This is my first post here. I am 29 years old and began losing my hair at age 16. By 22, my hairline was quite receded, and at 27 most of my hair was already gone.

I couldn't find much information on this site regarding Dr. Gregory Pistone, so I just wanted to share my experience. I have had two procedures at his Marlton, NJ office, the first around 17 months ago, and the 2nd 6 months ago. I picjed Dr, Pistone because of the outstanding results in the before and after pictures on his website, and the meeting I had with his consultant prior to my surgery. Overall, Dr. Pistone and his staff treated me kindly and with understanding throughout the entire process, and they exceeded my expectations in this area.

Unfortunately, the results I received left much to be desired. In the first surgery, I received around 1700 grafts which were primarily implanted in the front and top area to create a "hairline" while the 2nd surgery concentrated on "filling in" the back of my head with about the same number of grafts. Like I said, I had already lost much of my hair, so I was not realistically expecting to receive a complete restoration of my original hair, but I specifically asked at the initial consultation if I would achieve a "natural" look after the first procedure, and I was told YES - even if I chose to wait or not to do a second surgery, I would look completely natural. The results of the 1st surgery are a lopsided uneven hairline with randomly placed follicular units on the left side extending my hairline almost an entire inch lower than on the right side. Needless to say I was initially quite disppointed, but I decided to give the hair time to grow, as the literature I was given suggests.

At my 6 month evaluation I was told by Dr. Pistone's consultant how wonderful my progress is, and shown a polaroid taken the day of my initial consultation. What they do is take a horribly lighted photo of your bald spot the day you originally come in. So of course I look at the picture, then look in the mirror and jump for joy at how much hair I've grown. I was then told that I had only experienced 60% of my growth. I left pretty excited about seeing 40% more growth in the coming months.

I religiously took pictures of my hair in the same room with the same light at the same length month after month, and I have not seen even the slightest amount of improvement since that day. My hair growth peaked at around 5 to 6 months and has not visually changed since then. What makes this even more disappointing is that I am exactly 6 months out from my 2nd procedure with Pistone, and the back of my head still looks as shiny as ever. After two surgeries my hair is still too thin to part, comb back, or even spike .

So basically, I paid $12,000 for two unsightly scars, about 3400 randomly spaced "follicular units" which in any kind of moderate lighting still show off my entire scalp. I am still shaving my head, wearing a hat in public, and (worse of all) self conscious about the 2 huge scars under my bald spot. I understand that the intention after hair replacement surgery is to let your hair grow long enough to cover up the scars, but at 29 years old I am really not trying to go for a "comb over" look - therefore I have to cut my hair low (myself because no barber will touch it).

I really wish Pistone would would have just been honest, and said to me "Robert, the reason the guys in our before and after pictures look so good is because they weren't nearly as bald as you. We can perform the same procedures on you that they had, but you will not achieve the same look. In fact, their before pictures will probably look a lot better than your after pictures (which they do). Shave your head, save the $12,000, and buy some new clothes. The end."

Just a warning to people thinking about undergoing this surgery - Consult with as many doctors and ask as many questions as you possibly can. Do not take the decision lightly, because you will have to live with the consequences.

I agree 100%. A ht was the worst decision I ever made in my life. And the worst part is that I was only an early NW3

There was a young man a few years back who we cautioned for going through a surgery. His hairline was rather unsightly, widely spaced, and his scar was not the best either. I think his handle was dhuge69.

Basically a classic case of poor work.

I keep saying this but it takes HARD WORK to be a great HT doc. It takes time and dedication, training your staff, and constantly striving to get better. Many clinics are happy to do the work Robert just described, which as we know leaves a lot to be desired.

Ucity, if you post a photo or two we can see about getting you some advice on how to approach making you look and feel better.

Take Care,
Jason

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6721 transplanted grafts
13,906 hairs
Performed by Dr. Ron Shapiro

Dr. Ron Shapiro and Dr. Paul Shapiro are members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.