MadMod

Hi Ranonym, how is it going- have you had your procedure with Dr Saifi?

I just returned from my 2nd round with him, he is a great surgeon and I'm really pleased with my experiences...

It definitely is... I've just returned from my 2nd procedure with Dr Saifi, just had a top-up for density too as the first procedure (although I was delighted with it) wasn't quite as full as I'd hoped for. I had 2,200 grafts first time round and a 1,290 top up in the frontal zone so I'm hoping that should hold me in good stead for a fair few years now.

One of the reasons I initially opted for Dr Saifi was his reputation for wound closure and the overall quality of his work, which I have to say for me was incredibly neat. I returned as I was really happy with how undetectable my donor scar had become, and of course wanted to take advantage of the same again I guess. What made you switch Docs?

Looking awesome fella!!!

Hi Guys, this ones for all you HT Vets out there!

I'm now just a week off of 6 months since my own HT. progress has been slow but noticeably encouraging, and I'm now getting into the phase where the changes are becoming more apparent, more quickly. Since my last set of photos 3 weeks ago, for example, I'm definitely seeing improved density/coverage.

One symptom I absolutely cannot yet shake however is the crazy wiry and wispiness of the new hair! It's uncontrollable and has a mind of its own! While its integrating well amongst my native area, the front fringe line still looks erratic.

I wondered if there's anything that can really be done, or is this just "normal" (even at this stage) and I just have to sit tight? I don't really want to go putting styling products in that area just yet, as it will completely wreck the texture/little density that's there, and create a weird gappy area again! It's still gonna be a while yet before I can get away with that I think.

Cheers everyone....

Hi Rob,

How are you getting on mate? You must be about 6 weeks out since your last trip to Dr Saifi?

I use Nizoral, I just get it from Boots mate, about 6 quid a bottle which isn't so bad as u only need a tiny amount every 2-3 days so it lasts a good while. I tend to use it about 3 times a week.

GNX1- I believe spex was replying to the question as to whether there was any evidence of a difference in sexual side effects by switching from Fin to Dut. Earlier in the thread he posted results of some Vs trials; of course he's heard of Finasteride!

If anyone needs info on Dr Saifi then don't hesitate to get n touch...

I started getting this too, around the 2-3 month mark! I thought also that it must be pieces of the stitches, but it would go away after a few days. I wasn't sure if maybe it was new hair growing along the scar line, but it's practically stopped and I'm now around 4 and 1/2 months. Not much help, but just thought I'd let you know I'd been through something similar too.

Hi mate, I'd definitely agree that the crown looks pretty fine for the time being! I wouldn't be worried about that personally. Have to say, the pics aren't the best! It's really difficult to see the density, but I would say that 1000-1500 grafts would restore the frontal area nicely. It's worth pointing out that the wild difference in the two consultations could be down to grafts vs hairs. 600 grafts would probably work out at around 1500 hairs total. One of the senior guys will be of more accurate help, but will most likely comment on the need for improved pictures to get a true appreciation! All the best.

Many thanks for the full reply Bill!! There's a pretty clear message coming through there, regarding the genetics! I'm on both minox and fin so am giving myself the best possible chance....

Shame no-one has been able to shed any light on this. I guess the most important question I have right now is which ingredients in shampoos and hair products should I absolutely avoid???

Hi dbury, I can't add much more in the way of help to what's already been said to be honest! It's all great advice. I thought maybe I'd got away with it through my 20's but started noticing that I was quickly shedding and receding by the age of 27. I didn't seek any advice, just hoped it would stop by washing my hair with an off-the-shelf shampoo that had supposedly undergone some trials and helped stop hairloss! Having read these forums, I don't think it's ever even been mentioned never mind recommended!

So, if you are genuinely worried start with the proven meds, to protect yourself as much as possible from future loss. As I came to experience all too late; when it's gone, it's gone! I started using fin at 30 and have to say I've had no sides. You may want to consider getting advice on reduced doses etc.

Best of luck anyway- this place helps you keep sane at times, so check back in whenever you need to!

Hi Everybody,

Firstly I'd like to say- I've been a member of the site for about 6 months I believe, and a visitor for much longer. It has been, at times, a daily support for me on my journey- and will continue to a huge help.

The purpose of this post is to address a large number of questions I still have rattling round my head. I've tried to find definitive answers for these by searching, but thought I'd try to put them in one place as I'd struggled finding a concise and direct answer to my questions:

1. As part of my daily regime, I use Alpecin shampoo, which I have to say doesn't seem to have helped my situation particularly. I've just switched to the Fat Hair range. Are there any chemicals in shampoos, conditioners and other hair products that I should specifically steer clear of? I do supplement with Nizoral 3 days a week.

2. Can peroxide and "bleaching" the hair affect general hairloss? I did use a few bleaching products in my 20s just before my hairloss began to take hold. Wanted to address and possibly dispel this, if it is indeed a myth.

3. What other supplements, such as vitamins and health supplements are most effective and recommended for good health/growth?

4. I've often seen the terms "thick" and "thicker" attributed to the results after using fin and minox. I've been using fin for about 20 months, and my hair seems no thicker at all. Does the "thick" description apply to the condition of individual strands, or the overall density.,. Or both?

5. Given the results in 4. above, should I still continue with fin? I suppose the argument will be that although I don't seem to have experienced any regrowth, it may have stemmed the tide, and stopping it could run the risk of further loss?

6. Since my HT in August, I've been using minoxidil, and am about 3 months in. My hair still looks a lot thinner and patchier overall than before my HT. When should I start to see the effects of minox taking hold?

7. Does exercise or training affect hairloss? I remember reading somewhere about supplements such as whey protein possibly impacting, but what do i need to steer clear of?

8. Why is using a hair dryer on a warm setting so bad? What about hot water, does this not have the same problem?

Thanks for your help- I think that covers everything I've been thinking about! I'm at a very tense stage of my process, and just want to make sure I'm giving myself the best possible shot of retaining and regrowing.

Cheers all,

MadMod

Great question Tommy- I was wondering exactly the same myself over the past few weeks. I'm around the 3 and 1/2 month mark now, and I currently sport a red half-circle shape at the front of my head, with an increasing number of fuzzy blonde hairs! I'm going through the self-doubt stage, hoping that the density overtakes the redness soon!

Hi Buzz, in the UK our options are fewer than in the US but I usually go with a Matte Putty, in a light blue tin from VO5. In moderation, I think it works really well as it doesn't go wet or clump the hair together. TakingThePlunge, I tried to find Samy products here in the UK and can't find the thickening cream... The shampoo and conditioner are available though- do you now if they're any good?

Hiya Buzz, long time no speak! How are things settling down? I'm about 3 months on now, and getting fairly good if randomly patchy and quite fluffy/fuzzy growth at the moment! It's strange as you start to forget where the old hairline was, and where the new one is starting from! Off to get my hair cut again this week so I think it will look a lot better once blended in once more. I would say I'm probably about average in terms of progress, judging from everyone else's experiences on here. I hope you're growing nicely...

Hi Muddy, there's a few guys on the forum that have had restorative work with Dr Saifi. I for one am currently 3 months post op, and everything's coming together really well. The prior contact was excellent, with lots of good advice and zero pressure to go ahead with anything. After experiencing pushy sales guys at clinics in the UK, it was a pleasant surprise when Dr Saifi just answered all my questions by email, then over the phone- and not once did I get asked when I'd be booking in. All in all it took me around a year to contact everyone and get the lowdown before I took the plunge, but the whole thing went really well.

He's a great guy, and clearly has an eye for detail and takes patient care very seriously. I am not the most relaxed of people where medical procedures are concerned but felt very at ease with Dr Saifi. My scar healed quickly and I had no real shock loss either, so positives all round from my own experience. Check my photos for further no. I'm due to post up some more of the 3 month mark very soon. If you have any questions just ask- I think I speak for the other guys when I say we'd be happy to help.

All the best.

Hi Dwight, one of the senior advisers here will best answer the scalp stretching question... I just wanted to query the tenderness bit... Not sure it should still be tender after so long? I guess everyone is different but I have no tenderness at all, basically back to norm now- and my HT was at the end of aug. is it ok, i.e. not infected?

Great post Dwight... Would you mind sharing any pics of your transformation?

Cheers Stevie- I'm one of the guys on here that has been to Dr Saifi, in Worclaw, Poland. He's not affiliated to the site but I took a couple of years to make my decision and chatted to 4 or 5 guys here that had had procedures with him. I have to say I can't speak from much experience of hair growth just yet, but it was a superb procedure- incredibly neat donor scar, quick healing and virtually pain free (I'm not great with pain!) I'm very happy with things right now, and just can't wait to start seeing the results. If you need any info, don't hesitate to get in touch...

Beardy- funnily enough, that's what I'm hoping to get back to as well!! Fingers crossed all...

PS- excellent work on your barnet so far Beardy, your hair looks awesome so only going to be better with the new addition! All the best for the future...

Hi StevieG, I've had FUT and my scar's healed incredibly well- I researched the surgeon and chatted to guys on here, who all said that the scar is really neat. Obviously it may vary depending on technique, surgeon etc, but I am confident I'll be able to have a grade 2 or 3 when all's healed and back to normal, with no sign at all. I've never had a fully shaved head so it wasn't even a concern for me. I guess if you want to wear your hair very short at the back, i.e. shaved then it is a big factor. Check out my latest pics, just had a grade 6 across the scar area, 7 weeks after surgery.... You wouldn't have a clue what's gone on under there!

Hi Buzz, glad to hear that all went well at your 2nd session with Dr Saifi... Hate to say it but I think that the general rule is that if you see grafted hairs and blood where they've shed, they may well be a goner... I had the same thing, about 3 or 4 I think. I was GUTTED but then put it into perspective a little- I had 2200 grafts overall!! Best of luck with everything pal...

Hi Buzz, I hope it's going well. I posted up some pics around a week ago, using a high def camera. The scabbing all healed up a couple of days after. Settling well now, but losing those pesky transplanted hairs! Not to worry, I know it's a long waiting game now. Stitches all out and healed up really well at the back.

Just a quick question- I got some Nizoral but it looks pretty strong stuff. Is it ok to use so early after my HT? I'm basically 2 and 1/2 weeks past now, so have started to re-use my Minoxidil 5% too. Don't want to do anything to harm my previous new "hairline" haha!!

Hi MikieB- Just wondered if you had any updates on how things were progressing? Hope all is well.