u/Ecstatic-Weight-6090

I’m just over 1 year post-op after my first HT (3,300 grafts, DHI, Turkeyana Clinic in Istanbul). My donor was never the strongest, and I started with advanced diffuse thinning. The first procedure focused on the hairline and midscalp, while my crown/vertex was left untouched due to limited grafts.

I’m currently on:

Oral Finasteride
Oral Minoxidil

Overall, I’m happy that I have a hairline again, but the density is still limited and the top can look quite thin under harsh lighting, especially with a short buzz cut.

My end goal is to wear a clean 2–3 mm buzz cut without worrying too much about my scalp showing through.

If my donor allows it, would you:

Go for a second HT to add density to the midscalp and cover the crown, then finish everything with a light SMP?

Skip a second HT and just get SMP over the entire top?

I’d really appreciate honest opinions, especially from people who have had a second HT, SMP, or both.

Hey everyone,

I’m 11 months post-op from my first HT and planning round 2. Need your strategy advice!

My History:

Before: Aggressive hair loss, full Norwood 6 by age 22. Weak scalp donor. (Now 23 btw)

1st HT: June 2025. 3,300 Grafts for Front & Mid-scalp. Crown left untouched.

Current Status: Grafts grew, but density is low and scalp is very visible (see pics).

Meds: Started Oral Finasteride + Oral Minoxidil 2 months ago to prep for round 2.

The Plan for 2nd HT:

I have ~2,200 scalp grafts left + a very dense beard for BHT. Looking at roughly 3,000+ total grafts available.

Which option is smarter?

Option A: Put all 3k+ grafts into the Front & Mid-scalp for maximum thickness where it frames my face. Do SMP (Pigmentation) on the bald crown.

Option B: Use the scalp grafts for the Crown, beard grafts for the middle, and rely on SMP for overall density.

Will ~6.5k total grafts give me satisfying density in the front/mid, or should I split them to cover the crown too?

Thanks for your help!

HT done in Turkey on June 21, 2025. Around 10 months post-op now.

Started with pretty aggressive diffuse thinning/balding and a weaker donor area, so I knew from the beginning that getting insane density in one session probably wouldn’t be realistic. The clinic focused mainly on the hairline/front and midscalp — the crown/tonsur was not transplanted yet.

Overall I’m still fairly satisfied with the improvement. From the front and in normal lighting it looks much better than before and definitely changed my appearance. But under harsh overhead lighting or from top angles, it can still look thin due to limited density and the untreated crown area.

Current meds:
Oral Finasteride
Oral Minoxidil

I’m considering a 2nd HT in the future mainly for:
Crown work
More density overall
Refining the final result

Considering the starting point and donor limitations, I still think it was worth it.

Hey guys,

I’m currently 10 months post hair transplant (3300 grafts, front + midscalp) and I’m trying to figure out my next step.

As you can see in the photo, I do have growth and a defined hairline now, but the overall density is still quite low, especially under bright lighting. The hairs are there, but they look thin and don’t provide strong coverage.

I didn’t use any medication before or immediately after the transplant, but I’ve recently started treatment:

Finasteride (currently 1 month in)

Now I’m considering adding oral minoxidil.

My main question is:

Can oral minoxidil still make a noticeable difference at 10 months post HT?

Specifically:

Can it help thicken existing transplanted hairs?

Is it possible to get visible density improvement (not a new hairline, just a fuller look)?

Or is it too late at this stage to expect meaningful changes?

I’m not expecting miracles, just wondering if it can push my current result to a better level.

Would really appreciate honest opinions or personal experiences🤝🏼