From novice to new hair. Dr Bicer. 4000 grafts October 2022

[Al - Moderator]

That looks awesome. It's a huge change.

 

[ScottishGuy21]

About to reach month 11. I know I said I wont update until month 12 but here we are anyway ha.

The hair has again matured significantly. The mild frizzy feel you get in the first few months of growth is now long gone thankfully! I jumped on meds in the run up to my surgery and think this rather than what I previously thought was seasonal changes has strengthened my hair. 

My 4th photo shows (red circle) , the main issue I’m having now is trying to cover my thinning mid scalp enough so that it blends in with my frontal 3rd transplanted hair 🤣. I’m sure a few people in between 1st and 2nd transplants have the same issue. As you can see from Junes photos I can hide it but on windy days it’s a little more tricky! This will be rectified shortly with a second intervention. The final 2 photos are just out of the shower and under UV light, so about as harsh as can be.
 

As you can see my hairline is conservative but when grew out you’d never know. This despite my early scepticism was 100% the right call for someone with my starting point. I may still ask for some mild changes to the hairline curve during my 2nd op, mainly that it’s not as pronounced in the corners . Very subtle though and nothing too extreme, just something to give me added confidence when I do decide to have my hair shorter.

 

Edited September 1, 2023 by ScottishGuy21

[j1000]

Looks great. I bet you look decades younger.

[Gatsby]

@ScottishGuy21 this is an excellent result. Enjoy! 💯👌

[Melvin- Admin]

Dr. Bicer knocked at least 15 years off of you in one shot. I'm happy for you, man. At this point, anything more is just a cherry on top.

[Ccd99]

Excellent progress! This is good reassurance that I chose the right doctor. My surgery is in March next year, also with Dr. Bicer and for 4000 grafts. The first of two interventions.

My hair loss is a bit more advanced than you though, but I have started meds and hope that my native hair can thicken and regain some density in the mid scalp area.

Thanks for the updates. I am sure you will see even more positive growth over the next few months as it can take up to 18 months before you see complete results!

Edited September 1, 2023 by Ccd99

[Hairwolf]

Great result- congrats!🎉 

[ScottishGuy21]

17 hours ago, j1000 said:

Looks great. I bet you look decades younger.

It’s certainly made me feel younger!

15 hours ago, Gatsby said:

@ScottishGuy21 this is an excellent result. Enjoy! 💯👌

Thank you

7 hours ago, streethawk said:

Great result- congrats!🎉 

Thanks 🙂

14 hours ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

Dr. Bicer knocked at least 15 years off of you in one shot. I'm happy for you, man. At this point, anything more is just a cherry on top.

Thanks. The result far exceeds what I expected from 1 procedure! It’s crazy getting ‘on this day’ reminders from last years holiday snaps and comparing them to now 😎

Edited September 1, 2023 by ScottishGuy21

[ScottishGuy21]

On 9/1/2023 at 10:00 AM, Ccd99 said:

Excellent progress! This is good reassurance that I chose the right doctor. My surgery is in March next year, also with Dr. Bicer and for 4000 grafts. The first of two interventions.

My hair loss is a bit more advanced than you though, but I have started meds and hope that my native hair can thicken and regain some density in the mid scalp area.

Thanks for the updates. I am sure you will see even more positive growth over the next few months as it can take up to 18 months before you see complete results!

Good Luck. 
 

Sounds a similar plan to mine. Going for a second procedure in 2024. You’re in good hands. If you’ve any questions I’d be happy to answer them 👍🏻

I’ve noticed a big difference to my hair condition since jumping on meds and adding hair supplements. I’m on finasteride and these (see pic below) , unfortunately I have adverse reactions to Minox topically & orally so the H&B tablets are more of a substitute.  (This isn’t a sales pitch btw, H&B are a massive company they don’t need me shilling🤣). 

[Ccd99]

On 9/2/2023 at 3:17 PM, ScottishGuy21 said:

Good Luck. 
 

Sounds a similar plan to mine. Going for a second procedure in 2024. You’re in good hands. If you’ve any questions I’d be happy to answer them 👍🏻

I’ve noticed a big difference to my hair condition since jumping on meds and adding hair supplements. I’m on finasteride and these (see pic below) , unfortunately I have adverse reactions to Minox topically & orally so the H&B tablets are more of a substitute.  (This isn’t a sales pitch btw, H&B are a massive company they don’t need me shilling🤣). 

 

Thanks I'll check those out! I currently take Biotin with Zinc but heard good things about Saw Palmetto as a mild anti-androgen.

Was Dr Bicer open to doing more grafts on the day? Or is 4k pretty much the limit? I am hoping she might do a couple of hundred more (subject to donor area of course) as I know I will need more grafts for a fuller coverage.

[ScottishGuy21]

18 hours ago, Ccd99 said:

Thanks I'll check those out! I currently take Biotin with Zinc but heard good things about Saw Palmetto as a mild anti-androgen.

Was Dr Bicer open to doing more grafts on the day? Or is 4k pretty much the limit? I am hoping she might do a couple of hundred more (subject to donor area of course) as I know I will need more grafts for a fuller coverage.

I’ve noticed my hair and nails grow quicker so it is having a positive impact in growth time. As for hair quality/strength, I couldn’t say for certain if it’s that or Finasteride which has give me that added bump (As I jumped on both at the same time). 

I arrived around 9 am and never left the clinic until 8 pm, based on that 4000 is the upper limit of what they can probably offer per day (But no harm in asking). On an ethics side I vaguely remember her saying it’s best for the donor area not to go above this in one sitting. My donor doesn’t look like it’s even been touched now despite 4000 grafts so I guess Dr knows best 🤣

 

 

Edited September 5, 2023 by ScottishGuy21

[ScottishGuy21]

Quick update 

Between month 11-12 I’ve suffered a large shed which I’m still trying to get to the bottom of. It seems to be affecting both transplanted and native hair. I’ve been noticing hairs shedding almost constantly and the impact is now clearly visible.
 

My scalp has also become quite irritated and feels sunburnt in places , so something is going on. I’ve an appointment with my local Dr next Wednesday and hope to have bloods and a potentially a biopsy done to send to a dermatologist. The thread on LLP has terrified me to be honest. If anyone is well versed in scalp conditions could they drop me a DM?
 

I’ve been in contact with Dr Bicer too, she says it may be that my hair loss has become aggressive and difficult to contain or I may have an deficiency of something (so hopefully my bloods will tell us more). It’s difficult living so far away though as she can’t examine my scalp. I’m not sure such aggressive hair loss would surface in just a few weeks? 

Here’s hoping for some better news in my next update . 

Edited October 6, 2023 by ScottishGuy21

[Ccd99]

4 hours ago, ScottishGuy21 said:

Quick update 

Between month 11-12 I’ve suffered a large shed which I’m still trying to get to the bottom of. It seems to be affecting both transplanted and native hair. I’ve been noticing hairs shedding almost constantly and the impact is now clearly visible.
 

My scalp has also become quite irritated and feels sunburnt in places , so something is going on. I’ve an appointment with my local Dr next Wednesday and hope to have bloods and a potentially a biopsy done to send to a dermatologist. The thread on LLP has terrified me to be honest. If anyone is well versed in scalp conditions could they drop me a DM?
 

I’ve been in contact with Dr Bicer too, she says it may be that my hair loss has become aggressive and difficult to contain or I may have an deficiency of something (so hopefully my bloods will tell us more). It’s difficult living so far away though as she can’t examine my scalp. I’m not sure such aggressive hair loss would surface in just a few weeks? 

Here’s hoping for some better news in my next update . 

Have you heard of anagen desynchronisation? Supposedly happens between months 12-15 and is expected as the follicles settle into their new cycle. 

[ScottishGuy21]

23 minutes ago, Ccd99 said:

Have you heard of anagen desynchronisation? Supposedly happens between months 12-15 and is expected as the follicles settle into their new cycle. 

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, during week 1 of my shed I presumed it may be this. Unfortunately it’s also affecting native hair. The photos below are in the same place, same lighting just a month apart to give you an idea of the change.

 

[Melvin- Admin]

1 hour ago, ScottishGuy21 said:

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, during week 1 of my shed I presumed it may be this. Unfortunately it’s also affecting native hair. The photos below are in the same place, same lighting just a month apart to give you an idea of the change.

 

Your hairline is looking fantastic.

[ScottishGuy21]

6 hours ago, Melvin- Admin said:

Your hairline is looking fantastic.

It’s certainly still way above where I started, but it’s got lease denser for sure.
 

If I pull my the hairline back something is going on. The sudden losses / irritated scalp all over are much more evident in the pics below. Hoping my Dr/Derm can clear things up next week.

Edited October 7, 2023 by ScottishGuy21

[ScottishGuy21]

Further update

Been to see a derm today who has ruled out anything scalp related including seb derm, foliculitus and lichen planus. Which is a partial relief.

I’m still awaiting my blood tests. Providing they are clear and after having a deep discussion he strongly believes the shed / issue is covid related and has sent the hair into the telogen phase. Only time will tell but I hope he’s right and I’ll see regrowth in a few months 😥. To be honest I hadn’t even factored in it may be related to covid.

Dr Bicer has been in contact several times and face timed me. It is true what they say about her after care being second to none. I’m over a year out now post op and she’s still replying right away. Covid wasn’t discussed in my initial calls to her but after hearing about my derm discussion she said it made sense and was glad it wasn’t scaring alopecia. So that was my fault looking back for not exploring that avenue . Let’s see what the next few months bring now 🙏🏼

Edited October 10, 2023 by ScottishGuy21

[Rawkerboi]

Interesting, your shedding is related to COVID, frankly I would had never even thought in my wild dreams.

I think it's anagen desynchronisation( There is detail video about this by Dr. Arika Bansal @ youtube)

Give it few months and your density will be back to normal

[ScottishGuy21]

2 hours ago, Rawkerboi said:

Interesting, your shedding is related to COVID, frankly I would had never even thought in my wild dreams.

I think it's anagen desynchronisation( There is detail video about this by Dr. Arika Bansal @ youtube)

Give it few months and your density will be back to normal

My dermatologist said he’s seen several similar cases recently but usually with women and children. With any type of fever / illness there is a risk of telogen effluvium. I’m back with him in December for a follow up.
 

I had considered desynchronisation and that’s definitely also something which could have contributed to the thinning also (Along with seasonal shed). Whatever is going on is also impacting existing native hair too though which suggests more is at play.

Edited October 11, 2023 by ScottishGuy21

[ITA]

Ti consiglio di rivolgerti anche ad un altro dermatologo.

Do you feel itchy or tingling in your scalp? Also, how does your dermatologist rule out LLP if the only way to diagnose it for sure is a biopsy?

Edited October 11, 2023 by ITA

[ScottishGuy21]

23 minutes ago, ITA said:

Ti consiglio di rivolgerti anche ad un altro dermatologo.

Do you feel itchy or tingling in your scalp? Also, how does your dermatologist rule out LLP if the only way to diagnose it for sure is a biopsy?

Ok, I may just do that. Do you think he may have mis diagnosed? The burning scalp sensation I had has considerably subsided in the last few days.

Have you seen similar cases I can look into online?

I had a triscopic examination. 

 

 

[ITA]

1 hour ago, ScottishGuy21 said:

Ok, potrei farlo. Pensi che possa aver avuto una diagnosi sbagliata? La sensazione di bruciore al cuoio capelluto che avevo si è notevolmente attenuata negli ultimi giorni.

Hai visto casi simili che posso esaminare online?

Ho fatto un esame triscopico. 

I would advise you to do it, also check your blood values, in particular lymphocytes and monocytes, as well as checking your thyroid (these values can indicate the presence or absence of autoimmune diseases). The burning sometimes comes and goes.

[ScottishGuy21]

1 hour ago, ITA said:

I would advise you to do it, also check your blood values, in particular lymphocytes and monocytes, as well as checking your thyroid (these values can indicate the presence or absence of autoimmune diseases). The burning sometimes comes and goes.

Thanks for your input. I’ll certainly get a second opinion ASAP. I may look to get a private biopsy done to be certain.

Yes Ive had full bloods taken, I’m awaiting the results . The advice given was on provision the bloods were clear. What a minefield this is turning out to be 😔

[ScottishGuy21]

Further update - sorry in advance for the long post again!

I am still waiting for a biopsy. The NHS wait time in the UK is over 6 months!! . With that in mind I am going private but even then the wait for a Hair Specialist Consultant Dermatologist is 4 weeks. I could see a standard Derm again much quicker but given the potential complexity of the issue (And I’ve already had a trichoscopy) don’t think that would move my case any further.  

A few ago I was prescribed anti biotics. This saw the shedding and redness subside dramatically, I am seeing thickening / regrowth. So there’s a good chance I did have some sort of infection given my positive response to them. There’s thankfully a noticeable difference in my hair health (pic enclosed).  I am however still getting occasional tingling and itching which indicates there’s possibly still more going on than just a covid shed / infection. (Hence why I want to see a hair specific derm this time to be thorough). Blood work has come back normal.

It’s a waiting game now for a) A biopsy 2) How much the hair regrows.
 

 

 

Edited October 24, 2023 by ScottishGuy21

[Gatsby]

7 minutes ago, ScottishGuy21 said:

Further update - sorry in advance for the long post again!

I am still waiting for a biopsy. The NHS wait time in the UK is over 6 months!! . With that in mind I am going private but even then the wait for a Hair Specialist Consultant Dermatologist is 4 weeks. I could see a standard Derm again much quicker but given the potential complexity of the issue (And I’ve already had a trichoscopy) don’t think that would move my case any further.  

A few ago I was prescribed anti biotics. This saw the shedding and redness subside dramatically, I am seeing thickening / regrowth. So there’s a good chance I did have some sort of infection given my positive response to them. There’s thankfully a noticeable difference in my hair health (pic enclosed).  I am however still getting occasional tingling and itching which indicates there’s possibly still more going on than just a covid shed / infection. (Hence why I want to see a hair specific derm this time to be thorough). Blood work has come back normal.

It’s a waiting game now for a) A biopsy 2) How much the hair regrows.
 

 

 

Your hair is looking very full. I'm sure in time any problems that you have experienced will be long gone into the past. All the best!