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2nd FUE Procedure with Dr Feriduni - 3100 Grafts and Aftercare

S

Swill

Valued member
Hello everyone,

A short bit about me. I am 34 years old and from the UK and have suffered with hair loss from a very young age. I have naturally thin hair anyway, and noticed in my late teens that my hairline was starting to recede heavily. As a result at 19 (back in 2004) I opted to have a hair transplant with a company in Athens, Greece, fronted by a chap named Malcolm Mendhelson (sp?) using the choi method… long story short I was young and stupid, the procedure was beyond terrible (hairs implanted without care for directionality, sparse, terrible job). I was also absolutely butchered with my scar site at the back of my head, the extent of which only became apparent years later when I had to cut my hair short due to further balding.

Resultantly, when considering a further procedure last year I was determined to research to ensure I had a far better outcome. The following link documents my first procedure with Dr Feriduni from June 2019 My first repair surgery where he repaired the very poor work from the previous transplant I had back in 2004. It involved removing my previously implanted hairline, repairing a very bad FUT scar and creating a new hairline.

I documented my first procedure and a lot of people contacted me with queries and said they found it useful so thought I would document my second. I relied a lot on these forums and browsing through the results when making my decision so hopefully this helps some of you.

Following my first surgery with Dr Feriduni last year, my hair now looked natural and I was far happier in my appearance. However, I have lost nearly all of my hair on the crown and always had in mind that a second procedure in this area would definitely be something I would want to pursue should the first procedure go well. I was delighted with the result and as a result it was a no brainer for me to continue with Dr Feriduni for my second procedure to get that ‘full head of hair’ look.

One thing at the front of everyone’s minds at the moment is the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. From the perspective of safety, the clinic had very clear protocols in place to ensure safety and as a result I felt totally comfortable with getting the procedure done at this time. You will not find anywhere more hygienic than a facility that does operations! All hotels seem to have developed very strong protocols to deal with the pandemic during my visit and I did not feel concerned at any point.

From a travel point of view, there were more limited options than my previous trip to Belgium but it was far from impossible and there were still flight and rail options, and I opted to travel out on the Eurostar this time, which was incredibly convenient. There were no issues with passing through borders and all I had to do was fill out online forms 48 hours before entering Belgium and then 48 hours before return to the UK making them aware of my travel etc. From a logistical point of view, I was aware I would need to isolate at home for two weeks upon my return. As this coincides with the 14 day recovery period after surgery, I knew this would be no issue.

I had my procedure on Monday 14th September. I stayed in Hasselt the night before and the clinic arranged for a Taxi to pick me up from my hotel and I attended the clinic at 08:30am and had my consultation with Dr Feriduni prior to the procedure. He was as meticulous and thorough as I remembered from previously and once again spent a great deal of time with me evaluating the previous procedure and discussing the aims for this second procedure. He spent a great deal of time answering my questions and was keen to hear what hopes I had from the procedure and also was as ethical as I remember previously, making it clear what was realistic given my individual circumstances and advising what he feels would be the best way forward.

It was agreed that Dr Feriduni was hopeful to extract 2,000 to 2,500 grafts for this procedure and it was agreed the vast majority would go to the crown region to create the full head of hair, with a small amount being implanted into the now repaired and far less noticeable strip scar and a small amount for a small section of my hairline where I lost a few grafts following my procedure last year. I had stated to Dr Feriduni that as he had done such a great job on my strip scar repair, I felt it was not too noticeable now and my priority was the other areas. However, Dr Feriduni explained that there is no need to be concerned about ‘wasting’ donor site grafts on the scar area as any grafts used would be implanted back into the donor area, so this common concern would not be something to worry about.

Alongside the procedure result, the attention to detail in consulting and how informed and involved you are in the process is something that I think sets Dr Feriduni apart. All the staff were incredibly warm, friendly and professional and they really help put you at ease. I recognised most of the staff working at the clinic from last time and am aware most had been working with Dr Feriduni for many years, which again showed as it all ran like a finely tuned machine.

In comparison to my previous procedure, with the work taking place in the crown region I spent the majority of the day face down which was not the most comfortable, but the staff were very attentive and kept checking in that I was doing well throughout the procedure, and whenever I needed to stretch my neck and move for comfort I was able to do so.

I was delighted that the Doctor managed to go above the expected yield and 3,100 FU’s were extracted and implanted, with the Doctor able to do all the work we had discussed in our consultation on the crown region for a full head of hair and enough left over to cover the strip scar and touch up the very small area on the hairline.

After a night resting at the hotel I attended the clinic the following morning for my follow up appointment where my hair was washed and inspected by the staff and a further consultation with Dr Feriduni where he informed me he was incredibly happy with how the procedure had went and that whilst nothing can be guaranteed, he was very hopeful of a great result. He again took the time to answer all questions I had, and I left feeling delighted excited to see what the coming months bring.

The post operative care has once again been fantastic. You are provided with a pack with all the necessary products you will use for the healing process (medications, shampoo, serums and oils, hydrating spray, etc) as well as a neck pillow to aid sleeping and you are also provided with Head Nurse and Doctors telephone numbers should there be any urgent issues in the first night post-procedure. I had two queries regarding a bit of blood coming from my donor site on the second night post procedure and also an ingrowing hair with pimple in the donor site and I contacted the clinic by email with pictures and these were reviewed by the staff and the doctor and I received a response almost immediately advising and re-assuring this was nothing to worry about. I also had a number of minor queries regarding aftercare in the two weeks post procedure and these were answered incredibly quickly by the clinic.

I also once again used the Hair Transplant app that is provided through the clinic free of charge and have found it invaluable. You receive updates to your smartphone advising what needs to be done in terms of aftercare and when with timed updates, such as taking medications, washing your hair, applying serums etc. It is so convenient and makes the process stress free and hassle free. Even though I have had a procedure in the not too distant past, it is easy to forget the detail and the app makes it really easy with the pop-up reminders on your phone. There is also a section in the app dedicated to informing you what you are now able to do each day post procedure (such as when you can return to normal sleeping without the pillow, when you can wear a hat, when you can resume exercise, drink alcohol, sexual activities, etc) and informing you how many days until you are able to do these things when you have not yet reached the milestone. Since I last used it, they have added pre-procedure instructions to the app leading up to your procedure. This was very useful as it reminded me to stop taking my multi-vitamin a few days prior, which would have otherwise slipped my mind. The FAQ section is also incredibly useful, and I would strongly recommend this app to anyone should it be available for your procedure.

In summary, at this early period I am once again very happy with the procedure and that I chose Dr Feriduni to undertake it, and am very optimistic about the result. I have included pictures below from before and during my procedure, and will provide updates with pictures as I progress. The results from my last procedure started to become visible at around the 5 and a half months mark so I suspect this will follow the same timeline.

I am more than happy to answer any questions should anyone have any :)
 
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S

Swill

Valued member
Here are some photos showing my journey, which include my first hair transplant with Dr Feriduni and some picture after the 2nd procedure.
 

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Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
Hi Swill.
Thanks for documenting your second surgery with Dr Feriduni. The work looks nice and clean as it always does from his clinic. Managing to extract 3100 grafts is great and providing all goes well with the growth will make a big difference to your crown, and help with the scar/hairline touch up.
It`s good to hear you felt safe regarding COVID and that your experience was a very positive one again.
The aftercare app is very good, I`m surprised all clinics aren`t using it. It's like having direct access to the clinic aftercare staff.
It was handy having that the quarantine period coincided with your post op recovery period.
It`s been a long journey for you since that unfortunate day you met MM, hopefully, this is the final surgery.
Now just that waiting game again.
All the best.
Bm.
 
W

Wheresmyhair

member
I`ve just read your first thread, what an experience you`ve been through at 19 getting shafted by that clinic and having the problems with Propecia. At least you got fixed by feriduni clinic with the first transplant. With this second one, you`re going to have full coverage again by the looks of it.
Can I ask, was your hair loss pattern ever diagnosed as any type such as diffuse thinning?
 
S

Swill

Valued member
I`ve just read your first thread, what an experience you`ve been through at 19 getting shafted by that clinic and having the problems with Propecia. At least you got fixed by feriduni clinic with the first transplant. With this second one, you`re going to have full coverage again by the looks of it.
Can I ask, was your hair loss pattern ever diagnosed as any type such as diffuse thinning?

Hi Wheresmyhair, thank you for the comments. It has been quite a journey indeed. I have to be totally honest in that I don't know the technical diagnosis of hair loss, although I had been told I did not have diffuse thinning. My hair loss seemed relatively standard in that it begun at the temples and receded there, then begun to thin at the crown later.
 
V

Viking

member
I`ve always been impressed by Dr Feriduni`s work. You have gone from heartache to a very positive outcome. This second HT result will be just as impressive.
Happy for you bud!
 
R

Ross1993

member
Hi Swill, Fantastic result. I've got my surgery with Dr Feriduni in 2 weeks time. What things did they give you post surgery? Shampoos, serums, neck pillow? Thanks, Ross
 
S

Swill

Valued member
Hi Swill, Fantastic result. I've got my surgery with Dr Feriduni in 2 weeks time. What things did they give you post surgery? Shampoos, serums, neck pillow? Thanks, Ross

Hi Ross,

They give you a bag with all the things you need for aftercare and a booklet with information on what to use when and what to expect in terms of the various stages of healing etc.

You get specially made shampoo, post operation serum (for the recipient area), post operation oil (for the donor area), hydrating spray to apply periodically over the first few days, a neck pillow, a cold pack to put in the fridge to cool your face and forehead and help with post operative swelling and a bandana should you wish to wear it for travel. I opted against wearing it as it is best to not cover your head at this early stage for the healing, but it is a good option if you are feeling a little self conscious.

You also get all the medications you will need to take and the directions for these are also clearly mapped out in the booklet.

They also give you access to the Hair Transplant App, which is a great tool that you install on your smartphone and provides you with reminders of what to take and do at what times, and updates you with when certain activities are to be avoided and when you can resume them. I found this incredibly helpful and would highly recommend you take advantage of it.

Good luck with your procedure, you've made a great choice of Dr from my experience!
 
R

Ross1993

member
That is really helpful, thank you! The app does sound great so I will be sure to use that. I agree that it probably is best to not cover the head, will see how I get on.
 
W

Wheresmyhair

member
Hi Wheresmyhair, thank you for the comments. It has been quite a journey indeed. I have to be totally honest in that I don't know the technical diagnosis of hair loss, although I had been told I did not have diffuse thinning. My hair loss seemed relatively standard in that it begun at the temples and receded there, then begun to thin at the crown later.

This is good news you aren`t a diffuse thinner with it being a tricky hair loss pattern to predict. Are you seeing new growth yet?
 
S

Swill

Valued member
Hello everyone,

Apologies for my delay in posting an update, life got away from me a bit in these crazy times!

I have attached some photographs to show my progress, I am now at the 8 month mark and the hair has started to come in at quite a pace over the last month or so. I also had my first proper haircut last week (rather than buzz cutting it myself, which I have been doing for years), which was nice!

The Hair Transplant App was again great at taking me through and beyond the initial stages of the procedure, it was surprising how much I had forgotten since my first procedure and the App kept me on top of everything, along with the detailed pack from the clinic. The clinic have also been great with their customer service and aftercare, and answered a few queries I had very quickly.

I am really happy with how things are progressing and the crown really seems to be thickening up by the week so I am expecting it to get even better in the coming months, and I will update with photographs as it progresses. I am particularly impressed with the scar repair, as it is pretty much no longer noticeable, even with a shaved shorter at the back hairstyle!

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Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
Hi Swill, thanks for popping on with this update. Your hair is looking very good now. The crown has filled in nicely with the swirl looking very natural. I expect you will get more growth and maturing in the coming months.
It`s great that the scar repair has worked resulting in it not being an issue anymore.
Getting your hair cut at a salon/barbers must have felt good after all this time buzzing it yourself. You`ll have different styling options too.
It`s good to hear you're still finding the app very helpful and the clinic answer quickly if you do want to ask them directly.

Your new hair is flourishing just at the right time with lockdown restrictions lifted. Time for you to relax and enjoy your new look.
 
Bigmac

Bigmac

Administrator
Staff member
Hey Swill, how’s it going? It’ll be nice to see your 12 month result and how your hair looks now.
Are you still using the app? I spoke with Chris recently and he advised there were some nice updates happening.
 
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