I am 28 and my HT journey started just over 1 year ago, when I finally decided that I wanted to take the next step in treating my hair loss. I had reached Norwood 2-3 by this stage, and only recently started taking Finasteride. I found the finasteride seemed to be helpful in stabilising my hair loss. I have since begun taking Dutasteride instead, simply due to its increased action against DHT. In terms of side effects, there has been nothing major, just a slight loss of libido lasting for maybe 2 weeks at the start of treatment before returning to normal.
I initially had HT consultations with Norton and The Hospital Group here in the UK, but upon doing some further research I decided that these clinics were not for me. I finally narrowed my choice down to Shapiro, Hasson and Wong, and BHR. I decided on BHR for several reasons, but primarily due to the very good natural hairline designs I had seen and also the ability to perform quite large surgery in a single session. I was also happy with Dr Bisanga's online consultation and proposed treatment plan.I am very happy that I made correct choice of clinic.
PROCEDURE
The procedure itself was really quite straightforward from my point of view. I had regular contact from BHR in the weeks leading up to it, and they were happy to answer any questions I had. On the day before treatment I travelled to Brussels by Eurostar. I was staying at a hotel just round the corner from the clinic, which made things much easier both before and after the procedure. I wasn't nervous about the treatment, just excited that I was finally doing something to improve my situation.
We had arranged for an early start due to the length of my treatment, so I arrived at the clinic at about 7am, where I met Stephen, who was very friendly and informative. I filled in a couple of forms (medical history etc) then met Dr Bisanga to talk about my treatment plan. He measured the density of my donor area and we talked about my goals, which were to lower the hairline slightly, reinforce areas where hairloss was beginning to shown in the middle third, and improve symmetry (my hair loss was more pronounced on the right). The original plan had been to aim for 3000 FU grafts, but after the face to face consultation I was told it would be possible to get up to 3500. I decided to go with 3500 as this would allow the new hairs to extend further back into the middle third, and also allow some placement in the crown area. After the consultation I was given a very stylish gown to wear (lol), had some photos taken, and had the recipient and donor areas shaved (a very good look). Following this the donor area was anaesthatised (kind of like having a few dental injections, only slight discomfort). Following this Dr B removed the donor strip, there was no pain here, but just a slightly strange feeling of pressure and movement, then the area was sutured up. Next the recipient area was also anaesthatised, and Dr B began making the tiny incisions. I actually slept for a large part of this, the chair was quite comfortable and the atmosphere pretty relaxed. We had a break for lunch, then onto donor placement. Again this was quite relaxing, and time passed very quickly.
Before i knew it it was after 7pm, and hard to believe I had been there for 12 hours. I had some post op photos taken, then after payment Stephen walked me back to the hotel where I managed to get a bit of sleep. Despite the long day, the staff were always very friendly and professional.
POST OP
I was given some antibiotics and painkillers along with some antibacterial shampoo, saline solution, and full instructions for looking after the areas. I was also given a bandana to protect the areas, and a letter to give to customs in case they needed me to take my hat off (I didn't actually need this luckily). There was very little post op discomfort, very slight tenderness to touch in the recipient areas, and some tightness in the donor area for a few weeks. This was something I had expected though.
RECOVERY
I took 3 weeks off work after the procedure, but I chose to wear a hat to work for around 1 month after this as the appearance had not quite returned to normal. There was some redness persisting in the recipient areas for around 2 months, but it was barely noticable after 1 month. The donor area was visible due to being shaved for maybe around 4-5 weeks, although this could be easily hidden using Nanogen fibres if required.
I would recommend at least a week off work to ensure any swelling has returned to normal. If you can wear a hat or bandana you'll probably be fine to go back to work after that, if not a little more time off would be helpful.
INITIAL GROWTH
The last couple of months have been great for me. I am getting good initial growth and finally have a hairline again
It happened almost too gradually to notice, but when I look at photos now I can hardly believe the difference. between month 4-6 was where I had the biggest change so far, and I am now getting some growth in the crown area also (apparently this area tends to take longer to grow in).
MY VIEWS NOW
I have quite a high profile life, dealing with the public in work, and also playing in a rock band gigging around the city. It is not so long ago that I was only comfortable wearing a hat on stage but not anymore. I feel like I have really got my confidence back, and it has helped every area of my life. I have no regrets about my decision.
