2426 FUE Grafts – Dr Laorwong

[Hristo13]

Hi all

Thank you to all who contribute to this great site – it has taught me so much – may the hair gods (Hairy Krishna?) bless you all. Having had my surgery with Dr Kongkiat Laorwong on 5 January 2022, I wanted to provide a run-down of my experience.  

41 year old Australian male. Experiencing a gradual recession of my hairline since my mid 20’s. I have been on topical minoxidil for the past 3 years as well as Swisse Hair Nutrition for Men supplements.

I originally had a surgery with Dr Ozlem Bicer in Turkey planned for April/May 2019 – however travel restrictions for Aussies didn’t allow that to happen.

I chose Dr Laorwong for a couple of different reasons.

1.       The hairline that I was after – his own website pictures, as well as the cases he himself has posted on here made me feel he was the right surgeon to get the result I was after.

2.       Reviews from other posters on here – it seemed almost everyone who has surgery with Dr Laorwong was happy with the experience and his results seemed great.

3.       Convenience – I didn’t have much time during this period and his surgery is close to my homeland of Australia. I could fly in, have the surgery, and be back home in a reasonable amount of time.

4.       Not having to shave my whole head – my work means I need to be visible to internal and external stakeholders, so I wanted to be able to keep my current hairstyle and do a “comb over” of the transplant (see final pic)

Pre surgery 

As some other patients of his on this forum have pointed out, Dr Laorwong is a very direct, no nonsense type of guy.  It was actually one of the reasons that made me comfortable in choosing him. Having had numerous consultations with clinics in different parts of the world, it sometimes felt a little “salesy” when speaking to them rather than a genuine consultation. In contrast, Dr Laorwong responded quite quickly and answered all my questions and there was no pressure or promises – I respected that approach. The only thing of concern for me was that I asked for a video consultation a few times and he said that was OK but didn’t organise a date/time. Even after I had paid my deposit, I had to ask a couple more times before we finally had a video consultation – and that happened when he just randomly called me out of the blue. I respect that his time is precious, so he might not be available to conduct video consultations with everyone who has asked, but I do feel that once a patient has paid a deposit it shows they are serious about progressing with the surgery so he then might be able to organise for one to take place.

Consultation (1 day prior to surgery)

I went in and got my Covid and HIV tests. Dr Laorwong asked me what type of hairline I was looking for and I explained that there was one particular result of a previous patient on his website that I really liked. He pulled it up and using that as a guide he then drew a hairline on. We agreed on the hairline and he estimated (after doing his measurements using plastic film over my scalp) that I would need 2200 grafts (eventual grafts were 2426). I paid the remainder of the balance. Prior to the consultation, and in the weeks leading up to the surgery I was extremely nervous about it – but once I finished the consultation I was just super excited to have something done which I had been wanting for the past five years. I went home and slept 8 hours.

Day of Surgery

I arrived at 8:30am. Dr Laorwong re-drew the hairline and shaved my donor. I was given some antibiotics and pain medication, however I decided against taking any sedatives as I am in Bangkok on my own and I didn’t want to be groggy in a foreign land where I don’t speak the language and not many people speak English. Before I knew it, I was face down awaiting the dreaded anesthetic shots. Whilst they were being administered someone was massaging my back and there was some type of vibration device being held against the back of my head. Honestly, they really didn’t hurt at all – my Covid vaccination shots hurt way more. After all that fear it really was nothing (damn all you posters for scaring the sh#t out of me 😊) – maybe the painkillers I was given helped a lot.

Then the extractions began – this was probably the worst part for me as I was awake and had to stay on my stomach for, I’m guessing, about 2.5-3 hours. My lower back was in a bit of pain for the last hour and a half. Once the extractions were complete, I was told we would break for lunch and I was led to a room where my lunch was waiting. This was a little weird as I ate on my own and it wasn’t until they told me I was required to go back in the surgery room did anyone come in the room to speak to me. I really wasn’t hungry so barely ate any of my lunch.

From there the incisions were done and the implanting began. This was a lot more comfortable physically as I was laying on my back. PRP was then injected and once everything was completed I was lead to a room to receive LLT for 30 minutes. Once the LLT was complete Dr Laorwong looked me over and said he was happy with how everything had gone and answered some of my questions.

I was at the clinic at 8:30 and left at 5pm.

I dressed and they called me a cab and I went back to my room. I didn’t feel any pain during the surgery or afterwards and I managed to sleep a whole 8 hours following the surgery without the aid of Valium or any sleeping pills.

In total, 2426 grafts were extracted. 432 singles, 1253 doubles, 741 three’s (or more).

Post op

I went in the following for a wash, check up and LLT. I again met with Dr Laorwong who said everything seemed fine and answered some of my questions. I ended up purchasing a 6 month supply of Finasteride which the Dr sells at his clinic. I am a little concerned about sides however I would like to do everything possible to ensure a successful procedure and if I do experience any sides I will discontinue using it. Moving forward the plan is to use Finasteride, Swisse Hair Nutrition for men supplements, topical Minoxidil and a derma pen.

I went back in on days 2, 3, 4 and 5 post surgery for my hair wash and each day and LLLT. Dr Laorwong checked the hair each time and was happy with everything and he made time to answer my questions.

Thoughts on Surgery/Surgeon

Everything went smoothly. Dr Laorwong seems like a guy that really knows what he is doing – there’s no fluff, he’s straight to business. His approach can seem somewhat impersonal at times, however I think that’s just his personality and there’s no negative intentions behind it. He does seem like he cares about doing a good job and that’s his main aim. If I could find any suggestions to make for him is that he maybe try to be a little more supportive to patients during the process. As an example, only once was I asked how I was feeling and that’s after I groaned because my back was sore. He spoke to me very little during the surgery and if I didn’t ask what was happening or when we could break (to use the toilet) he would not volunteer the information. For me (and potentially a lot of others), a hair transplant is a major surgery that we have been anxious about for a long time – so a little more compassion and checking in would of helped me relax and feel more comfortable.

So for anyone considering Dr Laorwong, I would say my experience with him so far was amazing (hopefully the results are as well). However, if you feel like you need a doctor who will be emotionally supportive during the surgery then consider what I have said. I’m mindful not to make this sound like criticism of him, I’m just trying to give an honest assessment of my personal experience with him as I feel this is what this forum is for.  

Thoughts 2 weeks post op

I’m worried things went too smoothly 😊. On the day of the surgery there was zero pain. Post surgery, and in the days following, I slept 8 hours a night. My scabbing was very minimal and using Melvin the Moderator’s video tutorial I was able to remove them all on the 9^th or 10^th day. I have had no itchiness or soreness post-surgery. I have a little shock loss but I expected that. I started shedding on day 15. There is some redness on the donor area however I’m not sure how bad it is as the majority of the grafts are still in place so it disguises it. I did experience some bad swelling – having read others experiences with it I think mine was quite severe for a week post op and probably finally went away 10 days post op. Overall, I am happy with how things went. The only negative is that I wish I had filled in the temple points a little more. I have always thought that I would probably end up having two surgeries done so if I ever do get another, its probably something that I will do on the next go round.

Pictures attached are day of surgery, 1 day post op, 2 weeks post op. 

I hope my review helps someone out there.

[Melvin- Admin]

Awesome review, great work 🙌🏼 I’m glad the vide could help you. 

[rr1992]

@Hristo13 - Thanks for this very detailed review. I have a procedure scheduled with Dr. Laorwong next week. I am curious to know how extensive the planning session went in regards to deciding on a hairline. Did he kind of just go with whatever you said or did he seem to have solid suggestions based on the structure  of your face etc.?

[Hristo13]

Hi @rr1992 ... it was a combination of my suggestion based on a hairline design I wanted and Dr Laorwong taking measurements using a ruler of my face and making recommendations ...  it is probably one area I wish I had spent a little more time considering ... I had an in person consultation the day before surgery and if I could change one thing it would be leaving the drawing of the hairline, which we did on this day, on overnight so I could see how I feel about it in my own time and over a few hours

[rr1992]

18 hours ago, Hristo13 said:

Hi @rr1992 ... it was a combination of my suggestion based on a hairline design I wanted and Dr Laorwong taking measurements using a ruler of my face and making recommendations ...  it is probably one area I wish I had spent a little more time considering ... I had an in person consultation the day before surgery and if I could change one thing it would be leaving the drawing of the hairline, which we did on this day, on overnight so I could see how I feel about it in my own time and over a few hours

Thank you!

[Melvin- Admin]

How is it looking?

[bw77]

I feel like Dr Laorwong's work is among the cleanest post surgery. The result is what really counts though. Any updates?

[rr1992]

Hi @Hristo13, how are things going? I am currently on my flight to see Dr Laorwong Tuesday morning for surgery!

[Hristo13]

Hi ... everything is going as it seems it should ... ill upload some pictures shortly ... there's still a lot of redness and I am experiencing quite a bit of shedding of my non-implanted hair ... I still have no regrets about choosing Dr Laorwong and have been extremely happy with how things have gone so far

 

@rr1992 good luck with it - my only advice would be to ask every question you have as Dr Laorwong is happy to answer - however, in my experience, he does not initiate discussion so the onus is on you to do so 

[Hristo13]

3 MONTH UPDATE

Surgery January 5 ... Pictures taken April 8

Lots of shock loss for the first two months - I started Fin for the first time on January 6 so that could also have contributed to it

Redness has only started to fade a little over the last week or so

So far everything has gone extremely smoothly - no soreness, no itchiness, no complications whatsoever ... Use Fin 1mg daily, Minoxidil foam twice a day, lots of different supplements.

First four photos are taken with dry hair and no product - however i did put Minoxidil foam in about two hours before the pictures which does tend to thicken my hair. Last three photos are with wet hair. 

I said I wouldn't make a judgement call on how it looks until about the six month mark as, in my opinion, that's when you tend to get good a sense of how it may turn (understanding there are exceptions to this). However, in saying that, I am extremely happy and looking forward to continued growth. 

[songbo]

Hi,

May i know what was the cost for doing with dr laorwong?

What are some questions that you think are very important to ask the doctor about?

I'm also looking to do a hair transplant , and is currently shortlisting a clinic/doctor.

So will like some tips on what i should look out for or be made aware... etc

Thank you

[Falconary]

At this stage only 3 months and it looks extremely Good! I think your result will be 10 out of 10 mate 😀

[Willyd]

I have always been impressed with Dr. Laorwong’s work. I think he’s underrated in the community when discussing the better surgeons. Good to see a patient posted thread. 👍

[Ramons]

On 4/8/2022 at 10:11 AM, Hristo13 said:

3 MONTH UPDATE

Surgery January 5 ... Pictures taken April 8

Lots of shock loss for the first two months - I started Fin for the first time on January 6 so that could also have contributed to it

Redness has only started to fade a little over the last week or so

So far everything has gone extremely smoothly - no soreness, no itchiness, no complications whatsoever ... Use Fin 1mg daily, Minoxidil foam twice a day, lots of different supplements.

First four photos are taken with dry hair and no product - however i did put Minoxidil foam in about two hours before the pictures which does tend to thicken my hair. Last three photos are with wet hair. 

I said I wouldn't make a judgement call on how it looks until about the six month mark as, in my opinion, that's when you tend to get good a sense of how it may turn (understanding there are exceptions to this). However, in saying that, I am extremely happy and looking forward to continued growth. 

😳👍👏looks ridiculously good - mad respect.

Looking forward to my procedure soon with Dr Laorwong also.

Awesome results and I wouldn’t worry about temple area the curve of the hairline looks very natural as is.

[Hristo13]

6 month update

Ive added a couple of pics below.

extremely happy with the growth however not so happy with the hairline/temporal points. I’ve been in touch with Dr Laorwong and plan on having a 2nd surgery to add temporal points - particularly on the right side as I feel it still looks like it’s receding.

[Gatsby]

This is a killer result! Still another six months to go! Very happy for you and thanks for sharing! 👌

[RTC]

Brilliant result 

[Ramons]

Thanks for sharing…impressive results so far…also thanks for replying to the questions.

Had my procedure with Dr Laorwong recently - 3800 grafts…will post some pics soon.

 

[Hristo13]

8 month update - the pics below are before/after - overall very happy however my right side density is not as good as my left

[bw77]

Looks amazing!! 

[Melvin- Admin]

Damn this looks incredible 🤌

[A Fue Good Men]

Laorwong is underrated imo. The results look great

[Iceee222]

On 4/16/2022 at 2:57 AM, Willyd said:

I have always been impressed with Dr. Laorwong’s work. I think he’s underrated in the community when discussing the better surgeons. Good to see a patient posted thread. 👍

I’d love to hear some of your points about him as I am considering him thx

[Iceee222]

On 8/31/2022 at 11:21 AM, 5BetaReductase said:

Laorwong is underrated imo. The results look great

I’d love to hear some of your thoughts on his work as I am considering hin

[mrmane85]

How's it going @Hristo13?