Repair FUE in HLC Ankara (Dr. Cengiz) | 2911 Grafts | Feb 23-24, 2022

[lowkey]

Hi all,

I have many things to write so I hope it will help other people and during this period I can also achieve what I am looking for.

 I had a bothced/failed hair transplant (so-called 3700 grafts) in December 2019 in Istanbul with the issues below;

• wrong angles and direction
• depleted donor area in the certain section
• pluggy view due to multiple hair grafts in the hairline and in my temples
• too low and asymmetric hairline with an unnatural look
• bumpiness and uneven skin level (ridgining) since transplanted grafts were not trimmed around its shaft - I realized that after removal of the transplanted hairs

 

I talked to top-tier doctors to find out how to fix it (Eugenix Clinic, Hasson & Wong, Dr. Feriduni, Dr. Bisanga, Dr. Koray Erdogan) almost all of them suggested a 2 step approach;

1. taking out the transplanted hair (excision of the grafts) and re-use them if possible
2. planning a hairline construction operation

 

However at that time I was unhappy with the look of my head due to hair transplant and I decided to remove transplanted hair with

• 3 full sessions of electrolysis
• 8 sessions of diode laser
• 8 sessions of fractional laser to improve the scars (provided only mild improvement)
• last but not least I also had pilonidal sinus operation due to ingrown hairs in my left temple
   

Unfortunately since transplanted hair grafts depth is also problematic I continued carry approx. 30 percent of the transplanted hair in a scattered way after all these sessions. 

 

After all of these procedures, research I am still not able to find a proper solution that I can proceed with. I wish I never had a hair transplant because I would prefer to be bald without any scarring on my scalp. It has affected both my personal and professional life for the last 2 years...

Options that I was considering but still I am not 100 percent sure what to do next to improve my current situation: 

 

Option-1: Since my forehead is quite big, I am just hoping I have the laxity and since I have limited donor capacity I was considering scalp reduction to get rid of the area that has ridging and transplanted hair. After this operation maybe I would have a small hair transplant operation just to cover the scar from surgery.
Complication-1: The most problematic area is my temples and I am not sure if we have a chance to reduce that area with an operation because most of the operations I checked are more reducing the frontal zone with a linear line.

Decision-1: NO GO. It is too costly from both time and money perspectives. In addition, afterwards I would again require another hair transplant to cover scars from such a surgery.

 

Option-2: SMP to cover the scars both in my donor area scars and recipient area scars with a more conservative hairline and temple (like a person who has receding hairline with low/medium density)

Complication-2: SMP seems like the best viable option for my donor area however for the hairline I have ridging, slit scars and quite sensitive skin in the recipient area after all of these lasers, so I am not sure how it will look like in the frontal and temple areas.

Decision-2: NO GO. Due to risk of having ink might spread on my skin and bumpiness will remain even if I had SMP. + In natural light it looks so fake, no offense SMP artists...

Option-3: 2nd hair transplant operation to reconstruct the hairline and camouflage problematic areas that had undergone the first failed hair transplant.

Complication-3:  Limited donor area if I will continue to lose hair in the future.

Decision-3:  GO! Because I was tired to go dermatologists and I saw many good repair results and together with finasterid I thought I can protect my existing hair and reconstruct my hairline and temples.

 

 

My goal was simply just to get rid of this situation on my scalp, forehead, and temples.

 

So here are chronological order of my situation.

Before the failed surgery (2019):

6 months after failed surgery and depleted donor area (2020) in a butcher in Istanbul (NOT HLC):

I think you understand why I wanted to get rid off from these.. (At that time I was not able to support 2 surgery in abroad with my budget..)

After multiple electrolysis and laser treatments, mostly tinted sunscreen/cream applied, (2021):

m

I also had pilonidal sinus operation due to ingrown hairs, imagine the direction of the hair grafts...

Fractional laser was doing some temporary improvements but after remaining hairs started to grow I was having redness on the scalp.

Operation Planning in HLC Ankara (Feb 22, 2022):

Scarring and persistent grafts are more visible in here. If I remember correct graft distribution as follows:

Area 1: 60 grafts per cm2
Area 2: 30 grafts per cm2

23rd - 24th of Feb, 2022 Operation Days in HLC Ankara:

 

 

2 weeks after 2nd repair procedure in HLC:

 

2.5 months after:

 

As of today (Day 115) in a favorable light and perspective:

 

Actual progress with natural light, again day 115:

 

Actual progress with flash light, again day 115:

 

I think after all of these things my progress is slow but I try to be optimistic since it is 115 days. I don't feel that strange vibration/sensation in my scalp but I hope my non-virgin scalp provide what I need for new grafts, wish me luck and I hope achieve more density in the upcoming months.
 

I want to send special thanks to @MachoVato for his subject, he helped me a lot when I was trying to make my decision for repair operation in HLC. @GatsbyI even disturbed you on Instagram and now I am on the forum to help others.

 

I wish big luck to people on the HT journey. Please, please and please I beg you, do your research and if you are looking as bald just accept it, grow beard and go to gym

 

 

 

 

Edited June 19, 2022 by lowkey
duplicated photos.

[THE TRUTH]

Looks pretty good and natural for 4 months. Let's hope it thickens up a bit more during the next  3 months. 🙏

2 importants points here 

1) Are you on any preventative treatment such as oral Finasteride or Dutasteride ? It looks you are actually diffusely thinning throughout the midscalp and upper crown as well ? If not, I would highly encourage you to get on an oral 5alpha reductase inhibitor to minimiaze potential future loss that will occur. You don't wanna lose more hair after having 2 surgeries and a overharvested donor...

2) Which hairmill in Istanbul gave you that botched job ? Which clinic did you go for the laser and electrolysis treatments ? Based on the pictures you provided it seems like they did a very good job at removing the unatural hairs on the hairline.

All the best and good luck for the next few months.

Edited June 19, 2022 by A homerun is a botched job

[BaldReaper]

Thanks for documenting your journey and honestly it looks really good so far

 

1. I cant see any significant scaring from all the extractions you did and getting rid of 70% of the hair is actually a good achievement, is the scaring as it looks in the pictures or it looks worse in real light?

2.You think you managed to remove more with laser or electrolysis?

3. FUE extraction, laser or electrolysis leaves the least amount of scaring?

 

[lowkey]

23 minutes ago, A homerun is a botched job said:

Looks pretty decent and natural for 4 months. Let's hope it thickens up a bit more during the next  3 months. 🙏

2 importants points here 

1) Are you on any preventative treatment such as oral Finasteride or Dutasteride ? It looks you are actually diffusely thinning throughout the midscalp and upper crown as well ? If not, I would highly encourage you to get on an oral 5alpha reductase inhibitor to minimiaze potential future loss that will occur. You don't wanna lose more hair after having 2 surgeries and a overharvested donor...

2) Which hairmill in Istanbul gave you that botched job ? Which clinic did you go for the laser and electrolysis treatments ? Based on the pictures you provided it seems like they did a very good job at removing the unatural hairs on the hairline.

All the best and good luck for the next few months.

 

Thank you for your message and wishes, I hope density will improve I don't have that sweet vibration and sensation nowadays so I am a bit concerned but I will wait and see.

1) yes I am on oral finasteride (propecia), 3 times in a week since after the 2nd surgery. no side effects 

2a) it was called "Repair Hair Clinic" a lady called Emel Bayer Tuncel and her husband "Dr" Alper Tuncel.. they are not reputable and I went there without any research... the biggest regret of my life. They are not performing HT anymore because I sent many complaints on necessary websites in Turkish.

2b) Electrolysis it is called NEKA clinic (not a hairtransplant clinic, beauty clinic or smth) in Istanbul they are who brought the device to Turkey first time and the most experienced lady did the extractions. Afterwards I found a regular dermatologist for Diode Laser combined with Fractional Laser. I appreciate your comment but the best method to remove transplanted grafts is small size punch outs. I removed couple of grafts in HLC and there were no scarring. 

 

1 minute ago, JimKan1 said:

Thanks for documenting your journey and honestly it looks really good so far

 

1. I cant see any significant scaring from all the extractions you did and getting rid of 70% of the hair is actually a good achievement, is the scaring as it looks in the pictures or it looks worse in real light?

2.You think you managed to remove more with laser or electrolysis?

3. FUE extraction, laser or electrolysis leaves the least amount of scaring?

 

1) I was using tinted sunscreen to cover it, from different angles there were ridging and bumpy areas due to first HT as I shared in the topic please read them. If you look at the pictures in my 2nd operation planning photos you will see those scars.

2) I would go with laser first to avoid more scarring with electrolysis and then punch out the remaining grafts with a reputable surgeon.

3) Laser and then FUE extraction based on my experience.

 

Edited June 19, 2022 by lowkey

[ITA]

In my opinion, you had a good result, of course, the fear is because your scalp was not virgin, but from the photos of the procedure it looks like a good job, be calm, and wait for your transplant to evolve.

[Gatsby]

It looks fantastic. Everything about this game is patience. That’s what wins at the end of the day! 🙏

[MachoVato]

I don't remember helping you, but I'm glad to hear I made difference. 

It never is easy to learn about botched transplants. They are getting real good at marketing, social media, and some even steal before/after photos from other clinics to mislead patients. And it's hard to recover from a depleted donor. 

This is going to be an interesting case to follow. I'm sure all the scarring complicates the repair. But it look like it's on track for a great result!

[Melvin- Admin]

Looking good, thanks for sharing your experience 🙌🏼

[RTC]

Following.

I have many of the same issues, going to Mwamba next week to repair

 

[lowkey]

13 hours ago, MachoVato said:

I don't remember helping you, but I'm glad to hear I made difference. 

It never is easy to learn about botched transplants. They are getting real good at marketing, social media, and some even steal before/after photos from other clinics to mislead patients. And it's hard to recover from a depleted donor. 

This is going to be an interesting case to follow. I'm sure all the scarring complicates the repair. But it look like it's on track for a great result!

Actually it was an indirect help to me, I was doing my research and was about to go to another cliniic and after seeing your result I have changed my mind and contacted to HLC. I hope I will achieve a good results after 3 years...

@MachoVato May I ask you a question about my situation; I know it is early to expect a full result at the moment but I don't have this feeling/sensation of tingling do you think it is a bad sign? + I don't also see small black heads of the graft in my close up photos. I will appreciate if you can share it based on your experience because between month 4 and 5 your progress was amazing from the photos. 

Edited June 20, 2022 by lowkey

[lowkey]

10 hours ago, Aslitarcan sucks said:

Following.

I have many of the same issues, going to Mwamba next week to repair

 

I will also require a small fix for my temples I am considering that either with BHT or nape area. If everything will go well, I will do that again with HLC but I will also consider Dr. Mwamba too, I heard his name a lot. 

Sorry to hear that you also experienced such a thing I think a reputable surgeon will do the best but of course it is a painful process I was 27 when this journey started now I am 30, I was hiding my scars, avoiding from sun and sea, social and professional relationships affected... I feel you bro...

I am originally Turkish and I feel so sorry having these butchers/hair mills in my country and we do a lot marketing about it and apart from 1-2 clinics Turkey is not a good place for hair transplant they are just doing marketing and destroy people's life.

 

Hoping the best for you.

[MachoVato]

5 hours ago, lowkey said:

@MachoVato May I ask you a question about my situation; I know it is early to expect a full result at the moment but I don't have this feeling/sensation of tingling do you think it is a bad sign? + I don't also see small black heads of the graft in my close up photos. I will appreciate if you can share it based on your experience because between month 4 and 5 your progress was amazing from the photos. 

I am not sure about the tingling sensation you are talking about. I think it is normal for the recipient area to be numb (no sensation) after procedure. I would say it is a good thing that you don't have a tingling sensation. But I think everyone responds differently, based on the amount of nerve damage. Sometimes, my scalp would feel sharp pain, like someone poking me with a needle. It's normal part of the healing process.

And I'm not sure about the black heads on the grafts. Are you talking about scabs/crusts?  Do you have an example of that? Your photos look exactly as they should, imo. 

For me, my growth started around 4.5 months or so. It got better every month after that. I would have been happy if it stopped improving at month 9, it was such a big improvement. And I know everyone says you have to wait 12 months for results and it really is true. It gets better... the hair continues to get more thick and natural looking. 

Your case is very interesting because it is a repair. You still have hair lower than where Cengiz implanted your hairline. Are you going to continue to get those removed? Or just shave them down? 

[lowkey]

On 6/20/2022 at 4:08 PM, MachoVato said:

I am not sure about the tingling sensation you are talking about. I think it is normal for the recipient area to be numb (no sensation) after procedure. I would say it is a good thing that you don't have a tingling sensation. But I think everyone responds differently, based on the amount of nerve damage. Sometimes, my scalp would feel sharp pain, like someone poking me with a needle. It's normal part of the healing process.

And I'm not sure about the black heads on the grafts. Are you talking about scabs/crusts?  Do you have an example of that? Your photos look exactly as they should, imo. 

For me, my growth started around 4.5 months or so. It got better every month after that. I would have been happy if it stopped improving at month 9, it was such a big improvement. And I know everyone says you have to wait 12 months for results and it really is true. It gets better... the hair continues to get more thick and natural looking. 

Your case is very interesting because it is a repair. You still have hair lower than where Cengiz implanted your hairline. Are you going to continue to get those removed? Or just shave them down? 

Dear @MachoVato thank you for your message and sharing your experience.  Actually it is not numb anymore it has started to normalize. 
 
What I mean with black heads is; the new hairs sticking out. I am asking because I don't have too many of those instead I have thin hairs (like miniaturized hair). If you think my progress is good I won't question "why I don't have grafts that are sticking out from my scalp" 

Good observation yes. Unfortunately, hairs that are lower than what is designed in HLC are the persistent hair grafts with wrong direction from my previous transplant.  Dr. Özgür insisted to cover all the area with a lower hairline (similar to my failed transplanted) but I didn't want to lower the hairline to cover more grafts for the future and I decided to have a more conservative hairline.

I am planning a small improvement on my temples (similar to your case), maybe I would prefer to punch them out and re-use in the temples. Since I had multiple laser removal session those hairs are quite thin right now.

Edited June 21, 2022 by lowkey

[MachoVato]

54 minutes ago, lowkey said:

Dear @MachoVato thank you for your message and sharing your experience.  Actually it is not numb anymore it has started to normalize. 
 
What I mean with black heads is; the new hairs sticking out. I am asking because I don't have too many of those instead I have thin hairs (like miniaturized hair). If you think my progress is good I won't question "why I don't have grafts that are sticking out from my scalp" 

Good observation yes. Unfortunately, hairs that are lower than what is designed in HLC are the persistent hair grafts with wrong direction from my previous transplant.  Dr. Özgür insisted to cover all the area with a lower hairline (similar to my failed transplanted) but I didn't want to lower the hairline to cover more grafts for the future and I decided to have a more conservative hairline.

I am planning a small improvement on my temples (similar to your case), maybe I would prefer to punch them out and re-use in the temples. Since I had multiple laser removal session those hairs are quite thin right now.

 

Ok, I think I know what you mean about the black tips. I think it means that they fell out when you shed. The thin hairs are the NEW hairs coming out. They start very thin, like miniatured hairs. They will continue to grow, get darker and thicker. This is why your hair will get better between month 8 and 12. Because you'll get hair cuts and the thin hair will be gone. 

In my opinion, you want some native hairs below your hairline. This creates a softer appearance and helps it look more natural. But yes, I like your plan to start conservative. Let it grow and go back for temples (which make a huge difference!). Then you can remove the last bad grafts and improve the hairline.

Most people don't realize that a great hair transplant requires more than one visit. I think you are on a journey for a great result! 

[BaldReaper]

any updates?

[Vann]

2 hours ago, BaldV said:

any updates?

+1

should be at what… 7 months 2 weeks and 6 days?

Edited October 17, 2022 by Vann

[Vann]

Any updates @lowkey

[bigmistake]

I am confused, if you had a botched donor then where did they get the grafts to do the repair ?

[Cory]

Front looks good man. How did they manage your donor? Just curious 🙂

[lowkey]

Hello everyone, apologies for neglecting the forum. I have been travelling a lot and I have recently changed my job and country.

In general I am quite happy with the hair transplant result compared to my past experiences. However, I am unhappy with my genetics and hair type  Unfortunately my hair is too thin and not suitable to use it longer (somehow wavy and not easy to style).

I don't have really high quality photos from different angle because I didn't want to be obsessed by taking photos every month and over looking it. So I try to post as much as possible to give you some idea.

 

Medications:

Propecia 3 times per week, no side effects

Minoxidil (foam) every night once per day

 

1. June, 2022 (4 months result)

 

 

2. August, 2022 (6 months result)

 

3. September, 2022 (7 months result)

 

 November, 2022 (9 months results) 

I started to get compliments when I use it a bit longer and I enjoyed even I spent too much time to style it. (the first photo is in a car)

4. 

 

December, 2022 (10 months results)

 

 

April, 2023 (14 months results)

 

In a nutshell, I am happy when I keep it long because my existing hair is blending with the transplanted hair very well. With styling effort nobody notice I have a hair transplant. However I know my hair type and it will get thinner in years. Therefore, I am looking for an option that I can use my hair really short and cover my FUE scars with SMP in the long run. So I can maintain an easier lifestyle too without putting too much effort.

 

I am planning to visit Ankara this June and talk about potential options and check my reserved donor area (there might be still 1500-2000 based on my discussion with the doctors in the last operation). I am also considering Dr. Bisanga in Belgium to get more, but first I want to take advice from doctors in HLC because I believe they did a good job.

 

I cut it short to see the actual result. Density is not really good. I don't know why maybe because of previously damaged area or because of my hair type but it is okay since the direction of the hairs are good.  As of today, May 02, 2023 so I am dropping those photos over here too:

[Vann]

18 hours ago, lowkey said:

Hello everyone, apologies for neglecting the forum. I have been travelling a lot and I have recently changed my job and country.

In general I am quite happy with the hair transplant result compared to my past experiences. However, I am unhappy with my genetics and hair type  Unfortunately my hair is too thin and not suitable to use it longer (somehow wavy and not easy to style).

I don't have really high quality photos from different angle because I didn't want to be obsessed by taking photos every month and over looking it. So I try to post as much as possible to give you some idea.

 

Medications:

Propecia 3 times per week, no side effects

Minoxidil (foam) every night once per day

 

1. June, 2022 (4 months result)

 

 

2. August, 2022 (6 months result)

 

3. September, 2022 (7 months result)

 

 November, 2022 (9 months results) 

I started to get compliments when I use it a bit longer and I enjoyed even I spent too much time to style it. (the first photo is in a car)

4. 

 

December, 2022 (10 months results)

 

 

April, 2023 (14 months results)

 

In a nutshell, I am happy when I keep it long because my existing hair is blending with the transplanted hair very well. With styling effort nobody notice I have a hair transplant. However I know my hair type and it will get thinner in years. Therefore, I am looking for an option that I can use my hair really short and cover my FUE scars with SMP in the long run. So I can maintain an easier lifestyle too without putting too much effort.

 

I am planning to visit Ankara this June and talk about potential options and check my reserved donor area (there might be still 1500-2000 based on my discussion with the doctors in the last operation). I am also considering Dr. Bisanga in Belgium to get more, but first I want to take advice from doctors in HLC because I believe they did a good job.

 

I cut it short to see the actual result. Density is not really good. I don't know why maybe because of previously damaged area or because of my hair type but it is okay since the direction of the hairs are good.  As of today, May 02, 2023 so I am dropping those photos over here too:

Thanks for the update. Considering all things in the past I think this is more successful than you’re giving it. 
 

nonetheless, have you ever considered switching from finasteride to dutasteride? Not saying it’ll be the miracle change but if you’re still experiencing hair loss you want to address those issues before using the last of your 1.5-2k reserve. 

also a lot of bisanga posts have mentioned a switch to oral minoxidil (from topical) or those who have never taken oral minox to starting at 2.5mg and adjusting to 5mg. 

[BaldReaper]

Wow man this looks good, you really managed to turn things around.

[Melvin- Admin]

This is why claiming that full results are visible at 6 months is nonsense.  Not only is there more growth, but as the hair matures, it improves the even more.

6 months vs. 9 months vs. 14 months

[lowkey]

On 5/2/2023 at 7:23 PM, Vann said:

Thanks for the update. Considering all things in the past I think this is more successful than you’re giving it. 
 

nonetheless, have you ever considered switching from finasteride to dutasteride? Not saying it’ll be the miracle change but if you’re still experiencing hair loss you want to address those issues before using the last of your 1.5-2k reserve. 

also a lot of bisanga posts have mentioned a switch to oral minoxidil (from topical) or those who have never taken oral minox to starting at 2.5mg and adjusting to 5mg. 

Thank you for your message, I am in Italy and I don't know if oral minoxidil is available in here.

I use foam and it's been almost a year and I still have a bit of shedding. I want to give it a try.

I agree using the last reserve doesn't make sense but I want to have a better hairline so with a small operation to my sides and frontal part maybe something around 500-750 because my ultimate goal to have a buzz cutt and SMP to the donor areas.

I am pretty sure that I cannot maintain a long-medium hair cut with this level of thinning.

[Realistic Hope]

@lowkey did you try to use hyaluronic acid and mesotherapie for scars while you were doing laser Co2 to improve the frontal scars!?