Journey with HDC, Dr. Christina Vryonidou

[nova]

Hello hello dear HRN family,

My surgery is scheduled for beginning of March with Dr. Christina Vryonidou of HDC clinic and I wanted to post my experience here. I will be sharing my story, the clinic selection process, and more info as things happen.

Background

I'm 35 now and as you can see in the photos, I've been facing hair loss for a few years now. It started in my mid-20s, but I could see the difference more intensely in my 30s. When it comes to treatment, I started using Regaine 7 years back for a few months. I did see results, but experienced mild symptoms of Minoxidil and stopped. Didn't use anything for many years and fast forward a couple of years back, I started using a product from Ordinary, the hairloss serum, which was recommended by a friend. Naturally, I wasn't expecting anything fancy, but the hairloss was reduced a bit. Even though I was joking around with friends that it's fine, I'll lose all my hair and then the plan is to go to Turkey - problem solved. At some point last year, it started bothering me that haircut options became very limited and felt like it was adding years to my age, but tried not to let it affect my confidence too much.

In the back scenes, I started doing some research online of what was the HT process, different options, results and of course I ran into this forum, for which I'm really grateful! I learned a lot from hearing about people's journeys, reviews of clinics and surgeons, so I finally made up my mind. I'm having a Hair transplant!

Clinic Selection

I like organisation. It's annoying really. Just ask my wife. This meant that there were excel files, and lists, and scores, and different factors to consider, bla bla bla, to find the right clinic which met my criteria. Things I considered were the following: Clinic results, Surgeon reviews, Consultation, post-op support, budget (I know.. Everyone has a budget, however I said from the start that if I don't like the clinic, I won't compromise), and a few other factors.

This forum helped me direct my focus on some renowned clinics and surgeons, like Pekiner, Bessam Farjo, Keser, Juan Couto, Fuegenix, HLC, Hermest, Serkan Aygin Clinic, Demirsoy, etc, but also to avoid hair mills.

My top 4 were all in approved list of surgeons here. They were the following in ascending preference:

• Bicer. Heard great things about her. There were a few bad results over the recent years, but then again most clinics do have some. The main reason I didn't go with Bicer, is that I spoke with her assistant and, even though she was very helpful, she didn't give me confidence in some questions. I also spoke with Bicer, but it felt very rushed, which put me off.
• FueCapilar. I was considering Turan at the time, who had great reviews. What I found odd, is that Turan had a fixed cost. It was 4K Euro for up to 3.5K grafts and 4.5K for more than 3.5K. If you're an English speaker, I believe there is a translator. Onur, the consultant, was fine but could have been more responsive and a bit more helpful in some responses. I've also read great things about Gur, so both doctors seemed a good option.
• Eugenix. I've spoken with many clinics over the last few months. Eugenix had hands down the best consultation! They really care about patients - even potential customers - which was a massive plus for them. I was going for the Exclusive package which included senior doctors performing the operation. Eugenix is highly regarded from many members in this forum and I can see why. I was between this and my first option.
• HDC. The clinic I decided to go with was HDC in Cyprus and chose Dr. Christina to perform the operation (she's in the list of approved surgeons). The results I saw from her looked great and they felt very natural. The consultant I spoke with, George Georgiou, was very helpful, the consultation felt very personal and it seems they really care for their patients and their results. I had many questions and George answered comprehensively every question and didn't give me the impression HDC were too focused on making the highest profit. I read a few other Greek forums, which also thought highly of them. The reason I choose them was because of the good reviews I read about Christina, results I saw which looked natural, and that they made me feel I'm in good hands.

If anyone has any questions on the above, feel free to DM me, happy to help. I have a long list of questions I asked consultants, which I gathered online.

Initial Clinic Assessment

Interesting experience this one. The grafts I got from clinics ranged from 2,600 to 3800. Quite a big range, but the average was around 3,500. Most clinics agreed that I'm a good NW 3v, with good potential for a higher NW in the coming years. Keen to hear what you think from the photos.

All clinics agreed that my donor area looks very healthy and I would be a good candidate for a HT. Of course the exact number will be reviewed in-person, but they said that the maximum amount that can be transplanted is ~4K to avoid damaging the donor area.

Interestingly, one clinic also rejected me. Dr Pekiner said I'm a NW 4 and on my way to NW 5-6. He was concerned about not using Finasteride or Minoxidil and suggested we should wait at least 6 months, before we reassess my case. Totally respect their call; in fact it made me think highly of their ethics that they won't just take anyone, and that they really care about having good results.

HDC details

• They use a motorised punch, which is around 0.9 mm (depends). Not ideal, but in certain cases they also do manual if needed.
• Graft extraction is across donor area to minimise visible spotting.
• Density is around 60-70 in the hairline and about 45-50 elsewhere. Of course it depends on the patient.
• Some splitting of hairs happens, but only if needed.
• They use Lens Loupes to clean and separate hairs
• Recipient incisions happen with small blades
• The team is very experienced and have been working together for many years
• They do this saw-like hairline, which even though makes results seem natural, I've seen some results in which it's been quite intense. Will highlight it during the op. day.

Photos

I've attached photos from before my haircut and after. I noticed that my phone highlights my grey hair more in sunlight, which sometimes makes it seem i'm a bit balder, but hopefully in a few months this won't be a problem :)

This brings us to today! I decided to go for a buzz cut to prepare psychologically, paid my deposit and I'm ready to go!

Haven't seen many results of Dr. Christina in HRN so I 'll share more details soon to inform you guys.

[Melvin- Admin]

I can’t wait to follow your progress, Dr. Vyronidou has been producing excellent results 🙌🏼

[A_4_Archan]

Best of luck...will wait for ur updates...

[nova]

Hello hello, I'm back with post-surgery updates!

Overall I'd say that my experience was good. I will describe it in detail in due time, but for now I wanted to show you the result so you can share your thoughts.

Here is the final number of grafts that were transferred to me:

Total Crown: ~900

Total Front: ~ 2700

Total Grafts: 3577

Total Hair: 7445

Ratio Hair/Grafts: 2.08

I was also told that around 96 grafts split.

I have a couple of questions. On the first day I was told that I had many 3x and 4x grafts. Is it common for them not to report the number of 4x and over? Do they split the 2s and use it for reporting? I will also check with the clinic.

Something which I didn't quite understand was that Christina told me that on the 2nd day she made about 700 incisions in the crown area, but inserted around 900 grafts (?) which had been extracted. Is this common?

I also want to get your view on the progress so far - I am uploading photos from different angles from before the operation, the day of the operation, day 3, week 1, week 3.

From the 10th day I also started shedding quite a bit. As you can see, I have lost a lot of hair from the crown and now I have much less than before the transplant. I hope it's expected, but let me know what you think.

I also started Pilfood on day 12 and I am thinking of starting oral minoxidil or topical minoxidil + finasteride.

A quick favour please - can the moderators rename the topic to "1st HT at HDC (Dr Christina Vryonidou), 3577 grafts, March 23".

Will keep you posted : )

 

 

[Idan]

Hi,

First of all best of luck. It looks great.

Regarding 60-70 grafts per cm2 in the hairline. Are you sure about it? Not familiar with many clinics reaching this density in one surgery.

[nova]

12 minutes ago, Idan said:

Hi,

First of all best of luck. It looks great.

Regarding 60-70 grafts per cm2 in the hairline. Are you sure about it? Not familiar with many clinics reaching this density in one surgery.

That's what the consultant said. He said that it depends on many factors, but this is what they're aiming for. 

[A_4_Archan]

Dr christina is producing very good results ....60-70 grafts per sq cm density is high...work looks clean and dense packed...you should get onto medication if you don't get any side effects ....medication will really benefit your transplanted hairs as well as your existing ones...best of luck...happy growing and keep updating ...

[Melvin- Admin]

On 3/26/2023 at 7:02 AM, nova said:

Hello hello, I'm back with post-surgery updates!

Overall I'd say that my experience was good. I will describe it in detail in due time, but for now I wanted to show you the result so you can share your thoughts.

Here is the final number of grafts that were transferred to me:

Total Crown: ~900

Total Front: ~ 2700

Total Grafts: 3577

Total Hair: 7445

Ratio Hair/Grafts: 2.08

I was also told that around 96 grafts split.

I have a couple of questions. On the first day I was told that I had many 3x and 4x grafts. Is it common for them not to report the number of 4x and over? Do they split the 2s and use it for reporting? I will also check with the clinic.

Something which I didn't quite understand was that Christina told me that on the 2nd day she made about 700 incisions in the crown area, but inserted around 900 grafts (?) which had been extracted. Is this common?

I also want to get your view on the progress so far - I am uploading photos from different angles from before the operation, the day of the operation, day 3, week 1, week 3.

From the 10th day I also started shedding quite a bit. As you can see, I have lost a lot of hair from the crown and now I have much less than before the transplant. I hope it's expected, but let me know what you think.

I also started Pilfood on day 12 and I am thinking of starting oral minoxidil or topical minoxidil + finasteride.

A quick favour please - can the moderators rename the topic to "1st HT at HDC (Dr Christina Vryonidou), 3577 grafts, March 23".

Will keep you posted : )

 

 

Amazing documentation 👏🏼

[nova]

Just hit the two months mark! Do you think it's safe to use hair trimmer to cut my hair carefully? Not very short, like the photos I posted pre-op.

 

 

[Melvin- Admin]

Yes, definitely safe. Everything looks right on track 🙌🏼

[Stoner]

Any updates?

[Melvin- Admin]

Yes, please share updates.

[abcd]

update please

Edited August 31, 2023 by abcd

[nova]

Hello! I'm back with 6 month updates. I am attaching photos and my thoughts on the progress so far.

Positive

• The saw-like shape in the hairline does seem to give a more natural effect
• While I initially I didn't like the hairline design, I've changed my mind - it's not that bad (I probably got used to it too) and it blends well with the temples.
• The mix of white and black hairs adds to the natural result

Negative

• The density of the temples is not high yet. (photo 1, 2, 3). Especially the left one, which is unfortunate because this is how I part my hair. There is also lower density in the crown.
• The direction of some hairs on the hairline (photo 7 - this was from 5 months). No matter how hard I try to style them, they still don't blend in with the rest.
• Shape of hairs in the front. Some hairs have a completely irregular shape and do not blend with the rest - especially some white ones (photo 8)

I understand that it is not the final result and that I still have a way to go, so I hope some things will improve. In the meantime, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

In terms of supplements, I took Pilfood and Minoxidil (oral) the first few months and I still use minoxidil. I use head & shoulders shampoo.

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[Turkhair]

Looks good, it will thicken up over the coming months.

Congrats

[Melvin- Admin]

Great results thus far, the curl and texture will change and soften after 18 months. The density will improve and further growth will occur. 

[Berba11]

Any updates, @nova??

[Melvin- Admin]

Another update would be great 🙏

[gogo123]

On 9/23/2023 at 11:29 AM, nova said:

Hello! I'm back with 6 month updates. I am attaching photos and my thoughts on the progress so far.

Positive

• The saw-like shape in the hairline does seem to give a more natural effect
• While I initially I didn't like the hairline design, I've changed my mind - it's not that bad (I probably got used to it too) and it blends well with the temples.
• The mix of white and black hairs adds to the natural result

Negative

• The density of the temples is not high yet. (photo 1, 2, 3). Especially the left one, which is unfortunate because this is how I part my hair. There is also lower density in the crown.
• The direction of some hairs on the hairline (photo 7 - this was from 5 months). No matter how hard I try to style them, they still don't blend in with the rest.
• Shape of hairs in the front. Some hairs have a completely irregular shape and do not blend with the rest - especially some white ones (photo 😎

I understand that it is not the final result and that I still have a way to go, so I hope some things will improve. In the meantime, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

In terms of supplements, I took Pilfood and Minoxidil (oral) the first few months and I still use minoxidil. I use head & shoulders shampoo.

*********************

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in #6 at after 5 months i can see that he did low grade at the donor area and as we can see there are some marks that show that hair took from this place

this is how it should look? or its will over by the time?

 

and please share update, thanks 

[nova]

Happy New Year to everyone! I'm back with a 10-month update.

Overall, I see improvement month by month. There is greater density in all areas: hairline, crown, and in the left temple where there was a big patch.

I have the following questions/comments and would like your view:

1. As I mentioned last time, I still notice that there are many hairs with irregular shapes (especially some white ones): photo #6 with arrows. Will this improve?
2. You can see on the left temple that, although it has thickened, there is still a gap (photo #5)? I imagine it will continue to grow?

 I am satisfied with the density in the hairline, and you can see in photos #2 and #6 that there is significant improvement. Apart from the irregular shape of the hairs, the hairline looks very natural. I would be more satisfied if the design was better, but that is another discussion.

I am attaching the photos. Some areas do not show well because the phone does not capture some white hairs and they appear as gaps.

Hope this helps.

[Melvin- Admin]

Excellent crown work

[jjalay]

Growth and hairline shape looks great but i really dont like the way that the donor area looks on the back.

[Berba11]

50 minutes ago, nova said:

As I mentioned last time, I still notice that there are many hairs with irregular shapes (especially some white ones): photo #6 with arrows. Will this improve?

The kinkiness of the hair will improve gradually over time. It varies from person to person but usually from the 18-month mark onwards things should start to soften more. That said, transplanted hair won't always perfectly match native hair and you may have to put a little bit of work in to help things along; hair masks, conditioner & hair straighteners are all things you can do to help the process along a bit.

53 minutes ago, nova said:

You can see on the left temple that, although it has thickened, there is still a gap (photo #5)? I imagine it will continue to grow?

It's not uncommon to have weaker spots after only one pass. Sometimes it's because native hair in that area hasn't bounced back, or the grafts didn't survive or because maybe a few more grafts were needed than were transplanted. That little gap is quite small - it may fill in a little but over time but even if it doesn't, it looks fine. If you did want a touch up, it's a very small surgery indeed.

[wembley]

Overall your result is decent but it should look better in my opinion. On th left temple there is indeed lack of growth, which will be probably remain like this since you are on month 10 now. Also the hairline looks quite sparse on your left side as it shown on photo number 6.

Regarding your donor, it looks bad with only 3500 grafts extracted...Was it done with motorised punch ?

Edited January 3 by wembley