FUT performed by Dr Vikram Jayaprakash at the Knudsen clinic + my hair loss journey

[MM2020]

Hi all, 

I started losing my hair around the age of 16. Both my maternal and paternal sides lost hair at a young age. I started my hair loss journey at the age of 19 and began using topical minoxidil and finasteride daily. My hair improved drastically, and all miniaturisation was gone. But by 23, I found my hair had become unstable again, and the quality of my had become variable. I put this down to poor diet and stress, and this was when I implemented positive lifestyle changes; changing my diet, lowering my stress and creating an exercise regime. 

Another point I must stress is keeping your help healthy is vital! I found minoxidil can cause dandruff or even seborrheic dermatitis. Making sure I treated all this has significantly improved the quality of my hair.  Also, regarding post-workout shakes, I use a product from help hair which is rich in biotin. 

By utilising these steps, I was able to maintain a Norwood 3 despite having an overly aggressive form of hair loss (if I didn't seek intervention I probably would have been an N4-5 by now). However, despite all the clean eating and medication, I knew that I would not be able to grow back areas which had no hair, so I started looking at surgical procedures. I had been considering the procedure since 19, but as a university student, I didn't have the funds.

 

After doing my research, I had come to the following conclusions: 

I wanted a surgeon who worked locally or at least in Australia, as hair loss is a lifelong journey, not a day trip. 

I wanted a surgeon that would be more conservative and realistic with my hairline and the number of grafts. I wanted a hairline that didn't look receded and also one that wouldn't look like I had a hair transplant when I go into my 30s. For me, the goal is not to defy the natural ageing process, but to emulate someone who does not possess the gene for MPB. Plus, you can always get subsequent procedures 10 years down the track if you really want to lower your hairline further. I think its important to make sure your hair loss has stabilised. As a 25yo, I cannot be certain that this is the case. 

 

The consult 

I decided to go with Dr Vikram for the following reasons:

He consulted with my prior (a lot of clinics will make you consult with a salesperson and not the surgeon).

He expressed the same affinity towards safeguarding against future loss by performing a procedure that wouldn't decimate my donor area (e.g. recommending the 1200ish range and FUT procedure due to my age).

His practice was near my apartment. 

He was well-spoken and seemed very engaged in new and emerging hair restoration technologies - check out his YouTube channel!

He offered reasonably priced FUT procedures.

 

What I had done

I had FUT 1200 grafts + Regenera done. If you don't know about Regenera, look it up. It's similar to PRP - which you will see at many famous hair restoration clinics - but uses the tissue from the strip graft. The growth factors will be specific for hair and give the grafts the extra boost to survive and grow more quickly

 

The surgery day

step 1: draw out the hairline.

step 2: receive a sedative that takes away the anxiety you might be feeling.

step 3: numbing the front and back of the scalp. To me, this feels like a cat scratch.

step 4: removing the strip 

step 5: making the holes that the grafts will go in. Not painful but creates a unique sound.

step 6: planting the grafts reapplying local as it starts to fade. It doesn't hurt as the area is quite numb. 

step 7: injecting the Regenera into the recipient area. 

Step 8: injecting a long-lasting local into the back again, so you feel minimal pain that night. 

Comments: his staff were also fantastic. The head nurse was very motherly, attentive and brought great positivity to the operating room. 

I am currently one-day post-op, feeling mild pain from the donor area. However having had my wisdom teeth removed a few months prior, I can say with certainty; this is nowhere near as bad. I will update you all as I progress.

 

Thanks again to Dr Vikram and the team at the Knudsen clinic.

 

[Melvin- Admin]

Happy growing, thanks for sharing your journey with us.

[Britanium]

Thank you for your very detailed write up. Sounds like you had a good experience.

Wish you well 🙏

[Rui]

Hey MM2020.  Thanks for your post.  I'm also based in Melbourne and considering procedures so interested to see how your journey progresses?  How much did the 1,200 grafts set you back out of curiosity? I'm looking at options both in Australia but also Overseas for when we can eventually fly again.

And why was FUT preferred over FUE?  How does your age impact this?

Thanks again for sharing your journey

[MM2020]

Hi Rui,

1200 cost $8,250. they have prices listed on their website. 

I was a candidate for FUT and FUE. But generally if you are younger and start losing your hair, it means you have a very aggressive form of hair loss. Although my hair has stabilised, it is very common for people in my position to go through a second bout of hair loss in their early to mid 30s; meaning I may need to have further procedures in the future. The recommended age to consider a transplant is 27+ (I am 24 turning 25 soon) and they even disclosed to me the risk that my hair might recede in the next few years and I might need another procedure. Having multiple FUE can result in the thinning of the donor area and isn't generally recommended for younger patients. However, if you are someone in your 30s with say a Norwood 2-3 and started receding in your late 20s, then I think FUE would be a great procedure, as you probably have a more mild version of MPB. I might get FUE in the future if I start receding more at the temples/if I feel like I need more density (though the surgeon informed me the packed it quite densely). It is also good for detailing if you want your hairline slightly adjusted. 

 

other points to consider: 

how big your head is? my head is not very large so only two people could plant the hairs at any given time. This extends the time of the surgery. I also had no thinning at all on the vertex. This is because finasteride is known to be amazing at preventing hair loss in this area. It struggles to prevent the hair loss  in the temples, which is why people still get a mild recession in this area on the meds. 

if you have advanced hair loss, FUT will be a lot quicker. You may need to get multiple FUE procedures to get the same amount of grafts.

Going overseas is valid, but I would get an assessment locally first. That way you have a better understanding of your hair loss. the cost of these consults are around 150 if you are seeing a hair transplant doctor and free if you are consulting with a salesperson. Some of things that are important to know: 

- what is your donor area like? Is it thick? How many surgeries can you get out of it till it starts looking thin and terrible

- is your hair actively thinning or has it stabilised? 

- how thick if your hair? You might need more grafts if you have extremely thick hair. 

- what is the laxity like for your scalp (poor laxity might mean you are better suited to FUE)

- how many grafts do you actually need to be happy(a lot of overseas clinics will suggest you get way more than you need). They will draw out a hairline for you and you can play around with what is achievable and natural.  

 

I actually had 3 consults. I went to Martinick first and I found they were very informative, however they only do surgeries in Perth and Sydney even though they consult in Melbourne. This means you don't actually consult with the surgeon, but another doctor who used to practice as a hair transplant surgeon. I was quoted a little over 10k for 1200 grafts there.

I also did one with Paul Spano. I sent him photos and he suggested I needed 2400 and he prefers the FUE method. He didn't seem keen on doing face to face consults as I assume he is busy doing procedures maybe? It seemed a bit odd to be as 2400 is something I see more commonly with with N4 patients. I wasn't sold on this but I am sure if I did undertake such a large procedure it probably would look great but I am still very much aware that this could jeopardise future procedures. 

I highly recommend you check out the knudsen clinics YouTube videos if you want more the whole process. 

I am unable to comment on overseas clinics. I think they could be worthwhile if you are needed a lot of grafts but if you are needing like 1200, the cost of flights accom and time dont save you that much. But really make sure you know the surgeon you are getting. I have heard of horror stories coming out of Korea, Thailand and Turkey. But in other cases, I have seen amazing results. Also we will probably be trapped in Melbourne for while, so might have to wait a while. 

 

 

[giegnosiganoe]

Looks good, got any before pics?

[MM2020]

Hey so not results photos but will post updates every couples of months. 

the photo of me with short hair is me at 19. I did the classic comb over and you could tell my hair quality was reducing. the photo of me with thick hair is me now and 24, which I achieved with non surgical methods. Then the photo with marker is the extent of my recession. I didn't get this hairline, as it was one that was drawn by a different surgeon but this is what it looked like pre surgery. 

[Rui]

Thanks for the detailed response mate, really appreciate it.  You really know your stuff!  I actually had a consult with the Knudsen clinic a couple years ago when I didn't really have a clue about all of this - so I may go back and have another one based on your advice...and judging by your tone, seems like you're happy with your experience.  Curious to see if they'd recommend FUE or FUT...dealing with the scar is what puts me off regarding FUT.

I'm a 36 year old male and have been on finasteride for the past 10 years on and off...but for the past cpl years consecutively on.  I'm in between a Norwood 2- myself.  Recently had a consultation with Eugenics given they seem to be the best clinic that's not half way around the world - and they'd suggested I'd need between 1,500-2000 grafts.  Am happy to go to them - but as you know...who knows when we can do that...

Really interested to see how your progress goes - especially as my hair status is similar to yours but more thin across crown than yours.  Good luck mate!

[MM2020]

@Rui yeah that sounds like a reasonable estimate if you have more diffuse thinning around the crown. I think also an assessment might be good as then you will be able to tell whether there is miniaturisation going on around the scalp. Might look at adding minoxidil or Laser etc. Another thing I got prescribed once was a compound drug which combined oral minoxidil and finasteride. I decided against using it though as it caused hair growth all over the body which I didn't want to deal with.  However could be a good option for people who cant handle standard minoxidil. I got the script from Martinick. 

yeah tbh I think you would be a candidate for both and if the scar bothers you I would just go with FUE. Conservative surgeons will generally try and push most people towards FUT for their first procedure. Potentially if you are wanting FUE, I would go to someone who specialises in it. I've heard that the punch aspect of FUE grafts can cause them to fail if not done correctly. I would want someone who performs them a lot. Tbh I never really looked at getting it done overseas, as surgery and travel in general isn't something I have done a lot of. Maybe now I am more comfortable with the whole process I would consider getting operations overseas. 

People on here seem to know a lot about the various surgeons though. Personally, I was not invested enough to travel halfway across the world to fill in my temples. Maybe if my hairline was pretty much gone I would be more invested. But hopefully my journey will give some indication of whether the results are something the resonates with you. I cant say I am that experienced in the realm of hair transplants as I have only had one. But from what I had done, I am pretty sure it was a normal experience. 

I hope my results are decent and will keep you updated.

 

[Gatsby]

MM2020 a great write up. I've met Dr Vikram and Dr Knudsen and I had scar strip removal surgery performed before by Dr Sheill (who taught and trained Dr Knudsen how to perform hair transplantation). One thing though that I was just concerned about was why you based your choice of surgeon on proximity to your apartment? This is a life changing surgery and that really should be the last worry on your list. I don't mean to sound harsh but it surprised me. I look forward to your journey and thanks for sharing!

[MM2020]

Hey @Gatsby 
 I personally don't enjoy the process of being unwell in a foreign environment. But that is just personal preference and some people are more than willing to brave it in other countries. I like the security of being able to easily contact and converse with the surgeon if a complication arises.  I of course wouldn't suggest seeing a bad surgeon just because they are close and would advocate that your top priority should be your health and then your results. However, in this case, it was a bonus for me as it meant I was able to get home and rest straight away, so I included it in my list. This was a deciding factor between doing it in Perth or Sydney vs here in Melbourne. But yeah, I agree with your point; as surgery isn't a one dimensional decision but should be multifaceted and tailored to the individuals needs. I also believe not every case is the same. I honestly think if you have more advanced hair loss and an unstable donor area, the surgery itself will be more difficult and the results will vary drastically between surgeons.  During the harvesting the nursing staff were commenting on how amazing and thick my grafts were, so I have quite high hopes in that department.  If I wasn't convinced I would have just waited a few more years and gone interstate or maybe braved it and gone overseas, as I wasn't too impressed with any of the other local clinics, as most seemed to place most of their money in advertising and marketing. 

That's really cool. You seem to be a hair transplant aficionado  and will definitely be looking into this forum more if I decided to undertake any additional procedures. 

Will keep you updated on the progress and let you know if I notice anything dodgy or anything particularly good. 

[Gatsby]

MM2020 forgive me as I guess I'm a perfectionist! Others recently have also gone to Dr Vik. Also you chose the best that Australia has to offer so you made a smart decision. I've had an interest in the air transplant industry for the past 35 years -being a victim at a young age to now out dated techniques. My concerns here are based on what I've seen and know. two years ago a 'well known' hair transplant surgeon in Melbourne Dr Rhett Bosniach died of a recreational drug over dose with his wife one morning. Can you imagine how many patients had surgery performed upon them with him high as a kite or coming down and crashing? Another is a long standing surgeon in Adelaide Dr Mario Marzola who performs only 1,000 grafts per procedure. Why? Because he is at such an advanced age that 1,000 grafts is all he can now harvest! Anyway you are in good hands and looking forward to your results! 👍

Edited October 4, 2020 by Gatsby

[Rui]

@MM2020 - Seems like the Knudsen clinic tends to favour FUT from what I can see.  Do you know if they do (or do as well) FUE as FUT?  Forgot to add I'm also on Minoxidill also - been on the combo for a while in order to maintain what I have. 

Yeah the whole going overseas to get it done & come back covert style in a plane in a bandana is a bit  But so many people on this forum have done it & said it's OK so I guess it can't be all that bad.

And thanks mate - looking forward to seeing how your journey goes...have my fingers crossed for ya!  Definitely looks like a clean & nice job from the post op pics...

[MM2020]

@Rui yeah they definitely do FUE and they gave me the option of doing it. I think regarding FUE vs FUT, the result at the front will largely be the same, as the hairline artistry is determined by the skill of the surgeon. I assume that there are some botched cases of FUE at some dodgy clinics (e.g. not spreading out donor site and getting that patchy look).  

Nice. I was considering adding in laser cap at some stage, but I want to see how my recession goes after hair transplant. 

yeah would be so doable. I would be inclined to stay for the first 3 days though, as this is when grafts can dislodge. I got a travel neck pillow for my recovery, as it kept me elevated and stopped me from tossing and turning. For me I still had some pain at the back for the first week, but I assume with FUE you would have very minimal pain. 

I had my follow up appointment and everything is going well. Next follow up is in 6 months

[MM2020]

Day 11 post op. I was advised to gently massage the area in the shower to help remove some of the scabbing and stimulate blood flow to the area. Some little hairs shed whilst doing this, but I was advised this is normal and that they will come back in the next cycle. Scalp is quite dry from the whole ordeal, so am using an antidandruff shampoo twice a week. I am washing my hair daily to keep it clean and have started applying minoxidil to the area again after a 7 day break.

[Rui]

Coming along nicely mate!! I imagine once you let your hair down you'd hardly be able to tell...

Is there much pain/sensitivity at the moment?  And how's your donor area and the FUT scar coming along?

Also, how did you find Dr Vikram and the team?

 

 

[JohnMelb1234]

Hi, just read your blog. Looks great. Any update on how it is today? Thanks

[MM2020]

Hey @Rui I haven't had pain for quite a while now. If I actively rub the scar it is slightly uncomfortable but very manageable. The scar has just started to shed the dissolvable stitches. I cant really see the scar tbh as I have too much hair at the moment. Once I get a haircut I will see how it is. 

 

Yeah the team seemed really nice.

 

 @JohnMelb1234 I have shed a lot of the grafts now. I am feeling a bit impatient. Just have to kind of ignore it at this point I think I get on with my life and it will grow in due time. Also my hair is quite curly at shorter lengths so I assume my hair will be quite frizzy as it grows out. Will take quite a while to train this hair haha

 

[JohnMelb1234]

On 9/10/2017 at 8:38 PM, Raman said:

Hey James, I researched for around 2 years before I jumped in and got a HT. Dr Koray Erdogan is in the top 3 surgeons in the world in my opinion so I was happy to pay for the best work. I had 3200 FUEs and it cost me around $12000 Australian with airfares but it was worth every cent. He has a Hospital that rivals the best of any Australian Hospital when it comes to cleanliness and professionalism.

The only thing I would warn you about, because you do television is the redness of the scalp after you have a HT. It eventually goes away, but it took over 5 months for the redness to subside on my scalp, I would just tell people it was sunburn or wear a cap. Everything else regarding my experience went smoothly. It takes at least 5 months for the regrowth to begin to really kick in so you will go through an ugly ducking phase. Just make sure you do your research and check out my experience and photos through my thread.

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/181776-asmed-dr-koray-erdogan-3200-fue-november-25th-2015-a.html

 

On 10/20/2020 at 10:13 AM, MM2020 said:

Hey @Rui I haven't had pain for quite a while now. If I actively rub the scar it is slightly uncomfortable but very manageable. The scar has just started to shed the dissolvable stitches. I cant really see the scar tbh as I have too much hair at the moment. Once I get a haircut I will see how it is. 

 

Yeah the team seemed really nice.

 

 @JohnMelb1234 I have shed a lot of the grafts now. I am feeling a bit impatient. Just have to kind of ignore it at this point I think I get on with my life and it will grow in due time. Also my hair is quite curly at shorter lengths so I assume my hair will be quite frizzy as it grows out. Will take quite a while to train this hair haha

 

 

Edited October 21, 2020 by JohnMelb1234

[JohnMelb1234]

I just came across this, is it the same doctor?
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gp-suspended-for-lying-about-qualifications/ZCLOSTJBKIAP7LEKMVUQET3N7I/

[MM2020]

@JohnMelb1234I think it is. I don't know if that reflects his skills in hair transplant surgery, but isn't a really good indication of character. Cosmetic surgeons seem to get a bad rep all around for this type of stuff. I think a lot probably have dreams of plastics, anaesthetics and other surgical fields but don't get the marks for the competitive specialisations. A lot seem to go into fillers, lipo and hair transplants which dont seem to require a surgical background. Its sad he had to lie about it but hopefully he has grown from it...

I don't think my results are bad though, so I don't regret seeing him but will continue to keep the updates for people and let  you know if I see anything dodgy

 

[JohnMelb1234]

Ok, thanks so much for all your responses it helps me so much. 

[Gatsby]

4 hours ago, JohnMelb1234 said:

I just came across this, is it the same doctor?
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/gp-suspended-for-lying-about-qualifications/ZCLOSTJBKIAP7LEKMVUQET3N7I/

This is EXACTLY why I have repeatedly replied in threads about why I would never recommend having a hair transplant in Australia. If young people are hell bent on not doing their research and are willing to accept these standards (or lack of) then I don;t know what to say. I have met with Dr Vik and a host of other hair transplant surgeons here in Australia and I will say it again from my own experiences (well obviously not just my own). Do not get a hair transplant in Australia. If you want the best possible outcome then you need to do your research and ask lots of questions and you will realise that you will need to fly. If yo had to had to have a surgical transplant of another kind would you do it because the operation is only 20 minutes away by cab?

[Rui]

How you coming along @MM2020?  Just over a month since the big day right...presume it would be mostly shed off at this stage?

[MM2020]

@Rui yeah pretty much all shed from the area with a few hairs left over. Nothing major to report at this stage