BHR Clinic (FUE 2682 Dr Christian Bisanga- 10th February 2016)

[Smokeball101]

I recently underwent a 2682 graft FUE HT on the 10th February 2016 which I thought I would write up the procedure and post surgery thoughts/circumstances to assist others with the (possible) decision to have a HT.

 

Background

 

I am 37 years of age and have been affected by gradual hair loss for the last 10 years. The loss has been slow and appears to have mainly affected my temple regions.

 

 

In 2015, I decided to do something about it and researched the Clinics and Doctors thoroughly before making an informed decision on who to use.

 

BHR Clinic was chosen due to their reputation and that of Dr Christian Bisanga.

 

Prior to Surgery

 

I took steps to contact BHR and another well known clinic (in the UK) in October 2015.

 

The latter was decided against following a (brief) consultation.

 

As I am based in England and did not want to travel to (BHR) Belgium prior to surgery for a consultation, I was asked to email photographs and a video of my current hair line and donor areas which I did.

 

Hilde responded quickly confirming I was a suitable candidate and a date for surgery was agreed. A 2 day procedure was required where upon 2000-2500 grafts would be placed.

 

Hilde provided details of suitable accommodation and pre-surgery instructions via email.

 

Day 1 of Procedure

 

I was asked to be at the Clinic for 11am on the 10th February 2016.

 

I arrived at the airport in Belgium at 8am local time and went to the Hotel Catalonia by taxi (abut 45-50 euros). The hotel is a 2 minute walk from the Clinic, is comfortable and has room service.

 

I checked in, had a shower and unpacked for my 2 night stay.

 

I then found my way to the Clinic where I was greeted by the lovely receptionist and asked to fill in some Consent Forms. About 10 minutes later I met Dr Bisanga in person for the 1st time and we discussed my requirements for the surgery.

 

I had taken photographs some of my hairline from a few years ago and explained what I hoped to achieve. Dr Bisanga then took readings from 3 donor sites/areas on my head to ascertain hair density.

 

After about 30 minutes the hairline was agreed and I was then taken to get prepped for surgery. This entailed a fetching operation scrub top and some photographs of my hair pre surgery.

 

Surgery

 

I was then taken to the operating room and sat in a motorised chair like the kind you find at a dentist. My blood pressure was then taken and I was advised surgery could go ahead.

 

I was then given a Valium to relax and the local anaesthetic was given to the donor sites. This entailed a lot of injections and was certainly the most uncomfortable part of the operation.

 

By circa 12.30pm the donor sites were being harvested by Dr Bisanga who later than day also made the incisions at the the recipient areas/sites.

 

Two technicians placed the grafts in the recipient areas once the incisions were made.

 

The surgery went on until circa 8pm that day and about 1500 grafts were placed. After which, the back of my head was wrapped and I returned to the hotel.

 

I ordered room service before settling for a rather uncomfortable, but necessary, night.

 

I must admit, not much sleep happened as I was concerned about damaging the grafts so I more of less sat bolt upright all night.

 

Day 2 of Surgery

 

I was asked to arrive at the surgery for 1pm the following day so went to a local cafe at 11.30am for some breakfast/brunch.

 

On arriving at the surgery I was greeted by Dr Bisanga and taken to the surgery room again for more of the same. 2 different technicians were placing the grafts on this 2nd day and I was finished by about 6pm.

 

2682 grafts were placed in total. The Clinic seemed quite impressed with the breakdown and has advised as follows:-

 

1 hair

726

 

2 hair

763

 

3 hair

1116

 

4 hair

77

 

I believe the 3 hair count was good and will, hopefully, mean good density. I also believe I am a "bleeder" which is also a good sign allegedly.

 

I then returned to the hotel and managed to sleep for a couple of hours that night propped up by pillows.

 

My head was numb but relatively comfortable.

 

Day 3 Discharge Day

 

Back to the Clinic for a clean up and for post surgery advise whereupon I was given a post surgery pack and bandanna. The post surgery advise was given by Hilde in a clear and concise manner and I was ready to go home.

 

I went back to the hotel, packed and headed to the airport for about 1pm.

 

Travelling home was fine and no questions were asked by security about the bandana or the liquids in the post surgery pack.

 

The flight home offered the opportunity to think about the last 3 days.

 

I have to say the Clinic were fantastic. Genuinely and the main man was friendly, approachable and enthusiastic. We had a good chat during the procedure and in my opinion, Dr Bisanga is a gentleman who seems to have excellent morals and ethics. His charity work with people less fortunate is to be commended.

 

BHR also have some good techs whilst Hilde has also been good to deal with and has answered emails promptly and professionally.

 

Onwards and Home again

 

I intend to update this page as matters progress and would be obliged to read your thoughts on the surgery and pending outcome.

 

Some photographs………………

 

Day 2 Immediately Post Surgery

 

 

Day 3 Post Surgery

 

 

 

Day 4

 

By day 4 I was getting a little concerned about the highways/channels/bald streaks that seemed to be forming.

 

A telephone call to the Clinic reassured me this was normal and part of the scabbing/healing process.

 

 

Day 9

 

 

Day 10

 

By day 10 quite a lot of crusts had formed.

 

Day 11

 

On day 11 most of the scabs/crusts came off in the shower. Along with quite a bit of hair it seemed. No blood though so no grafts lost hopefully. That said, was slightly scary seeing some many little hairs in my hands in the shower but hopefully things are progressing the way they should.

 

 

 

 

From having a thoroughly good look at the remaining grafts post-crust removal, it appears the left side (as I look in the mirror) is thinner/less dense than the opposite temple. The picture about may not reflect this, but it certainly is. It may be that I put slightly more “finger” pressure on that side whilst removing crusts in the shower on day 10- hopefully!. The less dense side is a concern but I have every faith in BHR and it is early days so hopefully things will even out as it grows/progresses.

 

Looking forward to the journey and watching matters unfold whilst doing my utmost not to worry/stress about the work/density!

 

Will keep you all posted (for those who are interested).

 

Cheers all.

Edited February 23, 2016 by Smokeball101

[BHRClinic]

Dear Smokeball101,

 

Thank you very much for sharing your experience on behalf of Dr. Bisanga and BHR staff. Everything looks alright after the 1st days. The recipient area looks very neat.

 

As we spoke all the transplanted hair will probably fall down within the next weeks, but that is part of the process. In case you see some redness on the recipient area, that’s normal too.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact us for anything you may need at any moment.

 

Kind regards,

[Smokeball101]

Thanks Guys. Will bear that in mind.

 

Day 16 updates.............

 

 

 

[longtimegone]

Any updates Smokeball101?

[Smokeball101]

@Longtimegrower, got your PM. Any other Qs let me know.

 

As requested......

Update- Week 5 (+2 days).

 

The majority of the transplanted hairs have shed. I'd say approximately 2/3. Some are hanging in there. My native hair looks thinner that I recall so I put that down to shock loss as is partially expected. Some new hairs (or maybe old hairs) appear to be starting (peeping out from under the scalp) to grow which is obviously nice, but early- so we shall see. They may be my old native hairs regrowing after the shock loss.

 

I will keep the thread updated and if anyone has any questions feel free to PM.

 

Cheers all.

[Smokeball101]

At week 6 plus 1 day, most of the grafts have fallen and now the waiting time really starts.

 

In fact I'd say my hair looks worse then before the procedure but assume that's mainly attributable to shock loss.

 

 

That said, its amazing what Caboki can do with so little hair. Very impressed with that stuff.

[BHRClinic]

Hi Smokeball101,

 

Thank you very much for the upgrade. Everything looks alright at this stage.

 

Probably you are having some shockloss but this is normal. If you are using concealer you need to wash it well once you are back home to not impede skin.

 

Kind regards,

[wibbles180]

Stay positive !! Your in the worse part ... Out of interest do you think the use of concealers can promote hairloss to non transplanted hair ?

[Smokeball101]

@BHR, yes the concealer is washed out. Thoroughly. Will keep you updated.

 

@Wibbles, yes onwards and upwards from here. Concealer is lightly applied so provide the scalp can breathe and is not clogged then I cannot see how it can promote hair loss in my circumstances.

 

2 Month Update Image

 

 

As you can see not much happening albeit that image was taken about 2 weeks ago. The odd hair has begun to sprout since then. Now at week 10.

 

Will keep you post.

[Smokeball101]

10 Weeks

 

Bright lighting

 

 

Normal lighting

 

[Smokeball101]

3 months today (12.5.16)

 

 

 

Not much to see.

 

A few hairs have sprouted and I now have a very faint hairline. Still looking very sparse and hoping for many more sprouts.

 

Early days at the moment so onwards and upwards from here.

 

Will keep the thread going.

[Smokeball101]

A few more increased resolution images follow:-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BHRClinic]

Hi Smokeball101,

 

Thank you very much for the upgrade. This is still an early stage but it is a good sign that you start to see some new hairs. That's the average situation at 3 months.

 

Anything you may need do not hesitate to contact us.

 

Kind regards,

[aWidowsPeek]

Great documentation and your going to have a great result

[chrisdav]

It will start to happen now Smokeball. I know it is difficult but a little bit more patience and the hair will jump into action

[dwh]

Looking good bud.

Am too thinking of using BHR. Dr Bisanga seems to have a real gift.

[Smokeball101]

@ BHR, thanks for that.

 

@ Widowspeak and Chris, yes I hope so.

 

@Dwh, Bisanga is a very nice man and his results, which are well documented, are what directed me to him.

 

So it seems to be getting thicker every couple of days now which is nice. Still quite sparse in some areas and the areas between the individual graft placements are still quite noticeable as blanc areas however its still early days and not even at 4 months yet which will be 10th June 2016. So fingers crossed.

 

Updates below.

 

15 Weeks

 

 

15 Weeks and 4 Days

 

 

 

[BHRClinic]

Dear smokeball101,

 

As you say it seems to be getting thicker. Still an early stage but looking good for just 15 weeks.

 

Thanks for the new pictures.

 

Kind regards,

[secondtryuser]

Great results! And be patient, you have a long way to go yet.

[Smokeball101]

Update- 26.6.16

 

The images make the hair appear thicker. However it is certainly progressing albeit slowly but that is to be expected.

 

@ Secondtryuser, thanks for the positivity. I hope so.

 

@BHR, thanks as always.

 

4 Months

 

 

 

 

 

4 Months and 16 Days

 

Daylight

 

 

 

 

 

Bathroom (as per most images in thread)

 

 

 

 

 

[Smokeball101]

Update- 26.6.16

 

The images make the hair appear thicker. However it is certainly progressing albeit slowly but that is to be expected.

 

@ Secondtryuser, thanks for the positivity. I hope so.

 

@BHR, thanks as always.

 

4 Months

 

 

 

 

 

4 Months and 16 Days

 

Daylight

 

 

 

 

 

Bathroom (as per most images in thread)

 

 

 

 

 

[longtimegone]

Wow

Looking really good, after such a short period as well.

Dr Bisanga seems to get such good results.. You must be really pleased:)

Keep us up to date next month

[home1212]

you're starting to see the beginning of what your end result will be once all your grafts come in and you have some maturation & density - already an improvement over your pre-op status, you are in for a really nice natural looking result, congrats and continued success in your growth

[Transhair]

You've got a good even amount of growth all over so far. This'll definitely be great in a few months

[johnj147]

looks good