3000 grafts with Dr De Reys 1/2nd July

[Edsarn]

I previously posted this elsewhere on this site, but thought it would be best here in the FUE section.

 

I returned home yesterday from Belgium after having 3000 grafts with Dr De Reys. I had 1750 grafts to the hairline and 1250 to the crown. Firstly, I would like to say how useful I have found this website in this whole process of undertaking a hair transplant and I hope this blog will be useful to others too. If it were not for this website I would not have found the excellent Dr De Reys – who I cannot recommend highly enough.

 

Before describing my experience of the surgery, I thought I would provide some background information about myself and some consultation experiences, as these may be useful for others too.

 

I am 34-years-old, and in addition to my day job I am a semi-professional rugby player, so having a FUT would not have been an option, due to the amount of time I would have to rest for. With my age I may only have one season playing at this level, so it had to be a FUE transplant.

 

I initially consulted Dr Asim Shahmalak of Crown Clinic in April 2012 – I know he has been widely criticised on this forum, but he has done some good work on a celebrity doctor here in the UK, so thought I would have a consultation with him. To be fair to him, he was very thorough in our consultation. He used a microscopic camera and suggested that my donor area was very good and that I had lots of grafts with 2 and 3 hairs and that I needed 1500 to the hairline and 1500 to the crown. He also said that I would have plenty of grafts for future transplants. After the consultation with Dr Shahmalak I had a meeting with his practice manager, who I found quite pushy. I said I was unsure about whether I wanted a hair transplant and she said “if you didn’t want one, you would not be here.” Something did not feel quite right, so I decided to research other surgeons.

 

In November 2012 I had a consultation with Dr Raghu Reddy, at Selston Cosmetic clinic in Nottingham, where Dr Reddy performs FUEs on weekends. To be honest, I found the consultation process and subsequent contact very poor. As I have previously mentioned, my consultation with Dr Shahmalak was very thorough, whereas Dr Reddy just lifted up the back of my hair and suggested that he would not be able to extract more than 3000 grafts and that he would put 1500 in the crown, but not touch the front and wait until the front of my hair goes and then add another 1500 grafts. I then had additional questions for Dr Reddy, before proceeding, but he did not reply to several e-mails and I could not contact him by phone. I just thought that if I could not get a reply before surgery, what would happen if there was a problem?

 

At this stage, I was very confused as Shahmalak said I had plenty of grafts, whereas Reddy said I didn’t! I thought it was time for a third consultation. I remembered an old saying from a previous coach - "if there is any doubt, there is no doubt." It was time for another consultation.

 

I contacted Dr Feriduni. He suggested that I needed 3000 grafts to the crown and 2000 to the front. I then e-mailed him about concerns I had relating to my donor, based on the Dr Reddy’s comments, and Feriduni asked me to send additional pictures of my donor. He suggested that my donor area was very good and that I would have enough grafts for the this operation and subsequent surgeries. I was very close to booking with Feriduni when I came across a blog on here by William38. I then did some research on Dr De Reys, as I had never heard about him before, and there are plenty of pictures and videos that document his work.

 

I then sent off some pictures and he estimated that I would need 1500 to the hairline and 1500 to the crown. I asked his representative, Nick, many questions and I had a really good feeling about Dr De Reys. I liked the way that he did not have any assistants, other than his wife, and that he only performed one operation per day. I decided to book with Dr De Reys, and in January booked the surgery for the beginning of July. The cost was 7000 euros, which has worked out about ?6000 pounds – would have been cheaper last year, but the pound has weakened.

I know there has been a debate on here about how much Dr De Reys charges and that cost should not be a deciding factor in selecting a surgeon. I agree with this. But, in reality all decisions we make are to some extent based on money and value for money. If I was not convinced about his work, I would not have booked with him regardless of how much he charged. This is just my personal opinion.

 

I flew into the airport last Sunday (30th of June) and was met by Dr De Reys, who gave my girlfriend and I a lift to the Hotel Villa Monte. On the Sunday night I had a good meal at La Cita – probably one of the nicest steaks I’ve ever had! Thanks Fitnessjunkie for the recommendation. The hotel was very clean and the staff were friendly. We had a great room at the back of the hotel, which opened out into the back garden, so sat out there on a night.

 

Dr De Reys picked me up at 8 am and took me to his farm house, where he performs the surgeries. There was no messing around – he marked out my front and was very meticulous in designing the hairline and was assisted by his wife Gina. I was feeling very nervous and was offered a tranquiliser. I was only meant to take half a pill, but intended to bit the tablet in half, but it all crumbled to I just swallowed the whole thing! Dr De Reys said it would probably make me sleep. It certainly did that, and much more – I’ll come back to that!!

 

The injections were painful. They iced the area and used a vibrating device, to ease this process and it did help. The extraction process went well. In parts it was painful, but Dr De Reys and his wife could tell when it was hurting and would give me more anaesthetic. To be honest, I was “off my head” due to the tranquiliser. I had quite a few hallucinations in between sleeping on an off. As such, the extractions went very quickly and were done by about 1pm. By this stage, the hallucinations had stopped, but the tranquiliser was still working. Although I was “tripping,” I still felt comfortable and was not concerned about what was going on. Dr De Reys and his wife were constantly monitoring me. We had a short break in the morning – just remembered this – and then a quick lunch, which was very nice, although I was not very hungry at all.

At about 1.30 Dr De Reys gave me the injections and the front of my head – these did not seem as painful as those in my donor area. In fact, I was dreading these, but they were fine. The creation of the hairline was quite painful though. I put a film on, but was still out of it and slept on and off for much of the early part of the afternoon. As with the extraction phase, this was painful in places, but by the end of the day my head felt like I had a helmet on and I could not feel that much. You feel that something is being done, and hear it, but it is not painful. I think we finished by 7.30 and was given a meal before being taken back to the hotel, which is less than 5 minutes away. To be honest, the last couple of hours dragged on a little bit, but other than that it seemed to go reasonably quickly. You will see from the day 1 photos, that more grafts were needed to fill in one of the gaps.

 

I slept relatively well after day 1 and was not in any pain - got to sleep fine, but woke at about 5 am. I felt much better at the start of the second day, but still wanted a tranquiliser just to make the day a little easier. I only had half a tablet this time. I slept again on and off throughout the morning. The extraction phase was finished by about 1pm. We had another break for lunch and the gap was filled in at the front, followed by the crown. The last few hours really dragged on and at one point I thought I was at home, but realised that I was not at home, but having a hair transplant - I was gutted! Dr De Reys could tell I’d had enough, after I asked how many grafts were left a few times. I thought at one point he said 150, but he’d said 350! However, he did not rush and made sure every last graft was implanted.

 

Overall, my experience was very positive. Dr De Reys is very patient and everything I’d read about him before booking the surgery was true. He gave me the uppermost care throughout the two long days. I am really pleased with my results too. He said that the results should be good, as I had lots of two and three hair grafts – very few single hair grafts – so I should have decent density.

 

As I write this now – on Thursday 4th of July, the few scabs that I had on my hairline seem to have almost gone from regularly spraying them with the saline solution. Things are a little sore and I am waiting for the swelling to come!

 

I am really pleased with the decision that I made to have the surgery with Dr De Reys and urge others not to be put off by travelling for the right surgeon. I was quite hesitant about doing this, but I think that this should not be an issue as long as you make sure you do thorough research. There are plenty of charlatans out there, but there are also surgeons who can make a really difference and will care about their patients.

 

I will try and take regular photos and upload them on here.

 

Once again, many thanks to all of those on here who have documented their hair transplant stories. I thought it was only right that I do the same, because I think the more people that do this, the less work the poor surgeons will get, and will eventually be put out of business and not have the opportunity to do more damage.

Edited August 3, 2013 by Edsarn

[fitnessjunkie]

Great write-up, I am looking forward to your updates Edsarn!

[Edsarn]

Thanks! All seems to healing well so far, but have quite a few spots/pimples in the donor and recipient area, which are itching me a bit! I am not sure whether this because of the aloe vera cream/spray aggravating my skin.

[fitnessjunkie]

Thanks! All seems to healing well so far, but have quite a few spots/pimples in the donor and recipient area, which are itching me a bit! I am not sure whether this because of the aloe vera cream/spray aggravating my skin.

 

All normal mate! I had plenty of pimples in both the donor and recipient area.

[Edsarn]

Good to know! Did you carry on with the cream and spray that Rudi gave you? I am considering stopping that for a few days to see if they settle down.

[Tangent22]

Excellent write up!

However I do want to inform readers that you must bargain with this dr. at all times.

 

On the German forum there are some of his patients that got extreme discounts!! It seems that cutting out his rep could save you lotsa cash.

Be warned!

[hairshopeing]

Looks nice!! Great write up!!

[Yiddo]

Great write up, sounds as though you were off your titts for most it..lol

[Edsarn]

Great write up, sounds as though you were off your titts for most it..lol

 

I most certainly was! Definitely helped me get through the two long days. I had some very strange thoughts, particularly on the Monday. Dr De Reys had the radio on, and for almost every song I was imagining myself in the video for the song. Very strange indeed. I also woke myself up snoring a few times!

[Fue123]

Way type of extraction does de Reyes use? Manual? It appears that way since he does 2 day sessions...

[JohnnyDrama]

Yes, he is manual.

[Fue123]

Thanks.

 

There seems to be a lot of 'motorized fue is bad' commentary coming from some forum members. I'm not so convinced. I've read about Dr. Harris' SAFE tool and from what I've read it appears to be a safe method of extraction. I've seen lots of rahal results and also met an FUE patient in person who had 2000 FUE by this method ad was very impressed with the results. Mind you, this was live and up close with some harsh lighting from high hats.

[Edsarn]

Yes, Dr De Reys uses only manual FUE, as he believes it is superior, although more time consuming.

 

Here is a picture from 25th of July - 3 weeks and 2 days after the operation. The redness seems to have calmed down quite a lot in the last few days. I am just left with a few spots, phantom grafts, and a few hairs that have not shed.

[agenteye]

Thanks.

 

There seems to be a lot of 'motorized fue is bad' commentary coming from some forum members. I'm not so convinced. I've read about Dr. Harris' SAFE tool and from what I've read it appears to be a safe method of extraction. I've seen lots of rahal results and also met an FUE patient in person who had 2000 FUE by this method ad was very impressed with the results. Mind you, this was live and up close with some harsh lighting from high hats.

 

 

There is a lot of negative publicity from people on motorized punches because theoretically it provides a less tactile perception for the surgeon, which therefore (speculation) can cause a higher rate of follicular transection to occur.

 

I think it ABSOLUTELY comes down to the skill of the surgeon, and not the tool he/she uses to harvest the grafts. Experience is 99% of the battle. One can chalk it up to the tool being used all they want.....but in the hands of a skilled physician, a motorized fue procedure can have an equally good outcome as one performed with a manual one!!!

[agenteye]

Yes, Dr De Reys uses only manual FUE, as he believes it is superior, although more time consuming.

 

Here is a picture from 25th of July - 3 weeks and 2 days after the operation. The redness seems to have calmed down quite a lot in the last few days. I am just left with a few spots, phantom grafts, and a few hairs that have not shed.

 

Looking good Edsarn, by the way! How are you feeling about it all so far, buddy? Looks like it will be an excellent result for you. 3000 grafts is going to be a great outcome.....and you had your first round on my mom's birthday.....so I'll definitely remember to check back next year when you post your 1 year update!!!!

 

Congrats!

[Mickey85]

Yes, Dr De Reys uses only manual FUE, as he believes it is superior, although more time consuming.

 

Here is a picture from 25th of July - 3 weeks and 2 days after the operation. The redness seems to have calmed down quite a lot in the last few days. I am just left with a few spots, phantom grafts, and a few hairs that have not shed.

 

You picked a great FUE surgeon champ, I look forward to your progress.

 

I also believe manual is superior as it gives the physician the tactile feedback and uses fewer oscillations, not to mention no overheating, more precision etc.

[Edsarn]

Looking good Edsarn, by the way! How are you feeling about it all so far, buddy? Looks like it will be an excellent result for you. 3000 grafts is going to be a great outcome.....and you had your first round on my mom's birthday.....so I'll definitely remember to check back next year when you post your 1 year update!!!!

 

Congrats!

 

Cheers. I guess I am going through the lull after the surgery at the moment! Waited so long to have the operation after thinking about it for years, felt on a high after finally going through with it, and now just waiting to see what the results will be like - so it is a bit of anti-climax. You know the score the though, and I guess it is the same for all of us and something we all go through.

 

I had my first pre-season training session last night, so was a bit worried about what the other players would say. I got my girlfriend to apply some make up over the remaining redness. I can honestly say it is the first time I have played rugby whilst wearing make up. I managed to pull it off as I have always worn a scrum cap and did not hang around after training - made some excuse up!! The things we do....

[nohairline]

Hey mate, not looking too bad there. Thanks for posting the updated pic. Im keeping a keen eye on your progress as you can imagine. Im flying out Sunday. You growing it longer at this stage or i thought you were planning on keeping it trimmed short? Anyway, it doesn't look like you've shed too many what do you think?

[Edsarn]

Hey mate, not looking too bad there. Thanks for posting the updated pic. Im keeping a keen eye on your progress as you can imagine. Im flying out Sunday. You growing it longer at this stage or i thought you were planning on keeping it trimmed short? Anyway, it doesn't look like you've shed too many what do you think?

 

Not long to go now!! I know it is easy for me to say, but really, you will be fine. You might be a little nervous on the first morning, but once you have been there a while you'll settle down and you won't even be worried for the second day.

 

It is a nerve wracking experience having medical treatment abroad, as there are so many horror stories, but Rudi is a top man and a top surgeon. His family will make you feel really welcome, and it is quite relaxing having the operation at his farm house in the countryside away from all of the hustle and bustle. Rudi is also very laid back himself and that puts you more at ease. One the thing that I thought that was quite funny, was that each morning Rudi came to pick me up he had not bothered tying his shoe laces up!!

 

 

Let me know how it goes buddy, but I know you'll be fine.

 

Not sure what to do about my hair. My girlfriend wants me to grow it out a bit, as she said I am starting to look a bit thuggish now, and this is before I have hit the weights ready for the new rugby season - sustained a few black eyes last year, so a skin head and black eyes is not the best of looks. I am not sure my employers are too happy with me having such a short hair cut either. Will just see how it goes.

 

All the best for next week.

 

P.S., If Rudi recommends the film "Good Girl" from his collection decline!! I wanted to watch War Horse, but he didn't think there would be enough time and that Good Girl is funny. I didn't find it funny!!

[nohairline]

Not long to go now!! I know it is easy for me to say, but really, you will be fine. You might be a little nervous on the first morning, but once you have been there a while you'll settle down and you won't even be worried for the second day.

 

It is a nerve wracking experience having medical treatment abroad, as there are so many horror stories, but Rudi is a top man and a top surgeon. His family will make you feel really welcome, and it is quite relaxing having the operation at his farm house in the countryside away from all of the hustle and bustle. Rudi is also very laid back himself and that puts you more at ease. One the thing that I thought that was quite funny, was that each morning Rudi came to pick me up he had not bothered tying his shoe laces up!!

 

 

Let me know how it goes buddy, but I know you'll be fine.

 

Not sure what to do about my hair. My girlfriend wants me to grow it out a bit, as she said I am starting to look a bit thuggish now, and this is before I have hit the weights ready for the new rugby season - sustained a few black eyes last year, so a skin head and black eyes is not the best of looks. I am not sure my employers are too happy with me having such a short hair cut either. Will just see how it goes.

 

All the best for next week.

 

P.S., If Rudi recommends the film "Good Girl" from his collection decline!! I wanted to watch War Horse, but he didn't think there would be enough time and that Good Girl is funny. I didn't find it funny!!

 

Haha classic. Ill keep an eye out for the laces and make sure i stay away from his film collection.

 

Thanks for the support mate ill let you know how I go in a few days

 

Cheers

[Fue123]

There are some pretty bad horror stories of medical treatment state side too

[Edsarn]

I've just posted a one month photo (labelled August 2nd). Things are healing pretty well and the redness is going by the week. In part, I think this is due to the aspirin mask I am using. My girlfriend is a doctor and suggested this can be quite effective in reducing inflammation. I do this around 3 times a week. I did not like the aloe vera creams as they made my spots worse.

 

I know the photo is not the best, but if you look in the recipient area I have a few hairs that have come through. I have stopped shedding though now.

 

I got in touch with my doctor's rep who contacted Dr De Reys, and I received the following information:

 

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I've spoken to Dr De Reys and he has suggested a number of reasons for what you are seeing.

 

 

Firstly he says that some patients do experience growth in some grafts at an early stage. This typically happens when the sheath surrounding the grafts has been cleanly extracted in its entirety. Then it is possible for these grafts to start growing already although they may also be affected by the next point.

 

 

Secondly, it is possible that some of the transplanted grafts are starting to emerge from below the skin as they are pushed out by new hair that is starting to grow beneath the surface. This gives the appearance that the transplanted grafts are growing but actually they are emerging and they will fall out. The new hair growth below the surface will halt and then restart according to the body's natural cycles. This is why the new hair takes several months to start growing.

 

 

Thirdly, he says that since you are an athlete your circulation is probably better than most people and better blood flow causes better growth. Patients who lead sedentary life-style often wait longer to see their hairs start to grow.

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I should state that I am a semi-pro rugby player and definitely don't consider myself an athlete!! I guess I will be fitter than the average, but am no marathon runner. I am pleased that the training I will be doing may help my growth.

 

I am just happy that my hair now looks ok when it is short. I have found that applying small amounts of dry dermatch over the recipient area and then rubbing it in with my fingers looks natural and hides the redness. I plan to keep my hair short for the next 4-5 months and then try growing it to see what it looks like.

[Fue123]

So what you're saying is that because you have not grown out your hair you're not sure if you are satisfied and have not properly evaluated the result of the first surgery yet you are going back for a second?

[growbabygrow]

had my hair done with dr de reys early december ths year

im a norwood 5a-6 had 3000 grafts pretty happy with the outcome to date probably a similar hairline to yours fred

none of the transplanted hairs have fallen out yet after 3 weeks and seem to be growing

[growbabygrow]

A photo under very bright lighting as you can see still a little pink

Edited December 22, 2015 by growbabygrow
No photo