vik757

 

I am not saying that this is a success, and there could be a bit of poor growth...I am not sure, but I think MOST of the issues is 1. Too few grafts for the given area 2. Expectations for the number of grafts vs the area planted was not successful communicated.

 

The good thing is that I think it still looks pretty natural.

 

As for how many you need, if you are going from hairline to crown again, I would say it depends on your donor, which looks very good. I would probably figure our how many lifetime grafts I have left, and subtract 2k for possible dropping sides and the little bit if the bridge that you have left to addressed when it goes. So, if you have 5500 grafts left, drop another 3500 from front to back if you are really looking for a pretty dense outcome.

Hi Spanker,

Thanks for the comment. I do think that all the grafts that were implanted didnt grew especially the frontline and nearby area (photos below).

I am trying to understand what could be the reason:

On the day of the surgery Dr. told that i have one of the better quality donor hair he has seen for a long time, for the matter of fact he mentioned to all the other patients that day about quality of hair. So, quality of hair was never a problem.

Secondly, I have religiously followed all the medicines.

So, I am in bit of dilemma about what could be reason for poor hair growth that could be avoided in the future.

I have been consulting few Dr. locally and they say (it looks like 2500 - 2700 grafts)

1) probably there might be a technical fault in the surgery which destroyed few grafts.

2) As I had a mega session, amount of time grafts were out of body was long and few grafts didnt survive.

So, still looking for options how this can be avoided.

Direct Hair Transplant (DHT) could be one of the way in which amount of time grafts out of body can be reduced. What are your thoughts about DHT does it has better success rate that FUE?

There is lot of confusion and nervousness as of now, to get the next one right. I completely respect and like Dr. Bhatti, but still cant shy away from the though (scaring me) of going again to him is the right decision? shall I go for DHT?

Also, I am just planning to work on my front and midscalp (have a fuller look), how may grafts do you thing I need more?

Thanks

Vik

You'd definitely want at least 3000 if you have that much donor left.

Also just curious, your scalp looks discoloured compared to the rest of your skin, is that scarring?

Here is my donor pic:

Isn't 3800 grafts a low number for such a large area of hair loss? The length looks insufficient too so it makes sense that it would look thin. It just isn't enough hair and it is too short for layering and styling.

I tried keeping it long, but it looks so thin that it is embarrassing.

Do none of the online reps for dr Bhatti have anything to say about this result ??

Online Reps are so active and swift in replying to positive results.Not saying a single word of encouragement is bit of a shame.

Hi All,

Here are my 11 month post op photos.

Unfortunately no good density, for the matter of fact I think its a poor result.

How many grafts do you think I need for decent coverage?

Hi guys sorry about not updating the thread every month. I've been pretty busy. I've been meaning to update ever since I've started to shed like mad. I went India for wedding and didn't take finasteride for 2 weeks so that might have been the reason. Anyway I started my routine back so I'll share some pics. Also before I went India in late August I went and got my haircut. The barber saw that I had a transplant done and asked if I wanted to apply some hair fibre (3d hair). I agreed and wow. It makes a hell of a difference. I don't leave the house now without applying it. I've also for the first time in my life managed to style my hair. I think I look 10 years younger haha.

 

Hi,

How are you feeling about HT with Dr. Bhatti are you happy with progress so far?

Cheers

V

Thanks Mountinvan

 

I never did the DUT, still on 1.25 of proscar every other day.

 

Here are some pics of my current situation.

 

This is 2 years after Dr. Bhatti. My scar is better and hard to find at all. But with that said, I can't go below a #4 blade bc you can still see the indention of the scar. You can see the smiley face shape. Still better than before. I think my hairline looks a little harsh and I have some nearly bald areas still in crown even though I've had a crazy amount of grafts there. But I'm done putting anything back there.

 

I'm going to consult with Dr. Yaman and see if I can soften up the hairline and add density where he thinks it's possible. Not sure if my donor is even good enough but I've had in person consultation and some doctors said I have 3-4000 grafts.

Hi Densedream,

I have been following your case. You seem to be happy with Dr. Bhatti's work. So, why are you considering Dr Yaman over Dr. Bhatti? Is that Dr. Yaman is better than Dr. Bhatti or some other reason.

Cheers

V

Money was never a problem, i told him to pack as densely as possible, frankly the spacing looks a bit apart, and density does not seem great, specially in the front part.

 

I am not sure why grafts were not placed more closely if it was possible ?

 

Bill/Gill/Shera - Any comments on density ?

Hi Hairhoho,

Did you check with Dr. how many grafts are implanted per/sqcm.

Cheers

V

Hey Vik - Any improvement seen recently ?

 

Would be going through the procedure with Dr.Bhatti shortly.

Hi Mate,

Not any major improvement, I will post my pictures soon.

I had a word with Dr. Bhatti and he agree that result is not as expected. He was expecting good result as I have good quality donor hair.

I have scheduled for December 2nd week. Don't know number of grafts yet, will have a word with Dr bhatti in couple of weeks.

But as per other doctors I need atleast 2000 - 2500 grafts for good density.

Any opinions welcome

Cheers

V

What is thyroid problem?

Its a large ductless gland in the neck, i dont know the technicalities but I have seen few people with it.

Hi All,

Another quick update, i am referring my case to few Dr. locally and online just to understand what could be the reason for poor density, below are the findings as per doctor's i met:

All Dr. I met told me its very difficult to pin point what could be the exact reason, but generally it could be one of below:

1) Not using any medication after hair transplant (finasteride 1mg, Minoxidil) can result into poor density or slow growth (I was using medication, so option number 1 - Not applicable)

2) one of the Dr. told me if you have thyroid problem it can result into poor growth. (Not applicable to me)

3) Another Dr. told me that doing high number of grafts (3800 for me) in one sitting could be the reason for poor growth. Higher the time grafts are outside the body higher are the chances of it getting damaged. (applicable)

Please add to the list above if you can think of anything else.

I am currently on 10 month mark and I am patiently waiting another couple of months for and further growth. Fingers crossed.

Cheers

V

Hi Vik757,

 

I went through a similar scenario with poor growth result from an HT, and can empathize how it feels, good luck with your next complementary HT.

 

Do keep us posted on you progress.

 

I had planned to go through the next procedure by Dr.Bhatti, but this looks concerning, although good to see the doctor taking responsibility of unsuccessful HT.

 

Regards,

Hairhoho

Completely agree with you, its disheartening especially when you wait a complete one year just to realize that you need another one.

I had a word with Dr. Bhatti about shall I consider another Dr. for my second one, but he sounds pretty confident that we can rectify this. However, we are still trying to figure out what was the reason for poor density.

Cheers

V

Dr says: Result is still not as expected, perhaps it is taking time as sometime it does so wait another 3 months.

 

Dr. as usual was very kind and said "Its completely my responsibility and will do whatever it takes to make you happy."

 

 

So, that was really supportive and encouraging of Dr.

 

But, I am still trying to figure out the cause of why all grafts are not sprouted. Is there anyone out there who started the growth between 9 to 15 months that is question? probably I should start a new thread to get opinions.

Quick update. I am constantly in touch with doctor. Spoke to Dr last week and he agrees that result is not as expected and asked me to wait till 12 month mark.

Having said that he has offered me a complementary hair transplant after 12 month mark. I will keep posting my progress.

Cheers

V

if this would turn out as a failure, shouldnt the doctor make a second surgery free of cost? A discount woudlnt be enough in my world.

 

Opinions?

Firstly, i am very curious to understand what is the reason if this HT becomes a failure.

as I am bit worried if the same thing happens again

As per my discussion with various doctors there can be only two:

1) grafts were overselled i.e. less were implanted and more were charged for - that seems unlikely.

2) grafts were damaged while doing the procedure.

Secondly, you are right mosd I shouldn't settle for discount, as not only i lost my grafts, there is so many other things that is needed to get the procedure done travel cost,3 weeks of down time and most importantly we spend the entire year waiting for the result.

I am still waiting another couple of month before making any decision.

Cheers

V

What did Dr.Bhatti say?

Dr says: Result is still not as expected, perhaps it is taking time as sometime it does so wait another 3 months.

Dr. as usual was very kind and said "Its completely my responsibility and will do whatever it takes to make you happy."

So, that was really supportive and encouraging of Dr.

But, I am still trying to figure out the cause of why all grafts are not sprouted. Is there anyone out there who started the growth between 9 to 15 months that is question? probably I should start a new thread to get opinions.

Here's direct link for his 9-months: Hair Restoration Social Network ? Community for and by Hair Loss Patients

 

 

 

You still have 3 to 9 months of growing left, but I admit it doesnt look very good right now.

Whats even weirder you seem to not have good growth on your frontal scalp, and thats usually where most people get their initial growth spurt (and the crown usually comes last). Its like you've gone in reverse.

 

I'm not ready to call yours a failed HT just yet, but one thing I learned about this site there seems to be at least one failed transplant for every 3 or 4 successful ones

Thanks Dutchie,

I have couple of questions here:

Does this look like all 3800 grafts sprouted? if not what could be the possible reason for this as I thought if good quality donor hair are transplanted it should grow.

Also,What you think is a good time to make a decision about second transplant, I am guessing 12-13 months? your thoughts? I have send photographs to the doctor and waiting for his reply.

Thanks

V

well, thats a large area to cover and 3800 grafts isn't gonna cut it. u need more like 5000 grafts if not more.

 

unfortunately with most of the Bhatti patients his grafts are spaced too far apart. just take a look at his patients that have posted here and you see that he doesn't place the grafts very close to one another.

 

if u look at Bisigna, Lorenzo, Erdogan and even Vorhees you will clearly see the difference in grafts placement. personally, I think its just skill. I think the better HT doctors can simply place grafts closer together without damaging them giving more density.

 

that is a common practice he uses to fill a larger area but unfortunately the end result is a thin spaced out HT like the one you have which will now require another HT. I really don't thin 3800 grafts even took. more like 2500 grafts.

 

at 9 months I can clearly see ur not gonna get much more density. u may get a little cause u do grow up to 18 months but from what I have seen over the years at 9 months u get about 80% of what ur gonna get or what is visible.

 

these are typical Bhatti patients with grafts spaced way too far apart.....

Thanks for your comment. thats unfortunate. My first requirement was density for that reason we decided to go for the mature look and Dr doctor told me that this will give the denser look i am looking for. Around 12 month mark is the good time for second transplant? your thoughts?

Here's direct link for his 9-months: Hair Restoration Social Network ? Community for and by Hair Loss Patients

 

 

 

You still have 3 to 9 months of growing left, but I admit it doesnt look very good right now.

Whats even weirder you seem to not have good growth on your frontal scalp, and thats usually where most people get their initial growth spurt (and the crown usually comes last). Its like you've gone in reverse.

 

I'm not ready to call yours a failed HT just yet, but one thing I learned about this site there seems to be at least one failed transplant for every 3 or 4 successful ones

Thanks Dutchie for your comment.

Hi All,

I have hit the 9 month mark, attached my photos in the link below. (photos are taken in the garden area at around 4 pm)

To be honest its still not much of the improvement. hair are looking thin with gaps.

Please have a look and give me your feedback about what do you feel.

Cheers

V

grafts: 3800

hair: 8000

photos:

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/vik757/

Previous thread

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/184236-8-months-post-op-dr-tejinder-bhatti-3800-grafts-8000-hair-waiting-density.html

Hi All,

I have hit the 9 month mark, attached my photos in the link below. (photos are taken in the garden area at around 4 pm)

To be honest its still not much of the improvement. hair are looking thin with gaps.

Please have a look and give me your feedback about what do you feel.

Cheers

V

grafts: 3800

hair: 8000

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/user_album_update.php?album_id=4840

Yes I contacted Dr. Kapil Dua and he was kind enough to offer me a correction surgery for a nominal amount of INR 25K. However, I was not very comfortable to get it re-done from the same place.

Hi Martian,

did you try to figure out what was the reason of transplanted hair with Dr Kapil Dua didn't grow, was it that, not all the extracted hair were not implanted, or was poor selection of donor grafts or something else.

As per my consultation with various doctor, if a good quality donor hair is transplanted it will grow your body can't reject your own hair.

All I am saying its important to know the reason. So that you don't face the same issue again.

Cheers

Vik

what does the doctor say?

Hi Mosd,

Dr has asked me to consult him back on 9 month mark, so waiting for another month.

Cheers

Comparing your pre op, post op and 8 months images, there's a lot of empty spaces along the hairline where there were grafts implanted.

I definitely think you should have had more growth.

Do you see any new sprouts? It's definitely late in the process but it's not completely lost for the next few months.

Hi Transhair,

Thanks for your feedback, difficult to tell whether I am having new sprouts, probably I need to use that personal microscope to check. However, how long you think should I wait before considering another transplant. 12 month mark is a good time.

Thanks

V

Looks like things are coming along nicely! There is still plenty of time for additional density. As Dr. Bhatti advised, you'll need to wait it out before making any judgements. Please keep us updated on your progress.

Hi David,

So, as per my current photos you think all 3800 grafts has sprouted and there wouldn't be much improvement. Because I was definitely expecting more density. especially my front line is not thick, it looks like i am missing a front line. your thoughts.

Cheers

V

I dont think it is difficult to add more density with another op. People do it all the time.

 

I think an average density of 40 grafts per sq cm should be sufficient to provide a good illusion of density. These grafts would be concentrated more near the hairline, say 50-55 grafts per cm, that the crown, say 25-30 grafts per cm.

I am sure the doctor would take care of this aesthetic design so dont worry.

 

My guess is that a typical norwood 5/6 would have 175-200 cm2 reciepient area. For average density of 40 grafts per cm, one would need 7000-8000 grafts.

 

These are just my thoughts. Consult with Dr.Bhatti as he would be able to give you a clear personalized plan to achieve what you want.

 

Please share your pre-op pics too...

Hi n00b,

So, as per my current photos you think all 3800 grafts has sprouted and there wouldn't be much improvement. Because I was definitely expecting more density. especially my front line is not thick, it looks like i am missing a front line. your thoughts.

Cheers

V