Classygentleman

Which post are you referring to?

@Hair we go It would be great to see your results so far. there are some very experienced members on this forum who will be able to give you an idea of how things are going. 6 months is a good amount of time to put up progress pics, you absolutely should be seeing some difference at 6 months, but certainly still plenty of time for growth and won’t be the end result can you post some pics in a thread?

I’m good thanks and have been watching all of the threads with interest. I can only (fairly) comment on my case. As documented in this thread, my results are clearly below expectations. The clinic have acknowledged this and whilst the initial result isn’t good, they have been supportive in aftercare- we tried PRP to improve things but it made no difference so was offered another surgery to improve things- the clinic were in agreement that the result was not of the level they want for their patients. After speaking with the clinic at length I agreed for a 2nd smaller surgery of around 700 grafts to improve things. This was done in Dec and will I be documenting the results on here after the first month. I had concerns going back for fear of another poor result but based on the fact things would be done differently this time, I put my trust in them- only time will tell how things pan out. They also carried out a scalp biopsy to help rule out anything that may hinder growth. Given the surgery was smaller, the grafts were out of the body less time, I believe a different holding solution was used (but may be wrong) however I was given HypoThermosol to spray on the grafts post surgery in addition to the standard saline solution. Dr Arshad did all punching, extractions and implanted the first row of hairs. I was also given PRP and a steroid injection to help with anti inflammatory response as during a follow up session they completed a dermatoscopy and this showed redness on the scalp suggestive of an inflammatory process such as post hair transplant lichen planopilaris (in which redness and scaling around the follicle can be a feature). In summary, aftercare has been great and I feel like they are trying hard to get me the results I expected first time around. Time will tell if this was the right decision but based on the fact things were done differently second time around I am hopeful for a different result.

Thanks Melvin. I absolutely appreciate that my pictures are taken in harsh lighting, I did this to try to replicate the pictures taken at the clinic pre-surgery. I have also included some pictures in more normal lighting to give a fair and balanced view. I look forward to speaking with you, thank you once again for your help

I definitely did take the pics in harsh conditions- brushed back, wet and in bright light but this was to replicate the conditions of the before pictures to give an accurate comparison for completeness. I have had growth and there is an improvement but certainly not to the extent I would have expected. Before and after pic attached in the same angle/ lighting to show where I was and where I currently am. I’m genuinely at odds as to how to move forward. The clinic have again reiterated their desire to make this right so I am in no way slating the clinics attitude as I’m sure many clinics would simply stop responding to me, so no issues with the aftercare whatsoever. They have acknowledged things aren’t where they should be- which is pretty clear, but they do want to make it right for me, which I respect. @Melvin- Moderator, I’m reaching out to you for your advice and thoughts as you are someone who’s opinion I respect based on your knowledge and experience on the forum. (Happy to speak via PM if you prefer) Thanks in advance

12 Month Update: I am now exactly 12 months on from my surgery so am attaching the latest update with pictures in a multitude of angles, wet, dry and in bright lighting to try to replicate the pre op pics and be as transparent as possible. Clearly density is not where I want it to be and to sum things up I am disappointed in the result. At this stage I was hoping to be in a much better position (appreciative that I would of needed 2 surgeries for full density) I have been in contact with the clinic and they have so far given me 2 PRP and low level laser sessions to help growth but these haven’t really made a difference. They have been good in that they have been responsive and have told me they are committed to getting me the results we both expect and have offered me a free top up session - this would be for 1,000 grafts in the hairline. Leaving the crown for now as Dr A feels this is improving and still has time to further improve. I would welcome peoples thoughts here…..

@Dr.Bicer-Assistant Ozen what sort of density are you expecting for this patient and are you expecting much more significant growth after the 9 month mark?

Why don’t you mention the name of the Dr? That’s the whole point of this forum. To help others out.

I agree @JohnAC71 something hasn’t worked. I do wonder if it was the handling of the grafts or the time they were out of the body etc. My biggest concern is that there are a few in the same situation as me, so makes me wonder if this is something that was/wasn’t done on the day.

I have now attached some pictures in bright lighting with the hair brushed the same for a better comparison. I feel that I have a mild improvement but overall I’m not happy. Whilst my hair loss was advanced, for c5000 grafts this is not a good result whichever way you cut it.

Yes, there was an irritation on the scalp but not something that should’ve affected the result having spoken to others. I’m unsure why density is lacking, there are a few of us in the same boat at the moment. I do wonder whether or not it has anything to do with technicians on the day or potentially the size of the procedure- It could be neither of those two things however at this stage lots of things go through your mind. The clinic have been good so far, I’ve received two PRP sessions and I have been offered a top up procedure if I’m not entirely happy. I am however concerned with what happens if I go to the same surgeon and get poor results from the top up procedure? I am then left with less options for the future. having said that, the doctor has managed to get great results for others so in theory, there should be no reason he is unable to achieve identity I’m looking for for the top up. The doctor thinks it may take around 500 grafts to achieve the level of density required, that feels low to me though?

I think the density is still lacking, even with the PRP sessions I don’t think things are likely to get denser. I can still feel new hair is coming through the crown so slightly more hopeful there. I’m aware crowns can take up to 18 months. I’m also not sure how much will come in the way of improvements due to the hairs maturing?

Month 10 update

Who was the Dr?

No real change. Will take some pics but nothing new to report. I’ve had another session of PRP and low level laser therapy, but much the same as last month. The clinic have prescribed topical fin so will see what happens. They have been great in terms of trying to get the best result for me, but I think (unless I get growth in the 10-12 month stage), I will need a top up surgery.

Yeah, back in a month. dose is half a tablet per day

Thanks @Melvin- Moderator as always for your thoughts. how many grafts do you think I would require on a top up and can I expect much change over the coming months?

I’m now just short of nine months, latest pictures attached. I visited the surgery last week for a checkup. The doctor was in agreement that growth is slower than we would hope for and that the left side of the donor was a little light, but not over harvested. Under the microscope, he noticed mild scalp irritation which could be preventing growth and has provided shampoo and medication to help here. I was also given PRP treatment, oral minoxidil and laser therapy to help growth. it was made clear to me that if I was not happy with my results then a top up procedure would be offered. Whilst my result is behind where I would have liked it to be at this stage, I cannot fault the way the clinic have treated me post treatment.

When is he opening a UK clinic?

Thank you everybody, I really do appreciate all of the feedback so far. I will continue to post my results over the coming months. Thanks again, this forum is a great place for knowledge

Thanks @JDEE0 appreciate the input. I do tend to agree that Mike had better density at 6 months after his first surgery than I do at 8. (Clear pics on Mikes Instagram) I’m so torn here as some are saying I will get more growth and others the opposite.

Thanks again @Melvin- Moderator to achieve a density close to Mike’s, how many further grafts do you estimate I would need?

Thanks again for the reassurance @Melvin- Moderator & @SLA Good to know that it is possible for growth after 9 months. im at the 8 month mark now so fingers crossed for continued growth. (I believe Mike had 2 surgeries to get that result, but I agree it looks great)

ThankS @JDEE0, @MachoVato @Melvin- Moderator I agree that the front is sparse for the 8 month stage. And considering the large session / number of grafts I had. The clinic advised me that they absolutely have seen patients with new growth after 9 months so will wait and see, but I was certainly of the opinion (based on my reading various posts) that all new hairs would have come through by this point and just maturation from now. @Melvin- Moderator Do you see cases that continue new growth post 9 months? Thanks again everyone

Thanks @MC10298 @Melvin- Moderator it would be good to get your thoughts given your experience on here. (as a side note I’ve been in touch with the Hair Dr who have recommended I go in for PRP to help aid growth- which I will do and hope it helps)