2110 Grafts FUE by Dr. Ozlem Bicer (2nd HT), 21/09/2023

[tokerutaichou]

Hi guys.

A bit over two years ago I had a hair transplant at Dr. Bicer's clinic in Istanbul. I was quite happy with the results so I decided to return to her for a second transplant. See my post here: https://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/topic/60525-3790-grafts-fue-nw6-7-by-dr-ozlem-bicer-02072021/

 

Administrative

When I had my first HT, during the corona, the clinic had a deal in regard to staying at the nearby Sheraton Grand Atasehir hotel. It's a great hotel, but unfortunately, the price has risen considerably since then and now it costs 200 EUR/night.

However, the clinic was kind enough to offer me a stay in an apartment in the same building (Deluxia Suites) for 100 EUR/night. I can't recommend it enough - very clean, spacious and convenient. There was also an optional dinner service, but I prompted to dine at a restaurant just outside the suites or at the hotel. The clinic also provided me breakfast free of charge.

 

Graft distribution considerations and plan

Back when I had my first HT, Dr. Bicer informed me that due to my extensive hair loss she could not cover my my balding areas in one session, so this second HT was expected.

The previous HT included 3790 grafts and focused on the front hairline area, with some lower density transplant further back on my head. Dr. Bicer decided to be very conservative with the hairline (not lower it) since my recipient area was very large and she believed it will result in a better appearance.

This HT included 2110 grafts and focused on the crown area, which was previously untouched. Additionally, since I always comb my hair from left to right, there was also a gap in the hair on the front left area of my head. Per my request, Dr. Bicer also added more grafts to that area, as well as some to the front right area, to a lesser degree (to make it more symmetrical). I am very happy with this plan and I believe it will yield good results.

 

Before the transplant

I have elaborated on this extensively on my previous post, so I will only summarize the procedure briefly:

1. Signed a lot of documents and was given pills, lotion and shampoo to use after the transplant, as well as a document on how and when to use them.
2. Had my blood drawn to make a solution for the grafts (opening a vein, placing a device to connect a syringe, drew about 20 ml I believe).
3. Had my pictures taken.
4. Met with Dr. Bicer. She reviewed my current status (and was very happy with the results of the first HT, even took a video). Then we discussed the graft plan and she drew it accordingly on my head.
5. Had my hair shaved.
6. Changed clothes for the transplant.
7. Paid for the transplant.

 

During the transplant

Again, brief summary only:

1. The procedure started around 10:00. Was given a pill (relaxant).
2. Low dose anesthesia (donor area) - needle-free, slight stings. Feels like a stapler, doesn't really hurt. This is just preparation for the high dose anesthesia.
3. High dose anesthesia (donor area) - via syringe. This step hurts quite a bit.
4. Verification of anesthesia. More anesthesia was applied where necessary.
5. Skin loosener(?) (donor area) - via syringe. From this point on you don't feel anything (if the anesthesia was properly applied).
6. Extraction of grafts by FUE.
7. Donor area was bandaged.
8. Around 14:00 - lunch break.
9. Around this part my memory is hazy, maybe because I was sleepy, but I believe the recipient area was prepared the same way as 2-5. I do remember it hurting significantly less, maybe due to its proximity to the donor area.
10. Channel opening - done by Dr. Bicer alone. I was given a soft drink afterwards.
11. Inserting the grafts into the channels.
12. Finished around 17:00.

 

After the transplant

1. Started taking pills after meals as per the aftercare document.
2. Slept lying on the side as instructed.
3. In the morning, returned to the clinic to have my bandages removed and my pictures taken.

 

Before transplant photos

 

I grew my hair at least 2 months before the transplant. Don't remember exactly how long.

 

After transplant photos

 

Future steps

The day following the transplant, Dr. Bicer checked up on me and removed my bandages.

She said that she left me with about 1000 grafts that can still be transplanted, in case I will lose more hair in the future and need a third HT. However, she told me not come back before I'm at least 35 years old, which is more than 4 years from now.

 

Like my previous review, I will follow up periodically with progress updates. I imagine it will be less often than the previous HT. Each update will be a new comment on this post. First week update will be uploaded soon.

Feel free to ask me any questions you may have.

Edited October 4, 2023 by tokerutaichou

[tokerutaichou]

Week 1

The first two nights after the HT my wounds bled out a bit, so it was a good idea to cover the pillow with a towel. Afterwards, the wounds have closed completely. Fortunately, no grafts seem to have fallen out until then.

I took my medications exactly as instructed, and I did not experience significant swelling or pain. My head still felt numb from the surgery during this week, and it only started wearing off after five days or so. If I experienced itchiness, I either rubbed gently or pressed with my nail, without scratching.

Three days after the transplant, I began applying the cream and shampoo I got according to the instructions:

• Applied cream to donor and recipient area, rubbing carefully with my fingers and avoiding using my nails. I also wore nitrile disposable gloves while applying it just to help keep my head clean. I then left the cream on my head for one hour.
• Washed my head very gently with lukewarm water, removing the leftover cream.
• Applied shampoo and rubbed gently until foamed. Then washed it off gently.
• Repeat - applied shampoo and then washed it off.
• Allowed my head to dry naturally, without using a towel or a hair drier.

Almost no scabs fell off until the sixth day. On the sixth and seventh day, a small amount of scabs started falling off during the application of cream and shampoo. However, at no point did I try to remove them purposefully.

 

[jjalay]

Who did the extraction of the grafts if you dont mind me asking?

[tokerutaichou]

16 hours ago, jjalay said:

Who did the extraction of the grafts if you dont mind me asking?

The extraction was done by technicians.

Dr. Bicer occasionally came in to have a look.

[jjalay]

7 hours ago, tokerutaichou said:

The extraction was done by technicians.

Dr. Bicer occasionally came in to have a look.

Oh, i thought bicer does the extractions too.

[tokerutaichou]

Week 2

About a week after the surgery I started getting really sick, but as it had to do with my stomach, I don't think it's related to the transplant.

The anesthesia has started wearing off, which caused me to feel the occasional pang of pain in my head (not bad enough that I needed painkillers). Moreover, my head started feeling quite itchy, but I did everything I could to not scratch it, as instructed. It should be noted that the anesthesia did not completely wear off yet, and if I can recall from my previous HT, it will take a long time to vanish completely.

10 days after the transplant, the scabs started falling off very quickly, and after 12 days they were almost completely gone. The 12th day is the last day when I was required to apply the cream and shampoo, but I continued applying them for two more days just to be on the safe side. As the scabs fell, they also took the transplanted hairs which started growing with them. However, the roots did not fall so I am not worried about that. This is similar to the previous HT, and they should start growing in 3 months or so.

I also felt some pimples around my head, both in the donor and recipient areas, but I avoided messing with them.

My hair from the first transplant doesn't look very good, but it's probably just because it's so short now (and my hairs are very fine). I hope it will be more or less back to normal at the next update, in 2 weeks.