Megasesh Posted April 1, 2015 Share Posted April 1, 2015 Firstly I would like to thank this site and all its contributors over the years for helping me weigh up my options and eventually committing to undergo a hair transplant with Hassan and Wong. I would also like to thank David Anderson for his guidance and his part in convincing me to take action after many years of careful deliberation (indecisiveness!) Brief History I first noticed that my hair was starting to thin when I was around 24 years old (currently 36) and immediately arranged a visit to the Belgravia Centre in Victoria, London. I was prescribed a combination of Propecia and Minoxidil and after a few months noticed a significant improvement in my hair. However, I also noticed some unwanted sexual and psychological side effects so discontinued Propecia. The side effects eventually diminished and over the years I have tried experimenting with different dosages of Propecia but the side effects would present themselves again so unfortunately I reached the conclusion that oral Propecia was not for me. I continued with Minoxidil and have had some success with this but my hair loss gradually continued. Towards the end of 2011 I started looking into the possibility of having a hair transplant and started browsing on this forum, as well as others and also arranged some consultations with surgeons or their representatives. I spent the last 4-5 years agonising over making a decision and in the end it was my girlfriend (who had had enough of my dithering!) as well as David Andersons advice and encouragement, not to mention the amazing and consistent results that Hassan and Wong have kept producing that made me finally build up the courage to pay the deposit and book the procedure. I had several consultations with David Anderson over the years and met with Dr. Wong in London who advised me that we would be aiming for circa 4,500 grafts to mainly the frontal third to increase density. My surgery was booked for the 2nd March 2015... I paid the deposit and booked the flights... no turning back now!!! A trip to Vancouver I booked a direct flight from Heathrow to Vancouver with Air Canada and flew out on Saturday 28th March. I would highly recommend Air Canada. In flight service was amazing and their staff were very friendly and efficient. I stayed at the Sheraton hotel in Vancouver which was kindly arranged by Christina from H&W. I stayed for 4 nights and H&W agreed to pay for 2 nights. The hotel was lovely. The rooms were very clean and quiet and the food was excellent. I would also recommend taking an extra few days beforehand to see a bit of this beautiful city. Surgery day I arrived at Hassan and Wong's offices at 6am to begin my procedure. After a few pictures I was greeted by Dr. Wong who shaved my hair down and drew on, and showed me where my new hairline would be. I give Dr. Wong the green light to 'max out' and transplant as many grafts as possible. I was filled with excitement and trepidation and looking forward to getting the procedure out of the way as I wasn't sure what to expect! The first part of the procedure involves harvesting the donor strip which I have to admit I really wasn't looking forward to. The first few anaesthetic injections hurt a little bit (on par with dental anaesthetic) but after that the process of removing the strip was pain free and with little discomfort. I was advised by Dr. Wong during the surgery that I had amazing scalp laxity (I started scalp stretching exercises from about 3 months pre-surgery) Once the strip had been harvested Dr. Wong's large team set about preparing the follicles for transplantation and after a quick break and some further anaesthetic to the scalp (again, slightly painful at first but suitably numbed thereafter) Dr. Wong and his team began the lengthy and labour intensive process of planting the grafts in the recipient area. At 10pm and after 16 hours in the chair, my transplant was complete. Strip 31.5 x 2 cms 7589 grafts 1h - 1527 - 0.61 2h - 4338 - 0.88 3-4h - 1724 - 1.00 I was amazed by the number of grafts yielded and very happy that Dr. Wong managed full scalp coverage. My bank balance was not as happy but I am sure will recover in time! I should also add that I have started applying topical finasteride prescribed by Dr. Wong. Hopefully this will help maintain, with no/minimal systematic sides. The pictures taken are pre-procedure and the last one is 24 hours post procedure. Will keep you all updated as I progress. Fingers crossed and looking forward to harvest time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member chrisdav Posted April 1, 2015 Senior Member Share Posted April 1, 2015 Well done Megasesh. You are going to get some serious coverage with that many grafts!! Will follow your progress. 2 poor unsatisfactory hair transplants performed in the UK. Based on vast research and meeting patients, I travelled to see Dr Feller in New York to get repaired. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megasesh Posted April 1, 2015 Author Share Posted April 1, 2015 Many thanks chrisdav! Keeping fingers crossed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Danyb Posted April 1, 2015 Regular Member Share Posted April 1, 2015 I am sure this will turn out great. You chose one of the best Docs. out there, Megasesh. Looks amazing as their usual work. Happy growing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member 1978matt Posted April 1, 2015 Senior Member Share Posted April 1, 2015 Should be a crazy outcome based on your hair characteristics. I see you had your temple points done. Good call. 4,312 FUT grafts (7,676 hairs) with Ray Konior, MD - August 2013 1,145 FUE grafts (3,152 hairs) with Ray Konior, MD - August 2018 763 FUE grafts (2,094 hairs) with Ray Konior, MD - January 2020 Proscar 1.25mg every 3rd day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member MusoInOz Posted April 2, 2015 Senior Member Share Posted April 2, 2015 Looks clean as mate!! "The road to success is always under construction" :cool: I represent Dr Rahal and the associated clinic as a paid patient advisor. I am also here to assist fellow Australian/NZ Hair Loss sufferers both on and off the forum. Contact: mbhounslow@gmail.com - Mike. Hair Transplant Surgery: June 3rd 2011 2800 Grafts to frontal 1/3 By Dr Rahal in Ottawa, Canada Current Hair Loss Arsenal: Dutas .5mg every day 1.5 years and Proscar 5mg (Cut into 1/4): x1 Daily 10 years Hair-A-Gain Generic Minox: x2 Daily 13 years (Applied wet in mornings) Other Random products put to use during my hair loss battle (not in use): Spiro Cream 5mg Minox 15% Dr Proctor's Nano Shampoo Various Herbal supplements Toppik/ Nanogen Saw Palmetto Provillus - LOL Nanogen Shampoo Laser Treatments (Epic Fail) 10 long years of HT and general HL research.:cool: *I am not a medical professional, I only offer my own advice from personal experiences and years of detailed research* Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Garageland Posted April 2, 2015 Senior Member Share Posted April 2, 2015 Megasesh, Appropriate name for sure! The number of grafts that you got is not something we hit very often in one session but every now and then when the requirement is there and the stars align with great density and laxity it can happen. Thanks for your kind words about your experience I was happy to have been able to help along the way. I really hope you stick around and document your results and look forward to following your progress and meeting with you in London to see how you are getting along in the near future. --- Former patient and representative for Hasson & Wong. Dr. Victor Hasson and Dr. Jerry Wong are esteemed members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians. My opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hasson & Wong. My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Hasson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete-from-Farjo Posted April 2, 2015 Share Posted April 2, 2015 Nice write-up. Sounds like it was a long day but I'm sure it will prove worthwhile in a few months time. Look forward to your updates. I am an online representative for Farjo Hair Institute Dr. Bessam Farjo is an esteemed member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions shared are my own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member thatoldchestnut Posted April 2, 2015 Senior Member Share Posted April 2, 2015 Great write up. 100% Agree on Vancouver, used to live there and it's almost reason enough to book with H & W! Wishing your head (and bank balance ) a speedy recovery! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KO Posted April 2, 2015 Senior Member Share Posted April 2, 2015 Monster result coming, especially it is such a small balding area. 3382 FUE Lupanzula http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/185463-3382-grafts-lupanzula.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Kootrapali Posted April 2, 2015 Regular Member Share Posted April 2, 2015 8000 grafts ......how is it possible from one single strip. ...... Is it h&w awesomeness or the dudes hair and scalps properties ?...... All other hair transplantees are jealous Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member ash809 Posted April 2, 2015 Regular Member Share Posted April 2, 2015 7589 grafts is alot in one session...Could you let us know how much did it cost for you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member fortune11 Posted April 2, 2015 Senior Member Share Posted April 2, 2015 Wow ... this is one case that will be followed eagerly on this board -- megasesh , do keep us posted . And congratulations on taking such a big step forward ! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- FUT #1, ~ 1600 grafts hairline (Ron Shapiro 2004) FUT #2 ~ 2000 grafts frontal third (Ziering 2011) FUT #3 ~ 1900 grafts midscalp (Ron Shapiro early 2015) FUE ~ 1500 grafts frontal third, side scalp, FUT scar repair --300 beard, 1200 scalp (Ron Shapiro, late 2016) http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/185663-recent-fue-dr-ron-shapiro-prior-fut-patient.html --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megasesh Posted April 8, 2015 Author Share Posted April 8, 2015 Hi guys and many thanks for your replies! I will keep you all posted. I have just passed the 1 month mark and most of the transplanted grafts have fallen out. I have managed to keep the procedure secret from everyone apart from my girlfriend and have been using Nanogen fibres (amazing stuff!) on top so it just looks like I have cut my hair short and so far no one has twigged! Luckily I didn't suffer too much shock loss which has given the fibres something to bond with. My scar seems to be healing nicely and is concealed at about a grade 3. I will attach some updated pictures later on of scalp both naked and with fibres applied and of the scar healing progress. One thing I have noticed is that my scalp is constantly itchy and there appears to be some spots and pimples in different areas. I went to visit my GP and she prescribed a weeks course of anti-biotics and said that it looks like folliculitis. Have any other HT vets experienced similar? I am hoping that it will not effect my outcome. Kootrapali, it was a combination of freakish scalp laxity and pretty good density and also choosing Hassan & Wong who are renowned for producing great results for large sessions. ash809, Hassan and Wong charge $5 per graft up to 2000 grafts then $3 per graft there after... so $26,767 in total (There goes that new BMW... oh well!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member scar5 Posted April 8, 2015 Senior Member Share Posted April 8, 2015 Hassan and Wong charge $5 per graft up to 2000 grafts then $3 per graft there after... Pretty good value when you think about it. Ear-to-ear scars are always usually invisible as you continue to bald. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeTillman Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 Pretty good value when you think about it. Ear-to-ear scars are always usually invisible as you continue to bald. This is completely uncalled for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member chrisdav Posted April 8, 2015 Senior Member Share Posted April 8, 2015 This is completely uncalled for. I agree. 2 poor unsatisfactory hair transplants performed in the UK. Based on vast research and meeting patients, I travelled to see Dr Feller in New York to get repaired. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill - Seemiller Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 Scar5, We are all well aware of your view of strip and that you prefer FUE. However, I agree that your comment is out of line. While members will share different opinions, we expect them to be respectful which is clearly something you are lacking here. If you have nothing constructive to say on this topic (or any other for that matter), please refrain from posting. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Yiddo Posted April 9, 2015 Senior Member Share Posted April 9, 2015 This is gonna be an amazing result. It's a lot of cash, but for the best clinic in the world for strip surgey, I would say it's worth every penny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megasesh Posted April 9, 2015 Author Share Posted April 9, 2015 scar5, I am aware of the risks involved of having this kind of procedure and the point you have made (I am presuming sarcastically) is one of the reasons that it took me so long to make a decision and commit. It was something that I investigated thoroughly and the decision was not taken lightly. I was at a crossroads in my hair loss where the options were to accept going bald gracefully and shave my head or take action... time will tell if I have made the right decision but I am happy that I have made the right decision for now. Nobody knows the extent to which one will continue balding so there will always be an element of risk involved. I presume from your handle that you have had an unsatisfactory result in the past. Sorry to hear about that. Have you considered MSP as an option to conceal? I have seen some amazing MSP results lately! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Noodles123 Posted April 9, 2015 Senior Member Share Posted April 9, 2015 In a topic discussing the pros and cons of FUE / Strip, that might be okay. But this is someone's personal blog of his experience. No need to undermine his choices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Postdoc Posted April 9, 2015 Senior Member Share Posted April 9, 2015 Megasesh, That's a seriously impressive number of grafts! It took me two trips with Air Canada to obtain that number of grafts with Dr Hasson. It looks like we share similar hair characteristics. The end result should be fantastic. Out of interest, did you research any UK options for your HT? My Hair Loss WebLog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Megasesh Posted April 9, 2015 Author Share Posted April 9, 2015 I met with some Farjo reps and was impressed but for me the before and after videos and pictures for H&W won me over... I had no idea that them kind of results were possible.... Great to see many other surgeons stepping up now both physically and providing multi media proof of their results... We (as baldies) are very lucky to be alive right now and taking advantage of this crazy level of expertise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member splitting hairs Posted April 11, 2015 Senior Member Share Posted April 11, 2015 Congrats on your procedure megasesh! Should be a cracking result! You mentioned you can't tolerate propecia. Just wanted to let you know I heard Hasson and Wong apparently have topical finasteride prepared for them which they sell to patients. You might want to check it out to help with the longevity of your result. _________________________________________________ Propecia since July 2008 2201 Grafts with Dr Lorenzo on 19.10.22 - See my write up here: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member optimist800 Posted April 11, 2015 Regular Member Share Posted April 11, 2015 Well done, Megasesh. From what I've seen of their work you're going to get a great result. Did they say you'd one day need another session or should this be the first and last? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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