Dr. Rahal, 2597 grafts in the crown. My 2nd HT - May 09 2011.

[El Nino]

Hey everyone!

Please see page 4 in this section for my result from my first HT with Dr. Rahal in Jan 2008.

I was back in Dr. Rahal's chair last week on Monday the 9th of May. My first transplant (aged 28) concentrated on joining my crown into the mid scalp region and improving my look from the front. The result was great and I enjoyed my hair for 2 years but then I got a bit hair greedy. As you can see from my pics an area approx 15cm2 was left at the lower part of my crown. I hoped that I would improve this area with the use of meds (fin and minox) but it didn't happen. So I have had this area done (aged 31) and also added some density into the previous transplant.

The plan was to get 2000 grafts but my donor density was better than expected and I ended up with 2597, excellent, the more the merrier for me. I also got an excellent hair count which consisted of 110 singles, 1567 doubles, 893 triples and 27 quads which equals 6031 hairs. The size of my strip was 21.1cm2. The density is higher in the lower part of my crown and the rest is spread out in my previous transplant. Dr. Rahal used the singles to restore my crown swirl.

The whole experience was great and everyone was friendly and professional just like 3 years ago. But anyone who's had a transplant will know the actual procedure is the easy part, it is the waiting which begins now which is tough.

Last time I stayed at the Adams Airport Inn which was okay but cost me quite a bit in taxi fares. This time I stayed at the Foxbar Guesthouse which was well equipped and very comfortable. It is also just a 5 mins walk to Dr. Rahal's clinic which is very convenient. The owner is a nice guy and friendly and gave me a lift to the airport.

So to confirm I have now received 5400 grafts in a 75cm2 area of my crown, which is a lot. But the crown really is the black hole for grafts and requires a lot more than the front to create the illusion of density. Dr. Rahal said my donor and laxity is good so I still have enough to do the frontal third in the future.

Here are my pre and post op pics from my second procedure.

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/ht2pre2.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/ht2pre1.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/ht2post2.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/ht2post1.jpg

[hdude46]

Hey everyone!

Please see page 4 in this section for my result from my first HT with Dr. Rahal in Jan 2008.

I was back in Dr. Rahal's chair last week on Monday the 9th of May. My first transplant (aged 28) concentrated on joining my crown into the mid scalp region and improving my look from the front. The result was great and I enjoyed my hair for 2 years but then I got a bit hair greedy. As you can see from my pics an area approx 15cm2 was left at the lower part of my crown. I hoped that I would improve this area with the use of meds (fin and minox) but it didn't happen. So I have had this area done (aged 31) and also added some density into the previous transplant.

The plan was to get 2000 grafts but my donor density was better than expected and I ended up with 2597, excellent, the more the merrier for me. I also got an excellent hair count which consisted of 110 singles, 1567 doubles, 893 triples and 27 quads which equals 6031 hairs. The size of my strip was 21.1cm2. The density is higher in the lower part of my crown and the rest is spread out in my previous transplant. Dr. Rahal used the singles to restore my crown swirl.

The whole experience was great and everyone was friendly and professional just like 3 years ago. But anyone who's had a transplant will know the actual procedure is the easy part, it is the waiting which begins now which is tough.

Last time I stayed at the Adams Airport Inn which was okay but cost me quite a bit in taxi fares. This time I stayed at the Foxbar Guesthouse which was well equipped and very comfortable. It is also just a 5 mins walk to Dr. Rahal's clinic which is very convenient. The owner is a nice guy and friendly and gave me a lift to the airport.

So to confirm I have now received 5400 grafts in a 75cm2 area of my crown, which is a lot. But the crown really is the black hole for grafts and requires a lot more than the front to create the illusion of density. Dr. Rahal said my donor and laxity is good so I still have enough to do the frontal third in the future.

Here are my pre and post op pics from my second procedure.

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/ht2pre2.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/ht2pre1.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/ht2post2.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/ht2post1.jpg


Personally, I would be concerned with that many grafts going into the crown being still pretty young. I don't think thats the right approach but thats just my opinion. no way you will have enough donor to cover the front should you lose hair there.

[El Nino]

The strip was 21.1cm2 long and I got 2597 grafts. This means the average density on the strip was 123 fu per cm2. I also have very good laxity so I am confident I could get at least another 4000 grafts out via strip.

[Winston]

Looking good El Nino!

[El Nino]

I'm now 8 weeks post op and just had my first hair cut since my second procedure. I got it buzzed down to a number 3 all over which might be a little short for the scar at this point in time, but I don't care. It looks ok but I think there is a little shock loss around it.

I can't wait for the regrowth on top cos it really sucks looking worse for 3 months after the op. I've had lots of ingrown hairs which are a good sign.

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/8weekspostop001.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/8weekspostop006.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/8weekspostop002.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/8weekspostop00.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/8weekspostop.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/8weeks.jpg

[Winston]

Looking great! You must be very happy so far!

[El Nino]

Thanks Winston, yeah I am happy so far. Especially after feeling lots of stubble a couple of weeks ago which is now starting to become visible when using two magnified mirrors. The regrowth has begun...

[El Nino]

I'm now 4 months post op and just returned from a haircut where I got it buzzed down to a number 3 all over again. The shockloss on the scar is slowly returning and the regrowth on top has now started.

I'm very happy with how it looks so far and can't wait for the months ahead...

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/4%20months/4months002.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/4%20months/4months012.jpg?t=1315842507

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/4%20months/4months003.jpg?t=1315842985

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/4%20months/4months011.jpg?t=1315842877

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/4%20months/4months010.jpg?t=1315842937

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/4%20months/4months015.jpg?t=1315842740

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/4%20months/4months014.jpg?t=1315843047

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/4%20months/4months006.jpg?t=1315843091

[fitness-man]

very nice progress!

[DreamBig]

Results look great mate! Congrats. You now have a full thick head of hair and should be ecstatic with the results! Seeing results like these on a consistent basis from Dr Rahal makes me very confident with my choice of booking a HT with Dr Rahal in December :)

[Winston]

You look great! Congrats!

[El Nino]

Cheers guys.

DreamBig,
Be confident that you have chosen one of the best HT Surgeons on the planet. Good luck.

Here's a reminder of where I started out from.

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/IMG_0566.jpg

[El Nino]

The above pic is from January 2008 before my first HT.

[capelli]

Hey...good results...did you use Rogaine after the HT as Dr. Rahal states? I have never used it and was curious to see if all patients follow this? Thanks!

[Follicle Death Row]

Originally when I learned about HTs I would have been concerned about having enough donor in a case like this but I've been told by a HT surgeon that nowadays the average they can actually get from strip over a lifetime is between 8-9000. If you go back years ago, say 5, people were saying 6000? Nowadays they they go for very long strips which are angled and they find that with proper closures and scalp exercises the laxity returns quite well.

I must congratulate you on your excellent results. Dr. Rahal seems to be fantastic and you'll have enough for your frontal third no worries. You may have 4000 left by strip but I wouldn't worry because even if you only got 3000 with another strip Dr. Rahal does FUE and you'd probably have on conservative calculations another 1500 at least after stripping out. Maybe even 2000.

[El Nino]

capelli,
Yeah I used Rogaine after my HTs, starting two weeks post op. I do believe it helps to kickstart the growth. I have seen your pics and it's gonna look amazing, congrats mate.

FDR,
Thanks man! I agree with you about the average persons donor supply and some people can be a lot more aggressive with the use of grafts.

I have been buzzing it down to a number 3 for the last few months but I am now growing it out a bit. So I can do an update with my hair styled. Thanks to Dr. Rahal I now have unlimited styling options. There is a big difference between the "illusion of density" and dense packing.

[Follicle Death Row]

capelli,
Yeah I used Rogaine after my HTs, starting two weeks post op. I do believe it helps to kickstart the growth. I have seen your pics and it's gonna look amazing, congrats mate.

FDR,
Thanks man! I agree with you about the average persons donor supply and some people can be a lot more aggressive with the use of grafts.

I have been buzzing it down to a number 3 for the last few months but I am now growing it out a bit. So I can do an update with my hair styled. Thanks to Dr. Rahal I now have unlimited styling options. There is a big difference between the "illusion of density" and dense packing.

Completely agree mate. No illusion going on there. That's a proper head of hair.

[El Nino]

Happy New Year!

I am nearly 8 months post op now and I have grown my hair out a bit.

These pics are with wet hair and then some with gel in after. I am very happy with how it looks but I know there is more to come. I remember from my first HT that it took ages to fully mature, past the one year mark.

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/8%20months/8months004.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/8%20months/8months006.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/8%20months/8months015.jpg?t=1325605813

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/8%20months/8months024.jpg

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/8%20months/8months016.jpg

[capelli]

Looks amazing...congrats!!! As always, Dr. Rahal has done it again!!! Good stuff!!!

[El Nino]

Looks amazing...congrats!!! As always, Dr. Rahal has done it again!!! Good stuff!!!

Cheers capelli!!

And trust me when your hair has grown out there will be news reports of sightings of Elvis. Your new hairline is gonna Rock!

[Gandolf]

Would like to see an update on this one. I am intrigued by how dense your Dr. was willing to pack the top but in your case it looks like you have plenty of hair for future surgeries if need be.

[xargon]

The results look absolutely amazing! Congrats.

I was wonering what is the downtime after the operation. My front is ok but my crown has thinned out a lot (but is stable now) and I am thinking about going for HT. How long did it take for the scars to heal? I am asking because I would not like people at work to know about the HT and wondering how much time I need to take off...

Thanks and congrats again!

[El Nino]

Ooops, sorry guys just saw your comments, cheers.

Gandolf,
I am currently on holiday and today I am exactly one year post op and will do an update next week. I am thrilled with how it looks so far and know from my previous HT which took 15 months to fully mature, I have more to come.

In my opinion Dr. Rahal is the most aggressive and ETHICAL Surgeon around and I trust him 100%. But I know not many guys would be a candidate for serious dense packing in the crown and I am very fortunate. And I wasn't willing to spend a lot of money for a dodgy combover.

xargon,
The downtime and waiting is the absolute worst thing about HTs. The actual surgery isn't that bad and was over in a day. But it took three months to look somewhat normal again. Luckily I was an early grower and had some regrowth at 4 months, this is quite typical of Dr. Rahal's patients for some reason.

It would have been easier to hide the scar if I didn't shave my whole head the day of the HT. But I didn't like the coco the clown look from my first HT either.

Hope this helps.

[xargon]

Thanks for the info. I will talk to Dr. Rahal's representative here and see what the predicted outcome for me looks like.

Looking forward to your update next week.

[El Nino]

You're welcome xargon. Here's the update.

I am 12 months post op now and just have a few more months until it fully matures. I am keeping it very short until then and these pics are one week out from a buzz cut number 3 all over. I am thrilled with how it looks.

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/12%20months/12months018.jpg?t=1337094637

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/12%20months/12months013.jpg?t=1337094568

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/12%20months/12months010.jpg?t=1337094534

http://i578.photobucket.com/albums/ss224/ElNino_09/12%20months/12months009-1.jpg?t=1337094341

[Follicle Death Row]

:eek: Holy moly!!! That is truly astonishing. It all looks native and non thinning. I love the fact that you're willing to use every last graft over time to ensure a complete restoration. I will do the same if needs be. Strip and FUE.

Really is incredible that it looks that dense with a 3 all over. Sides are super tight and your donor looks completely untouched.

I am jealous big time. Well done sir. Well done.

[xargon]

Looks absolutely amazing! Cannot tell at all that a transplant has been done! Congrats. Now go out and impress the ladies :D

[El Nino]

Cheers guys, much appreciated. Good luck to both of you with the battle against hair loss.

FDR,
For me it was all or nothing, I wasn't going to get 1000 grafts and give my crown a "light dusting" and live with that for 20 years.

This is why it is important to find a Surgeon who you connect with and believe in their way of approaching the art of HT. I can say that Dr. Rahal is the perfect match for me.

Cheers.

[Follicle Death Row]

I feel the same way. All or nothing. My hairloss seems to have plateaued for the time being but if these treatments that are in the pipeline don't arrive in time I will go for it and document the hell out of it.

More pics if you have any. They're great.

[El Nino]

I feel the same way. All or nothing. My hairloss seems to have plateaued for the time being but if these treatments that are in the pipeline don't arrive in time I will go for it and document the hell out of it.

More pics if you have any. They're great.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

The rest of my pics were either half my head or not in focus, it's really hard to take good pics of your crown by yourself.

But I will update again when it has fully matured.