My Sincere Honest Experience with 3 FUE Procedures Done (early 30 Asian Male)
A Few Things to Note Before I Begin:
-Before anything (no medicine, no surgery or anything done)
-First Procedure in the U.S. ~2500 grafts, 0 difference in result
-Second Procedure ~1500 grafts in Gangnam, South Korea
-I recently did my third procedure for density and top/crown area so I will share result ~6 months from now.
- Hair Type/Density Matters: Your hair type & density significantly impacts the surgery's difficulty and outcome. I have thinner hair(which is common among some Asians groups) and low density from first failed FUE, making the procedure a lot more challenging.
- Medications Are Important: Being on finasteride is crucial, and minoxidil is also recommended. While some might avoid these medications and still see good results, I believe it's not worth the risk—especially considering the investment and the fact that grafts and stem cells can't be regained.
Doctors that care about $ won't tell you the truth because for them they see you as cash cows. You don't take fin = worse results = more surgeries/procedures/care = more $. To them it's a $ business, they don't care about your well-being at all, ESPECIALLY IN THE US
First Procedure in the U.S.:
I underwent my first hair transplant in the U.S., and unfortunately, it was heavily botched. The doctor left the practice a few months after my procedure, leaving me with poor results. I spent over $15,000 and, more importantly, lost over 2,500 grafts due to the unsuccessful surgery. It was a devastating experience, and I was left questioning how such outcomes could occur. I'm willing to share more details privately if anyone is interested, but I'd prefer not to dwell on the past, and I've made my peace knowing there is a special place in hell for this f-er.
Discovering a Better Option:
Just when I was about to give up, I was introduced to a doctor in Gangnam, South Korea, through mutual friends. Since I was visiting Korea on a personal trip, I decided to get a consultation. I was initially skeptical and thrown off by the price—it was literally about one-third (or even less) of what it costs in the U.S.—but the quality and standards were exceptionally high, and the difference in results were night and day as shown from my second procedure pics.
What Made the Difference:
- Minimal Pain: In my first procedure in the U.S., the numbing shots on the scalp were extremely painful and uncomfortable. However, at the clinic in Korea, they used a technique that made the numbing process almost painless. This alone was convincing, as I couldn't imagine going through that pain again.
- Doctor's Involvement: The doctor performed all the extraction and placement himself. In my U.S. experience, the doctor didn't do much—the assistants handled both the extraction and placement, with the doctor merely marking the transplant area. Having the doctor directly involved in every step made a noticeable difference in the quality of the procedure.
- Staged Sessions: Instead of trying to extract and transplant everything in one session (as was done in the U.S.), the procedure was broken down into two sessions. I thought this was clever because leaving grafts out for too long can lead to necrosis or airborne infection.
- Post-op Care Difference: In the U.S., they tell you you can't wash your hair and stuff after surgery. This is pure bs and false. The clinic I went to in Gangnam had post op sprays. One was a shampoo and one was the typical solution used to keep the area moist. Plus the doctor included and provided red light therapy, some sort of shot(I don't know what it is lol), and some other stuff which I'm sure drastically helped with the healing and results.
The Costs and Value:
- Flight to Korea: Approximately $1,000 - $2,000+
- Procedure Range: $2,000 - $10,000+ (depending on shaved/non-shaved, number of grafts, etc.)
- Accommodations: Reasonable, depending on your preferences
Even when adding up all these costs, it doesn't come close to the ridiculous prices in the U.S.—especially considering the high quality and standards.
Why I'm Sharing This:
I know how devastating, depressing, frustrating, and upsetting hair loss can be. People might say, "Just shave it off," or "Who cares?" But let's be honest—appearance matters in this world, and hair loss can affect your confidence and how others perceive you.
I have nothing to gain by putting myself out there and sharing my experience. I genuinely want to help others by honestly and sincerely sharing my journey, especially since many online posts can seem sketchy or unreliable. Plus there are a lot of bs and I just hate the wishy-washy gaslighting culture in U.S.
I'm so amazed and grateful for the work done by the korean surgeon that I felt inclined to share here. I seriously know what hair loss is like (I started balding rapidly after trying topical Rogaine and stopping after about a month), and I hope my story can offer some guidance.
Wishing you all the best! If you are thinking about HT, just don't think, go actually DO IT the solution is already waiting for you! But make sure you choose the right doctor and don't make the mistakes I did!
I am more than happy to answer any questions!
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UPDATE
Since a lot are asking here is info on the clinic/surgeon:
Clinic Name : Mo Art Clinic Gangnam South Korea
Surgeon: Dr. Ryu
Youtube Page
If you want consultation reach out to them through their Instagram
KakaoTalk ID: moart9966
(install KakaoTalk(all Koreans use this) and add them on KakaoTalk through the KakaoTalk ID)
They usually respond within 24 hours!
He is pretty booked so I highly suggest you plan things out early! He specializes in minimum number of grafts with best volumetric effects/results and high graft survival rate! (minimum grafts, maximum result) and that's why I really think he is a great doctor, surgeon, and human being!
Mention to the clinic/doctor you found them via this reddit post and I'm sure they will hook you up and treat you well! Thank you Dr. Ryu and your team!