delancey

Hi All! One trend that I've noticed on this forum as of lately is that many doctors are transplanting 4000-5000 grafts in one session via the FUE method. Many top doctors have a strict protocol set in place that limits the amount of grafts that can be transplanted in a day. We've also seen a lot of failed surgeries coming from countries like Turkey, where it isn't uncommon to see FUE mega sessions being performed in the same day. There appears to be a correlation between poor growth and the number of grafts transplanted in one session. Technician/Doctor fatigue, extraction technique, poor blood supply, and dense-packing are some reasons for poor growth via FUE. 1) Is there a correlation between FUT mega-sessions and poor growth? In other words, are some clinics sacrificing strong growth when transplanting 5000-6000 grafts in one session? 2) Would you say that poor growth is more related to dense packing than the the total number of grafts transplanted in one session (FUT)? 3) If 5,000 - 6,000 grafts are placed over a larger area, we avoid the issue of poor growth due to dense packing. However, lack of blood supply to all of the grafts still becomes an issue. Is lack of blood supply really a common occurrence?

Curly hair is a major advantage because it curls on itself and thus covers more scalp. I would definitely blitz Belgium and try to set up an appointment with Dr. Bisanga and Dr. Feriduni. Also, Dr. Lorenzo in Madrid is an excellent FUE doctor whose prices are similar to other top FUE docs in Europe. I've never heard of Pantogar. Best of luck to you mate!

I recommend consulting with three top doctors in person. Research, research, research! How old are you? Dr. Lorenzo Dr. Bisanga Dr. Feriduni Dr. Konior H&W You have two advantages. 1) Contrast is low between scalp and hair. 2. Your hair appears to be curly. The downside is that your crown is thinning, and a thinning crown is guaranteed to increase with age. I am not one to push medication, as I cannot tolerate Propecia. However, it does wonders for maintaining existing hair and some don't get any side effects.

It appears as if though many FUE surgeons have set a limit as to how many grafts they will do in one day via FUE. However, many FUT surgeons still transplant 4000 - 5000 grafts in one procedure without hesitation. Why are mega sessions encouraged via FUT? Is the risk of poor growth lower via FUT when 4000-5500 grafts are transplanted?

Very natural result, Dr. Out of curiosity, how large is his total balding area in cm2?

Hi Matt! Congratulations on scheduling a date with Dr. Konior. My research has also shown him to be an excellent surgeon with very consistent and natural results. Out of curiosity, where are you on the Norwood scale?

Great result. You must have favorable hair characteristics! Microns? Congrats!

Dr. Lorenzo has since moved to Madrid, and his prices have gone down. Surely, you will end up paying more, but you will also end up going to one of the best FUE surgeons in the world (opinion). I would contact his office for further details. There are many doctors to choose from; I am just advising you to thread carefully. Best of luck!

Based on my research, I would strongly consider another recommended FUE doctor, for example, Dr. Feriduni or Dr. Lorenzo. Good luck.

I think the result looks natural, however, the yield seems questionable, especially considering how many grafts were placed. Also, his hair calibre does appear to be at least average, and the skin/hair contrast medium. In my opinion, 40 grafts per cm2, assuming that 100 cm2 were covered, should look stronger and thicker. He also appears to have a small head, which should only work in his favor.

Hey BFA316, Personally, I would ask for a refund at the 12 month stage if the result doesn't miraculously get any better. While 5000 grafts can't provide full coverage and high density for most Norwood 6 patients, It should give you around 40-50 fu/cm2 over the first 100 cm2. That should be enough for an esthetically pleasing result. Best of luck to you and thanks for sharing.

Hi Tony, what is the density per cm2 at the front suppose to be? Thanks for sharing!

This looks very natural, Dr. Gabel. Great job!

In your opinion, who are these 4 doctors?

When I first started doing my research, I asked a very knowledgable and honest representative how many grafts in total I would need for full coverage. His response was: As many grafts as possible. Unfortunately this is a reality for many Norwood 5 and 6 patients. Hair characteristics are also an important factor to take into consideration, of course. Long story short, I've had two hair transplants consultations to date, both with doctors who are considered to be the best hair transplant surgeons in the world. One estimated that I have around 6,500 FUT grafts available, the second was more optimistic, quoting around 14,000 FUT grafts available. A Norwood 6 needs around 8,000-9,000 grafts for a satisfactory result (unless he has above average characteristics). Unless you have way above average donor density, FUE will simply not yield 8,000-9,000 grafts. I really wish my hair loss stabilized at a NW4 pattern (or even better, the desired "A" pattern), but unfortunately, it hasn't. I'm a diffused Norwood 6, with above average donor density, above average laxity, although I have medium-fine blonde hair. Most people, including myself, would agree with the notion that FUE is a clean and scarless procedure (granted it is performed by the best...). If my donor supply was unlimited, I would have FUE in a heart beat. I don't think anyone really cares for having a smiley scar on the back of his head. However, hair loss is progressive, and a thinning crown will usually get thinner with age. This means more grafts will be needed with time.... So, to summarize, Norwood 5-6 candidates need a very high number of grafts for a satisfactory result, unless their hair characteristics are above average. FUE can be a great alternative but it won't replace FUT until the donor supply problem is resolved. There's a huge difference between having 14,000 grafts available vs 5,000-7000 FUE grafts available (according to the prominent FUE surgeon I consulted with, I only have around 2000 FUE grafts. Cheers!

Thank you very much Doctor.

Cool! Doesn't sound too bad.

Hey Matt, did you experience other side effects besides sluggishness?

Dr. Cooley, What is your opinion about the efficacy of taking Propecia twice weekly? For example, .5 mg twice weekly? In other words, does the efficacy of Propecia decrease significantly when the dose is lowered? Thanks in advance.

For FUE, I am a big fan of Dr. Lorenzo, Dr. Bisanga (smaller cases), and Dr. Erdogan (very natural hair lines). If you are having doubts, then you should follow your gut feeling. I am going on NW6, and if I had doubts about my surgeon, I would cancel immediately. I don't see why it would be any different for you! Good decisions usually come with confident feelings. Best of luck to you.

thanks!

Is this pricing structure only valid during the first procedure? Or does it carry over to the second procedure? Also, KO, have you had a procedure with Dr. Lorenzo?

If you are having some doubts before the surgery, just imagine how you will be kicking yourself if the result turns out to be less than desired. You only have one chance to get things right. Doubts are there for a reason. I would cancel if I were you!

Hey KO, Do you know what his rate is in Madrid?

Did the OP mention that his surgeon is recommended here?