Classygentleman

2 weeks short of 12 month update:

Looking back compared to where I was pre-surgery, I’m in a much better position 

I’m definitely in a better position than starting point that’s for sure and I’m in no way saying my result is terrible, just that I believe the hairline should be denser, especially as the second procedure was specifically to address the lack of density on the front.

I agree that we would always want more, but I don’t believe I’m being unrealistic in expecting a fuller hairline after 2 surgeries and one to specifically address the front.

5 minutes ago, HHH said:

Agreed,  with the right planning, 5k for front and mid scalp and 2-3 for crown should leave a patient happy.

As you've said, and I don't see the point in leaving a comment saying it looks great even though I'd rather that than state the density is lacking,  this is incremental progress at best. Certainly a lot of grafts seem to have been wasted.

What's your plan? Donor looks alright still, do you have much facial hair?

I’m going to wait until 12 months and go from there.

my bears isn’t great but lots under my chin so could use them if I need to.

at 12 months I will see where I am and look to consult with 1 or 2 alternative experienced surgeons for their views and thoughts I think

1 hour ago, HHH said:

Is it that normal as ive seen a lot and usually you can't see through more than 1-2 cm max?

I believe mine is more see through than it should be.

everyone is different but I’ve seen so many people with denser hairlines, all of whom had no hair at the front so it absolutely is possible to give an illusion of density and not look see through 

I think it’s about transparency. Before and after pictures should always be in the same conditions. Same light, same hair length, style and both wet or both dry.

I’ve always tried to give an honest insight and have always shown multiple scenarios to be clear with everyone.

On 9/29/2022 at 12:57 AM, HHH said:

Hi mate, can we get a pic of the crown as well?

Here you go

Month 9 update:

As usual, pictures in a variety of conditions to give a true and honest reflection.

Wet, dry, bright and natural light.

As is the case with most hair transplants, it definitely looks better in certain (low) lighting conditions but overall I’d have hoped for better density in natural light and not as see through. Still not hit 12 months but I’m doubtful much will change over the next 3 months but I hope I’m wrong?

Pics of the donor area also included.

Thoughts??

1 hour ago, Needadviceplease said:

Apologies in advance for my dumb question. But isn't 5k grafts a lot for one go? I have read people comment that too many hairs trying to get at the same blood supply is a bad thing, right? I have seen those threads with 7k plus grafts but it seems risky, no?

Not to side track this discussion but what is a safe amount of hairs to transplant in one surgery? I mean just one day not split over 2 days. I want to give myself the best chance for success. Thanks.

I think it all depends on the surgeon. In hindsight, I do believe too many grafts  were done in one session during my first procedure.

looking through this forum and many others I rarely see top doctors extract that number of grafts  in one procedure. This could be part of the reason my result was not great.

That is not to say that mega sessions are unheard-of, but I believe it takes a very skilled surgeon to be able to successfully do so

I will always post pics in various lighting to give a complete view- and the clinic before pics are taken under bright lighting with wet / damp hair so am trying to give a like for like comparison.

As for not comparing results to others- we do this every single day on the forum and every time we look at the doctors results.
We do this in the hope of finding others with similar hair characteristics and hair loss patterns with a view to how we may achieve a similar result.
In relation to having fine Hair, I do have fine hair l however I have seen multiple doctors achieve fantastic results using similar or less graft numbers.

42 minutes ago, Toot said:

Hi. I’m currently booked with Dr Arshad next month. Flying all the way from Sydney, Australia to do so. I just read the whole thread and looked at your pics from the start to now. 
 

I can see how you would be a little disappointed in the density at the front. But honestly you look great from where you started to where you are now you must feel like a new man no?

 

I am not sure if this is relevant to you but I’ll say it anyway. I worked as PT for years and I would always work with people who were insecure about their weight or appearance. I would often hear them say I wish I looked like I did years ago before I put on this weight and convinced themselves if they lost 10kg ( for example) they would be happy. But more often than not once they lost the 10kg they just picked something else about themselves they didn’t like and that was the new thing holding them back from being happy with themselves. Again not saying I think that’s you just food for thought. 

You look great mate. Huge improvement and even if you need a top up it’s polar opposites from when you started your journey. 

In general I am more than comfortable that there is an improvement from my starting position. I am however a little disappointed in the density so far given the number of grafts  used.

I do not obsess about my hair in any way, it does not define me or have any impact on my day-to-day life, it was previously something that bothered me so I decided to fix it

 I am definitely comfortable there is an improvement but just not as much as I wanted.

Given where you live, can I ask why you chose the UK for your surgery as opposed to one of the top doctors in Europe?

Here are my 8 month update pics.

Taken with natural light.

I’ve also including some in the bathroom with overhead lighting- which I know is harsh.

Density is still lacking in my opinion 

5 hours ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

I think your hair looks good for 5k grafts. You had aggressive baldness with a bald crown. If you look at your pre-op to now, the change is what should be expected of 5k grafts with your level of baldness.

It’s improving and there’s still time for it to mature and grow more. I would stay patient and look at things as a whole. I’m at 7 months and still have weaknesses and my hair is not perfect, and I’ve had 9k grafts, but there’s still time. As long as you’re seeing improvements each month that’s a positive.

 

There has certainly been an improvement but this picture is a more accurate comparison.

clearly an improvement but the density currently is not good- granted there is time for improvement but for the number of grafts I expected much more- certainly on the hairline and the frontal third.

On 8/12/2022 at 11:06 AM, mister_25 said:

Can you replicate the same conditions like the ones you posted on June 27th?

Sure- here you go:

11 hours ago, Kingthin said:

We’re you given any indication of the amount of grafts left if you were to opt for a third?  

Around 1,000

Here is my update at just over 7.5 months 
Pictures taken outside in natural light.
The density is still not there after 2 surgeries (original and a top up) totalling 5,553 grafts.
I am aware I have 4 months for the “final result”, but based on my last surgery I’m not expecting much improvement, but I’m happy to be wrong here.
I’d welcome peoples thoughts.
I feel that my hair is absolutely better than pre surgery, but no where near where I believe it t should be after 5,553 grafts

Update at just over 6.5 months

Dry hair in natural light with no product in my hair.

Still appears see through on sunlight but think it’s improving?

Any feedback welcome

3 hours ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

It looks much better, even wet, under harsh lights, and spread apart. Density looks a lot better. 
 

Thanks @Melvin- Moderator

im hoping it thickens up considerably over the coming months, only 6 months in so lots of time for more density 

6 month update pictures.
Wet and dry.
Any feedback would we welcome.
I feel the hairline is still fairly sparse and not as dense as I’d like- but I know it’s still early (ish) in the process and there is still 6 months for improvements so fully appreciate this is not the final result.

On 6/19/2022 at 10:54 PM, Tiger said:

I had my surgery around same time as you with the same doctors. I noticed you have also shown your story in a national newspaper. Shame my results are the total opposite. Who planted the grafts for you? I have about 10% growth I'd say at 6 months..I'd share images but the doctor didn't like me commenting online so will refrain until the 12 month mark. 

Hi @Tiger

i would suggest creating a new post on here detailing your surgery.
please include pics before surgery , post surgery & recent pictures to show growth so far.

This will enable members here to help give you advice/ feedback and also confirm that you are indeed a patient of the Dr.

(I’m not doubting you but lots of fake accounts are made to bash certain Dr’s. Including your pictures will ratify that you are genuine)

No clinic or Dr has the right to tell you to not post pictures of your journey on a forum. The whole point of this forum is to help others and document our journeys- good or bad.

6 months is still only half way through so you have time for improvement but you should be having at least some improvements at 6 months?

Do you have the breakdown of the grafts from the surgery- how many were singles, doubled, triples etc?

it does look like a number of multi grafts in the hairline.

At 8 months what have they said about further density and finer hairs in the hairline coming through?

Pics at just short of 5 months in a variety of conditions.

Update at 3.5 months from my top up surgery.

I appreciate that I’m still very early but appreciate any feedback at this stage.

You can see from the background of the pictures that it’s been done at the Hair Dr?

the whole point of the forum is to be transparent and help others out so I never understand why people chose not to name their surgeon, have you reached out to the clinic?

they are usually good at responding and giving feedback to help get the results required.

At 6 months there is still time for further growth 

And where I am today at just short of 3 months.

Apologies- been slack at updating.

so top up/ second procedure was done in Dec. 736 grafts.

pics attached of post procedure