FUE/Hair transplant is the worst decision I have ever made

[BummedinCA]

I am 17 days post-op an FUE hair transplant, and I can already say it is the worst mistake I have ever made. I'm am posting this so anyone considering a hair transplant, will come across this when "googling" and researching and avoid the mistake I made.

 

I had a receding hairline for about 3-4 years, but had stabilized it with Rogaine and propecia. I had no problem buzzing/shaving my head, but I was looking to recover some of my hairline. At 29 years old, this would not be an uncommon desire for most men.

 

I had consulted with a HT specialist about two years ago, but was scared off by the cost. However, I decided to go back recently and proceed with the procedure. The staff was very professional and friendly, from what I can tell my procedure and healing has been very fast and typical, I will not go into detail on the procedure and healing, anyone can handle that part.

 

So I went with the doctors recommendation of 1200 grafts to fill in my hairline. When the scabs came off in my recipient area, there was hair. The density however was nowhere near the density of my other hair. I am not a severe case by the way, I might be a Norwood 2.

 

So here I am, back where I started, yet worse. I can't shave my head because of the donor site, and probably never will be able to.

 

I realize my new hair won't reach "full effect" until 12 months after the surgery, so please don't bother pointing that out. BUT the general consensus is that before the shock loss occurs that "what you see is what you will probably get".

 

So naturally I spoke with the doctor and voiced my concern. He says we can tak a look in six months, and add another 400 grafts or so then. More surgery!? My hair loss was minor in most respects! He said that any more density that he would have added in the first surgery would have been lost anyway.

 

My level of satisfaction is 0 out of 10. I was better off before. Now I am a hermit, and ashamed for my head to be seen in public. Again, I'm a fast healer, that is not the issue.

 

Don't be fooled by the blogs and pages showing a great head of hair appearing, then disappearing, then reappearing in 12 months. It's not as simple as all that.

 

Save your money, save your time, save your scalp.

 

Don't end up like me, already regretting your hair transplant before your new hair has even fallen out!!!! This is supposed to be the "honeymoon phase", but trust me, it's anything but!

 

I hope this post gets searched and read a whole lot, so someone else can avoid such a huge, costly, and pointless mistake.

[BadBeat]

IMO, this thread is ridiculous. First of all, you aren't posting any pictures for anybody to see this so called "worst mistake of your life" and you aren't saying who your surgeon is. You are 17 days post op. If you search the hundreds of photo albums on this site and others you will see that the first couple of months are usually the worst for most people. Often times people actually look worse than where they were pre-op. Your transplanted hair has been through a lot of trauma it's very common for them to look weak after the scabs come off. They will probably end up shedding completely and you might be able to see some pinkness in the recipient area for a month or so. This is completely normal.

 

It sounds more like the mistake was that you didn't really need an HT to begin with and you're regretting it. It also sounds like your doctor didn't do a good job of educating you about what to expect. If your doctor did a good job it's likely that in 6 months+ the transplanted hair will mature and you'll be happy with your result but in the mean time to be making statements like this 17 days post op is premature and ridiculous.

[BummedinCA]

Thanks BadBeat. This is is the kind of feedback I was looking for. I hope you're absolutely right. I hope I am being ridiculous, I hope it does come out better than I'm expecting, I'm hoping it wasn't the worst decision I've made. I just haven't found any evidence yet to the contrary (searching online at least).

[Cant decide]

Sorry to hear this. I am going to be another person who is going to tell you to wait to judge if it was a mistake. The weeks following a HT are not the "Honeymoon phase" by any stretch. In fact, most would say it sucks and there is alot of buyers remorse going on at that time. If your doc is good, I am sure you will make some gains with this procedure.

 

Incidently, this is why if I were a doc, I would refuse to operate on a NW 2. Expectations are generally too high and while I know its a personal decision and opinion, a NW 2 head of hair would be more than enough for most men and if its not then by default, that patient's expectations are likely too high as to what surgery can accomplish. At a minimum, a doc needs to spend more time with a NW 2 before the procedure starts to make sure their expecations are truely realistic.

 

As far as I am concerned, a NW 2 head of hair at 29 is a full head of hair so even if you gain nothing from this, you will still look good.

 

I wish you the best of luck.

[BummedinCA]

I hope your right Can't Decide. "Buyer's remorse" is definitely the term, you nailed it. I should clarify, my hair loss might be more towards a Norwood 3, I've recessed on the sides quite a bit, but not much thinning on the vertex. Anywho, all I have to go on is what I've found online, which mostly has profiles where the patient is pleased with their recipient area, and dreading the time when it will fall out.

 

6, 9, 12 months. This is a long time to wait for indication of results. I realize the hair falls out before it grows back in months down the line. I guess I was just hoping for a "glimpse" of the final product, in my first few weeks post op.

[BadBeat]

Usually, the first couple of days post-op give you a glimpse of the "final product" because everything is still in tact and there is scabbing and redness so it kind of gives you a look at how the hairline is shaped. I really wouldn't be too concerned right now. Just relax and try to take your mind off of it. Did they shave your entire head for the FUE? If they did, maybe you're just not used to that look?

 

Also, don't be surprised if you get some shock loss of your native hair in the area where the work was performed. That's one of the big reasons people feel they look worse than they did before the HT. But usually after a month or two, they start to look at least what they were looking like before the HT and they are just waiting for the growth to start.

 

I think you'll be fine!

 

P.S. Post some pics!

[RichFrog]

You got any pics, Donor and Hairline? Did you see any former patients before the procedure?

[Blake Bloxham]

Bummed,

 

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. Having said that, I'm going to be one of the peanut gallery members you don't want to hear from: you absolutely cannot evaluate your results at this point in time.

 

If I could try to sum the situation up in an analogy, it would be something along these lines: evaluating the results of a hair transplant at 17 days post-operatively would be the equivalent of planting a seed in a large pot of dirt and becoming disheartened because it wasn't a giant, beautiful plant the next day.

 

Now, I say this not to be condescending or crass, but simply to try and clearly explain the situation. Much like others are saying, you really cannot evaluate the results of your hair transplant procedure until the 12 month mark. Furthermore, I disagree with the idea that the immediate post-operative appearance gives a preview of the final result.

 

Altogether, I want to make a few things clear:

 

1. If there is anything myself or the community can do to help with this experience (answer questions, provide information, etc), please don't hesitate to ask.

 

2. At this point in time, it is far, far too early to assess your final results, and I think the best thing you can do is simply wait and watch the results unfold. If you are still disappointed at the 12 month mark, then it is probably time to re-assess the situation and move forward from there.

 

3. If you would like a second professional opinion, please feel free to review our recommended hair restoration surgeons.

 

Again, the most important aspect of my whole response is expressing the fact that our community is here to help. Please, let me know if there is anything I (or any other community member) can do!

[mahhong]

BummedinCA,

 

Sorry to hear you're not happy so far but as many have pointed out (even though you said you already knew), it is way too early to evaluate where you'll be.

 

Without seeing photos and knowing who your doctor is it's hard to offer complete feedback but, another aspect of your post I found puzzling is your concern that the density was "nowhere near" your native hair.

 

Hair restoration cannot and will not replace your locks on a hair-for-hair basis. This is particularly true at 29 years of age, where you're likely still balding (propecia and minoxidil will halt but indefinitely stop your loss). Most men, even with moderate or minimal balding, will only look to replace 30-60% of the hair they lost (60% at the very top end, really). And the higher end of that scale is only really suitable for patients who are older and/or show signs their hairloss has truly stabilised and is very unlikely to progress. Those with higher density restoration also tend to get that far over multiple surgeries across a span of time.

 

Grown out, at around 30-50% of density restored, your hairline should look natural and the transplanted hair will blend with the native, higher density hair. The discrepancy between the two will look harsher under strong lights or similar circumstances, but to all intents and purposes your hairline should look restored. If you were looking for more density then this is likely something you'd look to achieve in a second pass, and this should have been discussed as part of your ambitions in consideration with other factors like eventual balding pattern, available donor etc.

 

In short, if you weren't aware of these realities and limitations, either your doctor has failed to inform you of what hair restoration can achieve or you haven't researched thoroughly enough and developed a complete plan that takes into account all of the considerations and limitations. At 29 years of age your doctor was right to be conservative and plant hairs at a relatively lower density. Most men will be lucky if they have 7-8,000 grafts and there is the chance if you bald further you may need all of them to deal with the increased balding one day.

 

I'm sorry if this comes off a bit contrary to what you were saying (I didn't mean to be blunt or antagonistic if it feels that way), I'm just trying to highlight that the procedure you've described sounds pretty normal and your concerns about a multiple surgeries are something you should have been aware of. Most men will need multiple surgery across their lifetime; there is a chance you won't but you're likely to be in a different position at 39, 49, 59 etc. I'm not suggesting you will need to have lots of surgery or anything like that; I'm just saying you can't ever truly have a procedure and just assume that's going to be it. You have to be aware that further surgery might be necessary to deal with continued loss.

 

Anyway, what you have described sounds normal and if the surgeon was reputable I'm sure the eventual results will be acceptable or better. If the surgeon was not reputable or did not make you aware of how things will be then that is a concern. Whatever the truth, you have to wait at least 9-12 months to see how this first procedure turned out.

 

If you can tell us who the surgeon was and post photos we would be better placed to offer constructive advice, but there's no way you can know this is the worst decision you've ever made yet and, if it is, it will be for factors that should have been clear to you prior to deciding on surgery.

[BummedinCA]

The post op photos, are immediately post op.

 

The other images are today (17 days post op).

 

I shaved my head 4 days before the operation, and buzzed my head to 0 (no guard) 12 days post op (5 days ago). Just for point of reference.

 

I recently started getting some pimples/sore spot light flaking scabbing in my donor area, is that normal? Or because I trimmed my hair so close?

 

Thanks for all the replies, I would much rather be set at ease than regret this whole process.

[orlhair1]

You have gotten some great replies which I agree with. The first one to two months after a HT are the worst.........way to early to even begin to assess. It is a long road and I hope that in a year you will be a happy guy with your results. Patience is hard, but with this surgery you have to be patient........

[BadBeat]

All your pictures look fine and everything looks perfectly normal. The transplanted hairs that appear weaker/less dense is exactly what you would expect to see at 17 days post op. Have a beer, relax, and wait a couple of months and I think you'll be happy at what you see!

[Davis91]

Bummed,

 

You are going to be fine. Let those small puncture holes heal and you can keep your hair nearly buzzed to your current level. In 6 months start to think about growing out your hair to get an early look. If you don't like what you see, keep it short and try again at 10 months. You are in so much a better position than many men who have a little buyer's regret. This may not help in the short term, but I think everything will turn out better than expected.

[England]

So I went with the doctors recommendation of 1200 grafts to fill in my hairline. When the scabs came off in my recipient area, there was hair. The density however was nowhere near the density of my other hair. I am not a severe case by the way, I might be a Norwood 2. .

 

I think you've received some excellent replies already, and clearly it's way too soon to judge the end result so you have no need to panic there.

 

I just wanted to chime in and address the above comment, because it's important. When your grafts are healing it is possible to lose hairs as early as 3-4 days after the procedure. This is especially true when it comes to single hair grafts which I assume most of yours are given their position in your hairline.

 

Not only can they simply fall out at this early stage, many also fall out when the scabs do, as they become attached during the healing process. I witnessed this first hand with my recent surgery, I noticed that when some scabs fell off, the hair went with them. I asked my doctor about this and he said it's perfectly normal, some fall with scabs, some fall 2-4 weeks later, some may never shed.

 

This means that after 17 days you may already have lost many of the hairs and what you're seeing may not necessarily be an accurate representation of what you should expect. Of course I can't guarantee that this is the case, and there's a possibility that the density you received may simply be too low - but I would wait for at least 6 months to get a better idea of the density and about 12-18 months to see the final, thickened end result.

 

Good luck!

[BummedinCA]

Here I am.....it's been between 9 and 10 weeks. I can't imagine a "yield" that would be worth all this. I realize I don't and shouldn't have any "growth" by now, but I would take my old hairline back and skipped this whole mess no matter what the outcome!

 

I STILL have a scalp infection, my donor area (despite PERFECT nutrition and hygiene) still has not healed within reason of a procedure performed over two months ago. Yet this is all "normal"....according to my doctor, the Internet, etc.

 

I suppose this message is more for those who shave or buzz their head already. If you don't like the way you look with longer hair BEFORE your procedure, this isn't for you! You will not be able to buzz or shave your head, and I am not necessarily talking about the donor sites, I'm talking about infection, in-grown hairs etc. It's bad news, and you can't hide it. I don't even know when I will be able to buzz my head without swelling up, and it's been over two months.

 

If your cool with shaving your head already, don't do an HT! Just stay in shape, dress cool, and keep your head shaved, and you'll be more of a stud and better off than going through this whole mess. Not to mention the money you'll save!!

 

Someone please reassure me, I've been through too much to be so bummed on this process!

[baldguy1973]

You need to relax and give it time to grow. You are in the early stage of your transplant. I know how you feel. I thought the same way after getting both of my transplants just hang in there, it will grow. It's a long road that first three months is the worst.

[TakingThePlunge]

Bummed,

 

You are still weeks from seeing initial growth and months from any significant growth. Try to keep your mind off of it. There is no going back and stressing over a decision that you cannot undo and cannot yet truly evaluate is not going to do your mental and physical health any good.

 

I"m keeping my fingers crossed for you. Please keep us updated when your results begin to grow.

[alexdelarge]

Worst post ever?

[TakingThePlunge]

Worst post ever?

 

Care to elaborate on that statement? Not sure what you mean.

[aim4hair]

are the FUE white dots on the donor area noticeable at this stage ? can you get away with buzzing your donor to 0 or 1 ?

 

hope things turn out good for you, usually people look great at month 5 or 6 post HT.

[MoeyK]

Hey buddy,

 

From what I can tell you are a guy who has an active lifestyle and the post operation trauma of the redness or scabs is making you feel uncomfortable about your appearance and forcing you to stay home. If I was in your position I would feel the same and this post has opened my eyes. Could I handle looking bad for 3/4 months to inturn be a happy guy with a head of hair? Hmm.

 

 

It's too late to turn back so I would suggest buying ps3 games and sitting back haha.

 

 

Good luck I do hope you feel better soon and I am sure in a few months you will look back and laugh.

[RichFrog]

Any recent pics you can show us ? Donor aswell?

[s2thoudriver]

You need to stay relaxed and positive for one reason and one reason only... think about your follicles!

 

Stress leads to hair loss, so try and relax and remain positive for the little fellas working hard in your head. Remember, they have just gone through a traumatic phase of being moved around your scalp, so need time to adjust

 

You are actually in a fortunate position, you can/do have buzzed hair. My recommendation is to just let it grow to a grade 4 whilst the donor and recipient areas heal, as this will both cover any signs and will let your hairs do their thing. As the new hairs come through (as others have highlighted on here), you can re-buzz, then start the full growth/style process from there.

 

Please don't worry at this stage. As a wise man once told me "when worrying about something you can't control, all you are doing is burning valuable calories and exhausting yourself, so don't", true words.

 

I hope that all of us on here can help you overcome the guilt factor 'what have i done!' syndrome for you as it's important you stay positive and keep the 12 month target date in mind, not the 'now'.

 

Smile, you are not alone, we are all going through it (i'm at exactly the same stage as you, so empathize completely).

 

Chin up

[Sean]

I am 17 days post-op an FUE hair transplant, and I can already say it is the worst mistake I have ever made. I'm am posting this so anyone considering a hair transplant, will come across this when "googling" and researching and avoid the mistake I made.

 

I had a receding hairline for about 3-4 years, but had stabilized it with Rogaine and propecia. I had no problem buzzing/shaving my head, but I was looking to recover some of my hairline. At 29 years old, this would not be an uncommon desire for most men.

 

I had consulted with a HT specialist about two years ago, but was scared off by the cost. However, I decided to go back recently and proceed with the procedure. The staff was very professional and friendly, from what I can tell my procedure and healing has been very fast and typical, I will not go into detail on the procedure and healing, anyone can handle that part.

 

So I went with the doctors recommendation of 1200 grafts to fill in my hairline. When the scabs came off in my recipient area, there was hair. The density however was nowhere near the density of my other hair. I am not a severe case by the way, I might be a Norwood 2.

 

So here I am, back where I started, yet worse. I can't shave my head because of the donor site, and probably never will be able to.

 

I realize my new hair won't reach "full effect" until 12 months after the surgery, so please don't bother pointing that out. BUT the general consensus is that before the shock loss occurs that "what you see is what you will probably get".

 

So naturally I spoke with the doctor and voiced my concern. He says we can tak a look in six months, and add another 400 grafts or so then. More surgery!? My hair loss was minor in most respects! He said that any more density that he would have added in the first surgery would have been lost anyway.

 

My level of satisfaction is 0 out of 10. I was better off before. Now I am a hermit, and ashamed for my head to be seen in public. Again, I'm a fast healer, that is not the issue.

 

Don't be fooled by the blogs and pages showing a great head of hair appearing, then disappearing, then reappearing in 12 months. It's not as simple as all that.

 

Save your money, save your time, save your scalp.

 

Don't end up like me, already regretting your hair transplant before your new hair has even fallen out!!!! This is supposed to be the "honeymoon phase", but trust me, it's anything but!

 

I hope this post gets searched and read a whole lot, so someone else can avoid such a huge, costly, and pointless mistake.

 

 

I agree, definitely stay positive. Im the same age as you and I had FUE like 9 1/2 months ago. You'll start to probably see some growth at the end of July. You have to be patient. This isn't something that happens overnight or over a month. Everyone grows differently, give it at least 3-4 months to see the sprouts. Some people may take just a tad bit longer to see.

 

Your area is still healing. It may have some numbing/slight itching still. Don't scratch anything no matter what but ask your doc if they can give you something to reduce the itch, if any. I had some itching for a little bit. Thought it was an infection, it wasn't, it was just the area healing. The numbness went away in I say, give or take, 4 months or so.

 

What kind of infection are you talking about? I did have some ingrown hairs but that's also normal. Do you have any itch/redness because that's common as well. When you say infection, I think of like a fungal ringworm like infection, but that doesn't seem to be the case if your doctor cleared you and said things were normal. If your doctor said you are good to go, then you are good to go. This is just part of the BS healing process. Again, if you feel itch or anything, ask the doc if you can take anything orally to reduce it at least to give you some comfort.

 

You already know it takes 12 months. I always say, first 3 months absolutely suck, next 3 months look better, next 3 months pretty good, last 3 months look really great, & any other month after that, the procedure should look its best. So, think of it like that or at least try to. It might help.

 

Right now, you probably lost some hairs in the recipient sites by now due to shockloss which is normal. The donor is still healing and may/may not have some shockloss too. I had it for a while in my donor, but the area does heal/grow back.

 

Try to relax. Everyone gave you great advice. Just try not to think about it even though it's hard. Assess yourself at the 6 month mark if you want to. If you look in the mirror, don't do it, it makes everything painful. I lost track of time looking at the mirror in the beginning. I would be analyzing it for like 30 minutes and worrying about everything. It's the worst thing to do. But if you don't plan on keeping a hair loss journal documenting your journey and procedure month to month, then try to avoid looking at it since it is bugging you at this very very early stage. You are way too early in the game to think it failed or anything. Way too early to be thinking like that. If the doctor told you everything looks/is normal, then you are in for good times ahead. I think you got 10 months till your year mark. But don't worry about the shedding/shockloss. Everything will grow back.

[TommyLucchese]

I don't know if it was in this post but Dr Lindsey posted a timeline which basically said that the final result isn't seen until month 18. Therefore worrying at DAY 17 is somewhat premature, I say relax and take your mind off it. See how you feel in a year or so...