Bad hair transplant experience - can anything be done?

butchered · Mar 9, 2014

Hi,
First of all thanks for taking the time to read this. I'm looking for some advice. In 2006 I had a hair transplant procedure with a local doctor in the UK when I was 22. I completely messed up - I did very little research on the doctor or the procedure. I'm not even sure what type of procedure it was but I had a strip taken from the back of my head and the hair put into the front.
The results have been very poor. Ever since I've had a lot of redness and occasional bleeding on my head. Initially I was in denial that it had gone badly I kept thinking it would be ok and as such I never went back to the doctor.
Now, the hair at the crown is thinning badly and the front is getting worse and I'm extremely worried if it gets any worse the redness will be noticeable and will look awful.
I took propecia for about 4 years between 2003 and 2007 - I think it worked well. I've always had very thick hair which I guess helps it look like I have a lot. Currently I have quite long hair brushed forward from the middle of my head which makes it look ok - I use a lot of hairspray to keep it in place (gel makes it look bad).
Would any sort of repair job be possible? I've started reading around some forums and have heard good things about Dr Mwamba.
Will try to post some pics.

butchered · Mar 9, 2014

butchered · Mar 9, 2014

crown

butchered · Mar 9, 2014

all covered up

topccat29 · Mar 9, 2014

Put a portfolio of clear up close pictures together and start sending them to some of the clinics for starters. Then go in for few consults see what is possible and have that red area looked at as that does not seem normal after so many years.

Worry about making the frontal area natural looking would be my main concern. The crown may not be an option as there is only so much hair to go around.

I'm not a big fan of medication but why did you stop?

butchered · Mar 9, 2014

Thanks for the reply topccat. I agree with you that the frontal area is the main concern. I'm not sure why I stopped - it wasn't due to bad side effects or anything like that.

Sparky · Mar 9, 2014

I had the same experience as you but in 1998.

There are definitely options for you to fix this, you could have the grafts removed and go bald gracefully, or cover it all up with an fue transplant for a decent Dr, have a look in the Dr's section and see what results you like. If you find a clinic you like the look of you can always ask for people's opinions on that clinic.

Good luck with your research.

Bigmac · Mar 9, 2014

You look as though you have plenty of donor left so you should be able to have another surgery, how is the donor scar in the back of your head.
If I were you I would go back on the Propecia too as this may stop your crown thinning out further.
Regards Bm.

butchered · Mar 9, 2014

Thanks both for the replies. I agree about the propecia. I think the scar at the back is ok, not especially bad.

butchered · Mar 9, 2014

The redness is more inflamed today so below is another image

Bigmac · Mar 9, 2014

The inflammation is strange so long after your Ht, have you visited your GP or a Dermatologist to get their opinion just incase it's not Ht related.

butchered · Mar 9, 2014

No I haven't - I always assumed it was ht related as it's in the area the grafts were put in.

Bigmac · Mar 9, 2014

Ok, well hopefully you can get it sorted by a reputable clinic.

Sparky · Mar 9, 2014

I think those grafts need removing.

scepticsausage · Mar 10, 2014

That redness would be my primary concern and is something you should get looked at before moving forward with a repair. I think Topcat has hit the nail on the head regarding getting the frontal region sorted first. The hairline and front should look as natural as possible because this is what people see when they look at you and talk to you face to face. Try not to be down hearted, it looks as though you have options and lots of people in your situation have been helped in the past.

Check out the results section, it will give you an idea as to who to go with. You have come to the right place for support, they seem a good bunch of lads on here.

garageland · Mar 10, 2014

Welcome to the forums butchered, sorry to hear of your situation, the inflamed area is more common than you think when it comes to poor surgery and is most likely ingrowing hairs that are causing this it would be best for sure to remove the grafts.

As others have mentioned you should get back on propecia for the crown and concentrate on transplanting into the frontal areas. I expect that as you had just the one surgery that you should have plenty of donor to fix this area but it is very difficult to see from the photos.

I would take clear photos and consult the opinion of many Doctors as there are different ways that you could proceed from here, even better arrange for some in house consultations so the Doctor can take a closer look at the inflammation and your donor.

janna · Mar 10, 2014

It looks to me like you've been suffering from folliculits all these years. I'd suggest visiting your GP or a Derm specialist to double check on the folliculitis. If it is folliculitis, they'll prescribe antibiotics to help clear it up. In the meantime, take an active role in helping to get rid of the spots by putting a hot wash cloth on the spots and compress on the spots 2-3 times a day. Apply a dab of antibiotic cream on the spots after the compress. Hopefully, you'll be able to make an appointment soon.
I too would suggest consulting with few different clinics to get their advice on how to repair your case. There will be few different approaches on the repair work so you'll have to decide what's right for you. If you're able to clear up the red spots with antibiotics, then the punch outs may not be necessary. Good luck on the road to getting repaired. Take heart that the repair road isn't as bumpy as you might think.

SADbutTRUE · Mar 10, 2014

welcome to the forum and hang in there ,I agree with the suggestions other posters stated here, many have been repaired one that comes to mind is bullitnut his case is on here, he has a awesome result, , good luck in your research and keep us posted if possible. im pulin for ya:::C

Tilleylamp · Mar 10, 2014

A good surgeon will diagnose the cause, maybe it's some form of Alopecia.

bullitnut · Mar 11, 2014

If you pick a good quality surgeon then i am pretty sure you will get things turned around too.

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Bad hair transplant experience - can anything be done?

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