Dr. Erkan Demirsoy - FUE 2710 Grafts (9/18/15) - Long Post

[VectorH]

Location: Istanbul,

Doctor: Erkan Demirsoy

Method: FUE

Grafts:: 2710

Date: September 18, 2015

Coordinated w/: Health Travels (Clemens Weber)

 

 

Brief History:

 

I started losing my hair front and back for the past few years possibly around 7 years ago. While not aggressive, and as per my family history, there is a good chance I’m destined for a shiny scalp but it doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon, at least I hope not.

 

Started looking for solutions so I quickly ruled out Propecia and now I have been taking Minox for the past almost 4 months. I did react extremely well to Minox and many native hairs, especially in the temple area blossomed out of nowhere. I knew this was a very temporary solution, and while it did make my hair look significantly better, I needed a better (temporary as well perhaps) solution…and that was a HT.

 

Shortlisted my doctors immediately to Turkey and my choices were also quickly narrowed down to Dr. Demirsoy, Dr. Erdogan, and Dr. Doganay. After back and forth emails with two of them, I decided to go with Dr. Demirosy - reasons being price, quality, reviews, and while this may sound odd, something about the limited pics I’ve seen of the doctor himself put me at ease. He had this genuine smile on his face that looked like he is genuinely passionate and honest about his work – and that proved to be the case later on.

 

All coordination was done with Clemens from Health Travels who did a superb job. Answered my many questions and offered advice when I asked him. Timely response and an excellent command of English. At this point I was convinced and said what the heck. I transferred the deposit around 3 months ago and booked my surgery for the 18th of September, and ceased any sort of research or reading concerning HTs because if I had continued I may have gone nuts.

 

Pre-Surgery:

 

Flew out from Saudi Arabia with my mother and landed in Sabiha airport on the 17th of September (7 AM) and we were well received by a gentlemen wearing a suit who directed us to the van. The driver was polite, nice and had a smile on his face which is always a positive. He proceeded to drive us to the hotel (Asia City Hotel) where we spent the night.

 

Hotel was super clean, staff were accommodating. Only issue was the AC in the rooms which was really blowing out a “mouth blow” of air and it wasn’t even cold. Somehow, the next day the AC became superb. Either way, the hotel was nice, clean, and the buffet was honestly way better than expected. Good food and a whole lot of variety to choose from. In room service is also quite cheap.

 

While having breakfast upon arrival I must have encountered at least 8 people having breakfast with us who had their heads wrapped around coming out of surgery! It was sort confusing at first then it sort of put me at ease.

Night before the surgery I thought I was going to have an anxiety attack but surprisingly I did not feel or go through any emotions - Slept through the night like a baby.

 

 

The Big Day:

 

Woke up the next day, and we head down to have breakfast at around 7:30AM. A random person who had done his surgery the day before started talking to us and we obviously discussed HT surgery. He asked who I was doing it with etc, etc, and proceeded to warn me about dishonest surgeons in turkey and how they tried cheating him. I won’t name his clinic but he was paying 0.5 Euros a graft, which is considered quite cheap.

 

All of this was done and at 8AM sharp –Thehe infamous Muzaffar shows up to the hotel lobby (excuse me if I have spelled your name wrong) – Excellent command of English, super polite, and helpful beyond expectations. We get in his car and one of the technicians was already in the car and we proceed to drive to the clinic. Around 5 to 10 minutes and we were already in this massive high rise (office was on the 42nd floor).

 

As we head up the elevator, Muzzafar gave me a quick briefing about the procedure and how it will unfold. At that time I felt no fear, no anxiety, but this weird sense of relief that I was about to tackle an issue that has been bugging me for a while. Oddly enough I had this smirk on my face that I couldn’t remove – hopefully I didn’t look silly 

 

We get into the clinic, we get the shoe socks for hygienic reasons and we go into the waiting room which had a glass wall of windows all around with an outstanding view of the entire city – simply incredible and this of course put me even more at ease! Clinic was super clean, modern, and just very inviting. Couple of minutes later Clemens himself shows up and that was my first time meeting him as well. I had seen pics of him so I knew what to expect, but I must admit he does look younger in person! Again, a top guy who is helpful, polite, with a permanent smile on his face!

 

We go into Dr. Demirsoy’s office and we sit down. A couple of minutes later Dr. Demirosy shows up and we get underway with the consultation. Family history, showing him pictures, and just general talk about my family history (hair loss) and what preferences I would like and what are my future plans, etc.

 

And it was now time to draw the hairline which took about 15-20minutes overall. This part was great as everyone was involved so it was sort of a group discussion between my mother, Clemens, Dr. Demirsoy, and myself. We agreed on the hairline and then Dr. Demirsoy suggested around 2500 grafts to get a decent density. Initially, through the online consultation I was told I would need around 3500 to 4000 (which included the crown). I had changed my mind though and I only wanted to worry about the frontal 3rd for the time being. I also wanted to do the bridge area but they suggested I have good enough density there and that these hair typically last the longest so I figured I would worry about that area later on. I agreed to do the frontal 1/3 (perhaps a bit more) and they re-confirmed around 2500 grafts with the possibility of getting 2750 max. I agreed.

 

Muzzafar then takes me into a room, gives me a surgical scrub thing to wear and I immediately proceed to a room where my head gets shaved down by the two lovely technicians. I then go take pictures of my shaved head and proceed back into the surgery room. I was told to lay on my left side and it all happened so quickly that it didn’t really cross my mind that ‘wait a minute, I’m about to begin the procedure right now”.

 

I lay down and the lady tech scrubs the donor area and shaves it even closer. She then mentions “Anesthesia, sorry” I smiled and said go ahead…and the injections came along. It was much less painful that I had thought and the first few were only slightly painful as your head begins to feel numb. Only half of my donor area was done during that time.

 

After about 10-20 minutes. Dr. Demirsoy came in and immediately began drilling (punching whatever it’s called). He would punch, harvest some grafts, and sometimes the nurse would come in and help with the harvesting. Finished one side and the same thing happened on the other side. Tech shaves closer, “Anesthesia, sorry” and gets right on it  I felt more pain on my left side than on my right and I have no idea why. It wasn’t extremely painful but let’s just say it was more painful than the other side. Again Dr. Demirsoy comes in begins punching and extracting with the help of the nurse and we was done from that side. Throughout the whole punching and extraction I didn’t feel a single thing. I actually almost fell asleep a couple of time. The doc would mention every once in a while “XXXX, everything ok?” I respond back with “I’m doing great!” And he continues…

 

Finally I was flipped over to my back and here goes the last call of “Anesthesia, sorry” round (made me giggle each time) for the opening of the channels. These were equally painful to my left side but didn’t last as long. Doc comes in starts a few incisions on the hairline and then we stop and go out to have lunch. During that whole time Muzzafar kept coming inside the surgery room and asking me if everything was OK and if I had any questions and eventually what I wanted to eat.

 

It was around 1:30 PM by now and I was still feeling extremely fresh with no pain, fatigue, or any discomfort. We stopped then and moved to the waiting room where I had a delicious piece of chicken breast. I was hungry so I shamelessly destroyed my plate. Around 15-20 minutes after that and I was back in the room. Dr. Demirosy continued doing incisions for the channels and I didn’t feel any pain. This was completed in an hour and this part was all done.

 

The final stretch was the ladies inserting the grafts which was the longest time I had to stay put in a stationary position, and probably the most uncomfortable part of the procedure as I was positioned on my back for a while and I hate that. During this I also felt I was about to fall asleep but I was enjoying the music videos that were being played on the TV screen in front of me. This entire part took about 3 hours and the last hour or so is when I started feeling fidgety but I knew the finish line was near as Muzzafar updated me when he walked in.

 

Finally, it was all done! My head gets wrapped and I step out to look at my new me and I was super impressed by the cleanliness of the work. The way the line was constructed was fantastic and was everything I had envisioned. Bleeding was minimal and my head almost looked normal. Only discomfort was the band aid that was tied across the forehead to avoid swelling put a lot of pressure on it and I can see blood gathering across the forehead.

 

We went in the photography room and Dr. Demirsoy snaps a few pictures of my drilled/punctured head and off I went back into the waiting/room. Muzzafar comes in with the bill and I pay the balance (previously sent a deposit of 500 euros). Tells me not to tilt my head down, and how to sleep the night, and gives me antibiotics and anti-inflammatory pills. I take one each and off we went back to the hotel with my mother, both technicians and myself with Muzzafar taking us there. I felt virtually no pain at all either in my recipient or my donor. Only felt some serious pressure in my forehead. Before I went to bed, I popped an anti-inflammatory pill, took out my neck pillow and “slept” the night.

 

Day after Surgery:

 

Next morning we were again picked up by Muzzafar at 8AM sharp and the same tech that was there the first time was also in the car and we head to the clinic. I sit down in the waiting room and the tech comes in, dabs some lotion and Muzzafar briefs us about the upcoming few days – do’s and don’ts.

 

About 15-20 minutes later I get taken in for my first wash. Tech cuts the band air which felt like a huge relief. This was done in about 5-10 minutes and only slight discomfort (burning) in the donor area when touched. Recipient area felt a bit tender but was ok. Went out and looked at myself and though being shaved doesn’t look bad at all! I noticed a bulge across my forehead which will eventually go away from all the fluids that gathered there.

 

Dr. Demirsoy shows up with his smile asks how everything is. Looks at me and says I’m healing very well. My mother insisted I take a picture with Muzaffar and the Doc and we obliged  He takes me into the photography room and takes a few photos of me. We then move into the waiting room and continue to talk about how the procedure went yesterday. He said the punching and extraction of the grafts was very easy but the placement of the grafts was a little bit tricky as some kept popping out but not to worry. He also mentioned I will have decent coverage as the majority of my hairs were doubles and triples and that they were thick terminal hairs. I asked how many I have left for the future and he mentioned there is sufficient donor hairs and can possibly get around 3000 (I may need to reconfirm that), which is also very comforting to hear. He “scanned” my head one more time, and removed the band air at the back of my head that the tech placed as there was some bleeding there after the wash.

 

He gets my bandana, hat, personally puts them on me as we pack our meds. And that was it…we say our goodbyes and get driven back to the hotel by Muzzafar. Muzaffar contacts Clemens to inquire about our transportation arrangements and we were back at the hotel. We thank Muzzafar and we say our goodbyes.

 

Closing Remarks:

 

The whole arrangement from email one to the end of the surgery felt extremely personal – and this was exactly why I had chosen this clinic. I’m not going to get into details but these guys, from both techs to Muzzafar, to Clemens, to the Dr. himself were absolutely top notch from every possible perspective.

 

Only thing left is the outcome of the surgery. While I do understand that nothing is guaranteed, I do genuinely believe they did everything possible to make sure I get an excellent outcome and I hope for that as well. Of course, in the unlikely event I don’t get a good outcome I will certainly be disappointed but as mentioned before, I won’t hold the doctor or his team liable for that. I’ve seen the results of this doctor and his team and I’m confident he is capable of delivering top outcomes and in the end it was my decision to proceed with him..

 

Clemens, I know you are reading this so please send my regards to the entire staff and I thank you for everything that you guys were able to provide us. My mother and I are truly grateful for your hospitality and we wish you guys the best of luck in the future.

 

Note: I will be updating this thread quite frequently so if you have any questions then please ask

 

Hi-res download link:

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/hvab6psg4gbkmui/AACax6G37-Uzapu2j1ESTceFa?dl=0

 

Cheers.

 

H

 

Photos:

[Dolph1969]

Great write up. His work looks great. That's why I chose him after researching this. I'm getting excited about seeing him in January. Keep us posted. If there's anything I should know, airport procedure, what to bring etc, please pm me.

[VectorH]

Great write up. His work looks great. That's why I chose him after researching this. I'm getting excited about seeing him in January. Keep us posted. If there's anything I should know, airport procedure, what to bring etc, please pm me.

 

PM'd you some tips.

[Mickey85]

Have always loved Demirsoy's prestine work and ethics. Wishing you an amazing result.

[k1]

Hehe I did my surgery the day before you with Dr Demirsoy. So I did my first wash at the clinic the same day as your surgery. Im pretty sure I saw your mother waiting in the office when I was there:)

 

I was thinking of doing my own forum post about the procerdure. But it will be exatcly the same as yours. I could as well copy everything you wrote since everything was the same for me. From getting picked up at the airport until we said good bye,

 

As you said its to early to know the outcome but I also think everything was really good. Clemens, Muzafer, nurses and Dr Demirsoy is all very friendly and professional. I was also very impressed about the cleaniness of the work and there where almost no blood. Everything looked really clean and good after the work.

 

Looking forward to follow you. Im one day ahead of you so it will be interesting to compare the progress!

[VectorH]

Hehe I did my surgery the day before you with Dr Demirsoy. So I did my first wash at the clinic the same day as your surgery. Im pretty sure I saw your mother waiting in the office when I was there:)

 

I was thinking of doing my own forum post about the procerdure. But it will be exatcly the same as yours. I could as well copy everything you wrote since everything was the same for me. From getting picked up at the airport until we said good bye,

 

As you said its to early to know the outcome but I also think everything was really good. Clemens, Muzafer, nurses and Dr Demirsoy is all very friendly and professional. I was also very impressed about the cleaniness of the work and there where almost no blood. Everything looked really clean and good after the work.

 

Looking forward to follow you. Im one day ahead of you so it will be interesting to compare the progress!

 

 

Yes that was definitely you and you indeed did see my mother. Muzaffer did inform me about a certain patient being picked up for a wash and then my mother told me about a patient who came in for his first wash - quite a coincidence!

 

Best of luck to you as well!

[feldeghast]

Best wishes for a good outcome. I had my FUE done with Dr Demirsoy in May 2015 and things are looking good now after the 'ugly' phase. Excellent team as your report covers very well.

[VectorH]

Below are some pics of day 7 post op. Yesterday was my first attempt at removing the scabs and I think I did well - but quite a bit remain and I will be going at them today with a little bit more pressure with my aim of removing all of them within the next 48 hours or so.

 

Donor area seems to have healed quite quickly however there are 3 or 4 spots which give me slight discomfort if I sleep on them.

[Td06]

Looks good. Happy growing!

[laughnlearn]

Happy growing and thanks for the detailed write up VectorH. Very helpful post....I can totally relate when u say had the HT research continued you might have gone nuts. I've actually done research for the last couple of years and I am still undecided in terms of which doc to pick. In any event, again happy growing and it'll be interesting to see the progress of Dermirsoy's work.

Edited September 26, 2015 by laughnlearn

[VectorH]

Pretty much all the scabs have now been removed with only a few left, below are the pics. Donor area is still the same as the previous pic so no point in uploading any for today.

 

I will try to update this thread 2 more times with pics for the short term, first being around the 14th day and the second after the shedding. Then, there will be long break until the hairs start coming out and I will be back with more pics.

[Dolph1969]

Any updates?

[VectorH]

Transplanted hairs have been shedding since day 14. At the moment, only 5 days away from the one month mark and I say I still have around 50% of the transplanted hairs, but at this rate they will probably all shed very soon.

 

I will get some pics up on the 1 month mark, which is in 5 days.

[darlinglocks]

This looks very good VectorH.

 

Happy growing!

[Pete-from-Farjo]

Nice write up. Work looks good. Grow well!

[DaveyB]

looks good

[TakingThePlunge]

The work looks very good! Grow well!

[DaveyB]

Why isn't Dr Demirsoy recommended?

[VectorH]

Hey guys, thanks for the kind words!

 

Shedding is still coming along. Despite being expected, it's still a bit disheartening - I think everyone at some point wished they were part of the 5% non shedders

 

Anyway I'm away on a business trip at the moment and I will try to upload some pics this coming weekend.

 

As for Dr. Demirsoy not being recommended I have no idea how it works on this site such as the Doctor having to apply or something of that sort.

[Sethticles]

Killer looking hairline!

[DaveyB]

Looks really tidy but I wonder if the back is over-havested?

[VectorH]

Looks really tidy but I wonder if the back is over-havested?

 

Thanks for the comment!

 

As for over harvesting, I actually just looked at my pics the clinic provided and decided to get an estimate. I drew a small box and counted the graft count inside that box. So let's say there was around 40 grafts harvested per box. I then drew multiple boxes across the entire back and right side (which is the side he took more grafts from) and got around 1,900 grafts.

 

This is a very rough estimate but it seems to be inline with everything I've seen so far. I also trust Dr. Demirsoy and his team

[VectorH]

Hey guys, 1 month post op pics below. As you can see I've lost pretty much the majority of my transplanted hair but there are a few soldiers still standing strong.

 

At this point I can't really tell which are the new hairs and which are the native. I know for sure the thicker middle part of my frontal 1/3rd are mainly from the native hairs coming back out.

 

I also noticed some very, very small black terminal hairs sprouting all over (well not all over, but quite a bit of them) and can be seen if you look closely. What are those?

 

Anyway here are the pics and the Dropbox link contains higher res photos.

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/imuh9q97q4uszdn/AADuliTUZi5cBkolvJ96xeHoa?dl=0

[Dolph1969]

Looking good. Glad the redness has gone. That's my big worry come January when I see Demirsoy.:eek:

[laughnlearn]

Clean and impressive work. Looks like you r gonna have quite a natural/dense looking hairline after it grows in.