Dr Ratchathorn - 4.2k Grafts, Absolute Hair Clinic - 21 June 2024

[Potvan]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share my experience with Absolute Hair Clinic and my journey with hair restoration. I developed traction alopecia from wearing a turban until my twenties, which caused damage to my front and sides. In my thirties, I began noticing thinning at my crown.

Initially, I planned to undergo a FUT procedure with Dr. Rahal in Canada, but due to COVID-19, that plan fell through. After reconsidering my options, including consultations with Dr. de Freitas, I finally narrowed down my choice to Eugenix and Absolute Hair Clinic.

At Absolute Hair Clinic, I initially expected to consult with Dr. Laowrong, but Dr. Ratchathorn responded to my inquiries. After discussions, she recommended potentially two sessions, estimating 3,500 to 4,000 grafts for the front and possibly 1,000 to 2,000 for the mid-crown. Concurrently, I started taking finasteride and using foam minoxidil for my crown.

I had my pre-op consultation on June 20th, with surgery scheduled for the 21st. During the consultation, Dr. Ratchathorn assessed my donor area and determined that the mid-crown required fewer grafts than initially anticipated. The surgery involved 750 grafts for the mid-scalp and the remainder for the temple points and front hairline.

Initially, the hairline was drawn at 7.5cm, but after discussing it with my wife, we decided to lower it to 6.5cm to match the existing hair below the hairline, which I will need to shave, so my forhead does not look too big

The surgery itself was a positive experience. The process started with small needles at the back of my head for numbing, followed by larger needles. Dr. Ratchathorn handled the extractions herself, assisted by a senior nurse with extensive experience. The surgery took about 5-6 hours, with the most challenging part being the need to remain still.

Afterward, I received medication including Valium to aid sleep, although sleeping upright was uncomfortable. I am currently undergoing LLT and oxygen therapy for the next five days.

During a recent visit, I had a minor concern when one of my temples bled slightly, but Dr. Ratchathorn assured me the graft was secure after cleaning it. I also noticed a small discrepancy in hair placement on one side of my head, but overall, the results look promising.

I will continue to update as my recovery progresses. Your thoughts and feedback are appreciated.

Edited June 24 by Al - Moderator
Edited to correct the spelling of Drs name in the title

[TakeAction]

Glad to see her work being showcased more on here. As for the minor discrepancy, I don't think it'll have a significant impact on the outcome. Excited to see how this progresses!

[Idan]

Looks like a really clean and good work. I like the hairline design too. Happy growing!

[Al - Moderator]

Hi @Potvan. Welcome to the forums and hanks for posting about our experience. Dr. Ratchathorn is an excellent hair transplant Dr., so I'm sure you're going to have a great result. Please keep us updated over the coming months.

 

[Potvan]

Hi all, 

Just Hit the day 14 mark, thought i'd update. I think i started shedding around day 10, which is sooner than expected and normal i hope. You can see from the first post that a quite a fair bit of hair has dropped, sooner it sheds the sooner it grows i guess. I thought i'd have a little longer before going back to caps.

Edited July 5 by Potvan

[TakeAction]

I was shedding pretty hard by the two week mark as well. It’s on the early side but still normal.

[Potvan]

10 hours ago, TakeAction said:

I was shedding pretty hard by the two week mark as well. It’s on the early side but still normal.

Thats reassuring to hear, still thought I'd have longer before resorting back to caps for abit. 
 

Wondering if I should shave it all fully and go bald during the ugly duckling phase or rely on hair fibres