Rooter

Oh it wasn't my intention to sound negative about the procedure or the provider yet, I thought I wrote in my posts that i am fully aware i have to wait at least 6 more months. It's still very good to hear these reassuring words ! This is just a progress thread from day 1 along the journey, and yes there is frustration but this goes rather towards that I have a hard time accepting that my personal growth looks so bad when looking at other posts here. Of course everyones physiology is different. Updating again in due time

Thanks, i hear what you are saying but minox is ultimately a drug lowering blood pressure and i already have low blood pressure so it's unfortunately a no go for me. Fin has the risk if post Finasterid syndrome, even if small but no one can guarantee i won't get it and it seems like hell from what users report. I don't risk that just for hair. It either works without any meds or i get a wig along the line but at least I tried 😐

Thanks 👍

Thanks guys. No, I dont take medication and will not. This was discussed with the clinic, they also clearly said do not take medication its not needed and especially if you are not done with family planning stay clear of it. Yes I know there are different views on this topic but I listen to my gut feeling + getting reassurance from the medical side (clinic) leaves me on this path of "no meds". On the picture quality, sure I will post better quality next time. Some of the above are quire high res though ! I was also thinking before uploading maybe to put in more effort sorry

Your wish should be granted, was planning for an update anyways. No good progress so far I am really not happy. A little bit over 6 months and I am quite frustrated. No real progress over the last months per my view, I know however that might be subjective. I would have really expected more now at this time but understand there are late growers and / or some progress pictures seen here from others doesnt mean its the same path for everyone. Still, for the life of me I can not understand why this didnt work well so far. Healing was fine, Donor was great, no extensive shedding, no lost grafts, very rigoros aftercare, just using baby shampoo and so forth. Yes our bodies are not predictable but I just dont understand what a biological reason could be that my body rejected like over 60% or more of the grafts. (if they got rejected, maybe they are still in sleeping phase). I have no magnifying glass at home, planning to buy one to maybe see some more tiny dots sprouting I hope so. The left side is particularly bad compared to the right side and oh boy do I hate the bald spot in the middle - that was my main reason actually I wanted a transplant to cover the damn bald spot in the middle. Quite a big area, or even the full area hard to tell, of the middle area is still numb. There is some sort of nerve damage I guess, maybe thats also the reason for the lack of growth. Nerve damage can take a longer time to heal so I have to wait here as well per my understanding, wouldnt know what to do anyways. (i dont think there is a treatment for nerve damage on the scalp) Despite being frustrated at least I can do an "ok" comb over as I had enough thick remaining hair (I dont run around like you see in the pictures, combed over its ok but if wind is blowing it sucks) Honestly I dont look in the mirror to often the recent weeks, I have to wait anyways for the full 12 months and then check what the next steps are. PS I do still not take medication and will not. Waiting game continues...

Thanks for your view, that's helpful already

Front-middle. I have documented my journey as well, you can find it under my profile i guess. Surgeon unexperienced also not the case, the are in business like 20 years or so.

Thanks for the reassuring words. Scrolled through tons of posts now and saw a lot of similar situations so yeah, at least that. Also of course, haven't written to complain it was just a 5month update for anyone interested, will keto them coming. PS - if someone is in a similar situation - I got my first haircut now and actually just wanted the back a bit shortened as it looked slightly mulletish by now. Didn't pay enough attention or wasn't clear enough to the barber and he buzzed off quite a lot at the sides and back (i didn't let him touch the transplant area of course). Looks like ass, i hate it but well. So just saying, if you consider a barber be prepared it might look "worse" again and the fullness illusion is taken away again if not done good, frustrates unnecessarily on top. My mistake, should have let it grow more but well.

Yeah I thought so as well. Annoying, really. It looked so promising right after the HT, healed well etc so not sure what can prevent the rest from sprouting. Would be interested in any medical reason why transplants do not grow if so. I expected if there was an issue I would have lost them during the shed phase but I really didnt experience much shed per my view so did they eventually just "die" in the scalp ? (even that should show any hint, no ? Its just... nothing visible at all).

5 Month update. I would lie saying that I am happy, I would have expected a bit more by now considering 4k grafts but thats how it is. Especially the bald spot in the middle is what annoys me the most / annoyed me most pre HT. Hope fill soon. Otherwise of course - patience is the mantra. This is also in harsh daylight, combing over does allow me to go outside without a cap at least. I only hope its really true that at this stage / 5 month mark I only see 30% or less of the final result. What I think is strange is that there are many really long hairs now in the recipient area (nearly as long as the native hairs behind) but in between its just empty, not even something small popping out. Well, I know, 6 month mark and so forth but thats only 1 more month to wait and I dont see why suddenly the picture should change. Anyways, gotta wait it out. Thinking about starting Minox Foam maybe but unsure yet. PRP maybe also an option I am still deciding on. Numbness in the recipient site is still present. I dont notice it when not touching, but when I touch it still a rather large area is numb and there is no improvement since a longer time. Maybe also still normal, maybe not the norm as I havent read much reports on that.

Hi all, I´ve tried to google around but could only find unspecific answers mostly posted on some clinic websites from the provider themselves that "longer lasting numbness in recipient area might take up to 6 months+ post OP". While this might be true, reading this on a clinic website is a bit generic as they of course post that to not worry any of their patients. ( those are random clinics, not where I have been). My doc says its all normal, but I am not sure about that because I dont really read that here often (or at all) that people still have a numb sensation after such a long time post OP. It doesnt hurt, or I dont feel anything wrong generally so thats fine. But when I touch my recipient area with the tip of my fingers it feels like the tissue when you got a jab at the dentist. I understand a lot of nerves have been cut during implantation and this takes time to heal but now after 5 months, with no real improvement over the last month, I am starting to get a bit worried. Has anyone here had that and what could be the next steps ? Seeing a Neurologist ? Is there actually anything that can be done ? (medication, needling to increase blood flow whatever ?) thanks

I forgot to mention. A larger area on the recipient site is still somewhat numb. I have read on other forums / posts this also may be normal and may drag on for several months post OP for some patients due to according nerve damage being done which takes time to heal, also hard to judge what should be normal and what not of course. Same here, I dont really worry because I equally think nothing could be done anyways if there is some wider nerve damage (i dont think so though, it doesnt hurt or anything at all just feeling numb when touching it)

yes i was expecting that somehow but well once you are in the actual process things always feel a bit different 🙂Month 4 is approaching soon in around 2 weeks thats why I was expecting a little bit more but as said, I dont worry much yet. Whats annoying is that I am generally in a very stressed mood since a longer time (life related), this sure doesnt help the healing phase but thats how it is, couldnt find a way out yet

Hi Folks, for anyone interested updating with fresh fotos, today hitting the 3.5 Month mark. Progress feels a bit stalled the recent weeks (Native hair around grows, native hair in the top middle does not fully return to prior state yet but I guess there was according shock loss). I know it´ll take more patience until late spring to assess the situation, really hard to tell at the moment if I am totally in range or not. It *seems as nothing is growing the recent weeks but I believe its just fooling me so lets see. What is a bit funny is that there are some long ass hairs sprouting in the recipient area maybe you can see it in the pics (those are not native, this area was bald before). Not sure what to think about that, probably those where in growth phase during extraction and the rest in dormant phase. Looks funky to say the least. Thinking about a hair cut by now, probably wait a bit longer. (I typically dont like my hair short so was hoping for a longer look in the summer again but judging the current situation this will not play out I guess. Uneven growth of native vs. delayed grafts will look ass likely. Lets see) Any feedback is welcome, dont hold back I am fine with negative feedback (if so) as well its not that I can do anything at this stage anyways if there is a growth issue. I am just curious on your thoughts as I can´t judge it myself due to lack of personal experience of course . Disclaimer, I havent taken meds and will not. I understand Min or PRP might speed up growth but I´d rather wait - maybe PRP but unsure if its just a huge money waste if it only helps with faster growth and thats it. Will update with more pics down the line / next months

Dude this really looks great, happy for you !

I will, thanks. I did a write up already in the according sub and will update in due time once meaningful changes happen

Hi all, Day 11 post op and most scabs came off already. A bit shocked how light this all looks (4000 FUE) and the stark contrast to native hair - the dark scabs of course gave an additional illusion of density the past days but with them gone now it appears really thin. Will this be the more or less final look if I decide to buzz cut around this length at a later stage 1-2 years post op ? Broad daylight Foto. I kinda like the short look that's why I ask. Shedding hasn't really started i think at 11 days post op, havent seen hairs in my bed or shower (aside from a few along with scab cleaning) I doubt this will become more dense / thick as those are the "original" donor hairs which where mature i think? I also wonder where my native hair went 😂, i wasn't nw7 before Sorry if a stupid question, just interested in what to expect. If it stays like this i can do another one or SMP

Just realize this was maybe the wrong sub - mods please move over if it fits better on the results sub

Oh dang, thank for notifying. Copied in as editing was easier in Google so got somehow double pasted (?) Will edit !

Hi all, long time lurker with a couple of posts recently before my HT so I want to give back to the community and also start a write up here on my journey starting at Hattingen Hair, inviting everyone to follow. I will try to keep this updated in meaningful intervals with according documentation. Background, I am nearing 40 and have deliberately waited until this age to have an as good as possible estimate on how the pattern continues at higher age. I wanted to have a fair amount of already “real” bald spots filled in to avoid having to potentially deal with hair isles if I would have undergone an HT too early since it remains unkonwn what with native hair happens along the line (will it stay or also go - therefore at least per my theory the more actual bald spots to be covered the better as you have less to worry about because it hopefully stays mostly as transplanted) It was always clear to me that going bald was no option as I belong to the unfortunate group of having a round and pointy head with a rather high forehead. I did buzz cut a longer time ago but hated it and my close friends and family were luckily honest with me and confirmed it doesn't really look good. I knew once I hit the stage that I can´t really style it over it will be a HT or a hair piece. Hair piece was however not really an option as I dont believe its good to have some chemical shit glue on your skin for extended periods - no matter what the manufacturers tell you its still some chemical stuff which might find its way into your body so I will keep away from that as long as possible. I lurked and researched for close to a decade now on various message boards, checked results etc, and decided to choose Hattingen Hair as their results looked most natural & conservative to me in literally all pictures or videos you can find online. It had to be in Western Europe, Turkey was never an option for me mostly because of the travel requirement aside from other reasons. (I live in western Europe as well). While I am certainly not rich, for this decision Money was never a deciding factor for me since the best possible outcome can´t be weighed up with saving a couple of thousands - my personal view. I have to say for some reason the other top notch options in Europe (Dr. Feriduni, Dr. Mwamba etc ) just didnt speak to me in terms of hair lines so they were out but that's personal taste of looks I say they sure are also very good. Day of operation - I actually wanted to chicken out the morning of the operation, but after having a longer chat with Dr. Muresanu and another patient who was walking in foir a check up appointment also comforted me a bit so I decided to pull it through. Procedure - I don't think I have to go into much detail here as most has been written already from other Hattingen patients so try to keep this short. The clinic is brand new (they moved to a new place I think at the beginning of this year) and has a nice “artsy” touch to it. Very, very friendly technician crew, very friendly atmosphere throughout the whole procedure between the doctors and team. Lots of chatting and laughing throughout the day between the team and Mrs Dr. Muresanu who did the extractations & also did insertions together with a technician. The procedure itself was done over 2 days, rather an exhausting experience not because of surgery pain (some areas hurted a bit from the needling but that depends on how sensitive an individual is of course) but because of laying still in certain positions for longer periods. Breaks in between, would have wished for some more break. Could have asked for sure but wanted it to be over so I grinded through. I initially planned for 3500 grafts but said of course do more if you think it fits and the Donor is suitable. So it was over 4000 in the end (i think 4090 or so, waiting for the final paperwork) My crown will need some future work I know, but I am fairly tall and a lot of people wont look at my head if I am not sitting My donor is, at least per current status, very good per their view and I could easily do another 4k if needed. (4k should not be needed per Dr. Muresanu, maybe half of it in some years but who knows) Currently I have to admit I am not 100% happy with the hairline to be honest. Its ok but I am not like “woah this is cool / such a change”. However, this is partly because I did not feel “bald” before as I was covering up quite ok with my native hair. The bald spot you see in the middle pre- OP was just developing over the last year, had a very stressful time. The hairline is a bit to “receding” for me, I know I should have discussed it more thorough (of course I said I wish it a bit more filled in, not straight but a bit lower but they said that's a better ratio as it is so I just thought ok lets trust them). Completely my fault, I should have been more vocal maybe, or maybe not. I can´t judge yet how it looks in a year. I still believe though what bothered me most all the recent years - having wind or rain reveal my receding hairline - will still be present with this hairline so that's my biggest regret at least as per today that I won't be a 100% happy. I know this is a complex and others might not notice a higher receding hairline but I do somehow, I don't know why. I bothers me since my early 20s. But I hope densitiy over hairline will be the result at least. Well its like it is now, have to wait it out and do adjust if possible when if I have to undergo the 2nd HT (hopefully not too soon) I am also concerned with the - per my view - pretty visible bald spots in the donor area as I think I have seen quite some other pics where it didn't look as thin but yes I know its still early I hope there is recovery. I haven't spotted any hair on my pillow or during showering so I am not sure its really shock loss from the surrounding area. I understand,this is all some buyers remorse kicking in now but that'll pass I hope. First action, going Keto again. I did it a couple of years ago, pretty hard actually if done right (with keto stix monitoring and all) as there is so much sugar in stuff you don't expect it but doable. Slipped out of it again but I can still remember how well I felt and interestingly getting complimented on my hair quite often - there sure is a link (not surprising as cutting out processed sugar as huge inflammation source and bad carbs is overall contributing to health obviously) Overall I'm still in a rather scared mindset this was a wrong decision, probably not for the coming years but I am really not sure how this all will look in 20 years. Natural receding at higher age is fine and all, but please no hair aisles or puppet hair remaining. Not much online to be found obviously as no one who did a “new” FUE has passed their 60 / 70 years threshold yet so well lets see. But - at least this comforts me now - I think buzzing rather short and having additional bald spots filled in later could always be an option I hope. If not, hair piece it is. Lets go, will update further when it makes sense. Any questions, shoot.

Have the same, just realize I posted in the wrong sub earlier I guess ( i put my donor question in the general "HT questions" sub) Currently day 5 post OP. No pain in donor at all during the day but as soon as I have the pillow touch a certain area on my donor oh boy this is unbearable. No sleep since 2 days its really not just uncomfortable but hellish. Good to read here it seems to go away after some more days - what is strange is I really can not recall to have this read anywhere during my research before doing the HT - the clinic also does not prepare you for this. I understand swelling / infection whatever might happen but I dont have any swelling or at least visible infection. Wounds are closed by now since many days as well. Really strange, it should be more prominent pre-OP that this can / is likely to happen to you know at least all is fine and its normal. (while per my view the general view is rather FUE donor is healing quickly and does not create that much amount of pain vs. FUT...)

Thanks both. Thats very helpful to hear, really thanks. I was / am googling around as well and as mentioned, the prolonging pain per my understanding is always associated with either swelling / redness / some kind of infection (what I dont see at all, nor does it hurt in any way when not laying down so this gets me worried) Curious what tonight happens

I have the same question, undecided as well. After all it will be again a (very minor but still) trauma from the needles happening to the transplanted grafts. On the other hand the "health power" from PRP (not just for HTs) seems to be valid especially if blood flow is increased. There are reputable HT Docs who say they dont offer this as they havent seen any benefit for patients, other Docs do say its good. I would imagine if its universally a good option most if not any top clinic would offer it along the procedure (what they dont, so there likely is a reason but I dont know) My biggest hold off currently is I believe we wont get any 1st hand experiences that actually lead to real life conclusions because ultimately no one can tell if you would have had the same healing experience with or without doing the treatment as there is no A/B comparison possible + each ones healing factors are different. What also puts me off is that one part of the extraction are cytokines. As you all know one - if not the most dangerous - trigger for a severe Covid case is that the body develops a cytokine storm. Maybe not that good to boost cytokines artificially even if just in skin layers but I am no medical expert. (I am referring to you might carry covid, vaccinated or not which is handled fine by your immune system at the moment so you dont notice it on the day of the PRP treatment but the injected cytokines do actually trigger something. Please dont laugh at me, just some thoughts that came to my mind) Piggybacking on the initial question however - if one would do a post PRP treatment, what is actually the best time frame ? There is a wide spectrum on the net of what people have done, ranging from pretty much after the op to several months later. Gonna call a PRP provider in the area just to hear their pitch, am interested generally what they say. (yes I know how to distinguish snake oil sales talk to reasonable input

Hi all, I am 5 days Post OP (FUE) and am experiencing a very sharp, unbearable pain in an area of my donor (pain is in a tennis ball size area I would say) as soon as I lay down. Sleeping not possible. As you see on the picture no visible swelling, redness etc. It feels like a nail is hammered in this area as soon as I touch the pillow. Sitting, standing etc I dont feel any pain anywhere at all. Has anyone had any similar experience and is this normal and if yes for how long. I know this forum does not replace medical advice but it would be good to get some feedback to eventually calm down before I get more clarity. I contacted the clinic of course (cant go there in person as not in country), should continue to take Ibuprofen but I am not sure its helpful to keep throwing pain killers at it when the pain should actually not be there anymore ? Gonna have to do a hospital run later I guess. Questions / answers on the web range from "there should be no pain after FUE few days after the op" to "probably infected" (as said, i dont think so based on pictures and the clinic also said nothing visible on pictures after I send it) so its really strange. Nerve damage should also not just be present when laying down I guess ? And if, what can / has to be done when a nerve damage is the cause ? ( i doubt it after FUE) Just to be super clear, the pain is not uncomfortable I sure do expect some healing discomfort but its really unbearable. Thanks guys

Fue 4k 😍 (wrong smiley but can't delete it on mobile for whatever reason )