1799 Grafts - FUE - Journey

[Callisto]

Hi folks,

Wanted to reach out for some feedback regarding my newly done hair transplant. I had 1799 grafts FUE to frontal third.

I've attached some photos from around day 8-10 and also a couple pre op.

Ever since around day 4 I was experiencing some burning sensations in the donor area, with intense itching. I was advised by my clinic that this is normal and that I should just give it time which is standard procedure I guess. Unfortunately it seems like the Donor area has since become infected following a checkup with my dermatologist locally and I've been prescribed an anti-biotic Erythroimycin 2% mix for topical application to affected area.

Some things I'm worrying about:

- Since I've basically left untreated for a good 7 days, would this complicate things further?
- Do you think this will increase the risk of scarring in the donor area?
- How long does the infection usually take to turn into something more serious like Cellulitis?
- Although the recipient area seems fine I did notice a couple of pimples on the front of my forehead that only developed yesterday, is this signs of the infection having spread?

I'll be going for a follow up visit to my dematologist in a couple of days anyway but just wanted to get some feedback here.

I'd also love to hear general feedback on how the whole thing looks given that we went for a more conservative result as I'm experiencing thinning in the crown area too and might need a top up in future. I might consider starting a topical fin/min solution in some weeks.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bigmac]

Welcome to the forum Callisto. The placement and design look good. 1799 for the frontal third is a decent number of grafts considering you still had some forelock hair. More grafts could have been added if you and your clinic had decided on that but you have a wave/curl to your hair which will help with coverage. This will give a good illusion of density.
Your donor looks ok as I assume you have been on the antibiotic for a couple of days. Providing the extraction pattern was an educated one, I don't think you'll have any issues. The area should fully clear up once you`ve used the meds for the prescribed time.
Do you have a picture showing the extractions?
Any infection should not spread to the recipient area. Seeing pimples is normal.
Hair loss meds could possibly improve your crown quite a bit if you decide to give them a try.

 

[loui]

Hi folks,

Wanted to reach out for some feedback regarding my newly done hair transplant. I had 1799 grafts FUE to frontal third.

I've attached some photos from around day 8-10 and also a couple pre op.

Ever since around day 4 I was experiencing some burning sensations in the donor area, with intense itching. I was advised by my clinic that this is normal and that I should just give it time which is standard procedure I guess. Unfortunately it seems like the Donor area has since become infected following a checkup with my dermatologist locally and I've been prescribed an anti-biotic Erythroimycin 2% mix for topical application to affected area.

Some things I'm worrying about:

- Since I've basically left untreated for a good 7 days, would this complicate things further?
- Do you think this will increase the risk of scarring in the donor area?
- How long does the infection usually take to turn into something more serious like Cellulitis?
- Although the recipient area seems fine I did notice a couple of pimples on the front of my forehead that only developed yesterday, is this signs of the infection having spread?

I'll be going for a follow up visit to my dematologist in a couple of days anyway but just wanted to get some feedback here.

I'd also love to hear general feedback on how the whole thing looks given that we went for a more conservative result as I'm experiencing thinning in the crown area too and might need a top up in future. I might consider starting a topical fin/min solution in some weeks.

Thanks in advance!

Looks good, reminds me alot of Dr Balls work, pretty conservative but will give a nice improved look and will age well not bringing the hairline down alot.

May I ask where you had it done?

I would advise as @Bigmac to research Finasteride and possibly have a talk with your dermatologist about it, your crown is dipping quite low in a Norwood 6 pattern, but you still have lots of hair left to save.

 

[Callisto]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the quick replies.

I’m attaching a couple of photos of the donor area post op. Indeed it was dr Balls work so I’ve no doubt I was in good hands.

Regarding the antibiotics these photos were take before I started. I know infection is not evident but dermatologist identified a bacterial infection right away and prescribed the topical solution. Is it uncommon to not be visually evident?

The extent of thinning to crown was only evident once I shaved the head and came as quite a shock. For various reasons I’m quite preoccupied with oral fin, but it’s something I may consider over next weeks. Maybe minoxidil at the very least.

Do you think laser caps might also help?

Will post some photos of my progress.

 

[loui]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the quick replies.

I’m attaching a couple of photos of the donor area post op. Indeed it was dr Balls work so I’ve no doubt I was in good hands.

Regarding the antibiotics these photos were take before I started. I know infection is not evident but dermatologist identified a bacterial infection right away and prescribed the topical solution. Is it uncommon to not be visually evident?

The extent of thinning to crown was only evident once I shaved the head and came as quite a shock. For various reasons I’m quite preoccupied with oral fin, but it’s something I may consider over next weeks. Maybe minoxidil at the very least.

Do you think laser caps might also help?

Will post some photos of my progress.

I think your donor area will be fine, it might have solved itself out ok its own but its a good with you treating it.

This is the problem for many, you feel that you are only balding in the hairline, but you are slowly losing the mid and crown part, it will become more evident as time goes by and when you have lost more than 50% of your native hair most people begin to see it. The difficulty for you can be that you will be chasing the loss with hair transplants instead of possibly stabilize on medication.

 

[Callisto]

Here's my one month update. The itching in donor area eventually started to lessen a little more each day after applying the anti biotic for a few days. It's still slightly itchy but much better.

Sadly, some of the new hairs have started shedding, in fact you can see now the area where I had some miniaturised hairs before looks a little denser.

Gearing up for the big long wait at this point. Will soon pop over to barber for a side fade.

Also, I might consider a topical fin/min solution, has anyone had good results with that?

 

[loui]

Here's my one month update. The itching in donor area eventually started to lessen a little more each day after applying the anti biotic for a few days. It's still slightly itchy but much better.

Sadly, some of the new hairs have started shedding, in fact you can see now the area where I had some miniaturised hairs before looks a little denser.

Gearing up for the big long wait at this point. Will soon pop over to barber for a side fade.

Also, I might consider a topical fin/min solution, has anyone had good results with that?

Looks good with the healing, the ugly duckling phase is not fun but its a part of the long marathon a HT is In a couple of months you will hopefully be very happy!

 

[Bigmac]

Good to hear the antibiotics cleared everything up. Itching can still occur, anti histamines can help prevent it. Your post-op healing looks on course, donor is good, some redness still in the recipient that’ll subside in the following weeks/months.
The shedding happens to most of us. It’s sad to see those new grafts go but they’ll be back.
Trying meds is what I would do. I’m on Oral Finasteride which has helped me retain and improve my hair. I feel my crown benefitted the most. Hopefully, someone can chime in about the topical option if that’s the route you want to try. Blending your hair in with a nice cut will help you look better.
Thanks for the update.

 

[Callisto]

I've missed the 2 month update and only bring forth the lone pic for the 3 month, but here it is.

I guess from this point on I should start seeing some activity. It's already somewhat better than it was before, though of course I hope things will fill out a lot more.

I haven't yet started any topical medication as the itching situation has only just subsided.

Will check back in month 4!

 

[Bigmac]

At 3 months you may or may not start to see new growth. All your native hair looks to be back like it was pre-op.
Hopefully, you’ll have some new growth on your 4 month update. Once you begin the meds you may experience a shed.
All the best.