Fluffhead

On 8/17/2020 at 7:55 PM, yalla8 said:

Hey @Fluffhead — I'm curious your experience being on Finnasteride and Dutasteride (Avodart) together. It looks like you started Avodart after your ht — was that recommended by your dr? Was there any explanation on why you should take both? It seems like Fin is unnecessary if you're on Duasteride. I'm wondering because I've been on Fin for about 5 years myself and just had a ht. Although it seems like Fin has done a good job keeping my hair loss at bay, I'm curious if Duasteride could do an even better job. But I'm not sure it's worth the risks...  

This is my second time on dut. The first time, I took it 3x per week in combination with my Finasteride, and I experienced pretty serious sides - weight gain, lethargy and brain fog - and I didn't notice a whole lot of regrowth. This time I'm taking it only 1x per week, but I am not under a doctor's supervision. The reason I've tried this time is to maximize my HT result. I wanted to do everything in my power to ensure the absolute best outcome. I've never really used minoxidil either, but I started using it on my crown area 1 month after the transplant. Can't really say it's done much, but it's all about the effort. If I do nothing, the condition of my hair is guaranteed to worsen. Not sure if dut 1x per week is doing much, but I haven't experienced a shedding event yet this year. Usually around June/July, I shed, so perhaps it is prolonging the hair cycle?

YMMV.

-Fluff

33 minutes ago, Looking for HT said:

Hey mate. Thanks for posting the update and clear pictures.

Although, there is a slight difference from your 5 month update but I think its the lighting and good/bad hair days difference

I still think that your growth is really good and it suits you. Surely this will get better considering you are a fast grower.

I am following your progress and look forward to your next few months . I have no doubt that it will get better. 

Stay positive

Cheers

Thanks, man. Really appreciate it. Hoping for the best! 

3 minutes ago, Mycroft said:

I think it probably is an issue of length. Longer hair tends to emphasize any demarcation you might have in density and if I compare your pre-op photos to the spots you've highlighted these areas do seem  to represent the areas where the native hair was all but gone. 

 

Just a couple of things based on photos:

1. The recent photos vs. the older "good" photos are comparing your hair in less favorable conditions vs. your hair in more of a "best case" kind of scenario.

2. For anybody with spots that are thinner there's a length sweet spot (transplant or no).

3. You do actually have maturation of the hair that is still pending. The individual hairs are still settling into normal texture, and that does impact the way they "fall" as well as their diameter and so on. Eugenix itself will tell you that true results when all is said and done are probably at 18 months, so you are still going to see more subtle changes between now and then whether good or bad in your eyes.

I know that probably seems like a ways out but as you said your donor is great and if you want a pinch more density later that's probably no issue. In the meantime I don't think you have to worry about anybody but yourself noticing this stuff. Even in your least appealing photos the hair is looking pretty good.

This is great feedback! Thank you! Yeah, when you have 1000 "hair" selfies on your phone it's easy to find good hair days also. I hesitated to put those shots from from months 5&6 up for comparison because the lighting wasn't an exactly comparison. The more photos the better though. 

1 minute ago, PizzaWolf said:

I think just about anyone, particularly with lighter hair, could find a spot in their hairline that looks a bit see-through. Lighting and angle can make a huge difference as well.

Undoubtedly. Lighting makes a huge difference, especially for those with lighter and thinner caliber hair. I will most likely go for a second pass anyway to achieve the density I desire. 

14 hours ago, Looking for HT said:

7 months and 20 days

Hey folks

Hope all is well.

I just wanted to post these pictures as its 7 months and 20 days. I have contacted Dr Sethi / Eugenix and awaiting feedback.

If I am honest, I am feeling a bit disappointed with the growth at this stage. I have read in other forums that most of the hair grows by month 8 and after that its really very tiny progress and whatever is there at this stage, will mature further.

I have also asked the clinic about the scenario where I do not achieve results and gaps are still seen at month 12, what options does Eugenix provides.

I will update once I have received an answer.

Apologies if I sound negative but I want to prepare myself for all the possible scenarios.

 

I feel you have every right to be upset with your result at this stage. You've been incredibly patient, but at almost 8 months things should be looking better. Sure your recipient may show further growth and thickening, but your donor area does not appear to have been managed with great care. I do not think, however, that it was over harvested. If anything, Eugenix is very conservative and ethical in their graft estimates. I agree with another poster that you chose a slightly aggressive hairline given your pattern of baldness, but the yield in the first six rows of your hairline is subpar to my eyes. Consequently, its gives the effect of 3112 grafts not being enough, but with your hair caliber it should've been sufficient. 

Obviously a HT is not an exact science, but top clinics consistently get top results. I think it's only fair, however, to wait a year before making a final judgment call. As Nelson said, there is still time for growth and thickening. I'm cheering for you, brotha. I know how much this matters to you. As PizzaWolf said, your courage in continuing to post is incredible. You are undoubtedly helping others make a more informed decision in their hair restoration journey. Look forward to months 8 and beyond.

These next 3 pics were taken between months 5 and 6. At that time, things were looking stronger. Maybe it’s just my impression though and the shorter hair. 

Bathroom lighting. Sorry, wouldn’t let me add to the previous post. 

Sorry I'm a little late on posting my monthly update, but the pictures were taken on Sunday at exactly 7 months. Oddly enough, I feel like my result has regressed over the past month. There are a few places on my hairline, particularly on the left side and in the middle, that are suddenly looking quite sparse. Not sure if I've lost transplanted hair, or if this is an illusion due to my hair being longer. Haven't noticed any abnormal shedding events, and I'm a model patient (taking fin, dut and shampooing with Nizoral). Have taken a bunch of photos in all sorts of conditions - wet hair, partially dried, fully dried and blown back, natural light, indoor light and bathroom light. While it feels good to get compliments saying that my result is a home run, I want to fully portray the result as it is at this point in time. Getting a HT is a very important decision, and I want anyone out there who is trying to achieve the best result a fair and accurate depiction of what Eugenix can do. This forum is for patients. Many of us have suffered from hair loss our entire adult lives. How we depict our results helps others make informed decisions. I don't want to obfuscate weaknesses in my procedure. I will note, however, that I have definitely seen an overall cosmetic improvement, but I can't help but feel a tinge of disappointment that things haven't progressed more than this in the 7th month, especially considering how positive things were looking in months 5 & 6. Luckily my donor looks fantastic, and I'm sure a second pass will get me where I want to be. There's still plenty of time left, but I'm beginning to have some concerns. I reached out to the clinic on Sunday, but Dr. Arika hasn't responded yet. Will update this post with her feedback if I get any. Please let me know if you have any questions!

-Fluff

On 7/23/2020 at 11:22 AM, mustang said:

For those who are wondering, here is my hair after 13 surgeries.

 

 

 

This is phenomenal. What did you look like to start? Would love a before and after. This right here is the dream. Money well spent for a slam dunk result like this. Kudos to you for getting what you want. 

This goes to show why doing your research about HTs is important. Shock loss? No problem. It will work itself out. Love the knowledgeable approach. 
 

Early days. The best is yet to come. Will be following your progress closely!

How are things coming along, friend? Hit us with an update when you can 🙂.

I feel we're long past due for another update 😉.

In my next update I’m going to post some less flattering shots of my hairline. I think it’s important to be as transparent as possible. It’s far from perfect, but there’s still time. 
 

I feel your frustration. Your mature, adult response has been incredible, and I hope your final result comes through. You definitely deserve it. 
 

That said, if it doesn’t meet your expectations in the end, do you think you’ll go back for a second pass?

On 7/21/2020 at 9:32 PM, Tao said:

Coming along well!  I'm at 4.5 months out now and I'm already really pleased.  I can go out in the wind now and have my hair blow around and its just fine.  That's fun.  I assume I still have a fair amount of growth coming ahead so that's more fun.  Here are some 4 month shots (first two) and shots from today - 4.5 months out (last two):

Incredible. You must be thrilled. Will echo Melvin here. Your back is shredded. Goals all around! 😎

Love your positivity, man. My guess is that’s gotten you far in life. The hairs are definitely thickening up, but it looks like the density in the first 6 rows and temple points is lagging behind still. The mid scalp and forelock have improved dramatically though. If you get a chance, it would be great to see a bird’s eye view of your hair. 

Thanks for continuing to provide regular updates. Your post is a clear, honest and well documented case for the forum. Looking forward to 8 months. 

I feel this constitutes an excellent result. Congrats and enjoy!

On 7/17/2020 at 1:49 AM, BjornBorg said:

Great choice to take the grafts a bit up. You can wear a nice looking fade and the back of your head looks untouched!

Fantastic result upcoming.

I told Dr. Arika to choose my hairline. After the initial consult, I felt 100% confident that she'd take the most ethical and conservative approach possible. I was naive and pushing for a mega 3500+ graft session, but she said that was totally unnecessary. I hate to think what might've happened if I'd gone to Turkey. I feel good knowing that I have enough grafts left to bulk up my hairline and mid scalp area when I'm ready. Thanks for your continued support @BjornBorg

On 7/17/2020 at 4:46 AM, giegnosiganoe said:

What the heck? That looks amazing! What factors do you think led you to such a good result?

Thank you! I've been on Finasteride for 20 years. I can't help but think that's a contributing factor, especially in my donor area. 

Just now, Melvin-Moderator said:

Would you let me feature you in our next 'best hair transplants of the week' segment on YouTube? You really have an amazing transformation I would like to share far and wide.

Absolutely. 

On 7/15/2020 at 12:58 AM, Melvin-Moderator said:

Your results are UNREAL!! Holy crap. 10/10 haircut/hairstyle too!

Sometimes I can't believe it's real. Completely changed the way I look at myself. Looking forward to the next 6 months. Thanks for checking in!

8 hours ago, Zoomster said:

@Coady..here you go with an outdoors top down midscalp....

next few months is when the real magic happens hopefully...

Z

When I saw your pics initially, I thought a result like this in a single pass was impossible. Truly stunning. Game changing result. Eugenix about to get hard to book. So happy for you. 

This is really fascinating. Thanks for sharing. 

43 minutes ago, Mycroft said:

Nice to see a Eugenix case with this hair type. The donor looks amazing and honestly if the recipient didn't change at all from this point I'd still say this was a big success for you.

What guard length are you taking it down to on the sides and back?

I'm not sure about the guard he used to do the back and sides. I've never had a haircut like this in my life. 

Thanks, man. Yeah, that's why I wanted to document my case on this forum and why I'll continue to update until the full 12 months is up. When I was researching Eugenix, I wasn't able to find a comp with my hair type nor was the clinic able to provide me with an example. Hopefully, my journey will be able to help someone else. 

I'm still hoping for some thickening and perhaps 1 more growth spurt. Haven't seen many new hairs emerging of late, so perhaps that phase is over for me. Either way my look has completely changed and my donor is A+. It's nothing but a win at this point. Thanks for stopping by my thread.

7 hours ago, HTHope said:

Do you know what size punch was used on you?

I believe it was .9mm

It's been exactly 180 days (6 months) since my procedure. Got a fresh haircut this morning, and I'm super pleased with how things have turned out thus far. If this was my final result, I would be satisfied. There are a few areas that haven't reached maximum density and could be stronger, but I remain optimistic that these areas will fill in by month 9.

Have included some outdoor shots in direct sunlight also. 

My care regimen remains the same. Honestly, I can't tell if the minoxidil is helping all that much because I still feel like I'm losing hair on my crown. Given my family history, the best I can hope for is mitigation. Perhaps I'll return to Eugenix at the 1 year mark for a quick hairline touchup and 500-700 grafts in the crown area. I definitely have a wee bit of hair greed now. 😁

Will continue to update every month. Hope you're all doing well!

-Fluff