MsAyeBeeCat

19 minutes ago, consequence said:

Have you had a biopsy? You can't exclude the diagnosis by inspection, tinea and seb derm don't always read the text books and trichologists are not MDs.

I am going to. I just have another life stuff going on. Its all in hand already. I'm not going to stress over it at the moment as its not getting worse. 

7 minutes ago, consequence said:

You posted this 2 weeks ago and haven't had your biopsy yet? You need to see a dermatologist and get your biopsy extremely urgently, like literally find one that specializes in hair if you can and call their receptionist often till a spot opens up this week.

If this is a fungal infection, the longer you wait the more will be irreversible/harder to correct with a revision. There is no point in seeing a surgeon till you look into this.

Your surgeon might have had a point about LLLT, PRP and minoxidil, but biopsy first.

The issue happened last April and had tricologist look at my hair last year. There is no fungal infectioin. My hair hasn't worsened, it is just back to how it was before my transplant. I have tried Minoxidil which doesn't work. I have a Hairmax doesn't work. PRP will not work long term months after when I needed my surgeon the address the issue when I flagged it up as soon as it happened.  The urgency is not there as this happened months ago. A biopsy may show something like scarring, but I will sort that out when I find a competent dermatologist soon. 

14 hours ago, wadsef said:

I did it in Kinshasa. As far as I know, that's the only clinic where you're guaranteed that Dr. Mwamba will do the operation himself.
 

Yeah, I see your point. If that sort of thing is important to you, then my experience prevents me from recommending Mwamba very highly.

I went into the operation thinking that the results would be determined by my genetics, the skill of the surgeon, and how well I followed general aftercare instructions in the first few days. For that reason, I didn't have particularly high expectations for communication more than a month post-op. However, even my low expectations were disappointed, which is pity because of how great my experience was at his clinic.

I'm basing my opinion purely on my bad experience in that my surgery 'failed' and 1. I still don't know the answer as to why - my surgeon was fine on the day, and was fine when things were going well month to month, but let me down big time when it started to go wrong in month 5 and in the beginning got quite defensive and then when pushed just give me generic suggestions of things to try to remedy which I did until month 10 when things were still not right.

Though I was due a in-person review at month 12, I decided it was probably not going to help in anyway and I would probably just be really angry and wasn't worth the energy. So, this is why I am seeking the help of a dermatologist/surgeon who will give me 100% and who will do all necessary tests and biopsy (If absolutely required) so they can determine a) why mine failed (poor graft handling or an undiagnosed condition) b) when we have a possible diagnosis if I should consider another transplant with a different surgeon.

I'm determined to solve this hair loss issue and get my life back one way or another as I'm sick of waking up everyday to the same depressing reflection for years.

15 hours ago, wadsef said:

I went to Mwamba 2 months ago. I'm too lazy to do periodic updates, but I've been taking pictures. I'll make a big post including the pics once progress starts with my post-shedding regrowth. Once there are actual results to review, I'll be an honest take on his results with afro hair.

I would recommend chatting with him if it's free. He's very knowledgeable, personable, and will listen and respond to you sincerely (if you're able to get him on a call). My talks with him were unlike many of the other surgeons that I had consultations with, and those talks were the reason why I chose to go to his clinic.

To be explicit: I consulted with Dr. Mwamba based on the recommendations of this forum and others, but I chose him for the procedure off of the strength of the consultation call as compared to other doctors that I spoke with. As an aside, my consultations with Dr. Bisanga and Dr. Diep, stood out as exceptionally bad.

 

After working with Mwamba, my perspective is that he handles afro-textured hair pretty frequently, and he's extremely experienced in how to handle it -- especially the extractions. I know first-hand that he works with afro hair because there were a several other black patients coming in and out (for follow-ups etc.) while I was there. The doctor and I also talked for hours about the precise details of the operation, and he explained basically everything he was doing (to me and to one of his newer techs) while he did it. He was also in the operating room for the entire +30 hours of my three day procedure, which shows dedication.

However, Dr. Mwamba's clinics are pretty mismanaged with regard to their business communication and aftercare follow-up. It seems like anything administrative that doesn't involve Mwamba personally is completely hit or miss. I'd rather not go into detail unless prompted because I did have a good experience at his clinic. Maybe the poor communication is because I have to interact with the clinic and staff in English and they are bilingual native french speakers, but it's still hard to excuse. Also, I haven't heard from his office since the procedure besides a couple questions I asked his staff a few days later. They've also ignored a couple of my messages. The spotty communication and admin is a massive negative, but so far that's the only thing I could possibly complain about. Everything else was top quality and gives me optimism about my results.

P.S. Mwamba kept insisting that I buy these really expensive French hair shampoos from him. I caved and bought them, and --shockingly-- they cured my lifelong dandruff problem overnight. Dandruff prevention is absolutely NOT the reason Mwamba told me to buy those products, but it's a pleasant side-effect, I guess 🤷🏿‍♂️
 

Thanks for your honest feedback with pros and cons. I don't know about anyone else, but I find with any service, no matter how great they are, if the aftercare/customer service is crap, it completely puts me off. As this is essentially when you are going to need them the most. Things can go brilliant on the day with the surgery, but if/when things go wrong or you need urgent advice and they just can't be arsed, bad communication or just bad customer service, it can make or break a successful transplant if it comes too late or not at all. 

On 6/6/2023 at 9:25 PM, Ajamilo said:

Spot on. Honestly I have told some the black brothers who have contacted me regarding my surgery to run away from Mwamba and look for another clinic that has track record with real patient. I never thought I would said it but is better go to HOI than them 

In an ideal world, only real patients would recommend a certain doctor for a surgery with photographic evidence. I dare say, many members will jump on a bandwagon or have other motives to push certain ones and we never know who's who. So, always always ask a lot of questions directly to doctors and research reviews from multiple sources. Playing with your life/health/physical appearance based on hearsay is no joke. 

On 10/23/2022 at 6:59 AM, kiwihair said:

Hello, I am looking to get a hair transplant before the end of 2022 and would appreciate suggestions of specific Doctors to consider for my procedure. 

Used minoxidil for a while, no noticeable improvement.  Was also receiving scalp injections (not prp) but no improvement. 

Interested in going to Turkey for the price and general positive results and expertise they have. I was quoted $12,000usd for a USA transplant.

I have attached photos of my current hairline. 

I would like to make a strong informed decision so please make mention of any thing that I need to consider.

Which doctor? 

Which clinic?

How many grafts needed based on pics (estimate)?

Preparation? 

After care suggestions (continued prp, meds, etc)?

 

Thanks in advance.

Did you end up finding and choosing a afro hair transplant doctor/clinic? If so, how are things going?

On 6/1/2023 at 4:56 PM, Melvin- Moderator said:

OP,

Sorry to hear about your lackluster results. It looks like traction alopecia. Have you refrained from using any form of extensions or weaves in the 12 months? It’s very important you use nothing moving forward. As any traction/pulling on the hair follicles will kill them.

I'm researching a dermatologist to look into my hair growth issues. Anyone heard or used any of these hair loss specialists/Dermatologists UK? 

https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/doctor/dermatology/hair-loss/

https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/doctor/hair-loss/london/

This woman Dr Eleojo Achimugu was listed after the hair loss doctors as a hair transplant surgeon in London specialisting also in afro hair. I've never heard of her before. Rare in any case to see a woman hair transplant professional. I'm looking more into her background and experience, even if to use her dermatologist expertise and get some answers. 

https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/doctor/eleojo-achimugu

On 6/1/2023 at 7:17 PM, ITA said:

It should be said that the biopsy must be done in a certain way, that is,  it is not enough to take a single sample, but several samples, because it may happen that the part of the scalp taken is healthy, but a few centimeters away may be affected by some disease. Of course, in your case @MsAyeBeeCatit’s a problem, because the samples should be taken from the front of your scalp, and since the biopsy also leaves scars, yes, it’s a problem.

I had a scalp biopsy via an NHS hospital about 6 years ago in this area. I believe they only took a single sample. There was a tiny mark there, but this eventually went away, as I forgot about it after a few weeks/months. If I went to look for it now, I can't find it.  If it heals properly scarring should be minimal. If having biopsy done gives me the answers I need to move forward, its a risk, but I would at least know I can treat a condition and/or decide if 2nd transplant is advisable. Do nothing, and I am stuck where I am. Damned if you do, damned if you don't! 

1 minute ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

Dermatological disorders are hard to diagnose without a biopsy. Sometimes, they go unnoticed. That’s a risk unfortunately. 

Where are you located? I can see if I can connect you with a someone who can help.

Yeah, i got an NHS biopsy done maybe 7 years ago. They were useless. Before the biopsy, the derm just looked at my head for 10 secs and already made up her mind it was traction. Did the biopsy and just said the same thing. No other tests or things were done to rule out other conditions, so I was in two minds over it. 

Anyway, I'm trying to move forward and sort this sh!t out! re: location. I'm in the Southeast/Greater London area. Thanks. 

1 hour ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

It could be a combination of both. It could be scarring alopecia aka cicatricial alopecia. I would suggest getting a scalp biopsy from a dermatologist. It’s actually common among afro hair women. My first step before getting any more surgery would he to rule this out. 

Cicatrical alopecia usually affects the mid and crown areas. My hair thinning is on the temples only. But yeah, another biopsy with a competent dermatologist is i guess my only way to determine what may be going on. 

Couple questions, if you or anyone can answer: 
1. What should a professional hair transplant check for during a consultation and/or ask you to get confirmed in terms of conditions BEFORE they determine you are a good candidate for hair transplant?
2. Are there any recommended dermatologists on this forum or outside of that would be competent enough to diagnose a scalp/medical condition? Not necessarily a specialist in afro hair, but this may help.

5 minutes ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

OP,

Sorry to hear about your lackluster results. It looks like traction alopecia. Have you refrained from using any form of extensions or weaves in the 12 months? It’s very important you use nothing moving forward. As any traction/pulling on the hair follicles will kill them.

Hi Melvin, thanks. However, the reason I made the big decision to have a hair transplant was because I was 'told' my original hair condition was a result of traction alopecia. But the circumstances which destroyed my hair 10 years ago, happened over a 2 week period after a hairdresser botched up a hair relaxer chemical treatment. My hair never recovered. Note: I used to wear braid loosely, but my hair was not showing any signs of traction issues.After all the stress and depression of this, I knew if I had a hair transplant I would NEVER ever wear braids again. What you see in the photos I have shown are the days commencing my hair transplant over 10 months. These transplanted hair is barely long enough to hide my scalp, never mind pull into a braid or any other tight hairstyle!! This is a botched hair transplant and/or I have a scalp condition I was never diagnosed with that effected my results 5 months in from the surgery. This is why I am on here, to figure out how to go about getting an answer to how to move forward. Was it a bad surgery or was it a condition to do with me that makes me not a good candidate for a hair transplant. Thanks. 

45 minutes ago, RTC said:

I have to agree

 

I don't know where either get an 'Afro-hair expert' card from apart from being black themselves.. Mwamba has had some black patients, but I've never ever seen a black Bisanga patient.

 

I see a link in your signature, showcasing the repair job Mwamba done for you? Are you saying you are not happy with his work, or are you just expressing a devil's advocate opinion about his lack of afro hair work?

54 minutes ago, Ajamilo said:

Is still the same as before sadly. I have just been growing out my hair to try to cover it up but it doesn’t look good. Hopefully I will do a repair with a another doctor in the end of this year.

but guess what since mwamba and bissanga are black people have this weird and strange stereotype that they are expert in afro hair.

never seen a real Afro-patient of bissanga providing his result here or in other forums. Is weird right. don't be fooled by people who just throw out their name 24/7 when it comes to Afro hair. They just repeat it until it sounds believable.

The clinic is a mess when it comes to communication. A lady name  Carla is the main “boss” when it comes to decision-making and complain and that stuff. She is  apparently his wife. Good luck with the communication with her because you will need it

Sorry to hear your results haven't improved. Its the worse kind of feeling, I totally understand myself. since the photos I show in my post, some of my temple hair has thickened up a bit, but not enough that I feel confident to go out in public without covering it up. Its still short hairs, lacking density and thin and not growing like the rest of my native hair, so its like miniaturised hair just in a dormant state

I've been looking for black patients online who have completed hair transplants with Mwamba. This channel is the only one I see (aside from his own) that has what they show as successful surgeries on some afro hair patients. But yeah, on the official websites the afro before and after details are not many... I understand with patient privacy, so maybe there are more than they show as Drs need patient consent, but I would definitely ask to see at least a dozen recent cases before deciding in the future which Dr. I went with again...

And this one guy:

Bisanga Youtube showcases some afro results, but then as with all clinics, we don't hair about the failures unless a patient comes public with it, so as all failed surgery patients realise, extensive research is absolutely needed, before you make this big decision to go ahead a first time or 2nd time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBMroJDi-gY&t=1s&ab_channel=BHRClinicHairTransplantSpecialists

On 5/29/2023 at 11:36 PM, Ajamilo said:

@MsAyeBeeCat: you don’t find a real patient review with Afro hair that has got any good result with him here. 

i got a better result with a Turkish hairmill than what I got with him. My hairline is thin and pluggy. He gave me cobblestoning and scarring on my hairline. I even showed that to Dr. Wong and he got shocked over the scarring the doctor gave me. 

I know a guy that got botched from him and got no growth at all in his recipient. He also has a kinky curly hair as us. Although he got half of his money back from the clinic that doesn’t justify what happend with him

@rtc did not get any good result from him. And also is another case here where another Afro guy was not satisfied with his result from Him. I have to find the link to the thread. But do your research and don’t trust people here without seeing real patient cases from forums 

 

Funny, I was just reading some posts after doing a search for 'Afro' and found your post. I forgot who commented here and coincidence it was you about Dr Mwamba. Sorry you had that experience and I'll definitely keep this in mind in my future decisions. As much as the surgery itself, its also important to me that the post surgery care is excellent. From what I read in your post, you had very bad experience with staff not responding to you and being rude and defensive. This is something that concerns me.

How are things now with your hairline? Did you end up getting more work done or did your work grew in after 18 months?

7 minutes ago, Gatsby said:

Can you get a referral to see a private dermatologist and pay out of pocket? I've lived in the UK and I know how frustrating it is with the NHS when it comes to wanting to see your choice of doctor.

Yeah, would have no problem paying for a private derm.  I requested a NHS derm in December 2022 via my GP, I was told there was a 6 months+ waiting list which as far as I know I'm still on, but haven't been 'waiting' or holding out for as they seem pretty useless already from their e-consultation. I told my GP I had a transplant a year ago which failed to take, sent pics, etc which was sent to the NHS Derm.. they got back saying 'yeah traction alopecia from tight hairstyles etc BS BS ' !!! Its like they ignored the part about a TRANSPLANT, and from the photos I sent, just saw a black, female with temple hair loss and decided 'Yep, traction'!! This is why if I do ever get an appointment to see a NHS derm i'm probably going to walk out half way through the appointment LOL Anyway, I'm doing my own research and topical treatments while I decide what to do next i.e find a private derm and/or consult with one of the two mentioned Belgium based Drs for a consultation to see if maybe a non-surgical treatment can help and/or if a 2nd transplant would work for me or not. 

7 minutes ago, Gatsby said:

Any type of alopecia should always be met with caution by a reputable surgeon. Did your dermatologist suggest a scalp biopsy? This is what I would be suggesting to do now. It would be worth considering (even just to rule out any skin conditions). Don't give up hope. 🙏

I haven't been to a dermatologist recently, but about 6 years ago I did via the NHS and they did a biopsy then and told me it was traction alopecia with a 5p size of scarring on both sides. So I thought a transplant was my only hope to resolve my hair loss.  However, I was sceptical about their diagnostics, as they didn't seem to check for anything else that can cause hair loss. Its like they had already made up their minds even before the biopsy, as I have found with many derms who see a black, female, history of wearing braided hair, etc. The fact that I was very careful with my hair and the hair loss happened after a visit to a hairdresser who bodged up a relaxer treatment 10 years ago caused the problem. Its nigh impossible to find a dermatologist who will do a FUL check of bloods, biopsy for chronic diseases, skin conditions. I did blood tests last year for deficiencies but it didn't show any. So frustrating!

3 minutes ago, Ajamilo said:

@MsAyeBeeCat: i would have tried with Bissanga and see what he have to say. I would not have trusted mwamba with a Afro hair and rather got to a turkey clinic or something than to him again

Any personal reason why you do not trust Mr Mwamba? I've not really heard anything bad about him on here or in general. Thanks. 

6 hours ago, New_Barnet_Please said:

Sorry to hear of your bad experience, I’m from the UK and unfortunately we do not have top tier ht surgeons there so I’m instantly sceptical. As others have said consult with Dr Bisanga and Dr Mwamba just for overall advice about what could be going on and what you might be able to do and you’ll get the best advice there is. Best of luck with it, try not to let yourself feel too down, even if it takes time I’m sure you’ll be able get to a better outcome.

Thank you for the advice and concern. Appreciate it. Yeah, will def get in touch with both these two docs as they seem to be the no.1 recommendations. Just to see what they suggest or recommend could be going on. That's all I want so I can proceed in my future decisions. Cheers.

21 hours ago, gillenator said:

IMHO, complete labs and biopsies including the temporal lobe areas will be telling as to what is going on and I concur on you contacting Dr. Mwamba…ask him to discuss your case with the Atlanta surgeon he trained under especially regarding your biopsies because very few clinics  know how to read and evaluate them with a high degree of accuracy…the surgeon in Atlanta is very experienced and good idea to include his thoughts in your evaluation….I wish you the very best MsAyeBeeCat and sincerely hope you are able to get some meaningful resolution.

Thanks. I will contact Mr Mwamba and ask him about biopsy, as it seems UK derms/tricologists are not very good at diagnosing hair issues from the ones I have emailed about my issue. Needs someone who knows transplants inside out to give me the definite answers I need. 

23 hours ago, BRITA-XL said:

Sorry to hear that this didn’t turn out as expected. Few Drs are particularly skilled in Afro hair, as mentioned above Dr Mwamba is someone that you should definitely be consulting with, Dr Bisanga is another that’s very experienced in this area. All is not lost, you just need to see if it was poor surgery/technique or if it’s a issue that could affect another procedure. 

Yes, this is my plan. I'm wondering if I should first contact a local (UK) Derm who can do the necessary tests/biopsy to determine an issue before contacting Dr Mwamba, as short of going to see him in person, he wouldn't be able to analyse my hair remotely to find out if there is an issue.  But it will be good to see what he thinks it could be in the interim. Even though I'm pissed that it failed, I am hoping it was poor surgery, as that means there is still hope if I did another procedure.

Just now, BRITA-XL said:

Sorry to hear that this didn’t turn out as expected. Few Drs are particularly skilled in Afro hair, as mentioned above Dr Mwamba is someone that you should definitely be consulting with, Dr Bisanga is another that’s very experienced in this area. All is not lost, you just need to see if it was poor surgery/technique or if it’s a issue that could affect another procedure. 

Thanks. Yeah, that's all I want to know if the issue with due to my scalp or a condition that no derm has diagnosed yet and/or if it was because of poor handling of the grafts, etc. I would than know how to proceed. Its so frustrating not knowing and its even more difficult to find an expert who can confirm once and for all what is going on. I keep hearing about those two doctors in Belgium, but I need to know the later before I can decide on a future procedure. cheers. 

5 hours ago, duckling said:

I dont know how they mess up a FUT procedure for afro hairs.  FUE i can understand as extraction is tough.

Anyways check with a dermatologist to see if there was something wrong with scalp as there are 2 failed procedures already. I cannot imagine how you would be feeling.

If there is nothing wrong with scalp then see if you can consultant dr patrick mwamba in belgium. He is the best for afro hair and he can tell you what should have been done to not reach this stage.

Thanks. I went to two tricologists since it happened. Not specialists in afro hair, but one said transplants for females are different to males, something about DHT affecting our hair. The hair was taking from a non-DHT zone at the back of my head so not sure she was talking sense. Also she said something about if the subaceous gland is not inserted with grafts it can fail to grow, and if I don't have enough blood flow to area due to traction alopecia, grafts to fail. She looked at my hair with device but didn't come p with any useful solutions. 

I'm not going to give up.  but i NEED to know if there is something with my scalp or not, before I proceed with any future treatments. I will probably reach out to Mr Mwaamba to try and get some answers. 

5 hours ago, mr_peanutbutter said:

maybe you didnt had traction alopecia but Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) which is a special form of Lichen Planopilaris. FFA leads to a wide band of smooth bald skin around the entire frontal hairline. As long as the illness is active there is a high chance transplants will fail. you would need a biopsy to confirm it

 

admittedly i didnt read all of your post but if you ever had hair in that region where you transplanted that would be exactly the pattern of FFA.

 

 

if you were just born with a „sadio mane“ hairline, then it might be just poor performing by the surgeon

 

some more examples of FFA

 

 

 

 

5 hours ago, mr_peanutbutter said:

maybe you didnt had traction alopecia but Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA) which is a special form of Lichen Planopilaris. FFA leads to a wide band of smooth bald skin around the entire frontal hairline. As long as the illness is active there is a high chance transplants will fail. you would need a biopsy to confirm it

 

admittedly i didnt read all of your post but if you ever had hair in that region where you transplanted that would be exactly the pattern of FFA.

 

 

if you were just born with a „sadio mane“ hairline, then it might be just poor performing by the surgeon

 

some more examples of FFA

 

 

 

 

I have always questioned whether I had 100%  traction alopecia, but I've never had a 'smooth' band of hair in the front. The only reason he did the grafts is because I had thinning in the temple area and some in the hairline, but it was never smooth or in the pattern of Lichen Planopilaris but you never know. My hair loss was in the areas you see in photos 10, where the short hairs just stopped growing and remained short. I did have hairstyles that would warrant some traction alopecia, but my hairloss was sudden after a relaxer gone wrong by my hairdresser who i trusted to do my hair for 10 years prior to the issue. My hair was pretty much fine before the incident as she knew I had weak temples. But I thought doing a transplant with hairs from back of my head would resolve that. So, whatever is going on in the front areas of my hair, I need a specialist in afro to properly diagnose and not just tell me its traction alopecia. 

7 hours ago, Turkhair said:

I am sorry to hear that, that’s a lot of grafts you’re never getting back.

The work doesn’t look good to begin with and not surprising it didn’t grow out good either. 

What you should do is name and shame the clinic and doctor. 

Thanks for your feedback. The thing is that it did start to grow. If it has failed from day 1, then yes I would have questioned the work. But 5 months is a long time for things to start to go wrong.

I will hold off naming and shaming until I know the real reason. i.e if I was a bad candidate/I have some kind of condition that would cause this. abeit a good surgeon should do full testing if I am a good candidate before commencing (which he did not) but i'll see. 

8 hours ago, A_4_Archan said:

Sorry for all the things you have gone through ....don't know what happened after 5 months ...thts strange....consult dr mwamba and see wht he has to say abt this....you might need to get your scalp checked ....dr mwamba is well experienced with afro hairs....your surgeon should have asked you to visit again to check whats wrong with you..and should have tried to find the issue ...that is the least thing he/she should have done...bt jst forget abt the idiot and you don't need to feel depressed ....there is solution to everything....jst talk to dr mwamba once..and keep updating ...

Thanks for responding. I am quite persistent and have been doing my own research and trying everything in an attempt to get the hair to grow. It has thickened up, but they just don't grow in length, as did my hair before. I have always questioned whether it was traction alopecia due to the way I lost my hair, but this is what derms told me, but I questioned their diagnostics based on their bias.  I will contact Dr Mwamba and see what he has to say.. As for my own surgeon, I still have the option to visit for a review (I rejected the 1 year review as there was no point in my eyes) but even just to show him that I was a bad candidate and that he should have did some due diligence to test this he did zero testing) just said "yep, alopecia, I can do your transplant' makes me think he was just after my money, but I am paranoid as anyone would be.  I'll keep you guys updated.