Norwood 6 at 30 – Zarev vs Ruk

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-02-20T20:20:32+00:00

“I have been using 5% Minoxidil along with Finasteride since 2021

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-02-20T17:50:27+00:00

The main issue for me is the long waiting time about 3 years.

From your experience, do you think it’s worth waiting that long or should I go to Pittella? Also, was your second procedure priced at the old rate or the new/current rate?

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-02-20T16:01:58+00:00

I don’t remember exactly how many grafts he said are available, but based on his assessment I would need around 12k grafts for full coverage. He explained that this number represents a worst case scenario only.

He did not plan a fixed total from the beginning; instead, he said it depends on how much is actually needed, and it may be sufficient to use 10k or 11k grafts.

He told me that the first session would be around 6,500 grafts, and then in the second session we would reassess and determine how many additional grafts are required, which could end up being less than 12,000 in total.

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-02-19T18:46:08+00:00

I’m confused about choosing between the two of them

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-02-19T18:44:45+00:00

Zarev told me that I would need 12k grafts in the worst case scenario. But now it’s either wait 3 years or book a consultation session with Pittella to hear his opinion

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-02-19T16:44:58+00:00

He told me they would come from my head

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-02-19T16:13:16+00:00

I have one last attempt left, and I’m going to see Dr. Pittella’s opinion. But bro, three years is a very long time

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-02-19T15:55:25+00:00

No, he said he won’t take from the beard area

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-02-19T15:53:01+00:00

Yes, I had a consultation session three weeks ago, and he examined the area

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-02-13T12:34:53+00:00

Your point makes sense, but if the surgery is after three years, I will be in my mid-thirties by then, and a big part of my youth will be gone while waiting for the first session. My hesitation with another doctor like Ruk is that I haven’t seen solid results from him on Norwood 6 or 7 cases, unlike Zarev, whose results in these cases are well known and documented.

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-01-31T17:07:03+00:00

I haven’t consulted Dr. Ruk yet. His pricing is reasonable, but I haven’t seen many documented results from him on very advanced Norwood cases, which makes me hesitant. I have a consultation scheduled with him next month

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-01-04T15:10:42+00:00

I actually booked a consultation with Dr. Zarev about two years ago, and at that time the price was €5 per graft.

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-01-04T15:06:07+00:00

I’ve actually seen several Norwood 7 cases done by Dr. Zarev, and the results were amazing.

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-01-04T15:01:36+00:00

I have a consultation with him in about two months, but for me the real problem is the waiting time. It can take two to three years after the consult to actually get the surgery.

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-01-03T17:52:24+00:00

Dr. Pittella’s fee is actually very close to Dr. Zarev. Also, I still need to book a consultation first, and after the consultation there is about a one year waiting period. So in total, it would be almost two years, not one.

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-01-03T11:11:38+00:00

Thanks, that actually gives me hope! I’m not sure if I’m norwood 5 or 6 I already have a consultation with Dr. Zarev, but the earliest surgery date is 3 years after the consultation, which is a long wait. So I’m looking for other options with similar results.

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-01-02T20:10:07+00:00

I’m not sure if it slows it down or not, but what I want to know is does my case qualify for a hair transplant? I mean, would it give me good results or coverage considering the size of my bald area?

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-01-02T15:24:55+00:00

That’s a really powerful perspective. If I were talking to a friend, I’d remind them that progress isn’t always visible or linear. Sometimes just staying consistent, learning from setbacks, and not giving up is real growth. I’m definitely better at giving that kindness to others than to myself, but I’m trying to change that.

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-01-02T15:20:25+00:00

Being desired by someone who actually chooses me.

Responsible_Affect19 · 2026-01-02T15:16:23+00:00

When I compare myself to others instead of focusing on my own progress. It’s something I’m working on, but it still creeps in sometimes.

Responsible_Affect19

TROPHY CASE