You know, with all the guys online sharing their results I get kinda jealous of all the excitement that everyone goes through. The ups, the downs, etc. are all fantastic memories for me and I genuinely feel happy for those that are just starting out because it is truly exciting to watch yourself transform into someone new or even someone you once saw in the mirror ten or more years ago

So, I was enjoying a sunny but cool day here in Vancouver and I thought it was time for a small update on how my transplant has fared. To recap, I had two procedures in 1992/93 with Dr. Richard Norris in Knoxville, Tn (yes, I'm a Southern boy but without the accent unless I've had a few beers) for a total of about 800 mini grafts. Of those 800 grafts only 300 grew for a total yield of only 40% They were big and they were UGLY but I didn't realize this till my original hairline fell out revealing the work that was done. They stood straight up and were a constant reminder of my youthful mistake. I was 22 at the time and by the time I was 32 I was beyond a full blown NW6 and half way to being a NW7 (if not already there) with only those picket fence looking mini-grafts pointing straight up.

On March 18th of 2002 I had my first procedure with Dr. Wong. He pulled 2406 grafts out in one session along with both of my previous (yes, two) donor scars. I know that it doesn't sound like a lot but at that time the largest sessions around were 2000 to 3000 and that was on virgin scalps so for the time 2406 grafts and two scars in one strip was a pretty big deal. Two more sessions by January of 2004 and I had a total of 7917 grafts. A few experimental sessions tossed on top of that and my total is just shy of the 8000 mark.

In 2002 when I first started my personal website to document my results I had no idea what the future would hold for me. As it turns out no one had really documented their procedures like I had but soon thereafter a few more patients started to do the same and here we are today. Dozens upon dozens of you are sharing your results so that others can learn from your experience. I'm really glad that the internet has turned into such a great tool for everyone to share. The internet was not around for me in 1992 but as I've thought about this over the years I don't think I'd change that fact if I could. Had I not had the procedures performed when I was 22 I would not have had the great past six years that I've had, meeting people and helping some of them.

I will be 38 next month, almost six years after my first procedure with Dr. Wong. As I sit here and type this I think what some guys say about how their hair transplant has changed their lives. The word "confidence" is used quite often but I think it goes beyond confidence. I think the term "subtle euphoria" is better, at least for me. What do I mean? It's hard to describe but some of you will understand. Each morning, when I get ready for work I still have fun even just towel drying my hair. I still experiment with different ways to brush my hair. When I walk around town I don't dread seeing my reflection in a shop window or worry about getting drenched in a rainstorm. In fact, I don't even carry an umbrella if I know it's going to rain because I know that I can just use my hands to sweep my hair back and all will be fine. It's a feeling of subtle euphoria because I KNOW that I do not look bald and my hair does not look artificial in any way. The feeling I get is something that I actually feel in my gut and that feeling is GOOD.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share how my results with Dr. Wong have held up for the past few years and post some thoughts and reflections I've had about my journey. I'm proud of the fact that I've helped a lot of people and I'm also proud of a lot of you for carrying the torch and helping anyone and everyone that asks. Thanks for reading.

You can see my before pics on my personal site, www.hairtransplantmentor.com

__________________
I am employed by Hasson & Wong as a patient educator. My opinions are my own and might not be that of Dr. Hasson & Dr. Wong.

Hasson & Wong-The More You Look The Better We Look.

Dr. Hasson and Dr. Wong are members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

You know, with all the guys online sharing their results I get kinda jealous of all the excitement that everyone goes through. The ups, the downs, etc. are all fantastic memories for me and I genuinely feel happy for those that are just starting out because it is truly exciting to watch yourself transform into someone new or even someone you once saw in the mirror ten or more years ago

So, I was enjoying a sunny but cool day here in Vancouver and I thought it was time for a small update on how my transplant has fared. To recap, I had two procedures in 1992/93 with Dr. Richard Norris in Knoxville, Tn (yes, I'm a Southern boy but without the accent unless I've had a few beers) for a total of about 800 mini grafts. Of those 800 grafts only 300 grew for a total yield of only 40% They were big and they were UGLY but I didn't realize this till my original hairline fell out revealing the work that was done. They stood straight up and were a constant reminder of my youthful mistake. I was 22 at the time and by the time I was 32 I was beyond a full blown NW6 and half way to being a NW7 (if not already there) with only those picket fence looking mini-grafts pointing straight up.

On March 18th of 2002 I had my first procedure with Dr. Wong. He pulled 2406 grafts out in one session along with both of my previous (yes, two) donor scars. I know that it doesn't sound like a lot but at that time the largest sessions around were 2000 to 3000 and that was on virgin scalps so for the time 2406 grafts and two scars in one strip was a pretty big deal. Two more sessions by January of 2004 and I had a total of 7917 grafts. A few experimental sessions tossed on top of that and my total is just shy of the 8000 mark.

In 2002 when I first started my personal website to document my results I had no idea what the future would hold for me. As it turns out no one had really documented their procedures like I had but soon thereafter a few more patients started to do the same and here we are today. Dozens upon dozens of you are sharing your results so that others can learn from your experience. I'm really glad that the internet has turned into such a great tool for everyone to share. The internet was not around for me in 1992 but as I've thought about this over the years I don't think I'd change that fact if I could. Had I not had the procedures performed when I was 22 I would not have had the great past six years that I've had, meeting people and helping some of them.

I will be 38 next month, almost six years after my first procedure with Dr. Wong. As I sit here and type this I think what some guys say about how their hair transplant has changed their lives. The word "confidence" is used quite often but I think it goes beyond confidence. I think the term "subtle euphoria" is better, at least for me. What do I mean? It's hard to describe but some of you will understand. Each morning, when I get ready for work I still have fun even just towel drying my hair. I still experiment with different ways to brush my hair. When I walk around town I don't dread seeing my reflection in a shop window or worry about getting drenched in a rainstorm. In fact, I don't even carry an umbrella if I know it's going to rain because I know that I can just use my hands to sweep my hair back and all will be fine. It's a feeling of subtle euphoria because I KNOW that I do not look bald and my hair does not look artificial in any way. The feeling I get is something that I actually feel in my gut and that feeling is GOOD.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share how my results with Dr. Wong have held up for the past few years and post some thoughts and reflections I've had about my journey. I'm proud of the fact that I've helped a lot of people and I'm also proud of a lot of you for carrying the torch and helping anyone and everyone that asks. Thanks for reading.

You can see my before pics on my personal site, www.hairtransplantmentor.com

__________________
I am employed by Hasson & Wong as a patient educator. My opinions are my own and might not be that of Dr. Hasson & Dr. Wong.

Hasson & Wong-The More You Look The Better We Look.

Dr. Hasson and Dr. Wong are members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

Awesome Joe. Your story has definitely helped me, as well as countless others, and you have been kind enough to help me directly. Truly appreciate you man. Keep up the good work!

__________________
-Steve

</br>
I don't work for a doctor.
Got 2700 fu from Ron Shapiro, 11-30-7

A walking work of art. Congratulations. You inspire and encourage many people to take the brave step to change things about themselves that they are not happy with and serve as a convincing example of the quality of work that can be achieved by excellent surgeons.

Dammit Joe,

Trolling for more compliments, as if we dont already know how great you look! Looking at your pics are like hair porn!!

You owe Dr Wong your life dude!!

Seriously, congrats - very inspirational to all.

Thanks for the compliments guys. I'm happy to be where I am now. I just updated with my before pics at the end of the slide show.

__________________
I am employed by Hasson & Wong as a patient educator. My opinions are my own and might not be that of Dr. Hasson & Dr. Wong.

Hasson & Wong-The More You Look The Better We Look.

Dr. Hasson and Dr. Wong are members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

Like I said, Joe's hair has its own sex life........ =)

Seriously though, I KNOW what you went through being a 5-6, and your journey has been a inspiration to many of us.

It is important for people to understand that you were a sufferer and a patient FIRST, just as ignorant as the rest of us were.

So while I may not see eye to eye with you on everything, I respect you and what you have done to help move this industry toward accountability.

Keep it up, and make sure you hair wears protection!!!!

Jason

__________________
Go Cubs!

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.

Joe,

Every time I take a look at your transformation I am astounded. You are looking great my friend.

Thank you also for all your years of hard work and dedication to helping hair loss sufferers.

Bill

P.S. I wish my hair had its own sex life

__________________
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

View our hair loss articles on EZineArticles.com

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-----

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.

You have come a long way Joe!

Thanks for all of the advice.. I have a simliar story to yours only I was a N5. After 3 HT's ( post op 6 months #3). My results are nothing short of amazing .. We are examples of how HT can change your life.

__________________
JOBI

1417 FUT - Dr. True
1476 FUT - Dr. True
2124 FUT - Dr. True
604 FUE - Dr. True







My views are based on my personal experiences, research and objective observations. I am not a doctor.

Total - 5621 FU's uncut!

Joe:

Thanks for the update...your transformation has been nothing short of amazing--kudo's to Hasson & Wong...your contributions/advice to those considering a HT are always informative & well intentioned...thanks for your continued support to the forum.