Failed FUE, need advice

[nomorehopes7878]

Hi guys

 

I had my FUE 1.5 year ago and I guess the current result is the final one.

I had a HT with a (well-known at this forum) Turkish surgeon and the final result is awful.

According to my personal estimation only 25% of grafts survived out of almost 4000 HT.

I contacted the clinics and they agreed that the result is very poor and agreed to do a second HT with a "significant discount".

 

To be honest, I was told right before HT that my donor area doesn't look good, but the surgeon will do the best he can.

 

The reason why I am writing this post is to find out how many people are there with a failed FUE, is there any sense in taking another HT.

Edited February 10, 2016 by nomorehopes7878
typo

[nomorehopes7878]

BTW, I am a new forum member and I can't reply to your personal messages at the moment.

I hope this is fixed by tomorrow.

I really want someone to share his similar experience with me or give a good piece of advices

[Melvin- Admin]

Was it Dr. Doganay? And can you post pics of the recipient and donor.

[delancey]

Isn't it funny how the name Dr. Doganay has become synonymous with commonplace and poor growth?

 

NoMoreHopes: I had a failed surgery with a well-known surgeon in Turkey.

HTsoon: Was it Doganay?

 

LOL.

 

NoMoreHopes,

 

I am really sorry to hear this. Have you consulted with a top Doctor in regards to your situation and what can be done? Perhaps you may consider visiting a top Doctor to evaluate your situation. Out of curiosity, which Norwood are you?

[HairJo]

If I were you and I had enough donor hair I would definitely get an FUT surgery. It's also called the strip surgery. What probably happened is that your follicles were not strong enough to take the trauma of the fue procedure but the fut procedure is more gentile. Look for a doctor in your area who has experience in fut and has big experienced staff and i'll bet you'll grow much better than you did for the fue. I just hope you have enough donor area left to get a good fut and get the result you want.

[nomorehopes7878]

No it's not Doganay,

To be honest, I would like not to disclose his name publicly at this moment due to several reasons. (But I guess you can pm me).

 

Here are some before and after pics.

I guess, it is even difficult to tell which one is which.

 

I think my donor would be enough to give me another 500 graft max to fix frontal top area.

It is difficult to choose a top doctor now, because I thought I had done my research well before HT and I was wrong.

 

It feels like you can trust no one.

It would be nice to hear from someone who found a courage to do a second HT after a FUE failure.

[Melvin- Admin]

4,000 graft FUE procedure in one surgery narrows it down to one other clinic which is erdogan, there's nothing wrong with naming the clinic, if you've had a poor result and they've acknowledged that its poor there's no reason why you shouldn't name them.

 

With that being said, it's hard to tell with the pictures you posted, the benefit of any transplant is being able to grow your hair out and layer them on top of each other to create an illusion of density, if I were to cut my hair short like you, my result wouldn't look as good, you may want to let the top grow out you might be surprised, as for corrections, if all you have is 500 grafts left, that won't really do much, you may want to consider BHT and trico pigmentation to help with density.

[nomorehopes7878]

Well, a pic called 3(2) is after HT.

Thanks for your advice on BHT or Trico pigmentation.

[Dr. Alan Feller]

Hi guys

 

I had my FUE 1.5 year ago and I guess the current result is the final one.

I had a HT with a (well-known at this forum) Turkish surgeon and the final result is awful.

According to my personal estimation only 25% of grafts survived out of almost 4000 HT.

I contacted the clinics and they agreed that the result is very poor and agreed to do a second HT with a "significant discount".

 

To be honest, I was told right before HT that my donor area doesn't look good, but the surgeon will do the best he can.

 

The reason why I am writing this post is to find out how many people are there with a failed FUE, is there any sense in taking another HT.

 

Nomorehopes,

I'm sorry to read that you had such a poor growth yield. But you need not give up hope. You are not the only one to go through this at all. I had a patient in your shoes a year ago and he posted his experience on here. I'll find the link for you tomorrow so you can see what he did. You may want to contact him.

 

So what probably happened? No HT is guaranteed to grow well. That's just the nature of surgery in general. However, and I'm sorry to say, FUE procedures are notorious for poor growth yields despite the massive internet hype and marketing by gadget companies.

 

The reason is the trauma inflicted on the grafts during the extraction process. No matter how caring, skilled, and meticulous the surgeon the grafts are always damaged during FUE. It's just a matter to what extent and what tolerance level the graft has for that damage. I'm sorry to see you're grafts have a low tolerance.

 

So what to do? Simple. Switch to the FUT procedure. This procedure does not traumatize the grafts. So even very physiologically fragile grafts have a far far greater chance of surviving the transplant process and growing.

 

In my patient described above he had virtually no growth from his FUE (performed elsewhere though I don't remember where that was), but after the FUT he had virtually 100% growth. We just did a second procedure on him using FUT as well. While we did have to work through a lot of FUE scarring, it really isn't a problem for a skilled team of technicians.

 

So before giving up hope, seek out a quality FUT surgeon with a proven track record and I should think you will see growth far more along the lines of what you were expecting. Just go to the list of Recommended Doctors on this site and click on someone in your area. I think you'll feel instantly better and more hopeful.

 

LINK TO FAILED FUE REPAIRED WITH FUT:

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/181104-failed-fue-repaired-dr-feller-thank-you-dr-feller.html

 

Best of luck to you.

Dr. Feller

Great Neck,NY

Edited February 11, 2016 by Dr. Alan Feller
Link added to post

[HairJo]

I know you feel like giving up I would feel the same way but if your'e not happy you should at least go for a consult with an experienced doctor who knows how to fix these kind of problems . The doctor will evaluate your donor area and see what he has to work with if you have enough I would do FUT that's your best shot in my opinion. Good luck

[Melvin- Admin]

Nomorehopes,

I'm sorry to read that you had such a poor growth yield. But you need not give up hope. You are not the only one to go through this at all. I had a patient in your shoes a year ago and he posted his experience on here. I'll find the link for you tomorrow so you can see what he did. You may want to contact him.

 

So what probably happened? No HT is guaranteed to grow well. That's just the nature of surgery in general. However, and I'm sorry to say, FUE procedures are notorious for poor growth yields despite the massive internet hype and marketing by gadget companies.

 

The reason is the trauma inflicted on the grafts during the extraction process. No matter how caring, skilled, and meticulous the surgeon the grafts are always damaged during FUE. It's just a matter to what extent and what tolerance level the graft has for that damage. I'm sorry to see you're grafts have a low tolerance.

 

So what to do? Simple. Switch to the FUT procedure. This procedure does not traumatize the grafts. So even very physiologically fragile grafts have a far far greater chance of surviving the transplant process and growing.

 

In my patient described above he had virtually no growth from his FUE (performed elsewhere though I don't remember where that was), but after the FUT he had virtually 100% growth. We just did a second procedure on him using FUT as well. While we did have to work through a lot of FUE scarring, it really isn't a problem for a skilled team of technicians.

 

So before giving up hope, seek out a quality FUT surgeon with a proven track record and I should think you will see growth far more along the lines of what you were expecting. Just go to the list of Recommended Doctors on this site and click on someone in your area. I think you'll feel instantly better and more hopeful.

 

Best of luck to you.

Dr. Feller

Great Neck,NY

 

Didn't you say that having an FUE procedure first causes such a level of subdermal scarring that having an FUT afterwards is nearly impossible?

[nomorehopes7878]

Nomorehopes,

I'm sorry to read that you had such a poor growth yield. But you need not give up hope. You are not the only one to go through this at all. I had a patient in your shoes a year ago and he posted his experience on here. I'll find the link for you tomorrow so you can see what he did. You may want to contact him.

 

So what probably happened? No HT is guaranteed to grow well. That's just the nature of surgery in general. However, and I'm sorry to say, FUE procedures are notorious for poor growth yields despite the massive internet hype and marketing by gadget companies.

 

The reason is the trauma inflicted on the grafts during the extraction process. No matter how caring, skilled, and meticulous the surgeon the grafts are always damaged during FUE. It's just a matter to what extent and what tolerance level the graft has for that damage. I'm sorry to see you're grafts have a low tolerance.

 

So what to do? Simple. Switch to the FUT procedure. This procedure does not traumatize the grafts. So even very physiologically fragile grafts have a far far greater chance of surviving the transplant process and growing.

 

In my patient described above he had virtually no growth from his FUE (performed elsewhere though I don't remember where that was), but after the FUT he had virtually 100% growth. We just did a second procedure on him using FUT as well. While we did have to work through a lot of FUE scarring, it really isn't a problem for a skilled team of technicians.

 

So before giving up hope, seek out a quality FUT surgeon with a proven track record and I should think you will see growth far more along the lines of what you were expecting. Just go to the list of Recommended Doctors on this site and click on someone in your area. I think you'll feel instantly better and more hopeful.

 

Best of luck to you.

Dr. Feller

Great Neck,NY

 

Thank you Dr. Feller for such a detailed piece of advice.

I would really appreciate the link to your patient mentioned above, because it sounds like something that can be done. Could you please explain why extracting grafts during the FUT procedure is less damaging?

 

I am surprised I have never heard about the fact that FUE is more damaging than FUT. Probably I just missed it because I thought my donor hair is good and strong, so I paid no attention to this fact.

 

To people flying to another country for a HT, I would definitely recommend to get professional consultation locally first.

[nomorehopes7878]

Thanks HairJo

I guess you are right the consultation with an experienced doctor is the best option right now.

The only thing is I have that feeling that most of surgeons will say "Well, you don;t have many chances but let's try our best and see what happens".

Edited February 11, 2016 by nomorehopes7878
typo

[HairJo]

Keep searching if you get answers like that. You want to go to someone who will sit down with you and discuss a plan for you. If you're interested in going to N.Y. I would recommend Dr. Feller he does great repair work and he will be honest about what he can and cannot do he won't BS you into a surgery just to make money . He will examine what was already done to you with your other transplants and if he can he will find the best place in your donor to take a strip. To answer your question about Fue well they are cut with a punch or tool and no doctor can see under the skin they must go around the hair grouping under the skin so they try their best to score the skin and pull them out, with a strip the hair grouping are visible and the techs can dissect around them not injuring them and that ensures better survival then a graft that has blindly being plucked out.

When transplanting flowers or plants you don't just rip them out of the ground you would destroy the roots yes some may stay in tack but some will be ripped away causing trauma to the plant where is if you carefully dug it out with most of it's soil around your'e chances of that plant surviving transplantation is almost 95% because it's still surrounded by the protective soil it's left in tact same is true for an FUT it has more tissue around it to support the graft. I hope this helps you get the results you wanted in the first place . Good luck to you and keep us informed on what you decide to do. I hope this advise will help you.

[1978matt]

To be honest, I was told right before HT that my donor area doesn't look good, but the surgeon will do the best he can.

.

 

What did he say was wrong with your donor? Low density?

 

He should have offered you a refund or option to switch to FUT.

 

Just going ahead with a megasession seems unethical to me.

 

As Dr Feller says you could switch to FUT depending on the condition of your donor area.

 

If you're a bit wary of that, you could find a surgeon willing to do a test-session before you commit to a long linear scar. You would end up with a short scar (a few cm max) but get to see if FUT will grow better for you.

 

Best of luck.

[Dr. Alan Feller]

Here is a link to another failed FUE that we fixed with FUT.

 

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/181104-failed-fue-repaired-dr-feller-thank-you-dr-feller.html

[nomorehopes7878]

Thanks for explaining the difference between FUE and FUT.

I didn't know that before the HT, even through I thought I'd spent enough time on my research.

If someone could advise doctors with outstanding reputation in the UK or Western Europe that would be great.

[nomorehopes7878]

What did he say was wrong with your donor? Low density?

 

He should have offered you a refund or option to switch to FUT.

 

Just going ahead with a megasession seems unethical to me.

 

As Dr Feller says you could switch to FUT depending on the condition of your donor area.

 

If you're a bit wary of that, you could find a surgeon willing to do a test-session before you commit to a long linear scar. You would end up with a short scar (a few cm max) but get to see if FUT will grow better for you.

 

 

Best of luck.

 

My donor had low density and hair looked weak.

I was offered another FUE with a discount in case I have any donor left.

They don't perform FUT there.

 

Thanks for advising on "test-session before you commit to a long linear scar".

If you know clinics who offer this option that would be really appreciated

[nomorehopes7878]

Here is a link to another failed FUE that we fixed with FUT.

 

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/181104-failed-fue-repaired-dr-feller-thank-you-dr-feller.html

 

Thank you for the link.

The results look pretty impressive.

 

I am glad I wrote this post couple of days ago, because now I know what could be one of the reasons for this failure and I hope that something still can be done.

Probably, all I need now is to get a professional consultation

[HairJo]

I'm glad you got good advise now you're on your way to a repair . Good for you I hope you finally have your hope back.

[BaldingBogger]

I'd consult with some of reputable clinics in Belgium and get your donor evaluated.

 

I do not agree switching to FUT is guarenteed solution like is being suggested here. As relayed in the same advice no HT is guaranteed to grow successfully. So you could end up with a massive invasive FUT scar and still no growth if your grafts did not take. A far worse position and unable to shave your head down!

 

Given the number of grafts you have already has taken its quite possible you are no longer a HT candidate unfortunately. I do not agree with 4000 mega sessions in general particulary from turkey and they are not a reflection of the general success of the FUE procedure. Research FUE results from the Belgium clinics for a better idea.

 

In saying that the likes of Dr Vories are pushing the FUE boundaries with some recent cases with these high numbers. I need to see more evidence though over a longer period of time.

 

Ps your pictures are really odd. You need to grow the top out to evaluate the yield properly and taper in the back and sides.

It's impossible to tell your true state from them. Can you post any with a normal hair cut and top grown out?

 

 

Best of luck

[wibbles180]

Why are you not naming the surgeon ?

[nomorehopes7878]

I'd consult with some of reputable clinics in Belgium and get your donor evaluated.

 

I do not agree switching to FUT is guarenteed solution like is being suggested here. As relayed in the same advice no HT is guaranteed to grow successfully. So you could end up with a massive invasive FUT scar and still no growth if your grafts did not take. A far worse position and unable to shave your head down!

 

Given the number of grafts you have already has taken its quite possible you are no longer a HT candidate unfortunately. I do not agree with 4000 mega sessions in general particulary from turkey and they are not a reflection of the general success of the FUE procedure. Research FUE results from the Belgium clinics for a better idea.

 

In saying that the likes of Dr Vories are pushing the FUE boundaries with some recent cases with these high numbers. I need to see more evidence though over a longer period of time.

 

Ps your pictures are really odd. You need to grow the top out to evaluate the yield properly and taper in the back and sides.

It's impossible to tell your true state from them. Can you post any with a normal hair cut and top grown out?

 

 

Best of luck

 

I buzz my hair ar 3mm, are you saying that growing my hair would give me better appearance with this density?

 

I guess trico pigmentation is one of the best solution for me right now.

 

Thanks

[Melvin- Admin]

I'd consult with some of reputable clinics in Belgium and get your donor evaluated.

 

I do not agree switching to FUT is guarenteed solution like is being suggested here. As relayed in the same advice no HT is guaranteed to grow successfully. So you could end up with a massive invasive FUT scar and still no growth if your grafts did not take. A far worse position and unable to shave your head down!

 

Given the number of grafts you have already has taken its quite possible you are no longer a HT candidate unfortunately. I do not agree with 4000 mega sessions in general particulary from turkey and they are not a reflection of the general success of the FUE procedure. Research FUE results from the Belgium clinics for a better idea.

 

In saying that the likes of Dr Vories are pushing the FUE boundaries with some recent cases with these high numbers. I need to see more evidence though over a longer period of time.

 

Ps your pictures are really odd. You need to grow the top out to evaluate the yield properly and taper in the back and sides.

It's impossible to tell your true state from them. Can you post any with a normal hair cut and top grown out?

 

 

Best of luck

 

By far the best advice presented in this thread, its quite amazing that some physicians have claimed in the past that having an aggressive FUE procedure automatically disqualifies you from having an FUT, then go on and suggest just that.

 

Not only is your donor already depleted, you will also be risking a big ugly stretched scar that would be exposed in most situations especially if your donor area is already depleted, there is NO surgery that guarantees good growth, I could list so many failed FUT's, sometimes it just comes down to the person, there might be some underlying physiological issue that causes poor growth, rather then risk an ugly linear scar that is for life, I suggest you go to a physician to thoroughly evaluate you for any other underlying issues. Even then, I don't think it would be wise to proceed with another surgery. Tricopigmentation to the FUE scars would be Ideal then just shave your head that's what I would do.

[nomorehopes7878]

Couple of years ago I went to see physician and trichologist, and they saw no issue, and that was the reason why I hoped my HT result would be good.

 

Unfortunately I haven't seen a single person on this forum yet who could say I failed my first large HT, but the second one went well. Secondly I haven't seen many failed FUE here as well, no one I could have a discussion that would help me to understand what went wrong in my case.