[Mixed Afro/White Hair] Considering HT - Need advice / Recommendation / Feedback

[Rayy7k]

Hello everybody,

I’ve been considering a FUE HT for about a year now, when I initially thought about it I got quickly overwhelmed doing my research on Reddit. This time around I was fortunate enough to come across this forum, which has been extremely helpful and eye opening.

To provide a little background to my situation. I am 30 years old and of mixed race, African American and White. I believe my hair texture is around 3C. My mother has very thin hair, but I'm not certain about my father's hair, except that he also had a receding hairline, primarily at the temples. I’m hoping to have my HT in August-September 2024.

Over the past six years, I've observed my hair thinning, as evident when looking back at photos. Initially, in 2017, I noticed my hairline receding only in the temple area. However, as time passed, I've seen significant thinning across my entire hairline area, which is apparent in the attached pictures which were taken 6 days after a skin fade haircut.

I am seeking advice on whether I am a suitable candidate for hair transplantation. Currently, I am not on any medication. I have contacted various doctors in Turkey and Belgium (I am in the US).

 

I have reached out to six clinics in total:

• Dr Pekiner

• Dr Kesner

• Dr Yaman

• Dr Turan

• Dr Feriduni

• Dr Bisanga (I’m not sure how much he charges but based on my research I believe I can not afford the procedure where Dr Bisanga does all the work)

•  

I am still awaiting responses, as a lot of these clinics are closed for the holidays, which I found surprising, especially for Turkey. However, this delay gives me more time to conduct research and engage with the community. I would appreciate any insights on how many grafts I might need, if I am diffuse thinning, along with any other information you think would be beneficial for my situation.

 

Thank you all for helping me on my journey.

[Rayy7k]

Bump. Anybody?

[Gatsby]

If you are not already I would first commence medication and give this 12 months to see how you respond before undergoing surgery. If you have been on medication then those choices are good but I would rather be swayed by results that are from surgeons who have a lot of  patient's with the same hair loss and the same results you are after. Dr Bisanga certainly has. All the best.

[Rayy7k]

Hi @Gatsby thank you for providing me with some feedback. I have not been on any medications but I plan on starting finasteride and minoxidil very soon,l. I am slightly worried about side effects. What dosage do you recommend? Do you recommend the oral version?

I don’t plan on having my surgery until September 2024, so 9 months on meds before I would have the surgery. 

[Gatsby]

I’m not a doctor but I recommend speaking with your GP. 1mg a day is the recommended dose. Oral minoxidil is another medicine that a dermatologist could prescribe. But I think it’s best to stick to one thing first and see how you go. All the best. 

[Rayy7k]

@Melvin- Admin Do you have any additional input for me, Melvin? I see you usually provide good advice to people on here.

[Ajamilo]

I will listen to the advice of @Gatsby and stick to the medication at least 1 year before doing any surgery. Finasteride and minoxidil ( oral or topical - but I prefer oral) are the main one.

Pekiner from your list doesn’t work with Afro hair and he doesn’t have the device for it. I wouldn’t risk it with your hair texture.

I have seen good work from Turan when it comes to Afro hair on the Reddit from real patients and talked with them. I also went to him recently (20.November) with my afro texture. 

Dr.Keser is a really good doctor but he doesn’t do Afro hair too. But my hair texture is different from yours so idk what he says on that 

Dr.Yaman is a bad doctor so stay away from him. 
Dr Bisanga and Feriduni are excellent doctors and I am sure they will manage your hair texture pretty well 

 

 

[Rayy7k]

Hi @Ajamilo how was your experience with Turan? Did he do all the work himself ? How much did it cost? I would I have loved to go with Pekiner but his assistant Alex did say it may not work due to my hair texture.

If Dr Bisanga and Feriduni are too expensive I plan on going to Turan myself.

I am hesitant to go in meds due to shedding with min and ED with fin, I am consulting a dermatologist in January though.

[jjalay]

I think its good to proceed with a doctor that offers both fue nad fut. Afro hair is sometimes impossible to extract via fue because of the high transection rate. Most doctors with start with fue and if the transection rate is high abort the surgery. In this case you have to proceed with fut. Another doctor to consider is Lupanzula in Belgium.

[mr_peanutbutter]

consider dr.mwamba and lupanzula