GuyFromTheUK

Sorry for the delay! I guess generally there won't be much news from us when we are happy with the result.

No news: good news and all that.

I notice the comment above saying that I didn't have particularly good coverage considering the grafts taken; fair enough but I have naturally very thin hair and also I haven't been taking any supplements (finasteride) or using any products such as Rogaine. I think if you look at the before and after there is still a significant difference. I've also got to the stage where I don't actually mind too much if it looks a bit thinning on top; at least there isn't a massive bald spot now.

Here is an update of how my hair looks at the moment; obviously waiting for a haircut once the hairdressers all open!

I'm very happy with the results considering. I think I've exhausted all my donor areas now unfortunately so just need to wait until cloning of hairs can occur for touch ups haha.

I also want to add that these experiences with Dr. Bisanga were top class as well as with Hilde!

Just worked out:

13,676 hairs in total for 6451 grafts

Average of 2.12 hairs per graft. Not amazing, but I do have really fine hair

And no, I'm not on any meds besides herbal supplements (biotin and vitamins) and I won't take finasteride (I understand the risk, but at the same time don't want to mess with my body's chemistry as had sides when I tried)

Post op:

Yesterday (1 month post-op)

6 hours ago, munich said:

How many grafts did you get in your second procedure? It looks that you have good donor reserves .. do you know how many? 

1st procedure: 3380

1 hair: 881

2 hair: 1528

3 hair: 890

4 hair: 81

2nd procedure: 3071

1 hair: 543

2 hair: 1542

3 hair: 826

4 hair: 160

Think most of the 3 & 4s went into the front! on the 2nd procedure

As promised.

Here are my photos at a year (march 2018):

Here are my photos pre-op (march 2019); 2 years (not wet/wet):

Looking back it appears that my 1 year photos look better than my 2 year photos; maybe that is because I have lost hair from the midzone? not sure, could be the light or the haircut in question too. 

Nevertheless. Still a massive improvement on what I started with!

Currently 21 days post FUE (round 2) with Dr. Bisanga (will update photos shortly)

There were 3 shampoos that I used routinely prior to my 2nd HT to help control my scalp (gets very dry/itchy - think it's sebhorreic dermatitis)

I have tried in the past all sorts of shampoos to no avail however with these 3 (alternating) they seem to have really helped everything. Still get flakes but no itching.

3 shampoos I use are (tried to put active ingredients):

1. T-Gel (contains coal tar)

2. Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo (contains Piroctone Olamine)

3. Jason Dandruff Relief Shampoo (contains Salicylic Acid 2.2% and Sulfur 2.4%)

Are they OK to continue on again? getting a bit tired of baby shampoo

On 2/5/2019 at 2:54 PM, Raphael84 said:

I echo the same sentiments as the other guys. Would be great to see some photos of your improvement from 6 months onwards. Any particular reason why you didn't continue with your thread? Or simply wanted to get some headspace from the HT world and enjoy the real world with more hair. I get it. 

Are you going back to Dr Bisanga for round 2? Already have a date in mind?

Sorry I've been really busy with work so have had some downtime.

I'm not sure why I didn't put a proper update on here in the end. Overall I was very happy with round 1; but wanted to sort out the crown and also concerns about the right side...

I've just been back with Bisanga for round 2.

Another 3000 grafts in ONE day

I'll update on here shortly.

On 9/22/2018 at 7:04 PM, MarshallUK said:

Good Afternoon,

After Months of using this and other forum sites to educate myself on all things hair transplants I would like to give back and document my experiences. I am 33 and have been receding from the front with the classic M shape for years now. Once I decided to look into a transplant seriously I set up some consultations and started doing extensive research to hopefully make the right choice. I will section off below each part of my journey to hopefully help anyone else who was in my position.

Research and Consultations

I started my consultations at Vinci in Manchester as I have seen them online quite a lot. There sales rep was a nice man and gave me my first insight into the options and costs involved. I came out impressed but decided to do more research online and finally discounted them due to lack of results online.

I then had 2 consultations at Fargo's in Manchester. I met with Mick and DR Racheal Kay who were both very nice and professional and I was impressed with the clinics setup, I was offered 1600 grafts and met some of there patients who were there getting a check up. After doing more research I was keen on having more grafts than 1600 due to the case studies  I had seen on these forums. I was offered 1800 once I asked for more but got the feeling they wouldn't go much higher. I also was waiting a good few days (sometimes a week) for replies to my questions on email so that made me start looking elsewhere.

I had seen Dr Bisanga was in London for consultations so decided to book in as he seemed well thought off online, I took my wife for a day out to London and went to the consultation. The Dr and his assistant Hilde were very welcoming,helpful and knowledgeable. The Doctor told me he would recommend 3000-3500 grafts to get my desired results which seemed higher than I expected but made me research even more. 

I had also contacted Dr Demisroy whose work seems very good at a good price and I couldn't find any negative results even on the German forums. He Also quoted for 3000-3500 grafts which made me a lot more comfortable with that amounts of grafts I required. 

I narrowed it down between Dr Bisanga and Dr Demisroy and struggled with the decision as we all know its a tricky one ha. I found that Dr Bisanga had lots of cases on forums and was very impressed with his results and especially with grafts numbers similar to mine. Also I was impressed by his professionalism and his after care if results were not up to his expectations, so that along with everything else made me pick Dr Bisanga!!!! About time haha.

 

Travel and Operation

I booked the Op for Wednesday 19th and was told to be at the clinic for 7am and expect a long day. I flew Ryanair from Manchester £47 return to Brussels Charleroi and then used a coach service called Flimico it takes 45 minutes to Brussels midi and then a 30min walk or 5 min taxi to the Hotel Catalonia which is recommend by the clinic as its literally down the road (2minutes walk). The Day went well we agreed the hairline, took pictures gave blood and then shaved my donor area. I must say I was not looking forward to the injections but found them really straight forward and literally like a pin prick for a second they didn't bother me at all. The Op went well the Dr did the extraction and insertion holes and the tech removed and placed the grafts as discussed. We were complete for 7pm with a 10-15 minute dinner break which I had chicken and cheesecake not together ha, the bandana was put on and all after care was explained. I have honestly not had any pain or itchiness so far but my head has swelled quite a lot and I look like Quasimodo ha, I stayed in Belguim until last night so tuesday night untill Friday night in total. I attended the clinic on Thursday and Friday for check ups and they applied my aftercare for me which was very nice. While in Belguim I was more than happy to go out site seeing, shopping etc as with the bandana on no one could really tell and I was comfortable going for coffees and food etc with no one really staring. I was going to get a taxi on the way back but as I felt comfortable enough I got the metro and coach again with no problems saving 55 euro!! At the airport I felt a little self conscious as my face was swelling and I had no ice to help reduce it but I soon realised I didn't care what people thought and was ok after that. The customs in Belguim asked me to remove my bandana and I showed him my hairline and he quickly let me through. The clinic does give a letter to get a private room but security was quiet and it was alot quicker just removing my bandana a liitle bit and no issues. In the Uk they didn't even bother they just scanned my paasport and waved me through, I was keen to get out of there as I was delayed 1 hour in belguim and just wanted to get out of crowded places and chill.

Summary

So far so good! I am early days but happy with the process and clinic etc. I am following the clinics guidelines and just glad I did what I wanted to do and not worry about other peoples opinions! I am a great believer we only live once so if you want to do it get it done!! Dr Bisanga and his team especially HIlde are great and I highly recommend them! Obviously if I don't have a Mullet in 12 months that may change haha.

Below are some pics by me before and after including the pic which made me decide I wanted a HT. I will upload the clinic pics once I get them. Any questions feel free.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi mate.

Did you get your procedure done in one day then? (all 3000).

(I just got 3072 done yesterday; in one day).

I was a bit apprenhensive as the more grafts in one day, the more time out of the scalp; the worse survival time.

However I decided to go for it this time (I had one previous procedure of 3200.

How is it looking now?

Any more opinions on this? Still contemplating my options

1. 3000 over one day - less spent on accommo.etc, less hassle, more convenient, all surgery done on one day so ?less shock

2. 3000 over 2 days - slower pace (hopefully less error), less 'graft out, awaiting implantation' time

5 hours ago, Kiwi Guy said:

I worry that the scalp and hairs being extracted from the donor on day 2 will be under huge shock from day 1 and may not take as well, does anyone know if there is any legitimacy to this notion?

This is what I have also heard hence pushing me to have it all done in one day.

11 hours ago, Dazed said:

How long did your 3300 take the first time.  I just had 2300 FUE and it took me 10+ hours to get off the table.  Anything that is finished in one day is easier on you.  The continuing trauma to your scalp hardly seems conducive to quicker healing.  You already know what makes the most sense to you.  I never had a swelling problem.  I am just amazed the doctor could place that many in one day.  I never comment on the doctors, because I just don't follow individual doctors, but if you liked the original results why change.  You can go off your opinion, which you trust, or accept the opinion of others, as well meaning as they may be, who knows you better?

It was done over 2 days last time, but 2 relatively "short" days.

14 hours ago, wheretogo said:

Hey,

if you have time i think you should do it in 2 days.

can we see your results from the first HT? i'm also had one HT and planning another one.

yes sure see my thread (look at my post history)

2 minutes ago, LaserCap said:

Lots of factors to consider, but all things being equal and naturalness not being compromised, I would look at,

How many clinical staff members will be placing?

Are you doing FUE or FUT? I am guessing FUE.

Do you know what system they are using?

Are you doing PRP with the procedure?

The nice thing about doing it in two days is the fact that the staff will not get tired as easy and it is a far more relaxed experience.  You'll leave early on both days and can return to the hotel and get some rest.  The worst thing that can happen is you feeling rushed.  Eventually you'll question the process particularly if something goes wrong.

Swelling typically happens about 3 days after the procedure.  This tends to happen when patients get too active after the procedure.  Relax for the first few days and follow the post op instructions, particularly sitting up at an angle while sleeping.

 

Thanks for the reply.

- Not sure how many clinical staff members will be placing.

- FUE

- Not sure what system; but whatever system Dr. Bisanga uses.

- No PRP

I'll ask Hilde (Dr. Bisanga rep) a bit more to see what she would recommend. If it is done just as carefully over one day I would prefer.

Hey all.

So I had a 3,300 FUE session with Dr. Bisanga in March 2017 and now planning my 2nd 3000 graft FUE session.

I've been given the option of having it over 1 or 2 days.

Is there any pro or con to either?

I'm guessing swelling will be more gradual with 2 days, but what about the rest of it?

Obviously time-wise 1 day is better; but is there any difference to results/healing if it is done over a shorter period?

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

On 5/28/2018 at 8:17 PM, kd1987 said:

How did it turn out?

It went well.

It really has made a massive difference compared to what I had.

But I'm going for one second procedure now to sort out the crown.

6 month update; forgot to take the pics when it was bright outside but anyways.

I still haven't cut my hair yet, but will do so in a couple days. Stil weak on my left side. Hope it all improves ?

5 months

Just a quick update. Not much progress on last month or anything really to add.

Now exactly at 5 months. So 50% growth?. My left side is still weak. The rest looks like it is prob good in the right direction. Light is less harsh then other photos. Using indirect sunlight this time. Obviously need to focus on my crown next. It's a pity I got sided with finasteride

4 month update

Not a whole lot to report. Used clobex for one month, will now stay off it of a month and see how it goes. No itchiness in the area.

Hair looks good in low light or when there isn't harsh bright light. Looks pretty bad in bright light as can be seen by pics.

Donor site looks really good, had it shaved down to a grade one and I can't notice anything has been done.

firstly Sorry for the poor punctuation, im using a broken keyboard!

Hang in there mate, they always say the first 3-5 months are the worst.

 

I'm also seriously considering Dr Bisanga, so very interested in your journey.

 

How did you find the redness post op, how long did it last? It seems to have gone down quite quickly! We both have similar skin tones so keen to get your thoughts.

Redness wasn{t actually too bad post op however it does seem to have lingered still until now (and I am now more than 3 months post op).

As I have said so far I would still highly recommend Dr. Bisanga, hopefully Im saying the same in 12 months time! Very professional. So Id say go for it. My donor site looks fantastic, i have had it shaved down to a 1 and scars are hardly noticable.

Hi mate,

 

What the doctor said about the redness exactly?

 

Is it itchy?

 

Hang on!

Not much actually. Just told me to take the clobex shampoo twice a week which is what I have been doing. Will take a break from it after a month.

As for the redness itself, its a little itchy, but i am almost 100% sure i dont have scalp psoriasis so not entirely sure why im taking it,

that 8-12 week period was a bad one for me too, just got worse before it got better but it gets way better. Its just the process and you have no choice but to bear with it. The hairs will pop up regularly between months 3 and 6 and beyond and they're so tiny that you'd drive yourself crazy trying to count up how many are thru but theres lots and many you dont even notice yet or theyre on there way so patience.

 

Have they recommended clobex?

yup so im on clobex now (for the past 2 and half weeks), im hoping youre right mate.

12 week update!

Hair looks like it's gotten worse to be honest. I hope that's not the case

I am using probably the harshest light possible to show everything.

Not showing sides or back as they look great.

More concerned about the front (especially the left side)

Still pink, have contacted BHR and have started using some steroid shampoo to try and reduce the redness.

I really hope it will start getting better soon! Can see some tiny little hairs coming through but not 3280.

A quick update as I've been away for over a month now.

Today is my 8th week (2 month) mark.

Not sure there is any improvement at all yet, but I know I have to be patient.

One good thing so far is that I shaved my sides and back to a 2mm (less than a grade 1) and the scars from the FUE were hardly noticeable! I'll try it again and post pictures when I decide to do it again!

I haven't shaved the top of my head yet (since the FUE) but shaved the sides and back so that they weren't too thick and didn't make my top look too thin (to even it out).

Couple things I've noticed:

1. I took finasteride 0.5mg MWF for one month but stopped as I was getting less frequent erections and my sperm was watery. Besides that no other sides but don't wish to go back on it for the ED sides. A shame as I was hoping I was one of those who was unaffected by its sides. Side effect rates MUST be higher than the quoted 5% or whatever, typical big pharma. Things appear to be back to normal now (after 2 or so weeks after stopping it).

2. Check out the posterior photo of my scalp; not sure if it's shock loss I have at the back of my head or my head was like that initially (I know it is slightly thinner there anyways) or I am just thinning more rapidly now?

3. A couple hairs are still falling out here and there, I've been using aloe Vera gel nearly every day and have my head covered most of the time by a cap as I am currently in a very hot and sunny climate.

4. Still have some loss of sensation in frontal third; just minor, I don't actually mind this though.

5. My vertex is bad bad bad. That will be the next place I will have to hit with FUE if the frontal third goes well. Perhaps using body hair (facial) so I can preserve my donor supply.

6. Just to add I've been taking biotin 900mg, MSM 2g, fish oil and zinc almost everyday (and took finasteride (propecia) for 1 month but stopped after sides.

does dr b do his own extractions?

Dr. B does all the punching & extractions & also makes all the slits.

His technicians then insert the grafts into the slits. I still need to follow them up to see what their transection rate was.

Hey!

 

I think I am just like you too! Thank you for sharing! Looks great. You motivated me to take the plunge.

 

How long do you plan to grow your hair?

 

On my side, I would like to keep them shaved. Is this something possible with FUE as you did? Any drawbacks?

 

Looking forward your updates!

 

See you!

You're welcome. Dr. B is a pro, i'd definitely recommend him & BHR!

Yeah; so I wanna still keep my back/sides short even if 12 months time.

Here are my 21 day post-FUE pics; as you can see sides and back are still really short and it's pretty hard to notice anything has been done (except for the recipient site where you can see the redness.etc).

Plan on shaving my head in a couple weeks! (using the guard of course!)

Same question here. I have some grafts implanted on my side. Can I shave the transplanted hairs just like normal hairs after lets say 6 months?

You can shave your transplanted grafts after 1 month (according to the rep of Dr. B). I plan on just shaving down my head every couple weeks until it all starts growing together.

As you can all see my crown is quite bare too! I've started taking 0.5mg of propecia MWF; so going to see if that helps at all.

Hey guys;

So I've tried the big 3; nizoral (too much SLS, too irritant to scalp), regenepure dr (dries out scalp far too much too) & revita (ditto; dries scalp far too much).

I'm almost one month post-op & want to start using ketoconazole again; however was wondering if anyone had any experience with any other products with ketoconazole besides the ones I have mentioned OR can recommend one of the 3 I have mentioned (maybe I'll just try them again)....

I'm based in the UK for reference (some products aren't available here); but any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Have already decided will start using

- sheamoisture Strengthen Grow and Restore Shampoo (has cider vinegar; could this be too "toxic" for my hair

- Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner

Just to try & keep my scalp as hydrated as possible

Thanks!

Hi

 

 

I'm 5 weeks post FUE op with ASMED and its starting to get warm and sunny here in the UK.

 

I won't lay out and sunbathe at all this year so I give myself at least 9 months away from laying in the sun but its the walking round that I am concerned about.

 

If I wear a 50 SPF cream (I bought a baby one as I presume it will be less sensitive) and then I wear this hat which is UPF 50 should I be ok to walk around in full glaring sun for a day?

 

thanks

 

Rich

 

The Columbia Coolhead baseball cap in black is a performance cap featuring Omni-Freeze technology which reacts with sweat to lower the temperature of the material. In addition the Omni-Shade UPF 50 sun protection will protect you from the sun's harmful rays.

 

 

Columbia Hats Coolhead Baseball Cap - Black from Village Hats.

If you're wearing a hat; you don't need to wear suncream too; rays don't travel through clothes.

Thank you, same here I shed hair mostly while applying oil. I'm going to get my hands on some emu oil for sure. Do you just leave it in all day or just apply a couple hours before showering?

 

I think we are in the same boat here. I have the dryest possible scalp and it doesn't help that I live in the dryest place on the planet. I checked out your thread and it looks really good. Great job on choosing the right surgeon. It took me almost a year to do all the research and choose a surgeon that suits me.

Thanks; who did you end up going with?

I just leave it in about 3-4hours before a shower; as I'm currently washing my hair everyday (just for this month; then I'll switch back to every other day).

Perfect, I shall do that. Have you started shedding hair yet? My transplanted hair have grown quite a bit however I have started shedding them (mostly when I rub oil).

I have started to shed yes and I was just getting used to having a proper hairline too! (take a look at my thread)

I first got paranoid that the doctor had missed areas or had left areas with reduced density; but I'm pretty sure this is just shedded hair. I've noticed it in my fingertips after showering today; and also when I run my hand through my hair.

As I mentioned; emu oil seems very light (lighter than olive oil) to me, and may be a better bet. I think vitamin E is meant to be really sticky so avoid that. Coconut oil is also a bit thicker; but very good for dry scalps. I suffer from a ridiculously dry scalp unfortunately; but touch wood I have been fine so far.

Congratulations on your surgery with Dr Bisanga. I think you made the right decision to go with FUE all things considered. You look to be healing well after 14 days. Look forward to following your progress.

Thanks David; appreciate all your help too, and yes; I'm very happy I went FUE; even though I know I would have been able to get more grafts w/ FUT.