Hello,

I'm a journalism student at the University of Toronto and I'm writing an article about hair loss in women. I'm looking for a woman who's willing to share her experience. My deadline is Wednesday.

Thank you,
Monica Valencia

Hello,
I had a hair transplant 2 years ago and am having the second half done now in December. I'll be on line for a while if you want to ask me specific questions.

I can tell you about my experience but again if you have specific questions please ask. I am 43. I began noticing hair loss as around the age of 18. I had a ton of hair so it didn't bother me too much then. It never got severe but over time I could see the effects of my hair loss were more pronounced. I still have good coverage on the sides and back but was getting very thin on top. I went to see Dr. Scott Alexander in Phoenix AZ. He has one of the best techniques because he uses a micro blade that makes healing faster and virtually no scaring or bumps like you'll see with other Drs. He and his staff treated me extremely well; the cost was very aforable (about $3/graft and a graft can have up to 3-4 hair follicles). I had about 2000 grafts done my first session and will have about the same in December. In December we will focus more on the crown area and I expect to have full coverage when all is said and done. The first time I had interest free financing and this time I am paying cash which earned me an additional discount so Dr. A is very good in all respects. His consulation was free and he took a lot of time to explain the process to me and my husband and was available for more questions either by phone or email. The procedure took most of the day; I went in at 7:30 a.m.; was made comfortable; I was awake for part of the procedure and watched a movie while he operated. I fell asleep during part of the procedure; not because of anesthesia (because you are not given general anesthesia; just local)but because I was comfortable and also probably because of the pain medication (lortab I believe). The first part of the procedure they took the graft from the back of my head and the second part of the procedure was inserting the grafts in my scalp. Between procedures I was treated to a nice lunch. The only pain I really felt was the incision on the back of my head for about 2 days but the lortab helped. I could not wash my hair but could run water over my scalp gently if I covered it with a wash cloth for the first 3-4 days. After that I could wash gently. My hair grew in within 3 months and by 6 I had great results; after a year really great! I do have a short hair cut and that makes it easier during the surgery I think but not sure. After 10 days my husband took out the stitches in the back of my head and I healed just fine; can't even see where the graft was taken. I'm glad I was a good candidate and also grateful for such a good doctor. I think that is number one because this procedure done wrong or poorly could really have devastating results in many ways; financially a possible waste; emotionally because of a possible poor outcome etc. So I'm glad I researched and found Dr. Alexander. It was worth the trip from New Mexico where I live. Hair is important to women and wigs work for some but I wasn't ready for one and now I don't have to wear one ever so I am very pleased.

That was very nice of you to share your story. Dr. Alexander is a really good doctor and a really nice guy. I am glad you found what you where looking for and wish you good luck with your second procedure.

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Dr. Glenn Charles is a member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians