15 month in. Is this normal?

[Johnny76001565]

Hi All,

Had an FUE in September 2021 on the crown. Had my last check up in July and and I have seen no improvement on the back. My clinic has asked me to go back in March (after the 18 month) to assess.

just looking for peoples view and experience. Although the top up would be free of charge I don’t have much desire to have another, so I am hoping it will fill in.

July 

today 

[BackFromTheBrink]

I didn’t see your pre surgery pictures so it’s hard to judge.

However, I think it’s unlikely you’ll have significantly more coverage from here.

Perhaps they’ll offer a shave less procedure to minimise the inconvenience - small surgeries / top ups should be possible without fully shaving your head.

[Johnny76001565]

pre surgery photo 

[Melvin- Admin]

Hard to say without before pictures. My crown is very similar. But my starting point was very bad.

[WhereIsMyMind]

Well, clearly there's a big change in the frontal crown part, and there is no improvement in the back, so I would say its unlikely it will improve any further.

It seems like you should go for a touch-up. Don't feel bitter about it because a HT is never perfect and it is common to get touchups. Something like 800 graft could be enough to cover it if you have enough donor. 

You posted no surgery photos at all though -- if you believe it is 100% negligence from the surgeon, then I would def choose another one for a touch up.

[Johnny76001565]

Sorry, with surgery photos now. Thank you for your reply!

[JohnCasper]

If you want some comparisons, I posted pictures every couple weeks after my 5,000 graft surgery in 2012.  I did have an additional 2,000 FUE two years later.  Check out the archives and compare with your results on my website.  MyFUEhairtransplant.com

[WhereIsMyMind]

On 12/16/2022 at 8:43 AM, Johnny76001565 said:

Sorry, with surgery photos now. Thank you for your reply!

I think I just understood what is happening. Indeed the density is about the same everywhere, but in the back, the hairs are angled downwards, on the front, the hairs are angled forwards (naturally). Depending on how they angled your grafts, and the switch in directions on that area, coupled with not enough density, makes sense that there is a bit of a gap area on the back.

I think it requires a touch up but dont feel discouraged or "scammed" imo. These are grafts that you needed anyway, and the crown is very tricky, happens to a lot of people that they need a few passes.

[Rahal Hair Transplant]

@Johnny76001565,

At 15 months post-op, your results should pretty much be fully grown in with the exception of some minor but additional thickening.  So without seeing any before photos, I can’t really make an assessment as to his growth field.  At this point, I think it’s pretty safe to discuss next steps with your surgeon but he feels it’s better to wait the full 18 months, and you can discuss the results with him at that time.

I hope this helps.

Rahal Hair Transplant

[stephcurry30]

OP Who was the surgeon? I would say the result is underwhelming. How many grafts was the procedure?

[Al - Moderator]

I would try sweeping some of the crown hair back a bit and sort of making the part at the crown more towards the mid scalp. It may provide better coverage and be less noticeable. I don't know if that will work for you or not, but the idea is to try a few slightly different styles.