Hi All,
I had written a previous post explaining the generic stuff about my situation as a pre-amble to my surgery, see link below for the context:
I had the surgery on 23 November 2020 and the below is my initial feedback /review.
Organisation:
Muzaffer, Dr Demirsoy's assistant, is the point man for the entire process. I cannot stress enough how much it helps to have a single point of contact for everything from hotel bookings to explaining post op care. He's a great guy and shows a keen interest in your wellbeing. I don't have experience of how other operations are run - but the Armamed process is certainly very smooth and well organised.
Surgery:
Dr Demirsoy originally suggested 3500-3800 grafts when I sent in photos a few months ago. However, on closer inspection of the thinning areas and due to selecting a conservative hairline (see pictures below) we landed up with only 3007 grafts. I am happy with the lower number of grafts, there will be plenty left over for another surgery if/when needed. Dr Demirsoy said that I should be good for another 2500/3000 grafts in donor capacity before compromising the donor sight. 🙂
Local anesthetic injections are not pleasant, but really aren't too bad. I didn't experience any pain during the procedure.
I didn't get an average hair count per graft, but Dr Demirsoy said that there were mostly doubles and triples, with a few quads.
Dr Demirsoy extracted the grafts himself, using a 0.85mm motorized punch. He also makes off the the incisions for the recipient area. His three nurses then place the grafts after a quick lunch. The whole process took from about 8:30-16:30 (including pre-op planning etc.)
One thing I hadn't read else where and found quite interesting is how your head actually feels post op. It feels like you are wearing a child size helmet, which is a bit disorientating, but not painful.
I think what everyone is after, at least initially is the photographic evidence, so please see below some of the pictures taken by the team:
Planning:
Shaved post planning:
Immediately post op:
Day 1 post op:
I am happy to answer any questions here or with a PM.
So far I am really happy with the experience. I will continue to post on a weekly/ monthly basis.
Cheers.