My hair transplant journey. Surgery performed at the Hair Dr Leeds UK, July 2020.

[Baldingman23]

Thanks @Kelvino1987 I’m looking forward to my top up at the end of the month. I’m sure once the 2 thinner sections are touched i’ll be 100% happy with my result.

You can definitely see improvements in your photos which is good

 

[Kelvino1987]

Hi all. This is my 15 month update. Any feedback would be appreciated. I’m heading to the clinic later to have a further PRP session. Cheers.

 

[Kingthin]

Looking good. Will you have to stay on the Minoxidil to keep the gains you’ve seen in the last 3 months?

How are you feeling about it?

 

[Kelvino1987]

Looking good. Will you have to stay on the Minoxidil to keep the gains you’ve seen in the last 3 months?

How are you feeling about it?

Hi mate. Not sure. Majority of growth came between month 8-11 from topical minoxidil. I’ve seen a bit of growth since starting PRP and oral minoxidil but it’s mainly been on the right temple I’ve seen a difference. I’ll get some clarity from the clinic.

I’m not sure if that’s it now in terms of any more growth. I’m still having to style it to cover the recession, which has always been a problem. I am a bit worried about having top up, just if we’ll have the same outcome. Just feel a bit anxious about that which is normal I guess. Hoping to see more growth though in the meantime.

 

[HR1986]

Thanks for sharing Kelvino. It gives me hope to see the majority of your growth came between 8-11 months. I'm currently approaching month 7 post-FUE. I do have ok growth - but not quite where I need it to be. I guess it's a waiting game now.

 

[Kelvino1987]

Thanks for sharing Kelvino. It gives me hope to see the majority of your growth came between 8-11 months. I'm currently approaching month 7 post-FUE. I do have ok growth - but not quite where I need it to be. I guess it's a waiting game now.

Not a problem mate.

It can be a frustrating period expecting more growth. Try not to worry as you’re just over half way. Are you taking any other treatment to help stimulate growth? I found minoxidil helped with my progress. It could be worth exploring this as an option? Has your clinic made any recommendations?

 

[HR1986]

Not a problem mate.

It can be a frustrating period expecting more growth. Try not to worry as you’re just over half way. Are you taking any other treatment to help stimulate growth? I found minoxidil helped with my progress. It could be worth exploring this as an option? Has your clinic made any recommendations?

 

[HR1986]

I've had 2 prp sessions and already started with minoxidil around month 3. Finasteride month 1. My surgeon said to be patient and will improve over time. Easier said than done I must say.

 

[Kelvino1987]

I've had 2 prp sessions and already started with minoxidil around month 3. Finasteride month 1. My surgeon said to be patient and will improve over time. Easier said than done I must say.

It is difficult to be patient mate, I totally relate with that. I’m 16 months in and just going month by month. It helps to not look in the mirror constantly as this itself can create more frustration if there’s not been any progress. I think 10 months will be a good indicator as to how your result will be, still a lot of time for growth. Which clinic did your procedure? Have they offered a top up if you don’t achieve optimal results?

 

[HR1986]

I went to a hair growth centre in London. Met with the medical director around the 5.5-month mark and he said I was on track and my hair will just improve in the months to come and to circle back in January (9th-month mark).

 

[HR1986]

It is difficult to be patient mate, I totally relate with that. I’m 16 months in and just going month by month. It helps to not look in the mirror constantly as this itself can create more frustration if there’s not been any progress. I think 10 months will be a good indicator as to how your result will be, still a lot of time for growth. Which clinic did your procedure? Have they offered a top up if you don’t achieve optimal results?

I went to a hair growth centre in London. Met with the medical director around the 5.5-month mark and he said I was on track and my hair will just improve in the months to come and to circle back in January (9th-month mark).

 

[Kelvino1987]

Hi, I’ve not provided a proper update as I wanted to leave it 18 months to review the progress and work with the clinic to make a decision.

What has been positive over the past 6 months, is PRP being offered (3 sessions I’ve had) and also oral minoxidil (both have been free of charge). I do feel there has been a bit more growth since starting it, and a big difference compared to where I was at, at 7 months.

At this moment on time, I still feel there is density lacking, both on top and the hair line, and do want to proceed with a top up. The clinic have made a lot of time for visits in person and video phone calls, going through their assessment and perspective of the growth. The clinic have stated how they wish to proceed, which is doing the hairline only. Dr Arshad and Sommiya have said they would recommend not to touch the top for a few reasons:

1. Although they agree it’s not reached a matching density to other areas of my head and Is a bit more sparse, they believe it is a good enough result, compared to how the top appeared originally.
2. It could cause shock loss to the native hairs on top.
3. As I’ve been previously conscious of my donor, wanting to meet/balance my expectations as it will appear more sparse.

The clinic have offered to do the hairline complimentary, but if I want to proceed with the top, it will be charged. They have said they want to support me but also have to do what’s right for the clinic. An approximate graft count for the top and hairline would be 1500-2000 grafts. This would equate to a total of 3800-4300 for both procedures.

What we have agreed, is for me to grow my hair and then have an in person assessment to establish what can be done. I informed the clinic that I keep my hair short as when I do try and grow it, it feels thin and sparse in an area on top. Having it shorter feels thicker, but the catch 22 is I want to grow it. Dr Arshad agreed to assess it when it is longer.

Something I do want to emphasise on, is lighting. Some pictures I take, it looks thin and sparse on top, but one or two pictures/videos I’ve taken, it can look thicker. I guess this makes it difficult to know which one provides a more accurate view of how your hair looks to others, (I’ve attached a picture below of the top from different angles and lighting). Does anybody know or can recommend what is the best lighting to take pictures in? This would be really helpful to know.

So the plan is to hold off and review later. I’ll continue to take non surgical treatments for now and update following further discussions.

Any honest and objective feedback would be appreciated. Cheers,

 

[Kevboy]

This video by Joe Tillman explains how to take photos.

 

[Kelvino1987]

This video by Joe Tillman explains how to take photos.

Cheers Kev Just watched it, really helpful this mate, thank you.

 

[Bigmac]

Hi, I’ve not provided a proper update as I wanted to leave it 18 months to review the progress and work with the clinic to make a decision.

Thanks for this update. Could you post a timeline of pictures.

What has been positive over the past 6 months, is PRP being offered (3 sessions I’ve had) and also oral minoxidil (both have been free of charge). I do feel there has been a bit more growth since starting it, and a big difference compared to where I was at, at 7 months.

It`s good that you’re seeing some improvement with the meds, further improvement in the next few months would be great. What strength is the minoxidil?

At this moment on time, I still feel there is density lacking, both on top and the hair line, and do want to proceed with a top up. The clinic have made a lot of time for visits in person and video phone calls, going through their assessment and perspective of the growth. The clinic have stated how they wish to proceed, which is doing the hairline only.

It is good that the clinic have agreed with you the hairline is not what you both expected and have agreed to rectify it with a free surgery.
An approximate graft count for this surgery would be?

Dr Arshad and Sommiya have said they would recommend not to touch the top for a few reasons:

1. Although they agree it’s not reached a matching density to other areas of my head and Is a bit more sparse, they believe it is a good enough result, compared to how the top appeared originally.

If you could add pictures in order of pre op, immediate post op, 12 months, how it looks now and how many grafts were placed in the crown with the graft breakdown of how many hairs the grafts contained. This will provide a better understanding on the result and if you’ve possibly lost more native hair after surgery. If we continue to lose hair, the transplanted hair simply replaces.

2. It could cause shock loss to the native hairs on top.

3. As I’ve been previously conscious of my donor, wanting to meet/balance my expectations as it will appear more sparse.

The clinic have offered to do the hairline complimentary, but if I want to proceed with the top, it will be charged. They have said they want to support me but also have to do what’s right for the clinic. An approximate graft count for the top and hairline would be 1500-2000 grafts. This would equate to a total of 3800-4300 for both procedures.

This does not make sense.
They won’t offer a complimentary surgery on the top in case it causes shock loss.
If you want to proceed with the top you will be charged. ‘what about the shock loss risk mentioned above?

What we have agreed, is for me to grow my hair and then have an in person assessment to establish what can be done. I informed the clinic that I keep my hair short as when I do try and grow it, it feels thin and sparse in an area on top. Having it shorter feels thicker, but the catch 22 is I want to grow it. Dr Arshad agreed to assess it when it is longer.

It`s a small sacrifice to grow your hair as the doctor has requested. Using some concealer will make this an easy process.

Something I do want to emphasise on, is lighting. Spme pictures I take, it looks thin and sparse on top, but one or two pictures/videos I’ve taken, it can look thicker. I guess this makes it difficult to know which one provides a more accurate view of how your hair looks to others, (I’ve attached a picture below of the top from different angles and lighting). Does anybody know or can recommend what is the best lighting to take pictures in? This would be really helpful to know.

Outside on a clear day is good or with natural window light indoors. I see Kevboy added Joes video. This will help you.

So the plan is to hold off and review later. I’ll continue to take non surgical treatments for now and update following further discussions.

Any honest and objective feedback would be appreciated. Cheers,

The meds have the possibility to make further improvements. With the meds though, any gains from whatever med will be lost if you stop using them.

I do hope with the meds, the extra surgery if you accept and time on your side you can reach your goals.

All the best to you.

 

[HairDr Clinic]

This does not make sense.
They won’t offer a complimentary surgery on the top in case it causes shock loss.
If you want to proceed with the top you will be charged. ‘what about the shock loss risk mentioned above?

Hi Bigmac,

I am not sure why this does not make sense to you, but I am happy to clarify the clinics position. Currently the patient has hair in the region which has significantly improved as a result of the hair transplant and meds/PRP (not just the latter). The clinic's position is that the improvement in this region is at a satisfactory level to not warrant further grafts being added at this stage. If in the future there is more loss in this area then we can add more grafts for which there will be a charge (in this situation the chance of shock loss will be lower as there will be less hair in the recipient area to start with).

Suggesting that we are using 'shock loss' as an excuse not to do a complimentary top up but we would be happy to do it if the patient pays for it is very unfair and inaccurate.

We always strive to be 100% transparent with the patient and it is clear with hair transplants not all patients will necessarily feel the same way as the clinic about the level of improvement, however we endeavour to support the patient and be as fair as possible. Where we have fallen short of the high standards we set ourselves we have acknowledged this and redoubled our efforts to support the patients, whether that be through top up surgeries or through meds/PRP and we will continue to do this.

Regards
Sommiya

 

[Kelvino1987]

Thanks for this update. Could you post a timeline of pictures.




It`s good that you’re seeing some improvement with the meds, further improvement in the next few months would be great. What strength is the minoxidil?




It is good that the clinic have agreed with you the hairline is not what you both expected and have agreed to rectify it with a free surgery.
An approximate graft count for this surgery would be?



If you could add pictures in order of pre op, immediate post op, 12 months, how it looks now and how many grafts were placed in the crown with the graft breakdown of how many hairs the grafts contained. This will provide a better understanding on the result and if you’ve possibly lost more native hair after surgery. If we continue to lose hair, the transplanted hair simply replaces.




This does not make sense.
They won’t offer a complimentary surgery on the top in case it causes shock loss.
If you want to proceed with the top you will be charged. ‘what about the shock loss risk mentioned above?



It`s a small sacrifice to grow your hair as the doctor has requested. Using some concealer will make this an easy process.




Outside on a clear day is good or with natural window light indoors. I see Kevboy added Joes video. This will help you.



The meds have the possibility to make further improvements. With the meds though, any gains from whatever med will be lost if you stop using them.

I do hope with the meds, the extra surgery if you accept and time on your side you can reach your goals.

All the best to you.

Cheers BM.

I’ve attached several photos to see. I’ve been impartial and not just chosen photos that only show thin areas, but the majority of photos I do take do show the top being sparse. The photos are taken in different lightening and some from different angles, there’s before my HT, pre op, on immediate post op and now.

I’ve been informed an approximate graft count on the top only would be 1000 grafts needed. As I said though, the clinic have said I should leave the top being done as they have assessed it being satisfactory, but as i say, if I’m wanting to proceed with it, it’s not included on the offer.

When I compare photos to before having my HT, I am struggling to see a significant difference on top/crown/mid scalp. I’m not sure if I’m being too picky and it’s just all in my head? but I’m struggling myself to see this. Any honest and impartial opinions would be really helpful, cheers,

 

[Bigmac]

Your crown looks pretty much the same to me, maybe a slight improvement but your hair is slightly longer in your 18 month picture which provides more coverage. Possible scenarios could be poor yield, good yield but continued loss in immediate area. It would be good to know how many grafts went into the crown and the breakdown Of hairs per graft.
You`ve documented your journey very genuinely with a feeling of expectation and desire. I do hope you can achieve your goals.

 

[Kelvino1987]

Your crown looks pretty much the same to me, maybe a slight improvement but your hair is slightly longer in your 18 month picture which provides more coverage. Possible scenarios could be poor yield, good yield but continued loss in immediate area. It would be good to know how many grafts went into the crown and the breakdown Of hairs per graft.
You`ve documented your journey very genuinely with a feeling of expectation and desire. I do hope you can achieve your goals.

Cheers BM.

I do want to clarify to anyone that’s come across my thread that although I’m not fully satisfied, there has been some growth (as I’ve mentioned in previous posts). From what I’m seeing myself, it’s mainly the hair line area and I believe the lateral hump on my right side I can see some grafts have taken. My left temple was always lagging behind to the point of it looking practically bald for ages, but since having PRP and oral minoxidil, more grafts did come through and, although still thin (which can be seen with the hairline pushed up), it shows more shape than what it did previously. I’ll continue non surgical treatment but I don’t think anymore will come through at this stage now. Obviously the crown appears to have not taken as many and is thinner in comparison.

Despite the growth I have had, I do still face some of the same social/day to day barriers (styling to cover thin areas/recession, trying to add volume as density is lacking, anxiety at the barbers, anxiety about it getting wet and the wind and rain), these are the reasons for keeping it shorter.

There has been some dialogue with the clinic which unfortunately hasn’t been positive. I’m not going to go into detail or share the messages, but I just want to say I’ve really tried to document my journey in a balanced manner, from what I’ve experienced that is good and what I don’t think has been good. This is something I think Is important and something I’ll continue to do.

Cheers.

 

[Dave_2022]

The yield is poor any way you look at it and the crown is the same as before. Not a great result but could be improved with a skilled surgeon pretty easily.