Soneill100

Yes , as you can see below not noticeable at all. I can get a zero at the back and you can’t see a thing. Top surgeon and you have to look after your head post op

9 months

Hi all, just wanted to share my hair loss/ now restored journey with you all. During my late 20s I started to experience my hair thinning rapidly. I used to think that if this ever happened to me that it wouldn't bother me and that I would just rock the shaved head look, which I thought I would be comfortable with. How wrong I was. During lockdown in the UK I thought this was the perfect opportunity to shave my head, something both me and my parter thought didn't suit me at all. I found myself wearing baseball caps and wooly hats during the winter to hide my looks as it just didn't suit me, I was even wearing caps while I was thinning throughout my 20s early 30s. This did however prompt me to take action and start looking at hair transplants. Looking back now at my hair 7 months on, my results are worth every penny and every part of the process. Any one that is even considering this, you won't look back. Absolutely do go for it!This is when I began my research, I started talking to friends that had it done and their experiences. Many people decide to go abroad for a transplant thinking they will save money, my friends included. I didn't want to go down this process. I wanted the best surgeon available to me and wanted the best results possible and someone local to guide me through the process. The most attractive thing for me was going through the surgery and coming home the same day to my bed and having that local contact when I needed. During my search I came across Dr Mani Mittal and what a find that was. I looked online at different clinics, reading reviews having online consultations with different people. When I came across Dr Manis work I knew this was the perfect surgeon for me. We discussed my new hairline, he was very open and honest with me and we decided to go for a more mature hairline to suit my age and the more natural and longer lasting look. The first thing we did was put me on medication Finastride to stop further hair loss and hopefully regrow some off the miniaturised hairs, which now I truly believe has really helped me restore my hair along with the surgery.Day of the surgery:On the day of the surgery, I was extremely nervous, I travelled up to Dr Manis London clinic. I arrived, straight away I was put at ease and was introduced the the team, who I must say are the most wonderful team I could have asked for, the girls are great to be around and we had great conversations. After the initial conversation, Dr Mani invited me upstairs to theatre, my proposed hair line was drew on with a washable pen and my head was then shaved by one of Dr Mani's assistants. I then was made comfortable on the surgery coach, anaesthetic was administered into the areas around the treatment area at the back of the head where the follicles where to be extracted from. I am quite good with pain but I must admit this was the most painful part, but still tolerable. This was the first part of the surgery, where Dr Mani made incisions with a hand piece across the back of head in order to remove the follicles that would be transplanted, while being removed they were stored in a solution to preserve them until they were ready to be transplanted to the front later that day. Once Dr Mani was happy with the approach and how many hairs to take from each section of the back of the head , his assistants worked on removing the follicles and they were counted to the required amount discussed pre surgery. This part of the surgery took between 3 maybe 4 hours. After this I sat up slowly and gathered myself, we then all had an interval and some food before starting phase 2 of the surgery, I will add that after the initial injections of anaesthesia this whole process is painless. Part two of the surgeryAfter letting the food go down I was ready for the second part of the surgery. I was required me to lay on my back this time, and Dr Mani proceeded to administer more anaesthetic on the front of the head where my new hair grafts were due to be placed, again slightly painful but once it kicks in and that happens fairly quickly the rest is pain free. Dr Mani then the tiny incisions with a sapphire blade (allows for more hairs to be placed into areas of the head) in the transplant area at the front of my head which would receive the grafts, that had been stored in the solution. I found this part of the surgery fairly easy, you're comfortable on your back, talking to Dr Mani and the team. Once all the incisions were made, the assistants took over and started the implantation phase. This second half of the surgery again took approximately 4 hours too, maybe slightly longer. Looking back, its a 9-5 day just like a normal working day, but this time you walk out with the hairline of your dreams. Nearing the end of the process Dr Mani thought I needed more incisions to be made, and more follicles in a certain area, which he then made more incisions and further added follicles. To me this really demonstrated his attention to detail and how dedicated he is to giving his patients the best outcome, and from seeing his results you will know why he does this. His work is second to none.After the surgeryOnce the surgery was done, my partner who had been shopping in London for the day came to meet Dr Mani and I. We discussed aftercare. He then provided me with a medical bag which included a soft natural sponge, baby shampoo, a travel neck pillow which was vital to help me sleep and he explained what to do and how to use everything correctly.The first 2 weeks post-surgery are the most important, so I listened to Dr Manis instructions and took this part extremely regimentally. I took great care in cleaning the transplant area, and took all the steps advised. Which you definitely should do too because we all want the best results. To clean your head you need to wet the sponge provided and add a small bit of baby shampoo, rub the sponge until the shampoo went foamy, then hold the sponge above my head and squeeze the soap so the foam fell onto my head and then slowly pour lukewarm water over my scalp from a jug close to my head to rinse off. This is only for a few days.After a few days, the transplant area started to scab over. For me this is the worst part of the process, because you have a scabby head, can't wear a cap and just don't look attractive. Its known as the ugly duckling phase. After the first few days of washing the remainder of the two week period, I had to lightly massage the area and try to work off the scabs using my fingertips once you had foamed up the baby shampoo gently massaging it. During those vital first 2 weeks, you also have to sleep upright to drain any anaeasthic that's still present down from the face, which I had no swelling in this area, which was a bonus. This is when the handy a neck pillow is provided came into play. The first couple of nights were tough sleeping in that position but I began to find myself getting more comfortable as the nights went on, I actually preferred to sleep on the sofa rather than the bed, I was more comfortable to do so, and I'm sure other people would have too. Post 2 weeks surgeryAfter the first 2 weeks surgery, things got easier, you're allowed to do more. Wear cap, which you will because if you're not comfortable being bald you wear a cap. I was actually happy wearing a cap at this stage, plus I work on a building site and constantly wear a hard hat, No one even noticed I had anything done! You're able to go about your life as usual as the grafts have healed into the skin, strenuous activities and contacts sports are off grid for a little longer but your surgeon will advise you. The first couple of months as mentioned above the ugly duckling phase a tough only because once your newly transplanted hair starts falling out you feel a little disheartened. Butttt as soon as you hit month 3 and 4 for me the results then started to flow. ; I am now 7 months post-op, and I am constantly getting compliments on how good my hair looks, I look in the mirror daily and still can't believe the change, I look and feel younger. As each week goes by, my hair is noticeably thicker, its the best thing I've ever done! I really cannot wait to see the final results, I am still only approx 40-50% of my way through the journey. I honestly can't recommend the transplant process to any one enough, also done forget the medication because this too is part of the process and I strongly believe that and the transplant have given me fantastic results. Before and after photos are provided . Please let me know your thoughts and feel free to ask any questions. I hope you all had the same journey I've had, you won't look back! GO FOR IT!