MachoVato

I said the same thing. Then next thing I knew I was flying to Belgium, haha! I'm glad you're happy. It really is life changing!

A quick 5.5 month update. I'll update the crown later.

Temples are tough. Not many do them very well. I went to Bisanga for my crown. While I was there, I asked him to boost my temples. I didn't get a count, but I'm guessing around 100 grafts for both sides. I'm only at month 5.5 but they are coming in nicely. If anything, I wish we did more grafts.

I wondered what was up with him. His site went down and all that. I'm glad he's back. I like his work. I actually was supposed to get my first transplant with him before I went to HLC. I sent him a deposit and everything. The pandemic ruined my plans.

I went to HLC so I have a bit of a bias towards them. Remember that HLC works on about 4 or 5 patients per day and have been doing that for years. Don't let one unhappy patient, who can easily get a free follow up to remedy the issue, deter you. The other is at 6.5 months, so too early to determine results. There are *many* other great results on other forums that validate the quality of their work. Personally, I think Ferreira and Pinto have done some great work. I would have put them on my short list. In the same price range, have you looked at Ximena Vila (worked under Lorenzo before)? I think she's at 2.5 euro. The best advice is to get your own evaluations from them. And ask them about your concerns and timing. I think Ferreira is a year waiting list. Bes of luck!

Such a huge improvement! And not that many grafts. Have you considered getting a second one? You know what they say... the only thing better than more hair... is more hair! 🤣

https://www.facebook.com/tecnicasdepobreza/videos/462213958787398/

You're asking a group of people that have seen MANY actual patient results. And a group that knows what good transplants look like. Smile is a budget clinic. Technicians doing the whole procedure. It's your head, your money, go where you want. But no one on this forum will recommend them.

Stolen from a Facebook post. haha

I was in a similar situation. I had a little tuft in the front and diffusion. I can relate! 3.5 months is SUPER early. You should start to see things filling out in the next couple months. Even for me, I saw big difference from month 6 to 10. You can see my Month 4 pics are not that impressive. Be patient and remain optimistic. Keep up posted every month and best of luck!!!

I was just discussing this the other day... Bisanga uses pre-made incisions. His techs will then do the implantation. However, he uses the KEEP implantation tool (https://www.ke-ep.com/). It eliminates the concerns about bent grafts, as mentioned by Konior. I remember the feeling of my incisions being "opened" during this phase of the transplant. The tool was developed by Dr. Erdogan. Watch this video... interesting study about graft yield. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0lZc_RBOow

Normal. Please relax. Everything is on track.

I think it looks pretty dang good! Remember that you're only at 7.5 months. It will improve in density over the next few months. The hair will improve in thickness. Most people.. and I do mean MOST people, need at least 2 transplants. It's the only way to get exactly what you want. Some spots won't come in as dense as others, you might want to tweak the hairline, or improve the temple peaks, etc. If you want Ferreira again, you need to book now. Most top doctors will need 4 or 5 months lead time.

I agree that it is not a good idea to be negative at this point. You knew that this was a 1 year journey. The best thing you can do is take care of your grafts and be patient. Wait until month 6 to start being critical. Anything before then is simply too soon. Be patient and trust the process.

I see what you mean (and others have observed) that De Freitas implants in rows. But I want to point out that he is implanting in horizontal rows, but not vertical columns. This is a important. De Freitas uses a wavy hairline (which I didn't think I liked at first, but now I love it), and in conjunction with some random singles, create a natural appearance. It doesn't result in a "grid-like" pattern, like the one example from Diep, which honestly shocks me. It certainly created a pluggy, unnaturally straight appearance. I still feel De Freitas is producing some of the best hairlines, anywhere at any price. If I get a third transplant, I'll likely stay in the US and probably go to Mwamba. But if I get the chance to go overseas, it will be with De Freitas. 😛

This is going to be a great thread! And wow, look at those accommodation, super cool! The new hairline and temples look really good. I admit I'm super critical of these things, and this looks like excellent work. Good luck!

Coming along nicely! Soon you might cut your hair to the same length as your new hair.

Excellent progress! It's good to see Bogota Hairlines posting here.

To me, De Freitas has the best hairlines. Then, I would go Ferudini, Bisanga and Ferreira. But really, those are all pretty fantastic doctors.

I'm not sure there are any doctors that are known for temple peaks. The problem is that the hair is all singles, finer caliber and lay down almost flat. The doctor needs to find the right hairs and be skilled in extreme angles, which is very hard. Personally, I think Ferreira is pretty talented. I'm sure he could do goo work there.

You have an all-star list, for sure! There are many others. Looking at your pictures, your best approach is the same that I took... 2 procedures. First procedure for hairline and mid-scalp. Then 9-12 months later go get your crown filled in... and maybe touch up temples and add hairline density as desired. I've had success at HLC in Turkey, but you would be smart to shortlist De Freitas (Spain) and Ferriera (Portugal). They are also very good at refined, natural hairlines. Best of luck!

Oh yes. I believe his hairlines are among the very best in the world, at any cost. If/when I get a third transplant, I'll try to plan ahead and get an evaluation from him. If lockdowns are still in place, I'll probably stay in the US and go to Mwamba.

I did send a follow up email in August, and I was told that it was almost ready. I never received it, so on September 16, I sent an email to cancel the evaluation. Yes, maybe it was in my Spam folder and got deleted. It doesn't matter at this point, since I did go to Bisanga.

I'm taking 5mg oral minoxidil and 0.5mg finasteride 3X/week (Mon-Wed-Fri).

I've seen your photos. I see early growth already! The difference between month 4 and month 6 is massive. Month 6 to month 12 is crazy! The worse part of all your new hair? Having to deal with all the attention from the women!