ItIsTime

It's been just about a year - the year flew by no notes I'd love to hear people's thoughts but I am very happy overall Expectations were met and exceeded In summary I have a nice blend of density and uniformity - even in the areas that are thinner I'll still share a 1.5 year and 2 year update because I think the longer term results we tend to not see Thank you to the forum and all those reviews people were willing to share and discuss - it really helps to give these procedures the thought they deserve happy growing everyone 😁

Thank you for sharing this! It's really cool and useful to hear about this type of decision and outcome - seeing photos would be great too! We often see after starting meds, after HT, but rarely ever after stopping for a long term and the outcome! I'm sure we all have thought about "how long am I realllly gonna do these meds etc for" at some point we want to just let it go and see what happens Thank you for sharing, would love to see photos

Thank you @Melvin- Admin! You're absolutely right I never realized how much the hairline played a role in framing my features I was much more worried about the crown But I just let Dr B & team do their magic. Now my hairline is strengthened, crown is growing in nicely Dr. Bisanga knows what he is doing - I'm really happy I chose him as my physician Lessons learned - choose a good surgeon and TRUST them!

How goes it friends (I assume we're all friends here right!? ) I'm a little past the 6 month mark now and sharing some photos. The photos were taken almost exactly on the 6 month mark and now I'm about 6 1/2 months and there has been even more growth and density in the past 2 weeks It's been an interesting journey and so far all positive and I'm happy A few things to note: 1) I don't feel like there is an illusion of density anymore my hair actually feels denser and thicker (probably humidity somedays) but certainly more substance in areas I never even considered. 2) Ever so often I feel like I get a light "shed" and the mid-frontal area feels a little weaker at that point (was most noticeable around month 4/5), maybe a touch starting now. I feel like my hair feels really thick then sheds a little then thick again - par for the course? 3) I continue to be happy with how the results are progressing, I don't use any concealers, fibers maybe a little moisturizer, texturizing spray/powder for light hold and I am good to go. All in in at 6 months I'm happy, I think most days I don't ever "worry" about my hair anymore (or lack of it in some areas). It all feels natural. Hopefully continued positive results in the next 6 months as well. I'll probably update again around month 8! Photos below are with freshly cleaned hair, maybe with a little moisturizer in it, in relatively harsh indoor lighting

Results look very natural and fits you well The team at BHR are all top class This is just the early stages too - looking forward to the months to come

I was on 5mg for a few months (~4months), and I also felt a bit of the palpitations intermittently Hair def responded well to 5mg Then I tried 2.5mg and haven't looked back since - no sides watsoever. Hair has been getting the same results as at 5mg - no palpitations of the sort I firmly believe in having the lowest dose of any medication to get the desired effect. I agree with all the above. Try 2.5mg and see the response. Get any palpitations symptoms evaluated by an doctor

Appreciate you. I specifically looked into Dr Bisanga because of his donor management skills That was my #1 criteria so I'm very happy with how my donor has recovered - it feels almost like pre HT even now

some of my photos got corrupted unfortunately I'll try to correct them with some help from admin if possible But in the meantime I want to share my 4month update! So far I've been back to my usual no real limitations still using oral min & topical fin To me I think there is progress and growth, and if I had to shave my head clean from where it is now I think with the framing of my hairline and the transplanted hairs I would be fine and happy with it push come to shove Hairline has been strengthened, crown (even though we used less grafts in the crown that originally intended, I think we have progress), all donor areas fully recovered to the point I should probably cut it! I know photos can only show so much - and personally I think I look pretty janky in photos so I try to avoid them - I am really digging my transplant. Although the end result isn't complete, I am seeing the foundation of success and Dr Bisanga + team's vision for the transplant and it makes me positive for the next few months and beyond Happy growing everyone!

reviewing a study by looking at the abstract alone is probably not the best to make a complete decision A review of the entire article details would help to answer most of the questions, unfortunately the full text of the article isn't readily available From the abstract alone it's really hard to tell but probably: 1) There is a "low" risk of systemic side effects - but there's no control group to compare to take with a grain of salt 2) We can only conclude from 90days, most people will be on the medication lifelong, so a 6 month, 1 year timeline would be nice to see. These antihypertensive meds would look at risk of adverse outcomes or major cardiac events at 30 / 60 / 90 days, but also more long term. Likewise some medication side effects don't occur within the first 90 days or even a year - sometimes they can be triggered by other factors later on in life. 3) The abstract said 15% had hypertrichosis that's not a huge amount to have positive results for LDOM 4) the LDOM was titrated in 1065 patients allowing the analysis of 2469 cases. There's a bit of a scientific flaw in this logic - in simple terms 1065 patients will almost always be 1065 cases, even if the dose is titrated from 2.5mg to 5mg in the same person, that's not a "new case" it's the same person/patient receiving the drug so that's misleading. Seeing the entire article (and appendix) however will shed light on a lot of those things In short the abstract is great and a useful snippet of information for the multitudes using oral minoxidil. By itself though it's not enough. P.S. I am using LDOM for about 8 months now

Ok it's just about 3 months I didn't post anything at 2 months, cz well.....not much was happening I guess but here we are at 3 months. My hair is definitely growing The duckling phase in full effect as well, but I mostly just shrug it off and am pretty much back to life as normal +/- a hat. Gym, running, sports, but avoiding sun exposure I'm still on topical fin (4x a week) and oral min (5 days a week) I take weekend breaks from meds and have had no issues I was given the green light to use concealers after 3 months but not sure if dermmatch/toppik will work for me, esp in crown (never used either b4) Any thoughts on if concealers can give me a little help? I doubt with a bald spot so clear I'm hopeful and patient - at the worst case I think I could shave my entire head if I needed to now and not suffer too much about image (although it would be insanely funny to get a HT to end up with a shaved head hahaha) Photos below - just hoping I get a 4 - 5 month growth spurt and some crown coverage but only time will tell! Happy growing everyone (Top down view)

I am so happy for you! you must be thrilled with the progress thus far. The growth has nice visual uniformity when it's brushed forward like that and you still have some solid months of growth ahead. It would be good to see your natural styling pattern with the hairline to see how it all adds up so far, but looking excellent man.

really natural result congratulations!

Pure wizardry! Any NW7 would be ecstatic for a result like this

Congrats! You're looking great I hope to have the same level of growth in the next few weeks Keep giving others hope and thank you for sharing

1 month! No real issues. Shed has started about a week to 10 days ago, I'll be the ugliest duck on the block for a bit. Maybe there's a bit of shock loss in the donor All in all par for the course I believe. I've started back working out, running, gym etc. no issues Haven't decided if I'll take a haircut at anytime yet Let me know your thoughts! Grow you squiggly wigglies GROWWWWW

7 day update Official FUE graft count was total 4000 grafts 2k in frontal area 2k in crown single FU: 421 grafts double FU: 2356 grafts triple FU: 1186 grafts quadruple FU: 37grafts Hardest part over the first 7 days was the itching and one night when I was laying flat instead of upright and I had tons of pain in the crown that needed a tylenol quick fix. These photos are after first wash, minimal redness if any in the front, some in crown, scabs basically gone. Currently taking po 5mg minox (was on 2.5mg for past 3 months now up to 5mg no issues) will resume topical fin at day 15 post procedure THinKing PoSiTiVe ThouGhtS!!!! My thoughts thus far: 1) I love the hair line 2) Overall density I think looks balanced on my scalp 3) Still have a few weaker areas but when my hair is long and curly it will be a non issue 4) Shed will come....but let it come.... 5) Hopefully I get a high graft survival and growth rate Let me know what you guys think...esp our experienced members...donor? number of grafts left if any for another procedure if needed? graft placement? crown swirl? Appreciate you all Now the photos! Cheers!

Consult was done in Maryland by Dr Bisanga himself Procedure was done in Belgium Sorry if I didn't make it clear before

Hey Whirlpool22 - I'll help answer those questions #1 - I reached out to Bisanga first prob in 2017 and got purely online eval. In 2022 when I reached out again he strongly recommended inperson consultation as recommended by the rep. The geographical challenge was never something hidden nor was the expectation of the clinic to travel to Belgium solely for a consult. And they were happy to discuss options as Dr Bisanga travels and does consults in other locations. As for my case he happened to be in Maryland a similar weekend that I was there as well - perfect opportunity! I don't think anyone can argue inperson will trump online consultation/photos/videos but it's not a must for every clinic but if the surgeon recommends seeing you inperson - see them in person if you can #2 - Great question. It wasn't mentioned to me if it was yearly (the BHR rep would be able to answer better) but I get the impression it happens more than once a year #3 - I got my in person consult in Nov 2022, procedure was in mar 2023. Not too long a wait. I did go to Belgium for my procedure (again worked out perfectly as I had a trip planned then too) #4 - I think all medical procedures have a 21% VAT in Belgium but if you get a physician letter stating the medical need for the HT from your physician you can get the VAT waived. If your doc won't write it there are online physician services that do. BHR even helps with the wording so that the communication is clear. From my understanding EVERYONE gets a letter and gets the VAT waived - I sure did. I hope this was helpful! I'll be posting my 7 day post up soon so we can see the progress Cheers

Final Day #2 of FUE session Started at 8am Straight to business. Team was lovely and amazing as usual Washed the area from night before - looked great Went over the plan for today - working on the crown and continue to add any extra to the frontal hairline to add density as well in one area Dr Bisanga made the recipients site today and Dr Kostis did the punches Dr Bisanaga Punches on to occiuput and the right side of the head Dr Kostis punches on the left side of the head if anyone wants specific comparisons Let's let the pictures speak for themselves: RIght side punch by Dr B Left side punches by Dr. K (pardon the fresh blood stain) Hopefully the resolution of these 3 are good enough to show crown and back and top of head they filled the spot I asked about, re: D1 And that's it my friends. All completed. I can share more about sleeping in between, pain foods etc When I get the full break down of grafts and hairs used I'll post it as well I'll try to edit my first post with my original photos so everyone can follow. Please feel free to let me know what you think - I was really surprised by my donor to be honest. Anyone has a fear of overharvesting? I feel Bisanga is a wizard takes exactly what is supposed to and no more! HUGE shout out to Dr B, Dr K, the entire team and receptionist team for being so professional down to earth supportive and interactive during the entire time. It was a FUN two day experience. And who can forget the rep Ian! Always in your corner to help. Now GROW you hairs GROW!

Day 1 Get in at 730am greeted well, everyone is lovely The office is immaculate, clean comfortable simple but refine. It's a happy to be at work but we work kinda place - I like it alot Time to get to business - straight to the back to have be head shaved with the techs (I always loved how I looked with low hair ) Me with buzz cut - gotta say I kinda liked it - red areas from where the machine knicked my skin a little Next step Dr B drew in my hairline and I got a wash I was very happy with the hairline location style and fit of my face - sorry I don't have the temple curvature and if you notice no crown (spoiler alert that's Day 2 story!) Well onto the chair and straight to work I must say the chair is very very comfortable to lie in, easily a great place to nap, and the team keeps everything impeccable! Took my po antibiotic and my valium and on Dr Bisanga came. We started on the right sided and completed all the punches and graft removal on R followed by punches in the occipital and retrievals again before a break I will say for me personally I always feel a bit even thought I numbed - so I had a solid few punches where I felt every single one, especially at the outskirts. But it's never an issue just say your in more pain and you'll get more medicine for it. I think Dr Kostis did the numbing for the occiput and Dr Bisanga the punches and the techs the extractions.....Dr Bisanga made all the recipient sites Harder to tell when face down.....now to the photos Ok that's it for loaded photos and process I must say I'm over the moon - partly to have gotten thru with the process that I thought was never going to be possible. Partly because I have confidence in the really good surgeon i choose, and I think I will be happy with the results And partly because it was a really fun day at the clinic for me all in all You notice no crown images are shown.....we're doing that tomorrow. STAY TUNED! Thanks for the help and feed back on this forum.....anything you guys would like to share I'm all ears PS photos are just from my cell - don't shoot the messenger PPS see my original thread for how my hair was before ....I'll embed it here if I can fig it out

Hi everyone - I want to try to keep this in as real time as possible (moslty so I don't forget it later) and if there is anything I should ask about based on photo I would love more experienced info. I just came out of Day #1 of 2 of by FUE with Dr Bisanga - and I had a GREAT time!! Some quick bkgrd: 39yr old M, on topical Fin via xyon currently 3 times a week and oral minox x 3 months 2.5mg daily. No sides. Been on topical fin since 2019 & topical min since 2015. I have another post that shows my mop of unruly hair Day #0 Arrival and consult. We drew in a hairline, did some fancy schmancy work on the tricho machine and discussed the plans for the next day. I had consulted with Dr Bisanga before in Maryland where I was given the following stats Hair Characteristic - Curly Hair Thickness - Very Fine Donor Density - 70/60/80 Hair Groupings - Mainly 2 hair follicles Miniaturisation - 20% in mid occipital Dermoscopy - AGA Consultation Summary and Recommendations Dr Bisanga has determined the following from your consultation - Size of crown loss - 86cm2 Area of frontal loss - 33cm2 Dr Bisanga has determined that your surgery should consist of approximately 2000 - 2300 grafts to restore your crown and a further 1200 - 1500 grafts to restore your frontal zone. This presents a total of 3200 - 3800 grafts. Right in the ball park of my prior consults and exactly what I expected Hairline photos (below) - I've very happy with it wanted it conservative Dr Bisanga asked a few questions about where I was staying and helping to arrange taxis - Uber and Bolt has been pretty useless in Waterloo. Brussels was great. Time to start next day was 730am to I went to get some rest....Day 1...... Link to my original post with hairline and crown pre surgery

This has been extremely helpful for me to think and plan things through! Thank you all I'm not a big drinker of beer or anything or the sort so no drinking is easy for me. I would of had one just to be social. I'm sure I can find a nice Belgium fruit juice ! I hope to stay in a slightly better than budget hotel/airbnb for comfort sake, but walking distance to the clinic would be the absolute best You guys are amazing thank you!

Hi everyone, I'm getting set for Dr Bisanga in March for my FUE procedure 3200 - 3500 grafts I wanted to ask, especially for those who have actually gone to Dr Bisanga before any tips for the trip and how to make the time as easy / comfortable as possible. This will be my first HT, first time in Belgium, traveling from the US to Belgium. I have a two day procedure on the 23/24th Things I'm considering: - Where to stay for a comfortable experience pre and post Sx - Uber vs taxi (i've seen some posts someone said they were unable to get a taxi post procedure late in the evening) - Food? - Anything post transplant I should consider bringing with me (sleeping pillow, aloe vera) - Anything someone wishes they knew to do before going to Belgium / Dr Bisanga to be better prepared for the procedure If anyone is going to be there around the same time and want to grab a drink let me know! Feel free to DM me if you don't want to post everything in the thread Thanks again everyone and happy growing!

I just want to say thank you very much for your post and sharing all this information / photos. I am even more happy because we often see patients 6 months - 1yr photos, but not always after the 1 year mark. I know you had two procedures but seeing the changes and growth past the 12mth mark, really gives me hope and inspiration. Especially since I hope to be going to Dr Bisanga in March. Your results look phenomenal!!! COngratulations, thank you and happy growing. Can you tell me if you think the MSM/Biotin made any difference?

Great post and fantastic growth! Congrats I have a similar hair profile except curly and not straight so I'm very interested in your progress as I am looking at Dr Bisanga as well. Do you remember the cm2 of your crown that needed coverage? I have 86cm2 that needs coverage in my crown so I was just thinking graft numbers comparison Happy growing!