Senior Member El Nino Posted May 19, 2011 Senior Member Share Posted May 19, 2011 Hey everyone! Please see my signature for a link to my first HT with Dr. Rahal in Jan 2008. I was back in Dr. Rahal's chair last week on Monday the 9th of May. My first transplant (aged 28) concentrated on joining my crown into the mid scalp region and improving my look from the front. The result was great and I enjoyed my hair for 2 years but then I got a bit hair greedy. As you can see from my pics an area approx 15cm2 was left at the lower part of my crown. I hoped that I would improve this area with the use of meds (fin and minox) but it didn't happen. So I have had this area done (aged 31) and also added some density into the previous transplant. The plan was to get 2000 grafts but my donor density was better than expected and I ended up with 2597, excellent, the more the merrier for me. I also got an excellent hair count which consisted of 110 singles, 1567 doubles, 893 triples and 27 quads which equals 6031 hairs. The size of my strip was 21.1cm2. The density is higher in the lower part of my crown and the rest is spread out in my previous transplant. Dr. Rahal used the singles to restore my crown swirl. The whole experience was great and everyone was friendly and professional just like 3 years ago. But anyone who's had a transplant will know the actual procedure is the easy part, it is the waiting which begins now which is tough. Last time I stayed at the Adams Airport Inn which was okay but cost me quite a bit in taxi fares. This time I stayed at the Foxbar Guesthouse which was well equipped and very comfortable. It is also just a 5 mins walk to Dr. Rahal's clinic which is very convenient. The owner is a nice guy and friendly and gave me a lift to the airport. So to confirm I have now received 5400 grafts in a 75cm2 area of my crown, which is a lot. But the crown really is the black hole for grafts and requires a lot more than the front to create the illusion of density. Dr. Rahal said my donor and laxity is good so I still have enough to do the frontal third in the future. Here are my pre and post op pics from my second procedure. My Hair Loss Website - Two HTs with Dr. Rahal and SMP at HIS Hair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Anouar Posted May 19, 2011 Senior Member Share Posted May 19, 2011 I don't understand El Nino. Your post up ht1 12.5 month crown appears to have been completely restored but when you I look at your pre op ht2 it looks as if you lost hair in the area you had transplanted. Can you clarify? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member El Nino Posted May 19, 2011 Author Senior Member Share Posted May 19, 2011 I don't understand El Nino. Your post up ht1 12.5 month crown appears to have been completely restored but when you I look at your pre op ht2 it looks as if you lost hair in the area you had transplanted. Can you clarify? Hi Anouar, As you can see from my pre op pics in January 2008 I still had some native hair in the transplanted area. I do believe that I have now lost this which is why it appears thinner. I also stopped taking finasteride at christmas but now I am back on it. I also think my hair is going through a seasonal shed or I have lost some due to coming off the fin. And I am hoping it comes back in a few months. Hope this helps. My Hair Loss Website - Two HTs with Dr. Rahal and SMP at HIS Hair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member TC17 Posted May 20, 2011 Senior Member Share Posted May 20, 2011 I hope this works out well for you, but I just do not think it was prudent to transplant the crown on a man who was only 28, and then to go back a few years later and add MORE grafts to that area, wow. You look like you are thinning in the front where no grafts were placed, and yet you already spent 5,400 grafts in a 75cm2 area? I realize I'm going to catch some flak for this post and I'll be accused of bashing Dr. Rahal, but I just don't think this was appropriate planning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member El Nino Posted May 20, 2011 Author Senior Member Share Posted May 20, 2011 I hope this works out well for you, but I just do not think it was prudent to transplant the crown on a man who was only 28, and then to go back a few years later and add MORE grafts to that area, wow. You look like you are thinning in the front where no grafts were placed, and yet you already spent 5,400 grafts in a 75cm2 area? I realize I'm going to catch some flak for this post and I'll be accused of bashing Dr. Rahal, but I just don't think this was appropriate planning. No worries TC17, everyone has an opinion and are welcome to express it. But a simple bit of math will show that the average density on my strip was 123 fu per cm2 (2597/21.1). This is good donor density. Also I haven't had two ear to ear strips taken out, the first was three quarter length and starts from above my right ear. The second one was the same length and goes into the old scar a bit and above my left ear. I have very good scalp laxity which means I am confident I still have enough donor to do the front in the future. At least another 4000 grafts via strip alone. It seems I am one of the lucky ones with good donor densiy, hair characteristics and scalp laxity. My Hair Loss Website - Two HTs with Dr. Rahal and SMP at HIS Hair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member bonkerstonker Posted May 20, 2011 Senior Member Share Posted May 20, 2011 I hope this works out well for you, but I just do not think it was prudent to transplant the crown on a man who was only 28, and then to go back a few years later and add MORE grafts to that area, wow. You look like you are thinning in the front where no grafts were placed, and yet you already spent 5,400 grafts in a 75cm2 area? I realize I'm going to catch some flak for this post and I'll be accused of bashing Dr. Rahal, but I just don't think this was appropriate planning. Very very good point. Bonkerstonker! http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/blog/home-page.asp?WebID=1977 Update I'm now on 12200 Grafts, hair loss has been a thing of my past for years. Also I don't use minoxidil anymore I lost no hair coming off it. Reduced propecia to 1mg every other day. My surgeons were Dr Hasson x 4, Dr Wong x 2 Norton x1 I started losing my hair at 19 in 1999 I started using propecia and minoxidil in 2000 Had 7 hair transplants over 12200 grafts by way of strip but 700 were Fue From Norton in uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member corvettester Posted May 21, 2011 Senior Member Share Posted May 21, 2011 Interesting case. I don't think it's too much considering that you have so much more donor available. I'd say stick with the Fin this time. I've seen so many posters lately bemoaning the fact that they stopped Fin only to lose a butt-load of hair immediately thereafter. Good luck with your results. Corvettester My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Dorin 1,696 FUT with Dr. Dorin on October 18, 2010. 1,305 FUT with Dr. Dorin on August 10, 2011. 565 FUE with Dr. Dorin on September 14, 2012. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member El Nino Posted May 23, 2011 Author Senior Member Share Posted May 23, 2011 Interesting case. I don't think it's too much considering that you have so much more donor available. I'd say stick with the Fin this time. I've seen so many posters lately bemoaning the fact that they stopped Fin only to lose a butt-load of hair immediately thereafter. Good luck with your results. Corvettester Thanks mate, good luck to you too. Yeah I know stopping the Fin wasn't the wisest move. But in a perverse sort of way I do want my hair do it's worst and then I could hopefully get it sorted by Dr. Rahal and stop chasing it. But I'm not complaining, I know lots of people have it much worse than I do. I would also like to say while I was at Dr. Rahal's clinic waiting for Mike a few days post op there was a young guy (20s) waiting for a consultation. I talked to him briefly before he went in to see Dr. Rahal, his front looked good so he must have had crown loss. He came out five minutes later and said "No, maybe in a few years". So I think it's fair to say Dr. Rahal wouldn't operate on any young guy with crown loss. My Hair Loss Website - Two HTs with Dr. Rahal and SMP at HIS Hair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member El Nino Posted July 4, 2011 Author Senior Member Share Posted July 4, 2011 I'm now 8 weeks post op and just had my first hair cut since my second procedure. I got it buzzed down to a number 3 all over which might be a little short for the scar at this point in time, but I don't care. It looks ok but I think there is a little shock loss around it. I can't wait for the regrowth on top cos it really sucks looking worse for 3 months after the op. I've had lots of ingrown hairs which are a good sign. My Hair Loss Website - Two HTs with Dr. Rahal and SMP at HIS Hair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member bonkerstonker Posted July 4, 2011 Senior Member Share Posted July 4, 2011 looking good pal and you seem to have very minimal shockloss for a blade 3 your laughing. Happy days for you it seems so far! Bonkerstonker! http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/blog/home-page.asp?WebID=1977 Update I'm now on 12200 Grafts, hair loss has been a thing of my past for years. Also I don't use minoxidil anymore I lost no hair coming off it. Reduced propecia to 1mg every other day. My surgeons were Dr Hasson x 4, Dr Wong x 2 Norton x1 I started losing my hair at 19 in 1999 I started using propecia and minoxidil in 2000 Had 7 hair transplants over 12200 grafts by way of strip but 700 were Fue From Norton in uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member El Nino Posted July 8, 2011 Author Senior Member Share Posted July 8, 2011 looking good pal and you seem to have very minimal shockloss for a blade 3 your laughing. Happy days for you it seems so far! Cheers mate, really looking forward to the regrowth now so roll on month 3. My Hair Loss Website - Two HTs with Dr. Rahal and SMP at HIS Hair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member orlhair1 Posted July 8, 2011 Senior Member Share Posted July 8, 2011 I agree.....looking good......now for the regrowth! Surgery - Dr. Ron Shapiro FUT 6/14/11 - 3048 grafts Surgery - Dr. Ron Shapiro FUE 1/28/13 & 1/29/13 - 1513 grafts http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/orlhair1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member NEWHAIRPLEASE Posted July 8, 2011 Senior Member Share Posted July 8, 2011 Looking good!! Stick with the meds Newhairplease!! Dr Rahal in January 19, 2012:) 4808 FUT grafts- 941 singles, 2809 doubles, 1031 triples, 27 quads My Hairloss Website Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member El Nino Posted September 12, 2011 Author Senior Member Share Posted September 12, 2011 (edited) Cheers guys. I'm now 4 months post op and just returned from a haircut where I got it buzzed down to a number 3 all over again. The shockloss on the scar is slowly returning and the regrowth on top has now started. I'm very happy with how it looks so far and can't wait for the months ahead... Edited September 12, 2011 by El Nino My Hair Loss Website - Two HTs with Dr. Rahal and SMP at HIS Hair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member orlhair1 Posted September 13, 2011 Senior Member Share Posted September 13, 2011 Looking good.....I can definitely see a big difference from your last pictures. Surgery - Dr. Ron Shapiro FUT 6/14/11 - 3048 grafts Surgery - Dr. Ron Shapiro FUE 1/28/13 & 1/29/13 - 1513 grafts http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/orlhair1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member El Nino Posted September 13, 2011 Author Senior Member Share Posted September 13, 2011 (edited) Cheers mate. Here's a reminder of where I started out from in January 2008. Edited September 13, 2011 by El Nino My Hair Loss Website - Two HTs with Dr. Rahal and SMP at HIS Hair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member orlhair1 Posted September 13, 2011 Senior Member Share Posted September 13, 2011 Really nice change already! Surgery - Dr. Ron Shapiro FUT 6/14/11 - 3048 grafts Surgery - Dr. Ron Shapiro FUE 1/28/13 & 1/29/13 - 1513 grafts http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/orlhair1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Sean Posted September 13, 2011 Senior Member Share Posted September 13, 2011 A major change. Looks good. It's only gonna get better. Good Luck and thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member galtsglutch Posted September 13, 2011 Regular Member Share Posted September 13, 2011 Your crown looks all sorted out. Especially with the short buzz, completely natural and normal looking. Congratulations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member El Nino Posted September 15, 2011 Author Senior Member Share Posted September 15, 2011 orlhair, Thanks! Seen your 3 months pics and you're looking good too mate. Sean, Thanks! I've seen your detailed write up and great pics. I will be following your progress closely. galtsglutch, Thanks! I know people will look at my crown and think "Yeah he's had 5400 grafts put in, it should look great". But getting all the grafts to grow, in a natural looking way which completely blends in with my native hair, with a pencil thin scar, wouldn't have been easy. My Hair Loss Website - Two HTs with Dr. Rahal and SMP at HIS Hair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member hairthere Posted September 15, 2011 Senior Member Share Posted September 15, 2011 Looks great man. My only suggestion now would be to let it grow! I am the owner/operator of AHEAD INK a Scalp Micropigmentation Company in Fort Lee, New Jersey. www.aheadink.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member El Nino Posted January 3, 2012 Author Senior Member Share Posted January 3, 2012 Looks great man. My only suggestion now would be to let it grow! Cheers pal! I have let it grow a bit for my 8 month update but I'm very tempted to buzz it down again. My Hair Loss Website - Two HTs with Dr. Rahal and SMP at HIS Hair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member El Nino Posted January 3, 2012 Author Senior Member Share Posted January 3, 2012 Happy New Year! I am nearly 8 months post op now and I have grown my hair out a bit. These pics are with wet hair and then some with gel in after. I am very happy with how it looks but I know there is more to come. I remember from my first HT that it took ages to fully mature, past the one year mark. My Hair Loss Website - Two HTs with Dr. Rahal and SMP at HIS Hair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Cant decide Posted January 3, 2012 Senior Member Share Posted January 3, 2012 Looks great. What was your total hair count transplanted? I have been asking allot of questions lately on the forum about crown work in preparation for getting my crown done. My Hairloss Web Site - Procedure #1: 5229 Grafts with Dr. Rahal Oct, 2010 Procedure #2: 2642 Grafts with Dr. Rahal Aug, 2013 7871 Grafts http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/blog/home-page.asp?WebID=2452 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member El Nino Posted January 3, 2012 Author Senior Member Share Posted January 3, 2012 Looks great. What was your total hair count transplanted? I have been asking allot of questions lately on the forum about crown work in preparation for getting my crown done. Hi mate, I have had a total of 5400 grafts (12,306 hairs) into a 75cm2 area. This produces an average density of 72 FUs per cm2 and Dr. Rahal said it is 75% of the original density. Hope this helps, good luck with your crown procedure. My Hair Loss Website - Two HTs with Dr. Rahal and SMP at HIS Hair. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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