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

[michaeljames]

I can totally agree champ, I really do. I don't mean to implicate the surgeon in particular or polarize the forum against him. I'm not trying to rally to have him exiled as I was the one who choose to undergo a procedure and I do accept alot of the responsibility. Still doesn't make it right that situations like this occur because of a doctor's incompetence(consultations during a procedure, techs conversing amongst themselves and patient, dense packing an area with at least 40 grafts per/cm already) as those things are external of an individuals physiology and easily controllable. I don't want the doctor being the focal point to my posts. If the objective was to vilify him, I would have made a scathing and furious thread with detailed pictures. I'm here to try to make sure members are aware of what they are getting into, FUE or FUT.

 

Hello again Mickey,

 

Though I do not challenge the veracity of your story and indeed not all HT's yield great results. However, I understand that you may not want to name the surgeon; but since this is a consumer drive forum at least an array of images would be very supportive. This can be done and still protect the identities you are concealing but allow us to better understand what has unfortunately happened. I say this because the nature of the internet in general allows for unsubstantiated claims to be said. So, though as in my first post on this thread accept the coherence of your discussion and indeed empathize with your circumstance it would be more helpful to view the results. All the Best, Michael

[Mickey85]

Hello again Mickey,

 

Though I do not challenge the veracity of your story and indeed not all HT's yield great results. However, I understand that you may not want to name the surgeon; but since this is a consumer drive forum at least an array of images would be very supportive. This can be done and still protect the identities you are concealing but allow us to better understand what has unfortunately happened. I say this because the nature of the internet in general allows for unsubstantiated claims to be said. So, though as in my first post on this thread accept the coherence of your discussion and indeed empathize with your circumstance it would be more helpful to view the results. All the Best, Michael

 

While I appreciate your statement and can totally understand what you mean, I seek no empathy or sympathy publicly. I will admit that I have sought out help in private on this forum and outside this forum, but I have no desire to post my before/after photos, regardless of whether people think I am making unsubstantiated claims. My actual procedure results made up a minimal amount of my posts in this thread so I fail to see how before/after photos will help solidify any claims I have made in regards to the industry. Will posting before/afters substantiate the fact that my doctor was having consultations whilst the techs were implanting the grafts? Will it substantiate that Doctor's will be ethical in some manner(hairline placement/density) but unethical in others(performing FUT on 22 year olds with minimal loss, prescribing Proprecia easily)? No.

 

Posting photos would not be much help to anyone if I can't name my surgeon. I choose not to name my surgeon for a myriad of reasons, partly because then I will be asked to post photos. I don't post photos because then I will be asked to name my surgeon which has been requested of people before by the moderators.

[michaeljames]

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.

 

Hello BummedinCA,

 

This is Michael, I work with Dr. Mohebi (HTN recommended) he also chairs the ISHRS FUE committee, through him I am quite familiar with the process.I understand that you are having some postop remorse. I encourage you not to make such a snap evaluation, it is simply to soon mate!

 

Believe me so many of us have been through it but you just need to have some patience in the process just as you did with your medical treatment regimen. I know this is hard as we are anticipating the moment when we will finally be happy with our restored self image; so give yourself a chance. Time will surely pass and your results will be best seen after six months barring any other trauma.

 

Perhaps like other members you can post regular photo arrays. This helps you to evaluate the changes beyound the mirror and to get through the process. I assure you plenty of folks here will follow along and continue to give you the support needed. All the Best, Michael.

[MAGNUMpi]

Hey CHB811, can you tell us a bit more about this:

Still I'm a concerned about my recipient zone due to scaly, flaky skin, and larger follicles in the grafts

Thanks M.

[CHB88]

It's me, I finally found my old account opposed to the one quoted with a single post.

Anyways you can search this account's old posts for even more info but basically I have a lot of scaly skin in the recipient zone.

 

Prior to the HT I had some minor dandruff problems. I didn't really scrub my hair due to fear of fall out so that might've been a contributing factor back then. I used to use Denorex Extra Strength once in a while at the time which really helped to sooth the scalp due to the menthol I would assume.

 

Since the HT I immediately noticed scaly skin on the recipient zone. This used to be so thick it would ball up skin when I brushed my hairline in the first few weeks, Then it eventually became a thin, scaly layer that had to be picked off. I also noticed that my HT hairs in the front seemed to pit slightly when pulled and had a more pronounced pore overall.

I went to a derm and he said it might be due to scalp inflammation or folliculitis. He prescribed some medical shampoos that I never picked up. He also recommended trying minox to help the battle.

I started using Kirkland 5% minox but it made the overall dandruff much worse. Even running a comb through with a bit of pressure in the shower wouldn't get it all off. It didn't really bother me for a long time (maybe 2 years) until my hair thinned enough that the dandruff was really noticeable on the scalp itself.

 

So now I'm still stuck with scaly skin in the front hairline and flakier dandruff wherever else I use minox. My scalp tingles on every application so I'm probably allergic to the alcohol to some degree which is causing the dandruff. I haven't been off of it long enough to see if discontinued use would help but I'm considering it if/when I have to shave my head. If the pores and pits are too much then I may need fraxel as well in addition to electrolysis to remove the grafts as well as SMP to hide donor scars. It's quite a mess I've gotten myself into and all for a measly 1000 FUs which I'd like to return to the doctor in a different manner.

[Roger123]

Hi All,

Top 5 reasons why people reject the idea of hair transplants:

 

 

1. They look almost as fake as a bad toupee
   
2. They don’t fill in the bald spots evenly or completely
   
3. The surgery is painful
   
4. Recovery time is too long
   
5. The surgery leaves unsightly scars
   

 

[Spanker]

Hi All,

Top 5 reasons why people reject the idea of hair transplants:

 

 

1. They look almost as fake as a bad toupee

2. They don’t fill in the bald spots evenly or completely

3. The surgery is painful

4. Recovery time is too long

5. The surgery leaves unsightly scars

 

 

 

They look fake? Pretty ridiculous statement. A BAD HT looks fake. Take a look at Bill, Chrisdav, Corvettester, or my transplant and tell me they look fake.

 

If you are a a NW6 or 7, often times you can't get adequate density, but for many people a transplant works.

[s2thoudriver]

I agree with spanker here, I'm 9 months post op and spend the majority if my time having to convince people I've had a HT, often having to show before, during and after pics.

 

I have no visible FUE punch scars either, so not sure where the scarring comment has come from?

 

Rob

[GNX1]

I agree with spanker here, I'm 9 months post op and spend the majority if my time having to convince people I've had a HT, often having to show before, during and after pics.

 

I have no visible FUE punch scars either, so not sure where the scarring comment has come from?

 

Rob

I think #3, #4 and #5 are more directed at FUT not FUE. FUT is quite invasive and can certainly cause pain, visible scaring and the healing is longer.

[s2thoudriver]

Agreed, FUT is far more invasive and more susceptible to scarring and scar stretching.

 

No good HT looks fake though, only poorly designed ones or ones where too many double and triple hair grafts have been used in the hairline.

 

Rob

[OtherSyde]

Yeah, my first HT came out great, and I'm optimistic that my second one (in about 15 hours, as of this posting) is going to be very similar.

 

I'm really curious as to what ultimately happened with this guy though...

[GreatPelo]

Yes you have to wait. But the doctor should have also expressed during the consultation that many patients do have to come back for more density....especially when working in the frontal area. As much as equipment has improved, trying to match mother nature with just one procedure doesn't always work out. As stated before....some patients do return to get more density.

 

However, you have to wait for everything to come in....then...and only then...can you start judging the type of work performed. At that point, you might be so happy with the results...you might not want more or you might not mind more.....

 

Best of luck!

[BummedinCA]

I underwent my second treatment (begrudgingly), five days ago.

 

I saw this as the only way to right the wrong, I'm in too deep now.

 

I came across my own post looking for encouragement, and found the opposite (ha).

 

I waited 14 months for progress, and there was little.

 

Rest assured, my message is still "DON'T DO IT!!!".

[KO]

Sigh, can you post pics of your "after"? Who was the original surgeon

[Spanker]

This is a depressing thread to read. Wow.

 

OP, who was your surgeon?

 

I agree, if you are happy with hair buzzed, don't get an HT, buzz it. That really makes sense financially and emotionally.

 

However, the vast majority of patients that I see on this forum who have had work done from elite doctors look better after their HT. The majority of unhappy patients come from hacks, IMO.

[OtherSyde]

Well I'm at my 3.5-month mark and I'm already sprouting a fair amount of hair along my hairline - way faster than my first HT! I'll post more substantial After pics in about 3 weeks, though.

 

Also, to BummedinCA (OP), if your latest HT was only 6 days ago as of this posting, how can you say it is bad already? If you have gone to a top-notch Coalition doc, you shouldn't be worrying. If not, then why didn't you??

 

And also - please tell me you didn't return to the same doc who "screwed up" your first one..?

 

What are the details of your latest HT? FUT or FUE, graft count, density, area covered, etc?

 

And finally, of course, PICS!! You can blur out your face or crop it out of the pictures or whatever for identity protection. But unless we see some pics, your intense, burning pessimism and horrible abysmal results are kind of hard to swallow. I personally think you're exaggerating the situation a bit, so please prove me wrong if you can.

[harryforreal]

No good HT looks fake though, only poorly designed ones or ones where too many double and triple hair grafts have been used in the hairline.

 

This is me...and I can't understand why the hell they were placed there. I am so angry at the doctor for this. 17 months now and there is still redness - particularly at these 2 and 3 unit hair grafts in the hair line.

 

I feel constant pain in my chest over my decision to have a HT...

 

Otherwise for people considering a HT, I agree with what CHB811 wrote and what Mickey85 wrote. Those considering a HT should definitely read their posts repeatedly. I wish I had just done the meds FIRST (that's what I asked for), but the doctor said the only thing that would work for me was 1000 grafts - his minimum charge: how coincidental!!! And there was a "special" going on - special price that is - but only for the next two weeks.

 

However, the vast majority of patients that I see on this forum who have had work done from elite doctors look better after their HT. The majority of unhappy patients come from hacks, IMO.

 

That may be true, Spanker, but my doc is a "recommended" doc on this forum - and I've got multi-unit hair grafts in my F**(#@! hairline!!!

 

I also wonder what percentage of HT patients feel that their HT looks real or is undetectable. It may well be that there are a few doctors out there, or possibly a few patients who possess just the "right" physical traits, to pull off a "natural" looking HT but that these are few and far between. Like going to the craps table at a casino - some will win, but most will loose because the odds are stacked against you...

 

The multiple unit pluggy hair grafts in my hairline, the continued redness, and the weird crisscrossing angles of my hairs not withstanding (in part due no doubt to the multiple unit hair grafts with hairs growing out in different directions), if all these elements had been come together like they were "supposed" to, I wonder how a HT can look natural if the caliber of the transplanted hairs don't match the native hairs next to them in the hairline. I mean - that's something I keep coming back to - even if the rest looked fine, the transplanted hairs don't match in caliber, so how can it look natural?

 

I also wonder if it looks more natural for people who have a lot of coarse, gray hair; or for people who have had such significant hair loss that there are very few native hairs to cause glaring contrast in caliber/texture/color. Myself, I'm not sure I was a Norwood 2A, but I can tell you my side hairs are soft, fine, blonde hair. I can't help but feel that propecia might have thickened up my existing hairline without all this...At the very least, I feel i should have been counseled to give meds a try first rather than be subjected to a high pressure sales pitch to make a deposit within two weeks in order to benefit from the "special price" being run that month....

[harryforreal]

I personally think you're exaggerating the situation a bit, so please prove me wrong if you can.

 

It's not for you to tell someone that they are exaggerating when it comes to their feelings. He was obvious insecure enough from the outset to seriously question his results at only day 6 of his first HT. And now he has gone back for a second HT. Perhaps this patient was never a good candidate for a HT based on his emotional/psychological state alone, regardless of how "good" the transplant looks to the average person.

 

For me in part there is a sense that I have done something deceptive to the people I meet and see everyday - trying to deceive them, and hoping they don't see through my deception. But even if they don't see through it (and I've got a decent comb over going on to hide the gnarly hairline), it doesn't change the sense that I'm trying to be dishonest about my appearance - just like someone wearing a toupee....

[s2thoudriver]

When you say multi unit/pluggy grafts in your hairline, do you mean single grafts with multiple hairs, or multiple grafts placed in each incision site?

 

Also, what blood/skin tests did they do prior to your surgery? Any high or low blood pressure?

 

This would say a lot about the surgeons techniques, tools and skills!...

 

A general perception (not just referring to this thread), people expect a HT to be undetectable from day 1. People need to keep in mind that for at least 10months post surgery, the hair will come through more coarse and darker than the native hair, therefore will stand out until they take on the characteristics of the surrounding native hairs. Also, each incision site is a scar site and as with all scars and surgeries, recovery of such can take up to 12 months. This is why final results aren't being seen until up to 18 months.

 

Rob

[harryforreal]

When you say multi unit/pluggy grafts in your hairline, do you mean single grafts with multiple hairs, or multiple grafts placed in each incision site?

 

s2thoudriver: That is a very good question, and I'm glad you asked it. To be honest it was only a month ago that I had became "enlightened" about the placement of 1, 2, 3, & 4 hair units in specific regions of the scalp: that is, only 1's in the hairline, gradually becoming 2's further back, and so forth - and that was after months of looking in this forum for months in hope of a better outcome than what seemed to be developing. Honestly, I don't know how anyone could be "properly" educated or self-informed about HT's without spending MONTHS of research independent of whatever slick marketing brochures the doctor is handing to you to take home to "learn more about it".

 

But to answer your question, I have a lot of 2's - that is, 2 hairs coming out of the same follicle, splitting like a "V" or TV antennae; also there are grafts where the 2 hairs are so close together that I am quite sure they are part of the same graft - whether they technically are growing out of the same hair follicle I can't say; my sense is they are not the same hair follicle, but rather a 2 hair unit graft (or in some cases a 3 or 4, possibly 5 or 6) where the hairs in the graft are clumped very close together. But I believe that I am talking about single grafts with multiple hairs.

 

Several weeks ago I asked Dr. Cooley (who was NOT my HT doc) for clarification, and this is what he replied:

If follicular unit grafts are created under microscopic dissection, they can be accurately separated into 1, 2, and 3 hair grafts. The size incision I make for 1 hair grafts usually won't accept 2 hair grafts and my placers know to be careful about this. Occasionally, we might see a 2 hair graft at the hairline and it is thought that sometimes a practically invisible telogen follicle can be 'hiding' in what appears to be a 1 hair graft. We don't see this very often though.

 

Based on that statement I don't think one can place multiple grafts into each incision site, but then I'm not a medical person.

 

I have taken probably over 50 pictures in the last two weeks with my new Iphone 5 and the HD camera in it, and will post a couple pics soon I think as I would like feedback - I'm just not ready yet for several reasons, mainly because I want to understand better this procedure and current medical practice so as not to cast unjust aspersions onto my HT doctor, and I would like nothing better than for my HT to suddenly look "Amazing!" and never have to think about it again, but since I think the primary problem is one of crappy technique I can't see how it will improve...

 

Also, what blood/skin tests did they do prior to your surgery? Any high or low blood pressure?

 

No blood/skin tests that I know of were performed - I pretty much just showed up and they got busy, so unless they did it after giving me anesthesia I am unaware of any such blood tests performed. However, I can say that my health is quite good: my last physical was in April and my blood pressure at the time was 102/72.

 

Is it current medical practice to give blood/skin tests prior to a procedure?

 

People need to keep in mind that for at least 10months post surgery, the hair will come through more coarse and darker than the native hair, therefore will stand out until they take on the characteristics of the surrounding native hairs. Also, each incision site is a scar site and as with all scars and surgeries, recovery of such can take up to 12 months. This is why final results aren't being seen until up to 18 months.

 

I am hoping that the coarser hair will soften and that the scars/redness at each incision site will improve - I am now at month 17, and I have been very patient and might as well wait one more month, but honestly, can't see how it will change all the 2 hair units in my hairline....

 

But thanks for replying, Rob. I wouldn't have come this far in my understanding if not for people posting on this forum.

[KO]

OP - sent you a pm

[Spanker]

It's not for you to tell someone that they are exaggerating when it comes to their feelings. He was obvious insecure enough from the outset to seriously question his results at only day 6 of his first HT. And now he has gone back for a second HT. Perhaps this patient was never a good candidate for a HT based on his emotional/psychological state alone, regardless of how "good" the transplant looks to the average person.

 

For me in part there is a sense that I have done something deceptive to the people I meet and see everyday - trying to deceive them, and hoping they don't see through my deception. But even if they don't see through it (and I've got a decent comb over going on to hide the gnarly hairline), it doesn't change the sense that I'm trying to be dishonest about my appearance - just like someone wearing a toupee....

 

This makes me feel like you you should talk to someone. A friend, or a professional. There is no need to go through life tortured.

 

I really think that you should state who your recommended doctor is and post some photos. If you have 2's in your hair line and their direction is not correct, that is not the skill of a recommended surgeon and it should be reviewed.

 

I feel that you and Bummed have a jaded and false since of what a transplant can look like with the right doctor. For instance, I know that my doctor even separates fine ones and fine twos for implanting to give you the softest hair line possible.

 

I hope you post photos and let us see what you are working with.

[s2thoudriver]

What thickness/type is your hair? If you have fine blonde/light brown hair (as i have) then the odd 2 hair follicle in your hairline is ok as it adds definition, however, there should only be a couple and they should certainly be angled correctly.

 

I have a couple in my hairline and raised the same question but was advised that a) as above and b) sometimes, even seemingly single hair follicles sometimes grow out as doubles (as you have also been advised).

 

Best thing to do is get some pics up.

 

In terms of blood tests and blood pressure tests, yes, this is very important as it helps dictate how much saline and anesthetic they use, how much the patient will bleed/not bleed etc etc. It should be standard practice.

 

As i said earlier, whilst going throught he full cycle, they will appear darker and more coarse, so if you have any doubles in there, they will initially look more harsh (if your native hair is thick and/or dark), but as the scalp incision scar tissue softens, as too does the coarsness of the hair.

 

One thing i did to soeed this up is put scent free body lotion on the recipient site (and leave it on) just before bed.. this softens the skin and hairs growing out.

 

As before, get some pics up so we can have a look and best advice on how to make the results the best for you.

 

We are here to help.

 

Regards

 

Rob

[harryforreal]

Hi, Spanker,

 

Yes, I've started talking with a couple of people about it - and it does help. And being on here talking with people helps.

 

I will post the photos - just not yet. I am trying to tread much more cautiously than I initially did - and that includes making sure I am not making false or misleading claims about any particular doctor in a public forum.

 

By the way, is that you in your profile pic with the beard? It's a comforting photo, "dad".

But seriously, I understand that there are indeed some top notch doctors out there, and I want to clarify that my HT doc is not a "Coalition" doc - not that I trust that title completely after my experience. If I had the money, time, and chance to do it all again, I would probably go to Belgium as it seems Dr. Bisanga and Dr. Firendi are doing amazing work and their photos of younger patients look more like my hair rather than some of the older patients in their 50's + with all gray hair and "thinner" hair transplants that are age appropriate. I am also wondering about Dr. Cooley, as some of his recent pics were nice, and I appreciate his response, but again, I feel like his pictures tend to be of older patients (not that I'm some spring chicken, mind you - but most people would not guess my age even before my H.T.).

 

 

What thickness/type is your hair? If you have fine blonde/light brown hair (as i have) then the odd 2 hair follicle in your hairline is ok as it adds definition, however, there should only be a couple and they should certainly be angled correctly.

 

I have blonde/light brown hair that is wavy/curly.

 

There are by far more 2-hair follicles in my hairline than 1 I would guess; however, I have tried to tell myself that 2-hair units in the hair line can be naturally occurring, but I am obsessive now about looking at hairlines of people I meet every day and don't really see it. I am certainly hoping that with time these hairs soften more - the full cycle can take 3 years?

 

I have a lot of hair on my head - always had - never IMAGINED that I would loose so much hair at my hairline that I would opt for a HT! God....when I was a kid I used to think, "I can't wait until I get older and my hair thins so it will be more manageable." Be careful of what you wish for!

 

A month ago I started using Kelo-cote scar gel to help with the redness and, quite frankly though i have not mentioned it previously, what appeared to be ridging in the front of the hairline on one side. It seems to have helped with the redness and certainly with the raised bumps around the hair follicles some, though they are not completely flat it is much improved and not really noticeable from the front, though more "easily" viewable from behind within the hairline....almost impossible to get the bumps to show up in the pics, though, as I have tried...

 

Overall I have been quite impressed with Kelo-cote, and was wondering if anyone else has ever tried it?

[Shampoo]

I wonder how much of this guy's quick....near panic reaction that his HT was a failure at 17 days post-op is because he was a very poorly informed patient, did not do much pre-op research, and his doctor doing a pathetic job of educating him pre-op?