xtatic5

AA here. I had surgery (in India) to lower my hairline @ 29 but I had a way bigger forehead than you do. I knew that I was taking a risk by doing it before 35 but I was desperate, so I feel your pain. Just be aware that the density of transplanted hair is typically 50% (or less) than that of your native hair so it will look thin without concealer. I grow my hair long and blend but if you're going to keep it short then be prepared to commit to a daily makeup routine or SMP. Also don't plan to fade the back less than a #2/3 or the scar will show, whether FUE or FUT. Have you consulted your barber? You might be surprised what they can do with styling. Bigen is also effective for edge-ups. All the best.

Thanks. Interesting that you think it's too dark, I actually think it's a bit faded.

Here are some pics in natural, ambient lighting. Not the clearest pics because the camera wants to focus on the hair instead of the ink.

Agreed and I didn't choose him blindly. I've actually seen his work on a friend of mine and it looked phenomenal. He has also won national awards and teaches SMP. He's certainly a character but a nice guy in person. I assumed that my result would look like my friend's but it doesn't, at least not to my eyes. But my friend went in for a shaved look whereas I went in for density, so perhaps my expectations were incorrect. I'm seeking validation on that.

I appreciate all of the feedback. To clarify, I am satisfied with my transplant and my plan was always to regrow my hair after SMP; the double hairline is only temporary. My concern is more about the quality of the SMP itself. I was expecting it to resemble a buzz cut so that I could shave my head when the time comes but it doesn't appear that way. Is it just my eyes/camera playing tricks on me?

I agree that it's difficult to see any dots at all without direct light; could it be due to the low contrast between the ink color and my skin tone? Here's another pic in ambient, artificial lighting. I'll also attach a pic taken the day after the procedure. It looks amazing but unfortunately all of the visible ink disappeared days later. The double hairline is from a 2700fu transplant back in 2013 to lower my hairline. This was previously bare forehead so what you see is all transplanted hair. Some of it came out with the SMP scabs and I'm hoping it grows back.

This procedure was performed by Chris Herrera of Scalp Micropigmentation in Maryland, USA. This was performed in one, 3-hour session with a check-up 30 days after. I raised my concerns with him during the check-up and he defended his work. He said that adding more ink would make it too dark and suggested that I grow my hair long for the best result. In addition to looking faded I'm not sure why the "dots" are mis-shapened, is this normal for a density fill?

This procedure was performed by Chris Herrera of Scalp Micropigmentation in Maryland, USA. He used permanent ink covering my entire upper scalp as well as my FUT scar. For context, I'm a NW 3V with diffuse thinning. I received a transplant to lower my hairline in 2013 and I've been on minox and finasteride ever since. I asked Chris for a density fill to enhance my hairline as well as a bald patch on my crown. I ultimately opted for whole scalp coverage after assessing the condition of my thinning scalp. Honest opinions welcome.

Is this the kind of faded, "smudgy", and indistinct SMP that you're talking about...? (please excuse the hair) I just got this done in October and it has looked this way since the scabs came off in week 1. It's been really bothering me and I don't think its a good result after seeing others. I should note that this was a density fill procedure which aims to cover more surface area than traditional SMP.

Thank you for the thoughtful comments. I really want my next surgery to be my last so FUE seems like the safer option in that regard. I'm not opposed to strip if laxity or donor density are issues.

Mattj, I did part my hair to reveal the scar. Without parting, bits of the scar are visible at a guard 3 cut. I'd like to wear my hair at a 2 or, ideally, 1 guard. I agree with your estimate of 1500 grafts at the hairline. I would want the increased density to start about .5cm in which is 20% less area than my original surgery. I haven't been told that my donor density is low but I'm open to body hair FUE if necessary. This could also be a reason to do FUT again since it could result in a better scar. I have considered SMP but held off because I knew another surgery was inevitable.

I am looking to add density to the previous work. I did not do consistent scalp exercises prior to my last surgery. How many grafts do you reckon I'd need to achieve "full" density (without concealers)? My first surgeon suggested 800. Dr. Erdogon suggested 2000-2500 in the hairline and 500-800 in the scar (based on photos). I find that very hard to believe considering 2500 grafts is a dense hairline by itself! I already have 2000 grafts in place...

I had FUT to lower my hairline 4 years ago and I'm thinking of going under the knife again for added density. Based on my surgeon's estimate at the time, I would need approx 800 more grafts to achieve "full" density. I haven't been on the site in a long time: Is it still the prevailing opinion that once you've been scarred by FUT once, you might as well get FUT again? Some factors affecting my decision: Curly hair (+1 FUT) Tight scalp (+1 FUE) Recovery time (+1 FUE) Scar Revision (+1 FUE) I'm leaning toward FUE since it's a relatively small job (transection won't be significant) and I can get FUE into the scar simultaneously. My ultimate goal is to get off of concealers.

I started the big 3 last winter. I stopped using Lipogain months ago and stopped using minox last week. I continue to take fin (.25mg). So far, I haven't noticed any increased shedding. To be fair, I didn't use min as directed (only applied once per day) so I may have never seen its full benefits to begin with.

My bag got checked while traveling thru PHL. It was actually flagged because I had a bottle opener inside but the agent did open my Toppik and sprinkle a bit out. I explained to him what it was and he sent me on my way. Also, while traveling from DUB, an agent advised that I include the Toppik in my liquids baggie.