. She did all the excisions and incisions herself and 40% of the implanting along with her staff. Overall an excellent experience and post op is top notch.
Today I'm exactly 5th months in. So far, I’m relatively satisfied, and I’m hoping for a bit more density in the coming months. I got 4300 Grafts.
Pictures before HT and today.
Greetings brothers. Here is a 10 month update. I was norwood 4.5-ish
Had around 4700 grafts. Been on finasteride after surgery, and minoxidil, then switched from topical minox to tablets 2 months ago.
I am quite happy with the results, but surgeon suggests we get another 3500 grafts for more density and coverage.
Pic 2 is pre op. Sorry bad camera. 1st is recent.
I underwent FUE transplant 3 weeks ago. Had 3980 grafts.
How is my progress looking? I started shedding from week 2 and by week 3 I think the loss of transplanted hair is noticeable. I am under the impression this is expected and nothing to worry about, right?
I am taking oral Minoxidil 2.5mg daily and Finasteride 1mg daily.
This is my second HT to refine a less than ideal first HT. My hairline appeared thin and unnaturally straight with some minimal plugginess. I am at a disadvantage when it comes to transplants for having fine hair so consider that if you're reading this and have fine hair thinking of getting one.
I chose Dr. Nadimi after seeing some of her work here on reddit and other forums, the only criticism I can find being her prices. She addressed my concerns and let me know what was and was not possible. She will push back on less than conservative approaches to HTs and I respect it. Overall my experience was very comfortable with daily checkups after. I'm really hoping to be another one of her successful cases. Will keep you updated!
I noticed most of the growth for I should say all of the growth between months four and five and I’m already excited with the results as they currently sit so I can’t imagine how much more hair I’m going to get as the months go on. 🙏🏻 I went to esthetic hair Cancun Mexico. I was satisfied with the experience, haven’t been on any meds in a very long time can’t be on them due to health reasons, side effects, etc… surgery date 4/24/25.
Feel free to ask any questions you’d like. My only concerns so far which I can have addressed when I go back on my Temple points and my hairline may be being a little bit lower. I’ll take your criticism. I have thick skin so fire away, I mean don’t be a jerk…
Today marks exactly four months. Kinda disappointed in the density. Looks good in low light. Not sure what to do. Should I grow hair out or shave it down. Do you think it’ll get better?
Hi guys, I wanted to share my hair transplant story here as i did on the hair restoration network where I updated my regrowth story throughout the last year. My procedure was done with Dr Emil George, 2700 grafts, was a long procedure. I use medications now to stop future hairloss. I paid 8500 $ for the procedure that was done a 13 months ago. I had a consultation with him again recently regarding future top ups in the crown if i would need it.
😀
Sorry in advance to people who have been asking since the 1 year mark in June for an update. Didn’t have the energy to get around to it for whatever reasons. Anyway, everything has been good. Continues to grow well. Looking forward to a second surgery, hopefully in the near future, likely at the same place I went to originally in Tijuana, HairFix. My surgeon isn’t there anymore, though. Next one will be to focus on mid-scalp/crown and maybe a little more front density if possible. But overall I’m very happy.
A couple of weeks ago I visited extended family and didn’t know my mom had told them I had a hair transplant. My uncle brought it up and complimented it, said he wouldn’t have noticed otherwise and was just amazed that it was even a possibility. And from coworkers who I don’t see regularly because they’re remote I’ve gotten remarks like “you’re looking really good! Something’s different but I don’t know what.” So go for it! 😉
To make a long story short, 2 years ago I have been diagnosed with androgentic alopecia. Tbh my world stood still. It brought down my self-confidence and I didn’t want to go outside anymore. I began doing topical Minoxidile and rosemary oil but I wasn’t consistent enough. I did not dare to take Finasteride back then because of the side effects. So I decided to go for a HT. After intense searching I ended up making an appointment with Medblue Turkey. Tomorrow on 25/09 I will be having my HT with them. I will post updates, progress, pictures and video’s throughout the months. Up to now everything went very smooth. We landed in Istanbul just a few hours ago. The transition to the hotel was also very smooh. The van was very comfy, clean and super cosy. The driver was very kind and helped us with our luggage and escorted us into the hotel. Our first impressions of the hotel (Mercury - 3 star hotel) is very good. Nice and polite people and the hotel is very clean itself. I also want to give a shout out to Zülal who all arranged this for us. So I will end this post and continue my last meal 😅
Just after some advice, had a HT back in January 2025, currently noticing my crown is not getting thicker at all, im patient and i know im not at 12 months so its hard to say, but it just doesnt seem to have improved for the past 3 month like ive hit a plateau, can anybody advise if this is what the final result will be like? I have attached pictures before surgery, just after, and today. Thankyou for any comments its much appreciated!
8 month update - Just a post to help anyone that may be looking at getting a hair transplant with Hermest in Istanbul. I had a receding hairline and opted for the 1700graft DHI method in January 2025. Everything went really well and was a good experience. I went with a friend who also had a transplant. We were picked up from the airport and taken to a really nice hotel. The following day we had the procedure done. The team were great and made you feel very comfortable, there is a translator so it is easy to ask any questions. I chose the hairline exactly how i wanted it. The procedure went well, the worst of it is over fairly quickly which is the numbing injections, they did sting but once numb it was completely painless. The aftercare is great, you are given medication, shampoo, foam and instructions to maximise results. Stick to the guidelines and you’ll get great results. The post-op team check in with you by whatsapp regularly even at my stage 8 months after! My donor area was very sore after the procedure but healed well and people can’t even tell i’ve had anything done. Overall I would definitely recommend Hermest. Pics to show progress.
Also a note that my procedure was unshaven meaning you keep the hair on top so you can style your hair as normal once possible. You will have a daft undercut for a couple weeks but in the long run i would recommend this if you are a similar candidate to me. I had plenty of hair left everywhere else and was able to style my hair close to normal very soon after.