BoredMassively

On 9/13/2022 at 1:31 PM, Rice said:

@BoredMassively

Updates? I've had interest in the same doctor

The parting you see is where my native hair is pulled back and the transplanted hair resting forward. Just shy of 5 months post op. The newly transplanted hair doesn’t actually see the light of day because I’m still rocking the combover fringe while the new hair grows enough length to be integrated meaningfully.

Still reserving judgement myself. I’ll post an update eventually when the new hair is long enough to actually be put on display. The second picture is my existing hair so you can see what I mean. 
 

As for my donor area, as far as I’m concerned it’s the same as it was pre-op.

29 minutes ago, NARMAK said:

So when you buzz the hair down, the angles of your native hair direction are more easily seen and can be replicated i feel. It's probably also easier for them to work between the native hair and also i think from a washing the scabs and keeping the area well hydrated, it might be easier to manage.

The temptation to style your hair out of the way might cause you to unsettle grafts which could be worse imo if you lost any. 

I suppose a lot of that boils down to the skill of the team carrying out the procedure. Most of my transplant was done in areas absent of hair. I’m not sure how much the direction of the graft impacts hair, presumably it can be conditioned in any way you want in time, but I know very little about that. Regardless, when my new transplanted hair grows out it will be shoehorned into a fringe wether it likes it or not…

1 minute ago, NARMAK said:

I was considering keeping my hair longer to like you maybe cover and have privacy, but i feel it's better over the longer term to let it all ve buzzed down and show the proper angles etc. of the hair. 

Obviously each situation is different but if you can arrange to work from home for a little while, maybe a few weeks that could help with redness/swelling to go and then adjust the work wear by wearing a very loose fitting hat. 

When you say better over the long term, what exactly do you mean by that?

Unfortunately for me, shaving my existing hair was simply never and option, and if/when I need future transplants (god forbid, I absolutely hate this post-op recovery period) I will seek to avoid it at all costs.

I kept my existing hair post transplant, donor aside, because I wear a fringe and it’s vital to my confidence. How soon after a transplant do you think it would be acceptable to wear your hair over the recipient area? I was told 7 days by my patient coordinator but I’d like as many opinions as possible.
 

Photos for reference

4 hours ago, jjsrader said:

Looks like a good 1st transplant - I'm surprised that the donor wasn't more spread out - but you can always do that for the next surgery.  I'm not a fan of such a small area being harvested w/so many grafts though.  Will be interesting to see how much density you end up getting visually speaking.

Next surgery? hopefully not, but I am prepared for that. Was made well aware of the need for future surgeries given I’m 24.

Do you mean density in the front or back? I agree the donor area is harvested in quite a tight box but 2150 follicles isn’t a massive amount

27 minutes ago, stephcurry30 said:

Who was the surgeon? 

Don’t think it much matters at this point. No thoughts on the work then?

1 hour ago, John1991 said:

The best years of your life are the years which you’re most satisfied and comfortable with yourself. That’s not necessarily in your 20s. Or even 30s.  I’m not going to say that hair loss at 20 or in your 20s isn’t more devastating than hair loss in your 40s - it obviously is.  That said, you’re insanely short sighted if you think that you (who care enough about hair to post in a hair loss forum) will magically not care about your appearance/hair in your 40s. Or even your 50s. 

Hair loss has had an absolutely cataclysmic impact on my life: it’s never something I’m not conscious of. A transplant was something I honestly needed years ago for my self esteem, and I would’ve had younger if I could’ve afforded it. Hair loss has unequivocally marred my late teens to early 20s and to a very significant extent. I can’t see this unwavering insecurity fading with age and don’t agree with the idea that people stop caring about hair when they hit some arbitrary age range. Going bald simply is not an option for me and never will be, and I know that because I once shaved my head completely bald and it looked absolutely awful.

5 minutes ago, John1991 said:

Ya, less recession but a bigger head could easily result in the same area needing to be filled.  I wouldn't say yours was Uber-conservative.  You are 7 years younger, so it makes sense to be a tad more cautious.  Look forward to seeing your progress.  

For the record, I do have a big head,  especially compared to my face, but it’s more the height than the width 😭 thanks again.

16 minutes ago, John1991 said:

Looking at the higher angled view from immediately after the operation, I think perhaps my area was bigger than yours.  Then again, it really is hard to tell because the front of my hairline was shaved, which makes the area look significantly barer than yours despite not actually being barer. The next one is 15 days post-op (to give you a sense of buzz-cut look).  The next 18 days - you can see a few hairs shed.  The last prior to surgery - from just a normal angle.  No clue what the breakdown was as far as 1s/2s/3s, except that I was originally told an estimate of roughly 2200 and then ended up getting 2650.  I think it's annoying when people post their own pictures in other threads, but your pre-op/purple line pic was so similar to mine and J.A.C responded with a similar graft count to mine, so I figured I'd weigh in.

It’s fine margins either way. Would have been nice to know your breakdown but I expect it can’t be too dissimilar. I think the way my procedure worked was that they extracted the minimum amount of 1s for the hairline and filled the rest with 2s and 3s for density, though that might be how every surgeon does it, I don’t know. Would have been nice to compare that too. I appreciate you chiming in, we do have a very similar situation. My recession is more deep in the temples than yours but I think my head is narrower. From comparing myself to other people with similar hairlines who’ve had transplants including yourself I’ve definitely had less grafts pcm2. How much a few hundred grafts matters though I’m not sure, I’ll be wearing my hair down when it grows and I’m pretty good at making the most of what hair I have… through necessity 😩

2 weeks down the line I’ll have a good look at your pictures again and compare. I’ve definitely had a more conservative op, deliberately so of course. Thanks for your input.

13 minutes ago, John1991 said:

The area you had covered looks remarkably similar to the area I had covered - and my procedure ended up being 2650 grafts.  Mind you, the area pictured here is not without hair - the hairline had already been shaved back a bit (showed better in the second picture) - so similar to your situation except your area wasn't shaved.  Not trying to be negative, just honest.  Then again, who knows which one of us has a bigger head and what the exact measurements were.  It may be easier to tell once you're in the buzz cut phase just how dense it is.

Remarkably similar for sure, I thought I was looking at myself for a moment there. You’ve almost certainly had a more populous hair transplant than I. would love to see more pictures post op if you have any. Do you know what your graft breakdown was (1s/2s/3s)? 
 

Hopefully I get a buzz cut stage before the shed begins for an early indication.

47 minutes ago, J.A.C said:

I don’t think it will grow out particularly thin at all, just may need a little more. I don’t mind being questioned 😊If you had said you went to Dr Reddy, Dr Farjo, Dr Ball or Dr Arshad then I would have been interested to their proposed graft counts . I should also mention that we also have Dr Raja here that seems to be doing good work, but it’s early days. If you had any consultations in Turkey they would have said 3k+ but this is going the other way. 
I would have been Norwood 6 without any transplants, x2 FUT and x3 FUE and still I will be seeking a 6th to add density and cover up my stretched scar. Unlike yourself I could not take Fin as it would have contra-indications with the Meds I was on.

The plan you have is actually spot on, a med regime which is working and not a massive amount of grafts for your first procedure. If and when you was to need another somewhere later down the line, then you would still have more than adequate left in your donor area. 

I’m a disagreeable character so I apologise if I come off argumentative. Again, I do appreciate the replies. How do you expect the transplanted area will look if it grows as it should? 5000 follicles I’ve been told to expect. Interested to hear your thoughts.

15 minutes ago, J.A.C said:

Yeh they have more poor results than good, look at some here on the forum from those clinics or see the discussions. 
It’s not a straightforward procedure at all, it takes a lot of factors to get it right. I started out with my first procedure In the Uk over 12 years ago and then followed the scene ever since, I’m now at 5 hts and seen over a decades worth of results from all around the world. The best work is being done elsewhere, but no it’s not just 2 Drs, the others I mentioned have more good results than anybody else here, with the occasional not so good ones. Even going to the “elite” still doesn’t come with a guaranteed result, but the chances of a decent result is a lot, lot higher. 
Search for the names I consider doing the better work In the Uk here on the forum and yes you will see some very good results on the whole. But again dig deeper and you will find others that don’t hit the mark. 

5 hair transplants? Jesus, that’s no small matter. Why the need for 5?

I do appreciate the responses though. My Dr seemed optimistic about my potential results. Time will tell. It’s your word against the multiple clinics and Dr I went with, maybe they’re all wrong and you’re right. Maybe it will grow through sparse and thin. Forgive me for questioning you, it’s all in good spirit. 

11 minutes ago, Aslitarcan sucks said:

Why are you getting so defensive? There are definitely better surgeons abroad, and for cheaper prices

Defensive? news to me. Rather you didn’t hop in and say that, not really productive. I apologise for questioning the integrity of the forum and it’s users. There are only 2 good surgeons in the entire UK. I agree.

1 minute ago, J.A.C said:

These are not good clinics, unfortunately we don’t have the best Drs/Clinics here in the UK. And the ones that are mostly doing the better work are Dr Reddy, Dr Ball, Dr Farjo and Dr Arshad. When it comes to reliability/consistency though most will look elsewhere, add in the cost a lot of people look elsewhere/outside of the UK. I truly hope one day we can add another Dr to the forums recommended list, right now it’s just Dr Farjo + Dr Arshad. 

“Not good clinics” meaning what exactly? They botch transplants? Presumably if they weren’t good clinics they wouldn’t get good results and the pitchforks would come out. Not sure what you mean by that. 
 

So you’re suggesting there’s only 2 good hair transplant Drs in the entire United Kingdom? for a relatively straightforward procedure I find that staggering. Unbelievable, actually.

Only 2 surgeons worth their salt in the entire UK. Fascinating.

12 minutes ago, J.A.C said:

In the Uk they are not doing particularly larger numbers in general, who were the clinics ? Nothing wrong with around 2k worth of grafts though, just personally thought it was going to need a little more for the area shown. In a way it’s good you started out with less, so many times we see people go overboard with filling the frontal third and fast run out of grafts for the rest of the scalp. Hair Transplants are rarely a one time thing unfortunately, however I think you have a good plan in going forward. 

Harley street (I think multiple on Harley), Vinci, Hillside… I can’t remember them all. Is 5000 hairs not enough for density? sounds like plenty to me. I did a good job disguising my hairline with a fringe without the aid of 5000 follicles, I’m sure I’ll be more than fine.

Also I was told by my Dr that more grafts wouldn’t have a substantial impact on appearance. And you’re right, you can rectify under-harvesting but you can’t fix over-harvesting.
 

21 hours ago, J.A.C said:

For the area shown that was transplanted, personally I think it could have used 2500+ grafts. 

I thought about this a little more (since got cabin fever and nothing better to do at present).

I had a good amount of consultations with multiple clinics up and down the UK and not one quoted me near 2500 grafts, much less above that. They all suggested around 2000. I was also told to be wary of any clinics that offered me more than around 2000. Also, wouldn’t 2500+ for bringing the hairline forward a touch and filling in the corners leave me at risk for less coverage down the line if I recede further? I am 24. Thanks though 😊

8 minutes ago, Gatsby said:

Absolutely. But the answers aren't really for me but intended for you so that you understand what this involves over the lifespan (not just over the next ten years) that's all. Wishing you all the best! 👌

Ah I see, well thanks for that. Hair is something that is essential for my appearance and I’ll do anything to improve on/keep it. I don’t think I’ll ever not care about it & I’m prepared for future transplants if necessary.
 

Hopefully one of the myriad of bald billionaire tycoons decided to pump some money into the industry within a few decades and create a hair growth pill or something to make all our lives easier. Surely it’s got to happen at some point. Looking at you Bezos.

19 minutes ago, Gatsby said:

I'm just wondering why this surgeon agreed to perform a hair transplant on you at 24 years of age? Did he not recommend finasteride first? The reason I mention this is because MPB is progressive over the life span. The work at this stage does look clean and I wish you all the best.

Fair question. I’ll outline my situation.

I’ve been on finasteride for god knows how many years now, at least 3, maybe more, I’ve lost track. Years ago I visited a clinic in Leeds and I was told I was a NW3a: I have more or less the exact same hairline all these years later. Also, I have always had a naturally high hairline and a large forehead that compound the situation, and a clear and obvious need for hair transplantation. All those practical factors are aside from my own colossal insecurity and burning desire to have one, which didn’t factor in to Dr’s decision making but certainly did mine. I want having any more years of insecurity. I’ve been thinking about this for years now. All clinics I spoke to suggested grafts in the region of 2000-2200.

Every clinic I contacted asked about my existing treatment and how stable my hair loss was. They all made me aware of the potential, probable need for another transplant down the line and stressed the importance of preventative treatment, that I was already aware of. Also, while age is an important factor when considering transplantation, you can only lose so much hair and I was already a NW3 and have been for a number of years. My donor area is apparently good too and all my recession was at the hairline. Those factors were part of the reason my surgeon was content enough to proceed. Incidentally, the hairline I have now is better than what I was born with. Hope that answers the question. 

Just now, BoredMassively said:

Because I got a very good impression when I went there. From top to bottom the team seemed sincere, welcoming and not pushy. I had a phone consultation and an in person consultation prior to the procedure. The Dr was very assured and that was what won me over most. He’s not inexperienced by any means in transplantation. The technicians I had on the day were very experienced too. I contacted all sorts of clinics before deciding on the one I did. I’ll be sure to keep this forum posted with my results. I’m optimistic. 
 

Also I would suggest, based on my experience with other similar user run forums, that while they are generally a good litmus test they aren’t the be all end all of worthwhile surgeons. It wouldn’t be the first to have a paymaster or two. I appreciate your concern though. 

I’ll also add that I spoke to former patients and such from this clinic as well. The patient coordinator also had a transplant in the clinic. They showed me a procedure being done live and in the flesh. I’m not sure what more they could have done to win me over.

1 minute ago, JP28 said:

I wish you good luck and hope you’ll have a great result! Although I feel the need to ask you that question, why going with a surgeon that is pretty unknown when the forum has a list of so many reputed surgeons that operate all over the world?

I mean no offense at all just curious.

Because I got a very good impression when I went there. From top to bottom the team seemed sincere, welcoming and not pushy. I had a phone consultation and an in person consultation prior to the procedure. The Dr was very assured and that was what won me over most. He’s not inexperienced by any means in transplantation. The technicians I had on the day were very experienced too. I contacted all sorts of clinics before deciding on the one I did. I’ll be sure to keep this forum posted with my results. I’m optimistic. 
 

Also I would suggest, based on my experience with other similar user run forums, that while they are generally a good litmus test they aren’t the be all end all of worthwhile surgeons. It wouldn’t be the first to have a paymaster or two. I appreciate your concern though. 

6 hours ago, JoDimaggio22 said:

Two questions. The area you outlined for the transplant was it completely bald or just thinning hair there? Finally you have any photos of your donor area at all prior to treatment?

I’ve attached a photo I snapped in the toilet just before the transplant after we had agreed a new hairline, then a photo post op. You can see that in the transplanted region I had no hairs aside from a few babies at the front of my “hairline” which they shaved off. Also, I’ve attached a couple of pictures of my donor area that I sent to various clinics. Thanks for the reply & I’d love to hear back.

7 minutes ago, J.A.C said:

Let’s see how it develops, the Dr is a well known & respected neurosurgeon, just that he’s pretty new to the world of hair transplants. Still working in the NHS I believe and not solely on Transplants yet. I really do hope we have someone that can become a decent choice for here in the UK, we really need it ! 

He told me he has got experience under his belt regarding transplantation, though how much exactly I don’t want to misrepresent as I can’t remember. He’s held the knife plenty of times though as you said. One salient point was that he was very assured, said that the procedure is simple and he was very considerate and patient with me. I take your point about more grafts but it’s your word against his in that regard, he felt the amount extracted would suffice and he seemed optimistic. Time will tell. Fortunately even if the hairline is a little thin as you suggest it might be I will be wearing a fringe anyway since I’ve got a dome like Megamind. It’ll be a substantial improvement on what I’m currently working with regardless, I’ll attach a few pictures so you can see what I was working with before my transplant and how I styled it… 5000 new follicles will be put to good use.

Like I said mate, I do appreciate your response. Most of the feedback I’ve got has been along the lines of “looks clean, let’s see” so as much as I’d rather all responses were a case of unanimous lauding along the lines of “looks incredible, amazing results a certainty” I appreciate the feedback. I agree with you. We all want more good surgeons. My chips are down with Dr Ahmad 😆

3 minutes ago, J.A.C said:

For the area shown that was transplanted, personally I think it could have used 2500+ grafts. When I zone In I cannot see the density being particularly high, in particular the hairline, normally this is grafted at a higher cm2 than behind it. 
Please can you ask the Dr what cm2 he was aiming for? Thanks 🙏 

Ah I see your point. Unfortunately I don’t know what cm2 he was aiming for, and if I was told I’ve forgotten. Is 5000 prospective hairs not a good amount for the area covered though? The Dr seemed quite optimistic about my prospective results and the affect it will have on my confidence when he spoke to me after the surgery. I think also the idea was to be conservative because of my age and propensity to further recede. I appreciate your honest replies, I really do.

I would suggest the lighting maybe isn’t the best too. I also remember the Dr saying that he felt the amount of grafts would be enough and much more wouldn’t be too noticeable. 

10 minutes ago, J.A.C said:

Work looks fine, although I hope you don’t mind me saying that it’s possible the density may fall a little short… Was the plan for “one and done” or do you aim to have another transplant if needed? 

I’m interested to hear you elaborate on why you think the density will fall short mate, what gives you that indication? 

I had 2150 grafts extracted and the breakdown was around 300 single hairs for the hairline, the rest were 2s and 3s for density. I was told that my donor area was good and that I should expect, all going to plan, around 5000 hairs to grow through in the recipient area. No mention of a second op needed, unless I further recede in the future as I am only 24 even though I am on fin, but that would be for new patches absent of follicles.

thanks for the response, hope to hear back!

9 minutes ago, NARMAK said:

Not familiar with the Dr but wishing you well on your recovery and hopefully the results to come. 

When you went for the unshaven, did that mean no hairs at alp in your recipient area were shaved? I:m due to have a procedure almost exclusively in the frontal area and where there's no real hair at present and was thinking of doing something similar myself where only the donor area is shaved and left long on top to style over. Hopefully resulting in the appearance of just an undercut of sorts. 

He doesn’t seem to have much of an extensive presence online, the group he works for have social media and good reviews and results and such. I’ll happily be a testament to their work good or bad, but I’m very hopefully. He’s very experienced (ex neurosurgeon of 17 years) and the team of technicians were great too, personable and seasoned. They spoke to me and showed me grafts and were just a pleasant set of people. I’ve no reason to doubt they did a good job myself, I’ve had nothing but good vibes and everything about my experience has been pleasant so far, at least as much as it can be with this miserable post op recovery involving sleeping upright and such. Obviously though, there’s no way better than to fill yourself with apprehension and doubt than to ask the internet what it thinks, which is what I’m doing now.
 

As per your question about the unshaven procedure, essentially for my transplant they only shaved my donor area and a few baby hairs that sat around my existing hairline that weren’t really adding much, which I was fine with. The Dr did say ideally it’d all be shaven off but he understood I wanted to keep my current hair and I spoke with him about the hairline a bit too until we came to a happy conclusion. He was very considerate and mindful of my concerns while also letting me know standard procedure and the importance of not lowering it too much, given I’m only 24. I was a NW3 though, and I’ve been on fin for years. 
 

So yeah, donor area is a must to go and nothing else was touched because of the nature of my transplant, aside from a few straggler baby hairs which I didn’t mind at all.

Hope this helps mate.