UKLad81

Hi Mattj, may be a silly question however, the before op photos show thinning in the crown whereas the photos after his operation show no sign of thinning in fact looks super thick? How long after his first surgery were these photos taken?

Also, I'm not familiar with the blue lines. I know its drawn on by the surgeon but what does each row / quadrant represent? Are these to help where the 1's, 2's, 3's and 4 grafts are being placed? Or....?

Nevertheless, great work by Dr Rahal!

Hi UKLad81,

 

I'm in the UK too, and that's exactly the kind of response I had from my GP. That was way back in 2005 but I doubt if anything has changed. The GP who told me to "live with it" has one of the lowest natural hairlines I've ever seen!

 

The graft recommendations of around 5000 is what I would expect. It's possible to get more if your donor density and scalp laxity are favourable.

 

To get the best result, most surgeons would want to shave the frontal zone. That's assuming that you'd want to address this area with your procedure. To be honest I wouldn't worry about that, as although it's great that you've retained that area, it does look like it's quite thin and not offering much cosmetic advantage.

 

You're from the UK but is your background on the Indian sub-continent? I only ask because people have wondered about your hair loss pattern and that frontal area, but I'm familiar with that pattern and normally I've seen it in men from India or that vicinity.

Hi Mattj, its still the same bud! A friend of mine who is thinning in the crown area also consulted with his GP and surprisingly offered no help whatsoever. Its a shame as the GPs just don't realise what hair loss actually does to someone's confidence!!

Yeah, I'm happy that all the docs have suggested the same amount of grafts via FUT. I'm still toying with the idea of FUE as I wear my hair quite short on the sides (#1)!! Any advice to help with the decision?

I'm slowly getting used to the idea that to achieve a good result I would need to shave the entire head first. Spend all that money, its better to do the job properly!

So I'm born an bred in the UK however, my father is from India and although some balding in the crown still has more hair then me!

Would you recommend Propecia or Minox? Or just bite the bullet and get to Rahal (or H&W) and get the job done?

Thanks for your reply Mattj!

Guys, whilst I'm still researching about surgeons, I'm also considering taking Propecia just to stabilise the loss and maintain what remains. I've seen my GP and talked about my hair loss and any possible treatments (including propecia), lets just say he wasn't very helpful. In fact he stated that I should just "deal with it and get over it". It seems like some GP's just don't give this enough importance.

Does taking Propecia sound sensible? If so, what dosage should I be looking at? I've heard some of you folks cut the tablet in half. I was thinking of doing the same and just monitoring any sides as I go on? Again is this sensible?

Not phoned them but had a similar experience via email. That said they do reply after a couple of days. Think they are just super busy.

Doug, do you have any pics of mid scalp and crown area?

That is an impressive result and exactly what I was looking for. Is this from one surgery and what how many grafts per cm2 were covered? Also would you say he's a NW5 Doug?

Thank you for uploading.

Ok I've spent a lot of time on this forum (believe me its taken over my life right now, forget facebook, instagram etc its all about Hair Restoration Network!). I've narrowed the surgeons down to H&W (FUT), Dr Rahal (FUT) and possibly Dr Koray (FUE).

I've been liaising with the patient advisor at Rahal quite a lot (shes been superb) and she has managed to answer a whole load of questions (mainly coming from a thread that Spex inputted in to). I've spoken to a few previous/current patients (and will continue to talking until I feel comfortable) and all had great things to say about their experience with Rahal. The only concern I have with Rahal is that I have not seen many results on this forum (or anywhere else) from patients with a similar loss (NW5) as mine. Maybe I'm not searching correctly. If anyone can help with searching that would be great.

H&W, I have had a Skype consult with Dr Wong and he seems like a great guy. Came across very professional and very confident. He stated that I had better scalp laxity then he expected and through regular exercise this could get even better. He also mentioned that he would be confident in doing the procedure without shaving the front hairs and he could work around it and that he didn't expect any further loss in the front hair line. I've not managed to speak to any patients yet however, H&W are arranging this for me. The question I do have is that there seems to be a lot of patients who have had a procedure with Dr Hasson with impressive results, is Dr Wong's work also on the same par? I ask this without meaning any disrespect to Dr Wong but just wanted to check would you get the same result with Dr Wong as I may have done with Dr Hasson? Are their methods exactly the same?

Dr Koray's results seem to be popping up everywhere and he seems to be producing great results. I've not seen a bad result yet. However, is it wise for me to think about FUE at this stage or would it be better going through the FUT method first and then maybe FUE in the future?

What do other patients do as part of their research?

I've played football (and badminton) whilst having toppik applied. I didn't notice it coming off or running down my face whilst sweating. The only time I had to worry about was when it rained. That said keep a hat near by if it does rain.

With toppik, I've had no issues with heavy wind (I drive a convertible and its never come off!), rain and water is your only enemy!!

I've never used any of the other products, I did look at Dermatch and you're right it does look a tad messy when applying.

I see a lot of loss in midscalp towards crown in that pic. Do you have pics showing front? Id approach this carefully and stick to two procedures at least FUT. do not do a one and done megasession. Scar may heal well bit no one can predict it. It can turn out and be the opposite. My advice would be to start doing some scalp stretching exercises and reach out to numerous docs for opinions in graft counts based on your goals. You may need to travel. For this type of hairloss, there are some FUT surgeons that can handle it better. Reach out to Dr Konior, Dr Blake Bloxham, Dr Gabel also and see what they say.

Sean, why would you not recommend Dr Rahal? Especially as you have had two HT's with him?

Also, why should a megasession not be considered? Given the fact that this person has considerable loss would a megasession and maybe further procedure(s) (of course donor allowing) in the future do the job? Just curious to know your thoughts.

Hi hairtransplanthrowaway, I don't think there is any products that will stay in your hair all night.

I currently use toppik and I have been using this for almost 5 years, I apply it every day. Style my hair and when its dry I apply toppik. Once I have done that just add some hairspray. It lasts me all day. There have been times where I haven't washed it out before bed and I have woken up and some of the fibers have come out - mainly at the crown. But this doesn't bother me too much as I just apply some more and that's that. But honestly speaking, I've had no issues with toppik and its remained in tact for 10 - 12 hours in a working day. Sleeping wise, it will come out slightly. Hope this helps.

Make sure you have these written down and any other questions you can think of. Also if at all possible take someone with you you trust as your emotions will be running high and its easy to forget to ask the relevant questions.

 

 

1.What kind of procedures do you perform does the clinic perform ie. Strip, FUE , BHT - if so for how long and ask to see results and be put in touch with actual patients.

 

2. What type of donor closure does the hair transplant surgeon use? Does he use sutures or staples, and why does he use his chosen technique?

 

What type and size of instruments does the hair transplant doctor use to make recipient incisions?

 

3.What is the length of time that this hair transplant physician has been performing hair transplant surgery?Ask about his credentials and experience and governing bodies he /she are assosiated with.

 

4. How many hair transplant technicians are employeed with their clinic? What is the length of time each hair technician has worked for the clinic?

 

5. Ask if you are a good candidate and ask for an explanation to why? Ask to see similar comparisons.

 

6. What is the state of your donor region and how many grafts does the doc feel can be safely harvested in one session and via multiple surgeries / methods?

 

7. Gain an estimate of how many grafts you require now and also how many are likely to be required in the futured based on your goal.

 

8. How good your donor laxity and how you can improve this prior to surgery IF required. can they demonstrate

 

9. Make sure you discuss YOUR exact goals (hairline, temples, forelock, crown, hair density, hair coverage, etc)

 

10. Ask how many grafts the doctor will use in your balding area

 

11.Ask if your goals are reasonable and if they can be met with your hair characterisitcs.

 

12. Establish how suitable you are for a HT in their opinon.

 

13. Very importantly ask if you can meet or talk to previous patients in similar circumstances to yourself. Also ask to see testimonials and plenty of photos.

 

14.Ask about costs involved eg. prices of consults(if applicable), amounts per graft and additional aftercare, medications etc as most clinics vary from some degree and its good to know exactly where you stand!

 

15. Can I get a reduced fee for short notice surgery? Travel reimbursement?and ask how long their wating list is.

 

16. Discuss medications such as propecia and finasteride to help prevent further loss. Ask if they can perscribe?

 

17. Does this hair transplant clinic dissect hair grafts from the strip using a microscope?

 

18. Ask about post op and pre op instructions. Can you have a list (hardcopy)

 

19. Can you record the entire consultation? If no, walk out.

 

 

20. Have they had any HT surgery? If so who with?

 

 

 

Red flags

 

"Just had a cancellation and we can see you next week."

Discounts

Special deals

Cold calling by consultants or doctors

No results to show

No patients to speak to or see

Small number of staff

 

____

Feel free to visit my website: SpexHair

 

 

Representative and Patient Advisor for:

Dr. Bijan Feriduni, Coalition Member,Dr. Alan Feller, Coalition Member , Dr. William Lindsey, Coalition Member and Dr. Scott Alexander, Coalition Member

I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions and views shared are my own. I am salaried by all the surgeons I work for.

Hi Spex, thanks so much for replying to this thread. I had been looking around on this forum for something like this for a while. Its nice to know that some of the questions you have referred to, I was asking as well. They will definitely help structure my next consultation!

One question, I've been speaking to some previous patients (as you quite rightly suggested) to get there experiences and details on their procedures. Although I come out of the discussion feeling good about a particular doctor, I cant help but also feel (and I could be wrong!) that these patients could be paid employees (not sure how else to describe it) trying to bump up business? I guess what I am asking is how can you differentiate between "actual" patients and "paid employees"?

On a side note, TrixGlendevon thanks for asking this question. I had been meaning to ask the same but just didn't get around to it!

5000 sounds good, but also look at the possibility of the crown worsening. Maybe test your beard hair in the crown at some point too. The coverage could yield a great effect but be realistic in expecting to restore everything you had; surgery is meant to create the illusion of coverage. Inquire about the benefits of including hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma during the surgery.

Thank you for your reply. I completely understand that I will never have the hair that I once had however, I expect that I will have more than what I currently have. My expectations are to fill the front hair line and to have good coverage in the mid scalp region. The crown I understand may or may not get any coverage, if it does it will have light coverage which again will be more than what I currently have. The crown might require a further procedure in the future.

On a side note does anyone else have HRNO (Hair Restoration Network Obsession? It's taken over my life at the moment!!

Wantingmore, any update on this?

Yes, that was important for me.

 

I decided for Dr. Feriduni because of his excellent results, especially for the frontal hairline.

I had personal consultation in May 2016 in Belgium and the final op than in November 2016.

But already in December 2015 I fixed the op date for November 16. After my visit at the doctor and meeting himself I had no doubt for right decision.

Of course Dr. Feriduni is more expensive than traveling to a doctor in Tukey but I think the money is worth it. In my opinion he is one of the best doctors like Ron Shapiro and Hasson & Wong

 

The wait time is about one year I hink.

Thanks for your reply. Thats handy that he is able to do the HT without shaving. I noticed from your photos that you had more frontal hair after your HT and then gradually its become less. Has the other hairs fallen out bcoz of the HT?

Hi UKlad, reading your post brought back many memories. The fibres do seem to have served you well and now is probably the right time to make that next step as the fibres desperately search for native hairs to cling to.

 

If you consider going a bit further afield then you could check out my own story in my signature below, I am coming up to 2.5 years now and still going strong. If you need any help or advice then give me a call or email/PM me, even if you have decided on where to go. It's always good to share the experience and maybe offer you some tips.

Thanks for your reply Shera. Your result is very good, I am impressed. I'll be honest being an indian you hear of all sorts of horror stories (not just HTs) with India which kind of puts me off. However, seeing your result has made me think Dr Bhatti could be an option as well.

That's a truly unique hair loss pattern, I don't think I've ever seen such a stubbornly resilient and full frontal tuft that held firm while the rest of the scalp went near bald.

 

If you can keep that front it will make transplanting easier, if you can't, it will be a challenge.

 

Have you considered partial hair systems for the top of your scalp?

Thanks for your reply Speegs. Well if I can take anything out of my hair loss its the fact that its a unique hair loss pattern!!

When you say if I can keep the front, what do you mean?

I'll be honest, there was a time where I was thinking of systems. But never really researched in to it. Any suggestions?

UKLad,

 

Yes, I am very happy with my results. I honestly sometimes forget that I would be a bald man if it wasn't for my hair transplant procedures and results. I feel confident in all the doctors you mentioned. Where are you thinking of going as of now? Or are you still deciding to undergo surgery?

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill

Great to hear Bill. I guess a deciding factor is if the docs could do the surgery without shaving the hair in my hair line. If they could manage that no one would know that I would have had the surgery as the front would remain the same. And after the healing (a month or so after the surgery) I could continue with the fibres. Not sure this is feasible?

I'm still none the wiser though however, my gut is telling me H&W.

UKLad,

 

Welcome to our hair restoration discussion forum. You are doing the right thing by posting and asking others for advice. You've already consulted with 3 outstanding surgeons and I see they've all given you very similar advice. Given your advanced level of balding, I agree that you'll need a large hair transplant gigasession of FUT in an attempt to restore as much hair to the top as possible.

 

Hair transplant surgery is about supply and demand. If your supply is abundant, you can have more hair transplanted in the balding areas. But given that the demand for hair on top is great, you'll need to understand upfront that you won't ever obtain all your hair back and will likely have areas that are still thin even after a couple procedures.

 

My hair loss pattern was actually a lot like yours and I was able to restore a large portion of my hair, making it barely noticeable that I've ever had hair loss. Now if you look at my hair in the back, it is obviously still quite thin. But considering I'd be completely bald without any surgery.

 

Feel free to click the link to my hair loss website in my signature which will show you what my hair looked like before any surgery and looks like today. Now keep in mind that the before pictures show that I still had some natural hair on top before I had my first hair transplant, but all of my natural hair on top is gone so without any hair transplant surgery, I'd be completely bald on top.

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill

Thank you Bill for taking the time out and replying. Appreciate it. I've looked at your story and I'm amazed at your result. You must be impressed with your final result!

I see you had your final 2 HT's at H&W. To be fair, I think I'm leaning towards them. They seem to be the masters of the FUT procedure and there results look good. How were your experiences with them? And would you recommend them now that you have seen my pictures? Also, I may have missed this but are you on any meds?

In terms of expectations I would like to keep the existing hair at the frontal hair line and fill it up as much as possible and go back to mid scalp with may be some light coverage of the crown if any. But I really want the front and mid scalp covered. I've used toppik for 6 years and happy to use going forward. Is this a reasonable expectation?

Thanks for your reply Shampoo. No I have never had a HT. The frontal hair has been a life saver when applying the fibers.

Did you have the transplant without Dr Feriduni shaving your recipient hair? Out of curiosity what made you go with Dr Feriduni? Did you have an in person consultation with the Dr? And how long was the wait time?

I apologise, I thought I had uploaded the pics at the time of the post. Added to the original post.

Hi All, firstly I would like to say thank you to all you wonderful people for posting your results / providing opinions etc. Much appreciated.

This is my first post on this site so forgive me if I have not followed any protocols.

Little background about myself, I've in my mid 30's and have been losing my hair for almost 10 years plus. I started to notice my temples appearing back in 2005 and since then the hair has been gradually falling out. Thankfully, its been gradual and not within a short period of time. Early 30's I noticed the thinning was getting worse and started to get the usual comments "oh your hair is thinning (or falling out!)". Some people just love to state the obvious!! Anyhow, it started to make me feel real paranoid and it really affected my confidence. I'd be talking to people and would notice they would be talking to me and then slowly their eyes would be going further up and looking at my hair. As soon as they would do that I would start panicking inside and quickly diffuse the situation by either saying "I need to make a phone call" or "i'll be right back". The things I would do to avoid people looking or even starting a conversation about my hair. Some days I would even call in sick just because it affected me so much. Anyhow, I then came across Toppik which I have to say has been a life saver. I've been using it for the last 5 or so years and its really helped me with the confidence and also stop those conversations about my hair! I can honestly say since I started using the product I've probably had 2 comments about my hair thinning in the last 5 years. And those comments were because I hadn't applied it correctly. Yes I had to avoid the rain like the plague and all of the rest of it.

Over the last few years I've been keeping a close eye on this site as I knew the day would come where I would need to do something about my hair more long term. I'm starting to reach out to some of the doctors mentioned on this site notably H&W, Dr Rahal, Dr Bisanga, Dr Feriduni and Dr Koray. I've read and seen great results from all of these Dr's.

I'm probably a NW5. I have hair around my hair line. The mid scalp area is pretty thin and just a few hairs remain and the crown is almost bald. My donor area I would say is reasonable as my hair at the back when grown out is pretty thick. I have not taken any meds.

H&W have suggested I need a 5000 FUT procedure, Dr Rahal has suggested 4-5000 FUT procedure, Dr Bisanga also 4500 FUT procedure and am waiting for the others as they all state the level of hair loss is pretty advanced.

I would welcome any advice you may have.

Apologies for the long story!