Follically-Challenged

These are awesome results. Considering your starting position was much worse than mine, you have a much better result than me with only 900 more grafts with the same Dr.

CD,

 

Thank you for your comments. I'll be showing larger results as time goes by including crown results as you asked for in another thread. These first few results I've posted are to show that regardless of technique an excellent hairline that is expected from Rahal is achievable. There is more to come:)

That is what I expected when I went to Dr Rahal having looked at numerous amazing results. I am sure there is more to come.

10 Month Update

 

So I finally go about updating my thread and Saturday, and the server ends up taking a hit and it vanishes into thin air!

 

Sorry again for the delay.....but here's a few pics just after a wash/dry and with it just all pointing upwards, and a few with some gel in it which would be more like what it looks like on a daily basis.

 

There is no comparison in my confidence from now to 12 months ago. Absolutely the best decision I've made to date I reckon as I now feel back to myself with no more worrying about weather conditions / lighting etc.

Wow - stunning result.

Damn. I might seriously consider Bisanga for my repair.

I wish my results had turned out like this.

I only had 200 grafts less than you but a vastly inferior result.

Yeah I'm hearing you on that question. I asked myself the same thing and had the crushing feeling that I must be one of "those" - you know, the ones doctors tell us don't have the "right physiology" for hair transplantation success. That's all bullshit designed to cover up a mistake possibly made by a member or members the team that handled your procedure. Maybe your grafts weren't placed deep enough into the incisions, maybe the grafts were handled badly, maybe . . .

 

As for the "pain", look there's nothing to be gained by wallowing in self pity, bro. I felt the same as you do but I had it for 2 YEARS while I waited for the promised result that never materialised. I'm coming up on 3 months post op with a European surgeon and next month will be a whopping 3 years since my first, fateful procedure. That's right - 3 years walking around suspecting that everyone was looking at my hair and chuckling to themselves.

 

Your hair is PERFECTLY fixable. Wouldn't take a lot of grafts and in 8 months time, you could laughing.

 

Get back on the horse, bro and good luck

I appreciate it but I mentally prepared myself to go through the procedure but I am not sure I could do it this time especially since I know how painful the post HT recovery period is.

Even if I decide against a free procedure by Dr Rahal, I am not sure which surgeon I will go with. Time will tell.

Thanks for the advice bro, I appreciate it. Will keep you posted.

hey follically challenged. I feel your pain. Trust me I do. I had a miserably failed transplant.. its ruined me.. i lost all my native hair due to shock in the area to top it off within 3-4 months post op.. They offered me a free touch up because i literally went nuts about them, I rejected the offer. I ended up at H&W as a repair patient on jan 2013 and my life has been saved. (funny enough my choices were between hasson and rahal)

 

So like i said, i do share your experience. I would recommend you still consider dr rahal based on the fact that he does have a good rep.. so maybe it was a once in a while dud you experienced. but if you don't feel comfortable going with another surgery by the same man without that feel of a guarantee. then try dr hasson like i did. He really worked magic for me. I say magic because working with a virgin scalp isn't as easy as it is working with a scalp that has had a failed transplant. we have less donor hair etc.. dr hasson was able to get 3100 grafts out of me and used them to its best potential to what i believe at least. Id be happy to show you my before and afters if you like. Pm me if you do. hope i helped

Thanks for the advice and support bro. Appreciate it.

I will pm you for your before and afters.

From what I've read on this forum, most people advise against giving a practice a second bite of the cherry if they botched it first time round but such is the esteem in which Dr. Rahal's held by patients and surgeons alike, he's one of the few doctors I'd entrust with another shot.

 

My first procedure was done by a coalition surgeon whose offer of a free follow up I turned down flat after an FUE test session on me that he video-recorded showed he was actually having difficulty getting a graft into an incision he'd made.

 

He tried to make it sound as if my hair was particularly difficult to work with but I'm not stupid; I knew that was bullshit - the guy's eyesight simply wasn't up to the job any more and there's no way I was gonna let his techs train on my head.

 

Anyway, if you're confident in Dr. Rahal's ability to put you right and secure assurances that he will do the procedure, give him the shot but bear in mind that this is the face you're gonna be showing the world for the rest of your life. You can't entrust that shit to techs no matter how good they're supposed to be.

 

You paid for a Rahal transplant; not a Jill, Penny or Moira transplant. If you can't get those assurances then even if you have to wait 6 months for a slot, you're best off with the Euro boys, Lorenzo, Bisanga, Mwamba or Feriduni.

I am not sure at this moment whether I am ready for a free touch up with Dr Rahal. I know he has a strong reputation and is well respected (including by me). But my question is and always will be - why are my results below par?

There are so many questions are going through my head which I intend to discuss with Dr Rahal in person.

There is also the issue whether I want a 2nd procedure with Dr Rahal or any other Doctor. To be honest, having gone through so much pain and then to see average results, I am not sure I could face that again.

However, this does not mean that I am questioning Dr Rahal or his ethics. I believe and maintain Dr Rahal is a genuinely decent guy.

I still plan to go and see Dr Rahal in person and will then decide.

I want to thank everyone on this forum for your advice and support. I really appreciate it.

Whatever the motivation behind FC's furious back-pedaling, it's worth remembering that whatever arrangement he and Dr. Rahal come to, he's still gonna have to wait another 8-12 months for the result he should have had after this surgery.

 

I know what that's like; it's horrible so I wish him all the best

There is no furious back-pedalling. I have merely admitted that I went over the top in my initial comments as those were borne out of frustration. I need to be balanced and maybe I have gone to other extreme.

This does not mean that I am happy with where I am. Au contraire. I am very disappointed at how it has turned out thus far. However, I want to give it some time before I make the final call on this. Despite it being 8 months Dr Rahal has offered a free touch up. Whilst this does not really seem that appealing given that I will have to go through the same pain again, the gesture is very much appreciated.

I also want to add that I still do not know the reasons behind the average results thus far. I will post 9 month pictures soon for everyone to give their opinion.

However, I am willing to see Dr Rahal in person to see where this ends up.

2youngforthis - I hear ya. I was consulting with Rahal's office for my first HT but I've ceased since this happened. I'm waiting for more answers on how this happened - and what they will be doing differently inside the operating room to prevent this from happening again.

Glocktop,

I just wanted to clarify a few points.

I had high expectations about my HT and am naturally disappointed with the results. I am looking for reasons why the results are not as good. There were things I said that were too strong and not right. It was not fair to Dr Rahal or his clinic and for this I have apologised.

Whatever, the reasons are/were, Dr Rahal said he and his team will do everything to rectify the situation. I am okay with that.

People have also told me to wait at least 12 months before saying it is a failed HT. I am okay with this as well.

I want to reiterate a few things about the procedure:

• Dr Rahal removed the strip and did the sutures

• Dr Rahal did the incisions and planted the initial grafts

• His staff were friendly and courteous.

• Mike, in particular was fantastic.

My results may not have gone as expected. One of the reasons why I chose Dr Rahal was due to the positive feedback from other patients and people on this forum. In terms of the people I met and how they dealt with me, I cannot complain. I want to reiterate this point again. The people at Rahal clinic were fantastic.

The fact that Dr Rahal has agreed to fly me over at his expense is a positive step in the right direction to help resolve this.

I am more hopeful now that I will reach a satisfactory conclusion.

I know it is quite a long distance from Canada to the Middle East but Rahal covering the cost of the trip is quite a pleasant gesture. I wish you all the best.

It is a very nice gesture. As I said before I have grievances about the procedure but I cannot say anything negative about Dr Rahal the person.

I will keep you posted on how things go.

Follically-Challenged,

 

I saw your post and wanted to chime in to let you know what's up. Once Dr. Rahal gets his European trip sorted you'll be one of the first to know. Understand this, your concerns will be addressed and sorted.

Hi Joe. Thanks for the feedback.

I have received an email from Dr Rahal. He said that his European trip has been cancelled and that I will have to fly to Ottawa. Dr Rahal will cover the cost of the trip.

I just have to find the right time as it is a long way away from the Middle East.

Hi All,

I thought it would be useful to give an update.

Dr Rahal has agreed to see me in person to assess whether I do have a failed hair transplant (as pictures do not tell the full story) before he takes any course of action. He said he is going to be in Europe in August and that he will inform me of the dates so I can fly to meet him. He said he will cover the cost of the ticket.

Following this meeting, if there is any touch up required (in my opinion there is), Dr Rahal has agreed to do this free of charge. He said he is happy to do the surgery on Friday or Saturday and he will do this personally.

This was on 9th July.

I subsequently emailed Dr Rahal on 15 July with some concerns and grievances I had regarding my procedure. Dr Rahal took the time to give a detailed response which was much appreciated.

I have not received any feedback from Dr Rahal regarding his European visit. I have emailed him a couple of times and am awaiting a response.

I am keen to see how I can resolve this. I will keep you all updated.

I am a patient of Dr. Rahal and I recommend him 100% hands down! Check out my before and afters. I haven't posted in a while because I have been too busy enjoying life for the first time with my new hair!

 

I am about 2.5 years out and my hair looks and feels amazing...total game/life changer to say the least. I look and feel 10 years younger!

 

Private message me if you have any questions as I am happy to help!!!

I had a HT with Dr Rahal and it has not turned out too well. Dr Rahal is now working with me to resolve it. Whilst the results have not been great, I cannot fault him for his manners and him looking out for his patients. He has been understanding and willing to help resolve my situation. I will have a more detailed write up in my own thread.

I cannot fully endorse Dr Rahal at this moment in time as my results have not been great. However, in time I may change my opinion.

Hey guys, Did all of you stayed at the guesthouse or did any of you guys stayed at a hotel? I cant really make up my mine where I want to stay. About the guesthouse, Is there a person that stays there 24/7 to look after you or something?

Stay at the guest house. That is the best part of the experience. You meet other people that you can share your experience with. It has a good atmosphere where you can meet a lot of different people.

I preferred that instead of cooped up and stressed out in a hotel.

Perhaps you're a non-responder.

Really - is there really such a thing? How many cases have you come across that are poor responders.

So my left side was a good responder but my right side was a poor responder. Hmmm.

Have you ever had an FUE? If so you will know the time it takes to accurately and carefully select, handle, and transplant 1000 grafts. Despite what you may define as a mega-session, 2700 is too many in one day in my opinion. Moreover, packing all of these into a small area (as Rahal tends to do to achieve his dense hairlines), maximizes trauma, popping, and can only lead to poorer yield compared to spacing out grafts both spatially and temporally over more than one session when a couple of thousand are required.

 

Those are my general opinions based on my experiences.

We are talking about 2 different things here. I am talking about FUT. My procedure was FUT and so was this patient's.

Also dont get me wrong, I am not doubting Dr Rahal's ability or integrity. I know from speaking to him and his representatives that he takes pride in his work and takes every case seriously. He is currently taking my case seriously.

I am just bemoaning my luck that I had a poor result and wondering where it all went wrong.

Mega-sessions compromise graft survivorship so results can be quite variable from person to person

Nonsense. 2,700 is not a mega session.

4,000 plus grafts are a mega session.

Patient Information

 

Age: 50

Months Post-op: 9 Months

Norwood Scale: 3

Procedure Type: FUT

Treatment Areas: Hairline, Mid-Scalp

Graft Count: 2946

Country: Canada

I got 200 grafts less than this guy with Dr Rahal and have ended up with a much worse result. Still trying to get my head round that.

Wow that worries me as I am booked for Sept 17th and lately i have not seen to much positive from my doctor. I don't want a bunch of people doing my surgery I thought i was paying for him to do the majority of it. FUE is a small fortune and this really worries me.

I dont think you have anything to worry about. I know Dr Rahal and Mike personally do FUE. Mike is very experienced so you have nothing to worry about there.

My outburst was probably my own frustrations bubbling over. I have spoken to Dr Rahal and he mentioned that the technicians he used were experienced enough.

All.

I just want to clarify a few things.

Firstly, as I mentioned before the way my post was worded was completely inappropriate. What I said and the way I said it was out of order. This is not to say that I am happy with my hair transplant. I am not. But there is a way of doing things and I did it the wrong way.

I should have contacted Dr Rahal first. Even though I have been speaking to patient services, I should have given Dr Rahal thr opportunity to discuss my case.

Secondly, given where I am I need to give it some more time. I was so upset that I did not realise what I was saying.

I have since spoken to Dr Rahal and will mention this in a separate thread as it will get lost if I mention it in this thread

Then I ask you, how do you know the protocol he followed with you was the wrong one and not the exact same one he followed on me? In fact, it sounds like it was. Also, you said one of the techs had "Only" 2 years experience. I think this is ample time to get good enough to produce consistent quality results. I bet most of the other techs had at least 5+ years under their belts.

 

I know your worried about this and I cant say I blame you but I think you cannot rule out that the problem is with your physiology and not the doc or techs.

Problem with physiology. How do you explain my left side growing out really well yet the right side looks bare. If it was physiology, then the left side would not have grown out. The lack of hair on the right side has everything to do with grafts failing to grow as they were not transplanted properly.

Dear Follically-Challenged,

 

We're sorry that you're not satisfied with your progress at this moment. Dr. Rahal has seen the thread and hopes to have a conversation with you.

 

He is traveling out of country (returning next week) but wants to address all of your concerns. Patient Care is reaching out to you now to schedule a call.

 

We will find a solution to make you happy.

I appreciate that. I just want to make a couple of things clear.

Firstly, I said somethings last night on here that were heat of the moment stuff at a time when I was at boiling point. I am still pretty upset but I take back some of the personal stuff I said. That was out of order and I apologise. In no way do I want to personally attack anyone.

However, this still does not take away from the fact that I am sitting with a below par HT after a 2,700 graft procedure. I will never be able to get those grafts back.

In addition, I still believe that I did not have the most experienced staff during my surgery. That is just my opinion. I am sure Dr Rahal's opinion will differ from mine but I am the one who has to live with this result. Maybe the poor results are clouding my judgement but I am sure you all appreciate that it is never easy to have a failed transplant.

Yes on rogaine before and after and propecia before and after.

I'd be concerned to if I were in the same situation as yourself, considering the result thus far is equivalent to what I experienced around 4-5 months post OP. Might I add that I also had my surgery with Dr. Rahal. 2300 grafts for a NW2, but planted for a NW3....an advanced approach for future loss.

 

 

Id give it another shot and if it doesn't work then i'd move on

 

His work is top notch IMO..I'm 8 months post OP(same as yourself) (October 28th surgery) and I'm blowwwn away by the results

Why would I give it another shot? He has just wasted 2,700 grafts. I have a limited amount of grafts. Can I trust him to screw up precious grafts?

I dont know. I have not had my hair that short to see how it turned out. I am now bricking it on that front as well.