Today marks the three month anniversary of my second HT procedure, this one being with Dr. Paul Shapiro. The numbers are 2,348 grafts / 4258 hairs. I've updated my blog and have decided to put together a photo album for the forum.

The first three months, justifiably referred to as the 'ugly duckling' and 'doldrums' stage, are definitely the most difficult period post-op. However, I believe I'm on the cusp of the growth stage. A couple of weeks ago, I felt some stubble and the amount has certainly increased since then. The hairs are very fine and barely visible to the naked eye and have not made a cosmetic impact yet, nor do I expect them to. Nonetheless, it is nice to know that growth is on the way.

Regarding healing, I have also made significant progress. The only time the recipient region redness appears is when I take off a hat after a few hours or when I just get out of the shower. The donor area is still pink but the train-track marks from the sutures have all but subsided. I'm still waiting for the return of the shocked hair-patch behind my right ear. I do occasionally still feel slight tightness in the donor region, and I suspect the scar might have stretched in some parts (mostly in the center, right above the neck), though it is nothing alarming or horrific.

Any comments or thoughts welcome. This period has not been a cakewalk, especially since I ditched concealer for the recipient region (aside from three evenings over the past 90 days). But thankfully, I believe I'm beginning to see the last days of the doldrums.

The thread regarding my first procedure can be found here:
11 months. 2100. Underwhelmed.

The initial post-op thread with Dr. Paul can be found here:
SMG n' Me

__________________
2008 Dr. G – presumably 1,000 grafts / 2,142 hairs
2009 Dr. Paul Shapiro – 2,348 grafts / 4,258 hairs
2011 Dr. Paul Shapiro – 1,999 grafts / 3,624 hairs

My Hair Transplant Journey with Shapiro Medical Group

Mate you are right at the starting line now in terms of growth - Do not worry as the hard wait is behind you. Continue to be VERY patient though as growth still can take time to start up and the realisation can still take many more months. The redness with your fair skin was always going to linger so glad to hear its on its way out.

Grow well and also don't worry about the shockloss it will return - a pain indeed but all normal.

All the best.

__________________
Consultant for Dr. Feller, Coalition Member and Dr. Lindsey, Coalition Member.

See my results --->>My Hair Loss Website

I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions and views shared are my own. "Research-Research-Research"

Thanks spex. Am def glad that those three months are behind me!

__________________
2008 Dr. G – presumably 1,000 grafts / 2,142 hairs
2009 Dr. Paul Shapiro – 2,348 grafts / 4,258 hairs
2011 Dr. Paul Shapiro – 1,999 grafts / 3,624 hairs

My Hair Transplant Journey with Shapiro Medical Group

Aaron,

That's a great job of documenting your progress, and it's nice to see the new growth picking up steam. Good luck in the months ahead!

__________________
My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Hasson

You're looking right on track so far Aaron. New growth is dawning over the horizon. As you know, growth is progressive and takes time. So give it time to heal and grow.

All the Best,

Bill

__________________
Managing Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog and the Hair Loss Forum and Social Community

Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Subscribe to our Newsletters | How We Recommend Physicians

-----

To learn about how I restored my hair, view my my hair loss website.

Remember, true beauty radiates from within, not from the skin.

I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions and views shared are my own.

Looking good. I cant wait to see your progress, as we are almost around the same timeline. The first 3 months are the worst. Iam gald you feel some stuble, thats a great sign.. I just hope when all this is said and done we will be a couple of amazing results for this site. Goodluck bro.

__________________
Check out My Hair Loss Web Blog

hey Aaron, any chance your 4 month updates are on the way!!

sorry if im pushy but im extremely interested in your case man... our loss is similar, our HT history is similar also... im dying to see what SMG does for you... plus your real, and have always given honest assessments..........

k, now that im done kissin your..... ... let me ask you a couple questions if i may.....

1.. how many grafts did you use up in your 1st, less than stellar, procedure?..


2.. has dr S informed you about your laxity.. how is it after your latest strip?

3..how is your SMG scar overall at this point, would you say you are able to buzz to atleast a 4guard?

4.. did dr S comment on how approx how many grafts he believes you still have via strip method....


thanks man, im glad the first 3 months are done, im truly hoping the next 6 or so are great growing months for you

Hey Swagger. 4 month updates will be up on my webblog this weekend (sunday at the latest).

Still not sure. I kept the documents from my first procedure and showed them Dr. Paul on the day of my surgery. The numbers weren't quite adding up, so I don't have an exact number. My first surgeon told me 1,000 grafts would lead to about 2,000 Follicular units. I was confused as I thought FU's & grafts were the same thing. So I assume I had 1,000 grafts with about 2100 hairs for my first procedure.

During the day of surgery, he mentioned that my donor closed fairly easily. I still occasionally feel a slight pull, usually happens after I tilt my forward while looking at something. I resumed my workouts around 3 months post op and typically don't feel any pull in donor during them.

The scar is generally very good. It's very thin behind both of my ears. There has been some stretching in the lower portion behind my right ear. The wideness sort of reminds me of some of Bill's scar before his fourth procedure. So while not perfect, it is certainly coverable with a 4 guard right now. The scar is still red, as expected, so I continue to cover it with dermmatch.

I don't recall a specific number floated about, but he mentioned that he wanted to make sure I had enough for another session for the middle portion of my scalp and in case my lateral humps receded. I remember that when Dr. Ron and Dr. Paul were looking over my head, they were both implying another run years down the road, followed by FUE for the worst-case scenario.

For my 12 month result, I am planning on making another trip up to Bloomington, MN for pictures and an assessment for the future. So LMS, behave buddy!! I want you around here for my 12 month pics!

__________________
2008 Dr. G – presumably 1,000 grafts / 2,142 hairs
2009 Dr. Paul Shapiro – 2,348 grafts / 4,258 hairs
2011 Dr. Paul Shapiro – 1,999 grafts / 3,624 hairs

My Hair Transplant Journey with Shapiro Medical Group

right where you should be dude its going to start getting exciting soon i for one cant wait to see this grown out as it looks a great hairline!! keep us updated bro

__________________
2 poor very poor UK ht's
2 world class repairs with Shapiro Medical Group
original thread
http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.co...d.php?t=134995
Dr Paul's procedure http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com...asp?WebID=1710
Dr Ron's procedure
http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com...asp?WebID=1128

Things are looking good for you! It looks like 2010 will be your year my man! Im wishing you the best of luck. Your a great asset to this forum and I always appreciate your input.

__________________
Meds
1.25mg Finasteride
3000mg MSM
Vitamin C
Omega 3
Nizarol

My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Rahal