Dr Bicer - 3910 Graft FUE June 2021 - V conservative hairline + Top/Crown

[Bigmac]

Good to see the growth is beginning. The hair is already giving you confidence on your nights out and should only get better. Your sides look a little thin which is probably shock loss that is still recoverI got.
For the scalp dryness you could use nizoral shampoo or switch to a non alcohol brand of minoxidil. All in all, your progress looks good,
Thanks for the update.

 

[urbanite88]

Hi everyone,

As last update, I started seeing somewhat reasonable growth. I'm just past the 6 months period.
Earlier I mentioned how I was always applying Minoxidil before HT, and tried about 2 months post HT again but it was causing alot of dryness and irritation. So I stopped.

I started using this topical fin & minoxidil combo again last week in hope of speeding up this growth, and almost just a couple days in scalp has become very dry and itchy again (to the point of scratching my head in my sleep and waking up from it) . In the last 2/3 days I've also started seeing alot of hair shed, something like 150 hairs in the pillow a day. I'm panicking a bit as I don't know if this is due to starting this version of minoxidil? or is just going through the normal cycle probably?

I can't imagine starting and stopping these topical medication is good for the hair cycle either, so if I stop now, which I think I will have to, it will be for good.

Would really appreciate some advice and thoughts from you guys.

I have also reached out to the clinic and awaiting a call with them later today.

 

[Snoopt]

Any pictures??

 

[Bigmac]

Try looking for minoxidil that does not contain ethanol and propylene glycol or search alcohol free minoxidil. It’s probably these ingredients that are causing your issues.

 

[lightmare]

I had a similar problem, and at a similar stage in my HT journey as you, with lots of flaking when using topical minoxidil that had propelyne glycol. Using the foam helped a bit but still got flakes.

In addition to reducing those ingredients Bigmac listed, you could also look at Pura Dor gold label shampoo. I tried this at his suggestion, and after a week or so that noticeably reduced the flaking and itching for me. Not completely gone but much better. I am going to try lipogaine soon if I can’t get a prescription for oral minoxidil to try to get rid of the flakes for good.

Good luck and happy growing, the itchiness is really unpleasant so I feel you.

 

[Kopkin]

Hi Urbanite. Do you have any updated pictures you could share with us? I’d love to see how your hair is looking now. Thanks

 

[Bigmac]

It would be great to see an update from you.

 

[urbanite88]

Hi guys, sorry tried to not be so preoccupied with hair situation for a while and just get on with life.

I am now just past the 18 month mark but realize I've not actually posted from month 6 or so. In all honestly taking pictures close up the same way I have been from month 4, shows very little improvement, even today. Which is kind of strange, but perhaps not entirely fair just show show those so I will share some everyday *out n about ) pictures too where things definitely look much better

Here are some pictures from April at month 8/9

Then June which was month 12 and then month 13 at home

And another one at month 15 in a beach with direct sun on me.

I did not mention this in here probably but as Dr Bicer used 0.7mm punch I feel that had something to do with why I had so many single grafts 1s. This was the breakdown below

S 2100
D 1140 X 2 = 2280
M 670 X 3 = 2010

Total: 6390 (yield of 1.63 per FU, which seems low)

I did question that, but I'm not sure it was worth worrying about, as it was already done

Overall, I know its not an amazing result or any kind of home run, but it has still been transformational for me still. In most real life situations, like in evenings out, I actually look like I have a fairly decent amount of hair. The placement and design of the grafts sure create a great illusion of hair from a distance.

Any hairdresser however immediately knows I had a HT (I've tried 4 different barbers in last 6 months!)

Also I don't understand why everyone including the clinics insist on keeping the hair longer, as that supposedly give the illusion of even better density. In my situation that is certainly not the case! I have finally arrived at a length that seems to look the best for me which is roughly about 3/4 cm, which my hairdresser agrees looks best on me.
Any longer than that and my hair tends to bundle together and you can see more scalp being exposed. Also I cant use any hair products as it has same affect of making the hair stick together exposing more scalp

Also @Bigmac @lightmare thanks for the Pura Dor shampoo recommendation. It definitely helped my dry scalp/hair situation

Any thoughts from you guys most welcome

I know I need a second HT to add some density in crown/mid-section and thinking of using beard hair to cover more of the crown. But I know I will eventually get an outcome that I will be happy with in most circumstances and not be worried what it looks like close up.

*PS all pictures are without any products or topic, just natural

 

[urbanite88]

On a bad day, I do wonder if i lost some original hair since then or if all the Grafts transplanted survived, especially when I compare it to 2/3 weeks post op pictures it feels like I should have had better density?

I am aware there is a seasonal hair cycle involved as well where some hair may just be in a resting phase?

 

[Dr.Bicer-Assistant Ozen]

Hi Urbanite,

Thank you for your update. I want you inform that Dr. Bicer is following up your process closely. When she compared your 12. and 18. Month results, she noticed that your 12. month result is much better than 18. month result. This means that you are experiencing an active hair loss. You are also at a risky age against androgenetic alopecia. (Although you are using finasteride, you may be affected from androgenetic alopecia) Dr. Bicer thinks the reason is androgenetic alopecia. Nevertheless, Dr. Bicer recommends some blood works when you come for your second session. Because a lack of some vitamins or iron may be the reason of your hair loss.

Best wishes,
Özen

 

[Bigmac]

Hi Urbanite.
Thanks for popping back with an update. Your appearance is much better than your pre-op with the coverage you got. It is possible you have lost a bit more hair as Ozen suggests. Having your blood checked is a good suggestion by the clinic. Another pass as you suggested will strengthen the areas that are thinner.
Overall, you look much better.