Advice

[PML7891]

Hi

I have been doing a lot of research over the last couple of weeks and months about the FUE procedure and I am seriously considering having it done. The available clinics here in Ireland either have poor reviews or are too expensive ( ‚¬10 per graft). From reading posts here and on other forums, Dr. Bisanga in Belgium seems to be a good choice. I have completed the online consultation and I am waiting on a response.


I am just looking for some advice on the FUE procedure itself. I have attached a couple of photos of my hairline, you may be able to help me.


I would like to concentrate on my hairline and frontal areas in particular. The crown and middle area are not a major concern at the moment but I may wish to transplant some hair there at a later date.


My major concern is the amount of grafts I would realistically require to get good coverage and density in the hairline and frontal areas? I am thinking in the ballpark of 3,500 grafts in these areas with a further 2,000 grafts in the middle and crown areas. Am I way off the mark?!
I am also not sure if I have sufficient donor hair to complete a 5,500 plus transplant!


I have tried looking at other post-op photos of patients who have had the procedure done with 5000 grafts or more but it varies from patient to patient. It is very hard to tell!


Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you in advance!

 

[PML7891]

Back

 

[PML7891]

Side View

 

[PML7891]

What I would be hoping for is something like the attached (my own hairline from 4 years ago)

 

[janna]

Hi PML,
What can be achieved will depend on your donor supply. You have a large recipient area that can do with 3500grafts+ but it'll depend on how dense your donor supply is to meet the demand. How old are you? Are you on any hair loss preventative medications? How fast did your hair loss occur? Has the hair loss slowed down in the past year?
I'd recommend for you to consult with several clinics to get their advice and recommendation. Dr. Bisanga's clinic produces nice results and they'll give you sound advice so definitely consult with them.

 

[PML7891]

Hi Janna

Thanks for your reply!

I am 28 years old, my hair loss started when I was around 20 or 21. The rate of hair loss has slowed but I expect to be a Norwood class 6 in a couple of years (my father and all the males on his side of the family are bald/Norwood class 6 cases unfortunately). I think I am between a Norwood class 4 and class 5 at the moment.

I was taking finasteride and minoxidil for just under 1 year. It did seem to slow the rate of hair loss at the time but I stopped using it. I would prefer not to take finasteride again as I did experience some side effects which is why I stopped using the medication.

I was hoping a transplant of 5,500 would give me a decent result but it is hard to tell. I am not sure if my donor supply would be sufficient.

Thanks again for your feedback, I really appreciate it!

 

[Crudance2006]

I would say you need an in house consultation to check how much donor is available. You may not be suitable for Fue but strip may be an alternative.
Did your relatives crown dip down into their donor areas, if so you may not be suitable because as you progress the grafts in the safer donor zone may die too.

 

[PML7891]

As far as I know, all my relatives including my dad have been norwood 6 cases so the crown did not receed too far downwards into the donor areas so hopefully I will be the same. It would be great if I was a candidate for FUE as I like to keep my hair short but if FUT is the only option I would definitely consider it.
I have sent online consultations to the prohair clinic, Dr. Feriduni and Dr. Bisanga so I will wait and see what they think. I hope to have a face-to-face consultations in the coming months.
Thanks for your reply crudanc2006, i really appreciate it.

 

[Bigmac]

Take your time with your consultations making sure you ask all your questions. The amount of grafts you want will provide a nice cosmetic difference providing the clinics confirm your donor will meet the supply.
All the best in whatever decision you come to.

 

[PML7891]

Thanks Bigmac. I am hoping to have something like the below done provided I have the sufficient donor supply. Regaining my hairline and frontal area are most important to me, I would be happy with a less dense crown area as long as I had some coverage.

Whatever happens the outcome of any procedure would have to be an improvement on my current state of affairs!

 

[PML7891]

Estimate

 

[Bigmac]

That's mapped out pretty well. Providing you have the donor and don't lose more hair it could work out for you.

 

[PML7891]

Thanks again Bigmac. That is what I was really looking for here with this post, just a view on whether 5000-6000 grafts would give a decent outcome for me or if I was way off!

Hopefully I will be posting here again shortly with decent post-op photos!

 

[PML7891]

So I received a reply from Dr.Feriduni today, it's not looking good for me unfortunately

"We duly received your online request and pictures of your actual hair situation. Dr. Feriduni assessed your pictures but he unfortunately had to conclude that you are not an eligible candidate for hair restoration surgery :

• Due to your major crown area, your hair loss pattern, your young age( 28) and the imbalance between the recipient and donor area. SMP could be an alternative option.

• 
  Dr. Feriduni thus advises you to renounce the option of hair transplantation, it will not be realistic to obtain a nice result due to the lack of donor material and because of your hair loss pattern. Your hair loss might proceed in the future, we therefore prefer to be cautious and advise you against hair transplant surgery.

• 
  There are already signs of miniaturization in the donor area which makes it very risky to perform a hair transplant surgery.

Feel free to contact our clinic in case of any additional queries, we will be delighted to provide you with all required information"
Although it is not great news I appreciate the content of the email. It looks like time was actually taken to assess my situation.

 

[Bigmac]

Sorry to hear Dr Feriduni feels you are not suitable. You may be able to have a different approach like Fred the Belgian did, his story is in the patient section.
The best thing is you are researching the possibilities rather than jumping in head first and going for it.
It still may be beneficial to have an in person consultation to have your donor checked out.
Smp may be an option for you as Dr Feriduni says, or you could stay with the shaved head look which is very acceptable nowadays.
Regards Bm.

 

[janna]

PML7891 wrote:

I hope to have a face-to-face consultations in the coming months.
Thanks for your reply crudanc2006, i really appreciate it.

Not everyone is a good ht candidate and it's best to get evaluated in person. A face to face consultation is definitely needed in your case so hope you're able to see a physician soon. Best of luck!

 

[HairGuy]

When I first had online consultations I was told my donor was too weak also. I also had my hair shaved to a grade 2. I would suggest you let your hair grow so your donor quality appears more apparent then get online and in person consults. It's difficult to fully assess your hair loss pattern otherwise, looking at the pics you look like a NW6 already but the pics may be deceiving due to the shaved look. If your donor still isn't great for FUE then FUT may be an option.