8 Month Results (2682 Reported Grafts)

[Carbolic]

I’m now at 8 months post-transplant and understand the majority of the growth to have come in. The operation was in February 2016. It is now October 2016 as I type this.

 

I’m feeling a little flat about the transplant if I’m honest. I followed the post-operation instructions perfectly and take propecia, minox and also biotin so not sure what has happened.

 

I feel the density is not as (realistically) expected and the successful graft count appears to be in the hundreds rather than thousands. I understand FUE rates should be 80%+ however this is not represented in the images I will post below.

 

Before I go on, a picture of my hair pre-operation.

 

 

My hair calibre is 70-70-80 and the graft count stated/documented by the clinic is as follows:-

 

1 Hair- 726

2 Hair- 763

3 Hair- 1116

4 Hair- 77

 

I had a total of 2682 grafts transplanted according to the clinic.

 

They stated I have good graft characteristics so the result will be good. Looking at the figures, they do appear strong however at the 8 month mark, the results do not reflect this and make me believe the result may be a failure.

 

My concerns relate to the following (difficult to photograph accurately):-

 

The temple on my RIGHT side (as I look in the mirror) is VERY thin and clearly see through. However the hairline is excellent and very soft and natural looking.

 

The hairline on my LEFT side is VERY patchy and seems to be made up of thick and thin hairs. It looks quite "pluggy". There are some very thick hairs sparsely spaced about 0.5cm ahead of my hair line which seem to have been misplaced. However behind the hairline the density is excellent and matches my native hair.

 

I emailed the clinic last week but as yet have not received a response.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I appreciate results take time, however at 8 months to have patchy results is leaving me feeling a little deflated. I anticipate some of you will respond and say it’s a great result. But lets be honest, it’s not is it!

 

Thoughts? I really hope the clinic are supportive and sort it out!

[Spanker]

This doesn't look like BAD work at all. I see what your concerns are. It looks pretty natural to me. There is some time for it to thicken up. I would wait a few more months and reassess. I don't see anything that more grafts won't fix and I do understand that being a sucky prospect.

[aWidowsPeek]

Hey Carbolic yeah it doesn't look bad at all. 8 months is pretty early though i think it will thicken up a lttle. We have the same type of hair and i had 2000 fue grafts into my hairline as well and it did get a lot better after 8 months. Hang in there.

[Dolph1969]

Very natural result. Still time to go. I think most people would be happy with that.

[ndubya]

Hey Carbolic yeah it doesn't look bad at all. 8 months is pretty early though i think it will thicken up a lttle. We have the same type of hair and i had 2000 fue grafts into my hairline as well and it did get a lot better after 8 months. Hang in there.

 

X2, carbolic. I'm 3 months ahead of you with same doc, and I've had some significant improvements from 6 months to 11. I had 2699 grafts with similar loss . Hang in there, you still have some time to thicken up. I thought it was OVER at 6 months.

[aWidowsPeek]

What they say is true a transplant matures up to a year and a half that's when it's fully grown in/thickened up.

[BadBeat]

I was underwhelmed with my FUE after 12 months and then very happy after 18. FUE takes more time, typically.

[TakingThePlunge]

I agree with other positive remarks. I think the result looks natural and substantial. There is plenty of time left for additional improvement. Give it time. If you're still not happy, it would be a very minor tweak to refine the hairline.

[ndubya]

I was underwhelmed with my FUE after 12 months and then very happy after 18. FUE takes more time, typically.

 

That is definitely reassuring to carbolic and also me, thanks for the input.

[rev333]

l in those pics. I see where I would want more grafts. Another pass or two (yes two) is all you need. Rarely is someone a ,,"one and done" case usually temple work that is not lowering hairline and those with great forelocks. Most others wind up having 2 or 3 passes over the years (some successive) to fill in here and there.

 

In any case, I think it looks great for 8 months but don't think you are out of the norm if you want more density/design adj even at 12 months. It's most typical with HT but IMO not really pointedly wfocused on during the consults. It is usually mentioned as "well, you may need another one in a few years, etc... So many first HT patients are under the impression that this is it

 

Give it 12-18 mons like people have recommended then have anther pass if you feel like. It is a great design. Congratulations

[Carbolic]

@ Spanker, I agree its not “bad work”. The hairline an excellent design. Thanks for the positivity re the additional grafts and it being thickened not being a problem. I hope so and your words are appreciated.

 

@aWidowsPeak, thanks for that. I hope so as I’ve not seen many others with improved density at 8 months. Pleased you’ve had a result.

 

@Dolph, yes there is time to go and hope it improves. I’m not happy with that. Had I been 25 years older then maybe. The Dr’s other results are widely publicised meaning his bar is set pretty high.

 

@ndubya, thanks for that. Any pictures to see you progress? Pleased you’ve had a good one!

 

@Badbeat, thanks for the re-assurance re timelines. I hope so.

 

@David, appreciate your experienced response. Hope so.

 

@Rev333, the design is fantastic and I am very happy with it and will be ecstatic one the density is there.

 

Following on from the thread, I have now heard from the Clinic. As Bigmac says they are having server issues and emails are being answered, but they may take a little long than normal. Dr Bisanga has responded personally and confirmed he is not very happy with the growth so far. I am grateful for this direct and frank response as it means I am not being paranoid about the density. The density looks low in ALL lights. Steps are being taken to assess and correct matters so that’s a massive relief. I have complete faith in Dr Bisanga to get this right and believe it will turn out good.

 

I am grateful to all whom have responded with positive words and pleased the community is so supportive. Hopefully things can now be put as the Clinic and I intended.

 

Thanks again everyone and will keep the thread updated.