gbhscot

Funnily enough, I saw his post on a facebook group and had commented it saying it was a great result, he was also into scalp massage if I remember right? I'll order a scalp massager and see...if I could get my crown to fill in more through more natural approaches, then it's a no-brainer to go for a second pass for the front 2/3ds density.

3 hours ago, ezee_duzit said:

Hi @gbhscot just been reading through this topic, progress looks great by the way!

I'm 6 months post-op and had my HT with Dr Yaman too, I will get round to doing a review at some point. Overall I am generally pleased with everything so far even at this early stage. Fikret has been great with answering all my questions and concerns. I will add that if I had no further growth/density even at this stage I would be happy, it is 100% times better than pre-op (NW3v). 

Just wanted to add my thoughts on the use of Nizoral, three times a week was okay for first 2-3 weeks as advised but after this once a week was max. Although it is considered uncommon – affecting less than 1 in 100 people – Nizoral shampoo does list hair loss as a potential side effect. There's also lots of scepticism on the use of H&S shampoo and it' impact on hair loss (which I used to use regularly) have limited my use of this now and make sure I use a good conditioner regularly too. 

I've been taking fin for just under a year and think this has helped in slowing down my loss, tried minoxidil but didn't get on with it at all (headaches) 

Interested to know how you get on with the dermarolling.

Definitely post your results, we'd love to see them. I'd agree, they've been good with the aftercare, taking time to make phone calls and answer questions. 6 months is still early for no more growth, so fingers crossed, I'm still half hopeful to get another growth spurt and tbh, I don't think it's unheard of so let's see.

32 minutes ago, CosmoKramer said:

Re: Citirine, I’ve tried it specifically because of the PGD2 study, before my HT a couple years ago and actually about last October I purchased the tabs once again to consider giving it a try once again, as I did not use it consistently previously.
 

When I did use it topically (in a mixture of distilled water as it’s water soluble) If I recall I did notice less hair shedding and some slight growth of vellus hairs, but again not consistent, I am considering adding it to my routine in combination with microneedling + MinoxFoam & scalp massages.

But I would recommend that if you want to improve your crown some, I would get a scalp massage brush or scalp massager and use it daily, for a few months, with or without topical citirizine.

Interesting, thanks for adding Cosmo, somehow unsuprised you'd come to the Citerizine idea first. Might PM you regarding the solution you put together at some point, haven't gotten round to properly making one up yet. Salp massage is something I've considered but never really engaged with - any resources I could use to to learn how? For a while I was really into the hydraulic theory of hair loss - https://www.academia.edu/17570665/A_Review_of_the_issues_in_Historic_and_Current_Hair_Research_and_an_Overlooked_Connection which I think could be part of the puzzle, and would stand to reason that scalp massage could play a role in that....

I found some going cheap on offer, so I'm currently using Redensyl foam in the AM and Minox PM to see what happens...could be playing with fire a bit, but the redensyl burns in a reassuring way on the scalp....interested to see what happens there.

I'd really like to come off of Fin for good, taking M/W/F split and still feel like I'm getting sides. If I could get some regrowth in the crown by other means, I'd be so keen to keep that up and go back to Yaman for another 3k grafts to the mid scalp and maybe the corners. I just need to find a solution for the crown first up.

HLC post some great results, sometimes questionably too good.

Melvin posted my results above, and though I've had a wobble in confidence recently, I do genuinely believe Dr Yaman is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a HT. I selected him based on his implantation pen and the videos he posts on youtube- very hard to fake those.

The reason given was just that it's chemically very aggressive and reduces the strength of individual hairs....so makes them thinner, meaning the overall look is thinner. I've been using organic "african" soap for the last week, hair certainly feels much robuster afterwards, I like the texture. I'm getting this horrible itching in my mid scalp currently, though before I started using the soap...had hoped nizoral would sort it but it's still driving me insane.

Have been on a bit of a research binge recently, about to start a disciplined 3* a week dermarolling + AM redensyl, PM minox + topical citirizine regimen to see if I can bolster the crown a bit.

Just now, Melvin-Moderator said:

Interesting about citirizine, is it over the counter? 

It's dirt cheap over the counter. Creating my own topical is more the challenge, though my flatmate is a pharma researcher so will see if she has an idea to conjure this up...

I have this weird thing, when I (very occasionally) derma roll, I always sneeze and my eyes water, it feels like an allergic reaction. Aside from that, m y hair always shed more in summer and definitely gets thinner in texture. I get hayfever symptoms which are probably the lower end of a strong reaction around this time of year too. And I'm certain that allergy and AGA are related, purely as the PGD2 pathway is implicated so much in both.

What I fancy trying is a derma rolling followed by topical Citrizine (not worried about crossing blood barrier as it seems to be relatively side effect free) - I can't find a single account of someone trying that on any forum thus far. Had thought of it before my transplant then shelved it.

So just to update - I had a call yesterday with Ayfer, Dr Yamans assistant - I had sent some pics via whatsapp and she called within an hour - for me, that is impressive customer service and I really have to take my hat off to Dr Yaman for his aftercare - they have been brilliant. When I see the other stories of Turkish clinics, I'm so glad a took the last minute switch to Yaman!

Few interesting things came out - had the impression they could see some further thinning too, but weren't concerned as a) there still has bee significant growht (which I do agree with to a large extent) and b) The perceived loss in density could well be stress, lifestyle or season related (I'm really thinking seasonal - whenever I get bad hayfever, my hair get's thinner alongside it - anyone else notice that?*)

Anyway, what she did advise me, which I found interesting, was the drop using Nizoral ( I use it probably less than once a week) and just use an organic bar of soap, even make myself. Have ordered some and will see how I go with that I guess. Was surprised as I've never heard anyone say Nizoral is a bad idea!

Considering getting a PRP treatment to see if it gives it a bit of a boost - they advised this could be a good idea.

*Funnily enough, Citirizine, a hayfever medication, has been shown to have a big effect on AGA when applied topically.... https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28604133/

11 minutes ago, Melvin-Moderator said:

Honestly I don’t think a fine haired guy could ask for better results. 

Maybe the case. If so then a slight feeling of disappointment remains, although not with the clinic at all - I still do genuinely think they were excellent. So what's a fine haired guy to do? Push the boat out for a 2nd HT and go for absolute maximum possible density? SMP? Start using fibres again? (told by clinic these are poison for transplanted hairs). I feel i'm 20% away from being totally satisfied with it currently.

Out of curiosity, do you think FUT is more advisable for guys with fine hair?

So these are day after a cut, combed over is the only style I can get away with currently. Happy enough with donor. Under harsher light it look much thinner but does kinda make me wanna go for a second pass for density. Hairline is high but I would actually be cool with leaving as is to use grafts for density.

That said.... How many grafts does it not ally take to fill in the temples a bit? Not a flat hairline but less of a peak?

Hi all,

replying to the above topics - I was always clear that density wouldn't be great at the crown, though I'd hoped for better density further forward. I'm not new to this, I've looked at god knows how many thousand results and I'd have kind of hoped for a bit more density for that many grafts - and it is a lot of grafts. I'm not saying it was a total failure, far from it - I just don't think my best case expectations were met which is obviously disappointing for any guy.

Cosmo raises an interesting point about growth cycles, and one thing I've wondered is whether I'm just susceptible to seasonal shedding - I definitely do think I lose hair in the summer months, so will be interested to see if I suddenly get a growth spurt again in September or something. Who knows. 

Do I think FUT would have been better for results? I always would say yes to this, as FUT is is better for graft survival. But it wasn't an option for me - I can't tell you a single HT clinic of good reputation in Europe within my budget who offer FUT. Furthermore, knowing that I'll never have full density, I always want buzzing to be an option - linear scar is a big no-no then.

Coady, cheers for the comment, appreciate it and I agree on length too. Back in the previous updates, I was ecstatic with how well it had gone, I genuinely am only down about it now as I feel I've lost ground. If it's just a hair cycle and it comes back, I'll personally publish a thread titled NEVER DOUBT MELVIN.

On the positive side, I've had a really short hair cut and the donor seems fairly good at very short lengths, I'm happy with that for sure. Looking to the future, I might well get it done again, maybe even again with Dr Yaman - I'd like to get his perspective on the results tbh. I'll post pics below of new length.

6 hours ago, Melvin-Moderator said:

It’s very hard to compare results if not seeing the results in person. A lot of guys you think have better results, may just be presenting their results in the best conditions and with their hair properly styled. I’ve seen a lot of cases and that looks like a success. I looked back at your graft placement and it covered your entire scalp.

There was no way you would have full density, the crown grafts were very spread apart. I don’t think it’s anyone’s fault, just the reality of surgery and limitations. A Norwood 5+ will need more than one surgery, and even Norwood 2’s will eventually need more surgeries. 

Given your previous thoughts about hair transplants. It might be best to move on, I’m not sure you’ll ever truly be satisfied with hair transplants. SMP is an option, but remember it fades and needs to touched up every few years. 

I agree to an extent, like I'm kind of down about it now and pretty aware that it's a really limited procedure. At the same time, if I've gone this far, why not go further? If I did, SMP would be only in the donor area to camouflage some of the FUE scarring which I'd imagine would become visible.

From your experience, do you reckon a 2nd op (I'd conservatively estimate with 2k scalp grafts and 1k beard) would make a  tangible  difference? 

On 4/22/2020 at 2:12 PM, Melvin-Moderator said:

@gbhscot

 

10 minutes ago, Melvin-Moderator said:

I think it looks really good man, you have to know that 4,650 grafts will never be enough for full coverage and density. You now have the illusion of density if you comb your hair well. That’s what hair transplants are all about “illusion” of density, especially when you’re a Norwood 5+. Either way I truly hope you can feel better about it and enjoy your hair and results. A bit of toppik and your hair will look awesome. Wish you the best🙏🏼

I know that I was never getting great density with that number of grafts, but I'm nonetheless a bit down about seeing bald patches, even as far forward. I've seen much better results on guys with similar characteristics. I've been looking into this for years, long enough to have had a best case <----> worst case scale worked out in my head, and I'd say it's around the middle of that currently.

Now the question is whether to push it and go for a second, knowing the donor might well become noticeable (though would be happy to get SMP to negate that). Or do I just leave as is. Or do I just put it down to money poorly spent, shave it and get on with life. It's a tough one.


---EDIT----

Actually, looking back through the pics I've posted here, I#d say I've definitely lost density recently. Wtf is that about?! Taking fin...shouldn't be happening

Just now, Melvin-Moderator said:

Really? That’s surprising considering the significant difference. What changed your mind or feelings about it?

Just feel none of the crown grafts have grown, and at the front the density was looking like it would be great but seems less so now. I know to have realistic expectations etc, but part of me can't help being a bit down about it

On 4/22/2020 at 2:12 PM, Melvin-Moderator said:

@gbhscot 

Id love to see another update, hope all is well.

Hi Melvin,

I haven't updated in a while as I'm not quite sure how I'm feeling about it - actually have the feeling I've lost ground since my previous updates. Was exciting over the past few months to see new growth, but since then I feel it has stopped. On the one hand, I think it's great to have some coverage again, and considering how stoked I'd felt previously, I guess it isn't bad. On the other...I've seen much better density HTs and I reckon I'll be a bit disappointed about it if this is it. At 9 months now.

On 2/24/2020 at 4:41 AM, skhaircanada said:

You have been using normal shampoo after you finished the foam ones they gave?

 

The clinic suggested to use nizoral 3 times a week for the flaking/peeling so I hope that works and I get result like urs too.

Yeah I used their Shampoo the first weeks and have used nizoral about 3 times a wee since. Also bought into the caffeine shampoo hype but think it's.BS, I just like how it smells though.

Recently clinic.advised.incould start dermarolling so something I'm thinking of too. Saw great results from cosmokramer on here.

4 hours ago, skhaircanada said:

Nice transformation. I had a questions for you. Did you use a regular shampoo after the first month or were you given a shampoo by the clinic along with the spray and vitamins?

I also had an HT with Resul Yaman and he gave me the shampoo, spray and vitamins to use. These are after the foam ones. The issue I am having is skin peeling and dandruff. So the clinic made me stop the spray they gave me.

did you also go through a phase of skin peeling and dandruff at the recipient area? 

I don't recall much peeling after the scabs came off around day 10..

I did, and still do, wash my hair by alternating 1 min cold 1 min warm water, it's great for blood flow so helped healing and in my IMO growth

9 hours ago, Matthew86 said:

Could well be my friend. And yes you'd be very right to assume - very little shredding indeed! Based on my research I felt that Dr Yaman was one of, if not the, best doctors in Turkey and all the evidence pointed to this clinic.

Do you have any photos of your results that we could perhaps see?

Kind regards!

Carlo 

Hey mate,

Think you're right. My results so far are pretty good... Wish I had more density at the moment but I'm at 7 months, maybe more arrives. But generally happy. Ou can see my progress here - let me know what you think!

21 hours ago, CosmoKramer said:

Nice progress man, you look 5-10 years younger. 👍🏻

Cheers Cosmo - tbf that before pic was right after surgery - the 12 hour shift in the chair bloody aged me!

7 minutes ago, StantonNY said:

Big transformation. You must be pleased.

How much does Dr Yaman charge?

 

Thanks! So far very pleased but really hoping a bit more density comes through...it's exciting, and has been totally transformative in terms of my self image.

I think his going rate is 1 eur per graft, that isn't what I paid as I was a really last minute, filling a slot type of thing - you'd need to speak to the clinic. One thing I'll say is that there are plenty of places offering package deals for less than 2-3k in Istanbul just now - some do come good, but I reckon Yaman is a class apart. I attribute my lack of shedding to his implanter technique.

Though I just updated, I was amused to see a pic taken exactly 7 months ago today. 7 months apart:

Head size absolutely has an effect on the density possible, but the illusion of density is still definitely possible. Case in point, I'm NW5, thin blonde hair, MASSIVE napper, and 4600 (I doubt it's that much really) grafts later, I'm getting constant compliments and comments about how thick my hair looks - both by those who know and those who don't know I have had a transplant. To this theme again, it is absolutely an illusion, but the only people who notice it as such are those who' know what they're looking for. 

Looks great mate. I was also at Dr Yaman last july - It seems that you also didn't have so much shedding, am I right? I didn't have much either, curious whether this is to do with Dr Yamans implanter tool - any thoughts?

Cheers - yeah I thought I was but it oculd just have been placebo. Was nothing extreme, a light headache and I seemed to struggle to sleep well for some reason. I did stop for a  bit but returned to a reduced dose - let's see if it makes a difference.

Brilliant result - would never suspect that guy had lost a hair in his life.  Really natural.

While im at it, 7 months progress.pics :

1 minute ago, 147break said:

Hey mate, I think if you got a low taper then the back and sides will look better

Funnily enough that's what I wanted but live abroad and didn't know how to ask for a low taper in German