r/HairTransplants • u/keyk6 • Aug 05 '25
Surgery Report Hair transplant with Dr. Laorwong @ Absolute Hair Clinic in Bangkok (long review)
Hello fellow hair lovers,
I wanted to document and share my hair transplant journey. I wouldn't have known about, much less chosen, a hair clinic in Thailand without the community members who shared their experiences before me. Therefore, I felt it was important to give back and help future transplant patients make the right choice. That being said, here is my full journey with Dr. Laorwong and the team at Absolute Hair Clinic:
Total cost:
- 3183 grafts x 90 baht = 286 470 Baht
- Rigenera Activa Cell Therapy = 37 500 Baht
- Exosome = 10 000 Baht
- HBOT = 14 000 Baht
- Total = 347 970 Baht ($10 756.41 USD)
Accommodation and transportation:
Based on numerous Reddit reviews, the Cascade Hotel proved to be an excellent choice. It was conveniently located, an 8-10 minute walk from the clinic, and offered clean rooms, delicious food, and exceptionally helpful and kind staff. The hotel also features a nice pool and a popular rooftop restaurant/bar. The conveniently located 7/11 next to the hotel is perfect for quick snacks and other necessities. For transportation, I primarily used Grab, which worked well.
T-24 hours (July 21st):
Pre-op consultation with Dr. Laorwong
Dr. Laorwong was polite but reserved, a demeanor I had anticipated, so I didn't press for extensive conversation. I presented a picture of my hairline at 21 for reference, and he began to sketch. Since the middle section of my hairline had largely remained intact, its height aligned well with the 1/3 ratio. He made only minor adjustments to the height, focusing more on reshaping the sides and temples. After approximately 20 minutes, I was satisfied with the overall design. Having read numerous accounts from other Reddit users who had visited the same clinic, I had very few questions. Dr. Laorwong had initially quoted me 2500-3000 grafts via email. I was under the impression it would be closer to 2500 or even fewer, but he confirmed 3000 grafts. Following the advice from this sub to "let him cook," I decided not to question him further. After that, I completed the payment and HIV testing, and then returned to the Cascade hotel with the antiseptic shampoo.
The Big Day (July 22nd):
My appointment was scheduled for 2:00 PM, so I arrived at 1:40 PM. A technician immediately welcomed me and led me to the "barber room" where my hair would be buzzed. I changed into the surgical attire (they provide a hotel-style locker for valuables). Dr. Laorwong, along with technicians and an assistant MD, arrived a few minutes later.
We reviewed the pre-op photos, and Dr. Laorwong drew the hairline with an eyeliner-type marker, making adjustments based on measurements, height, angles, and ratios. He asked for my approval, and I agreed as it was very similar to our initial plan. I trusted his expertise in the micro-details of a hairline. He then finalized the line with a purple marker, and my hair was buzzed. After taking photos from multiple angles, I requested to see the hairline in the mirror one last time before the curtain was closed, which he allowed. Everything looked perfect. I took the prescribed antibiotic and Valium, and we proceeded to the operating room.
Extraction: I lay flat on the massage chair, and the local anesthesia injections began. There were multiple injections, and while uncomfortable, they were over quickly, perhaps in 2-3 minutes. Once I was numb, Dr. Laorwong started the extraction. I could only hear the sounds, feeling nothing. I'd recommend earplugs if you prefer to be undisturbed, as communication with the team is minimal, and hearing the tools isn't necessary. The Valium also makes it likely you'll fall asleep. The position isn't the most comfortable during extraction, but again, sleep is probable. I personally woke up after four hours (6:00 PM) when the extraction was complete and had a quick meal. They provided chicken rice with soup and water, which was perfect. However, it is crucial to use the restroom before resuming the surgery; more on this later.
Incision: After a 10-minute dinner break, I returned to the chair, lying on my back for the incision and graft insertion. Even with a thin cloth covering your eyes, the strong medical lights can make it difficult to sleep, so you might be awake for the remainder of the procedure. The frontal anesthesia injections were the first step, similar to the extraction, and while not the most comfortable, they were fast. Dr. Laorwong then began making the incisions, which reminded me of the extractions – just repetitive sounds. Once he finished, the graft installation began, lasting a significant amount of time, which is why having to urinate becomes problematic. I had to concentrate intensely for over an hour because I couldn't, or wouldn't, interrupt this extremely important and delicate process. So, yes, please use the bathroom when you can!
The surgery concluded after 8 hours and 23 minutes, and I was finally able to use the bathroom, a huge relief. A technician prepared the bandage/bandana and provided multiple pill packages. After the surgery, the assistant MD informed me they had implanted 283 more grafts than planned. I was quite surprised but assumed it would result in excellent density. I had to pay the extra amount before leaving the clinic at 10:35 PM, which felt a bit odd but understandable.
Upon returning to my hotel, I showered (body only), took the Valium and painkillers, and set up my bed chair with pillows and my airplane neck pillow. Surprisingly, I woke up at 6:30 AM in the same position I fell asleep, confirming the effectiveness of the Valium.
Day 1 (July 23rd:)
Post-op consultation and reveal
My post-operative consultation was scheduled for 2:00 PM but I received permission for a light walk at the ICONSIAM shopping mall in the morning, which I did, feeling excellent.
Upon arrival at the clinic, I immediately began a one-hour Hyperbaric (HBOT) session. Afterwards, the technician escorted me to the "barber room" for bandage removal and the initial cleaning – the highly anticipated "reveal" time! I was more excited than anxious to see the results. Once cleaned, I returned to the chair to capture my reaction on video: "WOW!!" I couldn't have been happier!." My journey across the world to see Dr. Laorwong was undeniably worth it.
Next, I transferred to the laser therapy session, which lasted approximately 40 minutes (20 minutes each for the recipient and donor areas). I was then taken back to the "barber room" for my first post-surgery meeting with Dr. Laorwong. It was a brief but impactful meeting. After a close inspection, he simply stated, "looks good," and exited the room.
Day 2 (July 24th):
My post-op care began at 9:00 AM with a head wash, followed by LLLT and HBOT. I was informed that I would meet Dr. Laorwong on my departure day, July 27th.
Day 3 (July 25th):
At 9:00 AM, I received my first wash with baby shampoo, followed by LLLT. A light bandage was applied to the front of my head, covered by a bandana. I then completed a 60-minute HBOT session before leaving.
Day 4 (July 26th):
My session started at 8:30 AM, including a baby shampoo wash, LLLT, and my final HBOT session.
Day 5 (July 27th):
Final post-op & departure
My last post-op meeting began at 8:45 AM with the usual routine of washing and LLLT, omitting the HBOT. Following the LLLT, a technician led me to the official and final photoshoot, capturing images from all angles. Afterwards, I was transferred to Dr. Laorwong's office for our last consultation.
After about ten minutes, Dr. Laorwong arrived and performed a brief yet thorough inspection, simply stating, "everything is good." He and the technician then quickly explained the washing procedure for both the recipient and donor areas, how to apply the ointment, and provided other essential information for my return journey.
I expressed my gratitude to Dr. Laorwong for his exceptional work before accompanying the technician to another room for the final ointment application and bandana fitting. Based on advice from another Redditor, I inquired if I could photograph the surgery report, to which the technician agreed.
Finally, I left the clinic and took a last selfie in front of it.
Overall, it was an amazing experience, and I would highly recommend it.
TL:DR: Flew to Bangkok for FUE transplant with Dr. Laorwong; 3183 grafts. Smooth procedure, satisfied results.
PS: next progress update in 6 months.
11
u/FormalCaseQ Aug 06 '25
Thanks for the detailed writeup. It's always helpful to see when people post these detailed summaries even now, in case anything has changed with the clinic in the years since the earlier patients put this clinic on the map. It looks like he did really good work here.
3
5
u/YoniMtzHT Aug 05 '25 edited Aug 05 '25
Looks great dense and cleaned. Donor area also is looking great but your donor seems great not to thin before and after.
Weird thing the 283 'extra' grafts always weird to me every patient gets charge for extra grafts.
I feel the Dr should mention it after extraction hey I got you 283 more grafts OR mention it when done Hey out of the 3000 grafts I dissected 150 2 or 3 hairs to make it 300 more single hair grafts.
Did they mention how those extra grafts came to be? If extracted as extra or cut some 2 and 3s to make more single hair 1 grafts. I feel they should charge for grafts extracted from donor not dissected 2 or 3s into 1s after If that's what's going on. Either way the extra amounts are not that much $ but seems odd to me.
7
u/keyk6 Aug 06 '25
Yeah, I had the same feeling but I guess at some point you have to trust the process. They also asked me to pay right after the surgery at around 10:20pm, which fell odd for sure.
I was not able to get the details of the extra but I didn’t specifically ask for it either.
4
u/Immediate_Garden_716 Aug 06 '25
yes, would be interesting to know. incisions are made accordingly. does the quotation assume X% “dissected” unfit for implantion grafts? my doc gave me a detailed break up of singles doubles triples+ grafts. needed grafts calculation would be done with a grid on scalp indicating area to be filled (vertex procedure though). every doctor has their own approach, but BKK certainly has highly reputable doctors. yet amazingly “high price” countries are catching up price and result wise….. just thinking.
3
u/AdagioMotor1148 Aug 06 '25
I went to Dr Ratchathorn and I discussed with her that during the operation if she felt more grafts we're necessary she had the green light
4
u/YoniMtzHT Aug 06 '25 edited Aug 07 '25
I'm going to her soon, I will ask this very odd thing. Seems every patient ends up with extra grafts. And I mean most if not all from both Drs there which then need to pay up as soon as you are done.
The question here is you pay for 3000 grafts that means 3000 holes or punches extracted from your donor zone should get harvested extracted right. That's why they evaluate how many grafts they will take and how much you will pay. They count some as 1 hair grafts others are 2 and 3 hair grafts. both doctors suddenly go oh I can get 283 more grafts of 2 and 3s or 1 hairs while I'm extracting than to me it makes sense to pay for them you get more grafts and more hairs and the dr should mention it. Ok I got 3000 grafts and your donor is great I can get you about 200 more you ok with that makes more sense to me than a tech telling you welp it ended it up being 283 more grafts once you are finished pay up now.
If they take out 3000 grafts or holes / punches from donor zone. While she's doing incisions a tech or dr suddenly decides on out of those 3000 grafts
Hey cut me 100 3 hair grafts all into 1 hair grafts to make it 200 more extra grafts. You still end up getting the same amount of hairs. Maybe they do it for leaving less gaps or cover more ground while doing the incisions of 3000 holes on recipient. obviously they do a great job. But why not say how they obtain those extra grafts. If they where extracted from donor as extra or just split many 3 hairs into all 1 hairs dissecting those grafts under microscope into 1 hairs.
5
5
u/Lopsided_Pair5727 Knowledgeable Commentator Aug 06 '25 edited Aug 06 '25
Had you not named Laorwong in your post, I think people might have guessed this was performed by Pekiner. That is a good thing. Pekiner is known for subtle v-shaped hair lines that are by and large mostly flat. Pekiner's hair line compositions are tight and micro-irregular. There is a short radius in the rounding of the temple peaks. But Pekiner hasn't demonstrated excellence with diffuse thinning which you needed, nor are there many examples of temple point restoration. Laorwong is pretty flexible it seems.
Personally, I would have declined these options:
- Rigenera Activa Cell Therapy = 37 500 Baht
- Exosome = 10 000 Baht
- HBOT = 14 000 Baht
But all in all, good work from Laorwong. Even the donor looks good.
2
u/Ok-Advice-6718 Aug 06 '25
Any reason you would have declined those add ons? I have an apt w Dr Rach and am considering adding them. You have much much more knowledge in this area and would appreciate your perspective on each. I’m not particularly budget sensitive and want the best chances at the best results. Thanks!
5
u/Lopsided_Pair5727 Knowledgeable Commentator Aug 07 '25
All you need for the successful outcome of a hair transplant is good surgery. You are already getting that in the cost of surgery. Why pay for the rest?
5
Aug 06 '25
This is gonna turn out perfect dude. Well done finding the best ht surgeon in the business
1
6
Aug 05 '25
It didn’t look bad before. But it looks awesome now!
3
u/keyk6 Aug 06 '25
Thank you! The intention was to undergo hair transplantation before significant hairline recession occurred. I wanted to maintain a consistent appearance before/after the surgery.
1
Aug 06 '25
You’re on meds right?
4
3
u/MajorNational9726 Aug 06 '25
Be prepared for shock Loss as well along with shedding...Since u had lots of Native hairs where grafts were implanted ..high chances some will fall due to shock I hope that u get amazing results...🙏
3
u/Bubbly-Factor2699 Dec 15 '25
Hey bud, any updates? How’s the hairline looking?
1
u/keyk6 Dec 27 '25
Hey! Sorry for the delay, I’ll update in about 30 days at the 6 months mark. It’s looking very good so far!
2
u/AutoModerator Aug 05 '25
Useful links
List of doctors who have a decent volume of results to scout out
Also, proceed with caution: An extended list of budget doctors which may include those who may not have as high of a volume of reviews. But since people are often victims of hairmill marketing or are adamant on paying less, this list was compiled in hopes of minimizing damage.
https://old.reddit.com/r/HairTransplants/comments/14lyogc/extended_list_of_budget_value_options/
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
2
2
u/guozuleetcoder Aug 06 '25
Very similar experience to mine from 7 months ago. Great results so far (if you interested, see my posts). Happy growing!!
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/Meistro1000 Aug 21 '25
Loarwong is good. Very good. Worth the extra price IMO, if you are willing to do that travel.
2
u/DarkoRon2 Aug 05 '25
I keep seeing a lot of these long detailed review with Dr Laorwongs patient.
10
u/keyk6 Aug 06 '25
You're right and these types of reviews convinced me to choose Dr. Laorwong. That's why I thought I should do the same for others who are on the fence.
4
u/Topher1999 Aug 06 '25
He’s an extremely popular surgeon on this sub. People are gonna explain if he’s worth the hype.
1
u/AutoModerator Aug 05 '25
Thanks for these pics. If you would like more attention to it, please cross post to
A spillover subreddit since posts tend to fall off the front page within hours
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
20
u/another-HT-Alt Aug 05 '25
Another member of the let him cook club! Coverage looks good, I think the graft count was higher than expected because he really filled in the diffuse parts of your frontal third. Should lead to some great density!