HT part 1 with Farjo Medical

[nor7]

Hi All
Apologies for not updating for the past few months, too much work to do!

Ive taken a quick shot a few days ago, which was actually exactly 8 calendar months to the day post op.

I'll try to be a bit more regular with the updates, as I know from my own experience of following other people's blogs, it is really frustrating when someone's story you were really interested in goes dead!

My camera isnt that great but Dr F took some himself a few weeks ago so I will try to get hold of those.

I think my own experience is probably far more typical than sometimes might be the impression given by the clinics that post on the forum. It seems to me some only post a small proportion of their patients' results, and nearly always the quickest growers. Fair enough, it's a business after all. But anyone considering going down this path should prepare themselves for much slower progress. For me, quite a lot of hair doesn't show in the pics because it is still very fine and immature. Not surprising really, given I had no hair for such a long time. It will take time for my scalp to get used to the idea of growing something! I think i read somewhere on another blog that thicker terminal hair often doesn't appear until 9 months or later post op. If that's true, then those amazing results that get posted up after just 6 months must be the exception rather than the rule. I guess what im saying to anyone following this and considering doing their own HT is that you must have patience. You may be one of the exceptions and find yourself growing very quickly, but more likely you won't be. Always bear that in mind before going ahead.

All the best
N7

 

[jonzi]

Unfortunately this looks like it is heading for a substandard result. Would not be surprised if future updates simply fail to happen. There is an obvious overrepresentation in the number of successful cases being reported, whereas less fortunate gets buried. Well, well, hopefully I am wrong. Keep posting.

 

[Dazzster26]

Hi

thank you for posting and also for staying positive , to be honest I was expecting a bit more for you at this stage of your journey however am no expert and hopefully you will see more growth in the next few months , I just want to say thank you for keep posting its a privilege for us , stick to your plan with the Clinic am sure their with you all the way
Cheers
Dazz

 

[nor7]

Thanks Dazz
I'm not actually as pessimistic as jonzi. Like I said, my camera is not the best with close ups so that has to be kept in mind. Also, I don't have the best quality donor hair and I was totally bald before starting out. I always knew that the prospect of ending up with flowing locks was nil. What I'm saying to prospective transplantees is be realistic. Don €™t get carried away looking at the very best results that all clinics will post up. If you start off with nothing at all, don €™t expect to get the same coverage/result as someone that is just filling in some thinning areas. You might be that lucky, but probably not. Right now, I would say that I look like a guy that is thinning on top and is bald at the back. To my mind, that is better that being bald all over. It is question of how you look at it. I much prefer having something than nothing. And like I say, you have to give it time to mature.
I followed lots of forum blogs before starting out so had a pretty good idea of what to expect. I was not misled into expecting to get movie star hair back, but sometimes I just worry that some guys looking at some clinic posts might get that impression. Be realistic guys and get fully informed beforehand. Pick a top quality clinic that will level with you about the number of grafts you can get out and what can be done with them; and which will support you post op. That €™s what I did and it's the best advice I can pass on

I will keep updating and hopefully get a better camera when time allows!

Cheers all
N7

 

[Dazzster26]

Hi
Thanks for posting that message it says a lot especially to guys who are researching , I think what I have learned since joining the Forum is that we all dont progress the same anyway you have set your expectations and that is the most important thing , their is still months to go and I think what Garageland mentioned about the blood circulation could be right he has a lot of experience , All the very best and will be looking forward to you next update
Cheers
Dazz

 

[Mick From Farjo]

Nor7,

Thanks for keeping us updated.

Jonzi, i understand your comment but all results will vary in their development time and the only thing that gets buried is the mountain of paperwork i have to deal with on a daily basis.

I have been seeing results for 20 years now and i have seen good outcomes as little as 8 months and as long as 20.Every now and then a patient may have a thinner result than expected but there is a reason you will not see many of these.It is because as Dazzster intimated a proper clinic will always stand by their work.If they see a patient whose outcome is not as expected they will work with them to make things good.

Mick

 

[bullitnut]

Mick From Farjo wrote:

a proper clinic will always stand by their work.If they see a patient whose outcome is not as expected they will work with them to make things good.

Mick

This is good to see. Kudos to Nor for being honest and open and kudos to Mick for being profesional and compassionate.

 

[garageland]

Hi Nor 7,

I don't tend to chime in on other clinics patients but yours strikes a cord with me and I would like to offer you some support. I have had and seen many patients at 8 months who have been disappointed and happy when they get to 12-18 months.

People tend to forget the important part of maturing and thickening that can take place 12-18 months. With hair transplants it is very much a waiting game and people do underestimate the anxiety that is involved.

Good growth to you and please keep us updated.

 

[Bigmac]

I agree with what's been said by others, hang on in there as there is still time for the result to come through, keep in touch with the clinic who will help you all the way.
All the best,
Bm.

 

[nor7]

Hi All. It €™s been some months now since I last updated, so firstly apologies as I know from my own experience reading the forum posts that threads that go dead mid way through the journey are really frustrating!
Anyway, since my last post, I started with minox and finasteride. There seemed nothing to lose combining both and I €™d read reports the combination could have most benefit. I €™d say for certain there was improvement in the number of hairs that came through afterwards, although this could have happened anyway. As garageland noted in an earlier post, guys that were slick bald tend to take longer anyway to see results. I know though that some clinics as a matter of routine recommend post op patients use one or other and sometimes both so I would recommend anyone considering an HT that they discuss meds with their clinic as part of the process. Better to start earlier than later if they help I would say.
I €™ve posted a couple of pics taken just on 12 months post op. I have pretty thin hair but on seeing Dr Farjo again at this time, I think it fair to say we were all hoping to see a bit of a fuller coverage at 12 months.
Way back in my earliest consultations with the clinic, I was assured if the result was not what we all hoped for, and should see with the number of grafts transplanted, a further procedure would be cost free. A guarantee that Dr Farjo stood by in December. The estimate was that a further 1800 units would be possible and 1000 to 1200 or so would be required to add to the existing transplant to thicken it up. I chose to extract as many as possible, rather than just 1000-1200 so that we could bring the front forward a little and extend the back a little. Dr Farjo only charged for the extra I chose to go for, otherwise the procedure would have been free, as was always promised. I €™ve posted an immediate post op pic as well.
For me, I think this shows the value of trusting a top clinic. It may be a little more expensive at outset, but I cannot fault the post op care and attention I €™ve had from all at Dr Farjo €™s. Mick kindly squeezed me in at short notice (thanks Mick) and Dr Farjo even opened up the clinic over the Christmas break just to extract my staples himself. A very kind gesture and much appreciated.
I will continue to update as we go through this year.

Best wishes to everyone here €“ I hope 2014 brings everyone the results they hope for.
Nor7

 

[nor7]

Pic 1 at 12 months post op procedure 1

 

[nor7]

Pic 2 at 12 months post op procedure 1

 

[Dazzster26]

Hi nor7

Happy New year and all the very best with your 2nd HT may you get great recovery and growth and am glad to here the meds are showing some effect , keep the faith you have taken another step and am sure you will take your journey a day at a time , its great to here you talking about the Clinic in such a positive way and I am sure they will be with you all the way again

Take care I care

D

 

[Bigmac]

Hi Nor,
As Daz says we all hope you get the result you desire this second time round, it's good to hear the Farjo clinic are taking good care of you and that you feel the combined meds are having a positive effect.
Thanks for keeping us updated on your situation,
All the best,
Bm.

 

[Nightowl]

It sounds like the Farjo clinic have your very best interest at heart. All the best with your latest operation.

 

[nor7]

Hi All
Apologies for not updating the past few months, but there's not been much to report really.
The recovery from procedure 2 was absolutely fine. No swelling or pain from the donor site. The new graphs hung around for about 3-4 weeks and then shed.
It is just on 3 months now since the second procedure to thicken up the first (which was in late November 2012). I can just feel some early growth in some places so thought now would be a good time to take the final shots of procedure 1, before (hopefully) procedure 2 adds some more density.
I'm still using minox and propecia and I think they have def helped things along - interestingly the latter seems to be narrowing the crown a bit as well, which is a nice bonus!
I will post some better pics over the next few months.

Garageland, I know you tend to read a lot of blogs so just wanted to say I've just read about your most recent procedure. The results look incredible, im delighted for you.

Best wishes everyone
N7

 

[nor7]

pic 2 of 2

 

[Bigmac]

Hi Nor,
Thanks for the update, I'm pleased your second procedure was a breeze for you with no problems.At 3 months is when you anticipate/wish for some new growth which you are getting which is great.Thanks for the update, looking forward to following your progress.
Regards Bm.

 

[bullitnut]

Congratulations on your second procedure....glad it went well, I look forward to following your progress. How have you found being in the meds?

 

[FutureFue]

I don't mean to be critical, but I have seen a big, big discrepancy in the results between doctors operating out of the same clinic; Dr Lorenzo and Dr Farjo. Dr Lorenzo's results are world class, but the results from Dr Farjo that have been posted on this fine website have been underwhelming from what I have seen with little growth. Has anyone else noticed this?