Regular Member ItIsTime Posted March 23, 2023 Regular Member Share Posted March 23, 2023 (edited) Hi everyone - I want to try to keep this in as real time as possible (moslty so I don't forget it later) and if there is anything I should ask about based on photo I would love more experienced info. I just came out of Day #1 of 2 of by FUE with Dr Bisanga - and I had a GREAT time!! Some quick bkgrd: 39yr old M, on topical Fin via xyon currently 3 times a week and oral minox x 3 months 2.5mg daily. No sides. Been on topical fin since 2019 & topical min since 2015. I have another post that shows my mop of unruly hair Day #0 Arrival and consult. We drew in a hairline, did some fancy schmancy work on the tricho machine and discussed the plans for the next day. I had consulted with Dr Bisanga before in Maryland where I was given the following stats Hair Characteristic - Curly Hair Thickness - Very Fine Donor Density - 70/60/80 Hair Groupings - Mainly 2 hair follicles Miniaturisation - 20% in mid occipital Dermoscopy - AGA Consultation Summary and Recommendations Dr Bisanga has determined the following from your consultation - Size of crown loss - 86cm2 Area of frontal loss - 33cm2 Dr Bisanga has determined that your surgery should consist of approximately 2000 - 2300 grafts to restore your crown and a further 1200 - 1500 grafts to restore your frontal zone. This presents a total of 3200 - 3800 grafts. Right in the ball park of my prior consults and exactly what I expected Hairline photos (below) - I've very happy with it wanted it conservative Dr Bisanga asked a few questions about where I was staying and helping to arrange taxis - Uber and Bolt has been pretty useless in Waterloo. Brussels was great. Time to start next day was 730am to I went to get some rest....Day 1...... Link to my original post with hairline and crown pre surgery Edited March 24, 2023 by ItIsTime 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member ItIsTime Posted March 23, 2023 Author Regular Member Share Posted March 23, 2023 Day 1 Get in at 730am greeted well, everyone is lovely The office is immaculate, clean comfortable simple but refine. It's a happy to be at work but we work kinda place - I like it alot Time to get to business - straight to the back to have be head shaved with the techs (I always loved how I looked with low hair ) Me with buzz cut - gotta say I kinda liked it - red areas from where the machine knicked my skin a little Next step Dr B drew in my hairline and I got a wash I was very happy with the hairline location style and fit of my face - sorry I don't have the temple curvature and if you notice no crown (spoiler alert that's Day 2 story!) Well onto the chair and straight to work I must say the chair is very very comfortable to lie in, easily a great place to nap, and the team keeps everything impeccable! Took my po antibiotic and my valium and on Dr Bisanga came. We started on the right sided and completed all the punches and graft removal on R followed by punches in the occipital and retrievals again before a break I will say for me personally I always feel a bit even thought I numbed - so I had a solid few punches where I felt every single one, especially at the outskirts. But it's never an issue just say your in more pain and you'll get more medicine for it. I think Dr Kostis did the numbing for the occiput and Dr Bisanga the punches and the techs the extractions.....Dr Bisanga made all the recipient sites Harder to tell when face down.....now to the photos Ok that's it for loaded photos and process I must say I'm over the moon - partly to have gotten thru with the process that I thought was never going to be possible. Partly because I have confidence in the really good surgeon i choose, and I think I will be happy with the results And partly because it was a really fun day at the clinic for me all in all You notice no crown images are shown.....we're doing that tomorrow. STAY TUNED! Thanks for the help and feed back on this forum.....anything you guys would like to share I'm all ears PS photos are just from my cell - don't shoot the messenger PPS see my original thread for how my hair was before ....I'll embed it here if I can fig it out 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member TorontoMan Posted March 23, 2023 Senior Member Share Posted March 23, 2023 LFG 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Melvin- Admin Posted March 23, 2023 Administrators Share Posted March 23, 2023 You got me hyped for this transformation haha 2 2 I’m a paid admin for Hair Transplant Network. I do not receive any compensation from any clinic. My comments are not medical advice. Check out my final hair transplant and topical dutasteride journey: View my thread Topical dutasteride journey Melvin- Managing Publisher and Forum Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q&A Blog. Follow our Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member ItIsTime Posted March 24, 2023 Author Regular Member Share Posted March 24, 2023 Final Day #2 of FUE session Started at 8am Straight to business. Team was lovely and amazing as usual Washed the area from night before - looked great Went over the plan for today - working on the crown and continue to add any extra to the frontal hairline to add density as well in one area Dr Bisanga made the recipients site today and Dr Kostis did the punches Dr Bisanaga Punches on to occiuput and the right side of the head Dr Kostis punches on the left side of the head if anyone wants specific comparisons Let's let the pictures speak for themselves: RIght side punch by Dr B Left side punches by Dr. K (pardon the fresh blood stain) Hopefully the resolution of these 3 are good enough to show crown and back and top of head they filled the spot I asked about, re: D1 And that's it my friends. All completed. I can share more about sleeping in between, pain foods etc When I get the full break down of grafts and hairs used I'll post it as well I'll try to edit my first post with my original photos so everyone can follow. Please feel free to let me know what you think - I was really surprised by my donor to be honest. Anyone has a fear of overharvesting? I feel Bisanga is a wizard takes exactly what is supposed to and no more! HUGE shout out to Dr B, Dr K, the entire team and receptionist team for being so professional down to earth supportive and interactive during the entire time. It was a FUN two day experience. And who can forget the rep Ian! Always in your corner to help. Now GROW you hairs GROW! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Whirlpool22 Posted March 28, 2023 Regular Member Share Posted March 28, 2023 Great breakdown. This is my first post on this message board. I have also done research on Bisanga and I like everything i have read. I have a few questions about for you... 1. Was an in-person consultation required? The feedback you got from that consultation was impressive. I have had consultations with other doctors (some good, others not so good) but I have never received the type of feedback you got. 2. Did the doctor mention if his visits to America for consultations was a yearly thing? I am in America and that would be rather convenient for me. 3. How long of a wait did you have? I know some doctors can have you waiting for a year+ but i read that Bisanga isn't as long. 4. Was there a VAT that needed to be paid? If so, can you share what percent it was? I have heard conflicting answers on this. Thanks again for posting this. Reviews like this are really helpful for guys like me trying to navigate this space. Good Luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member airporteffect Posted March 28, 2023 Senior Member Share Posted March 28, 2023 L F G ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member ItIsTime Posted March 29, 2023 Author Regular Member Share Posted March 29, 2023 On 3/28/2023 at 8:45 AM, Whirlpool22 said: Great breakdown. This is my first post on this message board. I have also done research on Bisanga and I like everything i have read. I have a few questions about for you... 1. Was an in-person consultation required? The feedback you got from that consultation was impressive. I have had consultations with other doctors (some good, others not so good) but I have never received the type of feedback you got. 2. Did the doctor mention if his visits to America for consultations was a yearly thing? I am in America and that would be rather convenient for me. 3. How long of a wait did you have? I know some doctors can have you waiting for a year+ but i read that Bisanga isn't as long. 4. Was there a VAT that needed to be paid? If so, can you share what percent it was? I have heard conflicting answers on this. Thanks again for posting this. Reviews like this are really helpful for guys like me trying to navigate this space. Good Luck! Hey Whirlpool22 - I'll help answer those questions #1 - I reached out to Bisanga first prob in 2017 and got purely online eval. In 2022 when I reached out again he strongly recommended inperson consultation as recommended by the rep. The geographical challenge was never something hidden nor was the expectation of the clinic to travel to Belgium solely for a consult. And they were happy to discuss options as Dr Bisanga travels and does consults in other locations. As for my case he happened to be in Maryland a similar weekend that I was there as well - perfect opportunity! I don't think anyone can argue inperson will trump online consultation/photos/videos but it's not a must for every clinic but if the surgeon recommends seeing you inperson - see them in person if you can #2 - Great question. It wasn't mentioned to me if it was yearly (the BHR rep would be able to answer better) but I get the impression it happens more than once a year #3 - I got my in person consult in Nov 2022, procedure was in mar 2023. Not too long a wait. I did go to Belgium for my procedure (again worked out perfectly as I had a trip planned then too) #4 - I think all medical procedures have a 21% VAT in Belgium but if you get a physician letter stating the medical need for the HT from your physician you can get the VAT waived. If your doc won't write it there are online physician services that do. BHR even helps with the wording so that the communication is clear. From my understanding EVERYONE gets a letter and gets the VAT waived - I sure did. I hope this was helpful! I'll be posting my 7 day post up soon so we can see the progress Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Melvin- Admin Posted March 29, 2023 Administrators Share Posted March 29, 2023 4 minutes ago, ItIsTime said: Hey Whirlpool22 - I'll help answer those questions #1 - I reached out to Bisanga first prob in 2017 and got purely online eval. In 2022 when I reached out again he strongly recommended inperson consultation as recommended by the rep. The geographical challenge was never something hidden nor was the expectation of the clinic to travel to Belgium solely for a consult. And they were happy to discuss options as Dr Bisanga travels and does consults in other locations. As for my case he happened to be in Maryland a similar weekend that I was there as well - perfect opportunity! I don't think anyone can argue inperson will trump online consultation/photos/videos but it's not a must for every clinic but if the surgeon recommends seeing you inperson - see them in person if you can #2 - Great question. It wasn't mentioned to me if it was yearly (the BHR rep would be able to answer better) but I get the impression it happens more than once a year #3 - I got my in person consult in Nov 2022, procedure was in mar 2023. Not too long a wait. I did go to Belgium for my procedure (again worked out perfectly as I had a trip planned then too) #4 - I think all medical procedures have a 21% VAT in Belgium but if you get a physician letter stating the medical need for the HT from your physician you can get the VAT waived. If your doc won't write it there are online physician services that do. BHR even helps with the wording so that the communication is clear. From my understanding EVERYONE gets a letter and gets the VAT waived - I sure did. I hope this was helpful! I'll be posting my 7 day post up soon so we can see the progress Cheers You had it done in Maryland? I’m a paid admin for Hair Transplant Network. I do not receive any compensation from any clinic. My comments are not medical advice. Check out my final hair transplant and topical dutasteride journey: View my thread Topical dutasteride journey Melvin- Managing Publisher and Forum Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q&A Blog. Follow our Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member ItIsTime Posted March 29, 2023 Author Regular Member Share Posted March 29, 2023 6 hours ago, Melvin- Moderator said: You had it done in Maryland? Consult was done in Maryland by Dr Bisanga himself Procedure was done in Belgium Sorry if I didn't make it clear before Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member ItIsTime Posted April 1, 2023 Author Regular Member Share Posted April 1, 2023 (edited) 7 day update Official FUE graft count was total 4000 grafts 2k in frontal area 2k in crown single FU: 421 grafts double FU: 2356 grafts triple FU: 1186 grafts quadruple FU: 37grafts Hardest part over the first 7 days was the itching and one night when I was laying flat instead of upright and I had tons of pain in the crown that needed a tylenol quick fix. These photos are after first wash, minimal redness if any in the front, some in crown, scabs basically gone. Currently taking po 5mg minox (was on 2.5mg for past 3 months now up to 5mg no issues) will resume topical fin at day 15 post procedure THinKing PoSiTiVe ThouGhtS!!!! My thoughts thus far: 1) I love the hair line 2) Overall density I think looks balanced on my scalp 3) Still have a few weaker areas but when my hair is long and curly it will be a non issue 4) Shed will come....but let it come.... 5) Hopefully I get a high graft survival and growth rate Let me know what you guys think...esp our experienced members...donor? number of grafts left if any for another procedure if needed? graft placement? crown swirl? Appreciate you all Now the photos! Cheers! Edited April 1, 2023 by ItIsTime 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Hah6788887 Posted April 5, 2023 Regular Member Share Posted April 5, 2023 I had a 2 day surgery as well with Dr bisanga. Front first day, mostly crown Day 2. Will be interested to follow your result. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member ItIsTime Posted April 22, 2023 Author Regular Member Share Posted April 22, 2023 1 month! No real issues. Shed has started about a week to 10 days ago, I'll be the ugliest duck on the block for a bit. Maybe there's a bit of shock loss in the donor All in all par for the course I believe. I've started back working out, running, gym etc. no issues Haven't decided if I'll take a haircut at anytime yet Let me know your thoughts! Grow you squiggly wigglies GROWWWWW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Z-- Posted April 23, 2023 Senior Member Share Posted April 23, 2023 Nice - looks good for 1 month. Appears you’ve already gone through some shedding. Best of luck - it’s great you’re saving these because it’ll look a whole lot different in 5 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Melvin- Admin Posted April 25, 2023 Administrators Share Posted April 25, 2023 Ugly duckling phase will be a distant memory in no time. I’m a paid admin for Hair Transplant Network. I do not receive any compensation from any clinic. My comments are not medical advice. Check out my final hair transplant and topical dutasteride journey: View my thread Topical dutasteride journey Melvin- Managing Publisher and Forum Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q&A Blog. Follow our Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member ItIsTime Posted June 25, 2023 Author Regular Member Share Posted June 25, 2023 Ok it's just about 3 months I didn't post anything at 2 months, cz well.....not much was happening I guess but here we are at 3 months. My hair is definitely growing The duckling phase in full effect as well, but I mostly just shrug it off and am pretty much back to life as normal +/- a hat. Gym, running, sports, but avoiding sun exposure I'm still on topical fin (4x a week) and oral min (5 days a week) I take weekend breaks from meds and have had no issues I was given the green light to use concealers after 3 months but not sure if dermmatch/toppik will work for me, esp in crown (never used either b4) Any thoughts on if concealers can give me a little help? I doubt with a bald spot so clear I'm hopeful and patient - at the worst case I think I could shave my entire head if I needed to now and not suffer too much about image (although it would be insanely funny to get a HT to end up with a shaved head hahaha) Photos below - just hoping I get a 4 - 5 month growth spurt and some crown coverage but only time will tell! Happy growing everyone (Top down view) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member ItIsTime Posted August 3, 2023 Author Regular Member Share Posted August 3, 2023 some of my photos got corrupted unfortunately I'll try to correct them with some help from admin if possible But in the meantime I want to share my 4month update! So far I've been back to my usual no real limitations still using oral min & topical fin To me I think there is progress and growth, and if I had to shave my head clean from where it is now I think with the framing of my hairline and the transplanted hairs I would be fine and happy with it push come to shove Hairline has been strengthened, crown (even though we used less grafts in the crown that originally intended, I think we have progress), all donor areas fully recovered to the point I should probably cut it! I know photos can only show so much - and personally I think I look pretty janky in photos so I try to avoid them - I am really digging my transplant. Although the end result isn't complete, I am seeing the foundation of success and Dr Bisanga + team's vision for the transplant and it makes me positive for the next few months and beyond Happy growing everyone! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Tybwl5 Posted August 3, 2023 Regular Member Share Posted August 3, 2023 How much was it? I got quoted like 17,000 with beard and chest hair that i apparently need to do my hairline Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raphael84 Posted August 8, 2023 Share Posted August 8, 2023 @ItIsTime Thank you for your update and at 4 months growth is really beginning to show now which is great to see. Your hairline is taking shape and there is activity in the crown also, so the next months should be exciting ones and I am looking forward to your further updates. 2 Patient Advisor for Dr. Bisanga - BHR Clinic ian@bhrclinic.com - BHR YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcH4PY1OxoYFwSDKzAkZRww I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions and views shared are my own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Britanium Posted August 8, 2023 Senior Member Share Posted August 8, 2023 Definitely progressing nicely for such a early stage in the process 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raphael84 Posted August 8, 2023 Share Posted August 8, 2023 On 8/4/2023 at 12:55 AM, Tybwl5 said: How much was it? I got quoted like 17,000 with beard and chest hair that i apparently need to do my hairline @Tybwl5 We are personally in communication and have shared several emails as recent as today. If you would like to begin your own thread to discuss the recommendations of Dr. Bisanga, then I would encourage you to do so and I will be more than happy to then share detail and accurate information based on requirements and our dialogue etc. When patients share their case and create their own thread, it is always a brave decision to do so and as a patient myself who has shared my journey, it always appreciated to keep the thread on topic and support the patient and their case. I appreciate your intentions are positive, but it also misleading to read that beard and chest hair at €17,000 have been recommended to restore your hairline. Body hair is not used in the hairline and graft demands in your case are extensive and hence the requirement/recommendation to consider body hair to achieve your objectives of more coverage. But again, by all means create a thread and I can detail specifics on your own thread if you would like to do so. 1 Patient Advisor for Dr. Bisanga - BHR Clinic ian@bhrclinic.com - BHR YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcH4PY1OxoYFwSDKzAkZRww I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions and views shared are my own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member OliverAtom Posted August 8, 2023 Senior Member Share Posted August 8, 2023 On 8/3/2023 at 11:24 PM, ItIsTime said: some of my photos got corrupted unfortunately I'll try to correct them with some help from admin if possible But in the meantime I want to share my 4month update! So far I've been back to my usual no real limitations still using oral min & topical fin To me I think there is progress and growth, and if I had to shave my head clean from where it is now I think with the framing of my hairline and the transplanted hairs I would be fine and happy with it push come to shove Hairline has been strengthened, crown (even though we used less grafts in the crown that originally intended, I think we have progress), all donor areas fully recovered to the point I should probably cut it! I know photos can only show so much - and personally I think I look pretty janky in photos so I try to avoid them - I am really digging my transplant. Although the end result isn't complete, I am seeing the foundation of success and Dr Bisanga + team's vision for the transplant and it makes me positive for the next few months and beyond Happy growing everyone! All looking good at this stage. Time to be patient. You still have lots of months of hair growing and strengthening. And your donor looks impeccable. Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member ItIsTime Posted August 9, 2023 Author Regular Member Share Posted August 9, 2023 Appreciate you. I specifically looked into Dr Bisanga because of his donor management skills That was my #1 criteria so I'm very happy with how my donor has recovered - it feels almost like pre HT even now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Melvin- Admin Posted August 9, 2023 Administrators Share Posted August 9, 2023 It’s looking excellent so far, let me know if you need me to upload some of your photos. I’m a paid admin for Hair Transplant Network. I do not receive any compensation from any clinic. My comments are not medical advice. Check out my final hair transplant and topical dutasteride journey: View my thread Topical dutasteride journey Melvin- Managing Publisher and Forum Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q&A Blog. Follow our Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valued Contributor A_4_Archan Posted August 9, 2023 Valued Contributor Share Posted August 9, 2023 @ItIsTimeyou are right on track man... Check Out My Hair Transplant Journey --> My Thread 3611 FUE Grafts With Dr Kongkiat Laorwong | Norwood 5 | 2nd May 2023 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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