Ok folks, I'd like to chime in here as the patient in order to share some background info that will hopefully clear several things up so give me room for what I have to say:

First, as I mentioned in my previous post I welcome all feedback and please believe me when I say I am in no way discrediting anyone's opinion posted here. There have been very good points made.

I DO NOT believe Bill is here but to provide honest feedback and opinion period, and respectfully disagree with anyone who thinks otherwise. I am not here to defend anyone at all but I think that's a bum wrap undeserved so I wanted to mention that.

With that said, I can't help but wonder if we are looking at all the pics on the album? I am in no way trying to be funny but I feel like the biggest improvements were in the 11-12 months and thought those pics reflected a bigger change but it looks like folks are making final judgements on the 10 month pics. Just want to make sure since I've posted additional pics in my last post that show current state, and am thinking not everyone saw those.

If we are all indeed looking at the same pics then ok.

Anyway let me back up and start from the beginning for the sake of disclosure and clarity.

When I first consulted with Dr. E, we spoke about my hair loss history, family history of hair loss, hair characteristics prior to loss, etc. I also consulted in person prior to the procedure. Now his feedback to me was that due to my relatively young age (will be 40 in January) and degree of hair loss (and it was significant- I believe class 5/6) hair characteristics, skin color and scalp laxity, which all play a role, I would most probably not be able to obtain a full head of hair. We also discussed expectations of the first procedure and future procedures. What Dr. E stated above in his post is 100% accurate. The reason why I chose Dr. E (And I consulted with other members) is because of what I thought was an honest and accurate assessment along with achievable goals. In addition to our discussion I specifically asked to see/speak with past clients with similar hair loss and characteristics as I so that I may assess what my results would look like. I met with a past client in person and spoke to others. Their results were very good and I believe in line with what I could achieve. I disagree that Dr. E would not post such results on his site as I believe if you take a look, there are samples of several degrees of success on there already. This is also another reason why I chose Dr. E because he shares a spectrum of results and not just every stellar outcome only. I believe he sets a realistic expectation.

Now let me say that if I was unhappy with my results I would not hesitate to pick up the phone, call Dr. E and voice my concerns and post my pics stating so (but I don't think anyone is really saying I am unhappy so I just mention this in passing.)

Anyway, if everyone has indeed viewed my most recent pics and feels that the results are less than favorable I have to humbly respect that opinion and without a doubt that is why we are all here.

Ok, so folks I received 2400 graphs approx my first time around. I've read in this forum many times that this amount on someone with my degree of loss will not produce Ricky Martin. Fortunately, we made sure that that was not my expectation and I believe that again most folks in my situation get multiple procedures (2-3) in order to get close to that Ricky or Don Johnson look.This is my first pass after all.

So based on what I've seen over the past year and a half on this site I believe the level of density on the first pass is not going to produce what we would all like except for a lucky few, so I don't think it is realistic to expect that now and I don't. Gotta stick with your plans long term.[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]

__________________
HIGA
2400 Grafts with Dr. Epstein 11/8/06
Nizoral 3X/week
Rogaine foam 2x/day

HIGA:
Gorpy summed it up pretty well..as usual (nice to see you back Gorp). My Ht didn't start to thicken until the 11-12 months..so you really can't determine results yet. Didn't notice in your post..Are you taking Propecia or using Rogaine?

It appears that you have a solid plan of action with a Dr. that is determined to follow the results through to your satisfaction.

Wish you the best.
Glock08

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My Hair Loss Weblog

Dr. True 9/22/06
4326 grafts
2129 1's
2168 2's
6545 Total Hairs

higa,im glad you have both feet on the ground,you obviously knew when talking to dr e there were limitations to what your hair characteristics could achieve on the first pass.like you i had 2400 on my first session and my hair is course and wirey,so i knew not to expect ricky martin 12months later.
again its all to do with expectations,if clincs only put up pictures of ricky martin like transformations,this is what the less educated are bound to expect.no two people are the same and the sooner people realise this the better.
having said this i think we are well to early to be judging your outcome.alot changes between 12 and 18 months and you wont neccesarily notice these untill you compare photos.good luck

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2381 fut Dr Bessam Farjo
2201 fut Dr Bessam Farjo
2000+ fut Dr Bessam Farjo

My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Bessam Farjo

challenge the unchallenged.

Dr. Epstein,

Thank you for offering your professional medical input on this thread. Your and HIGA's last post certainly helped clarify the anticipated result. This leads me back to my original thoughts that this is a good result for the number of grafts transplanted (especially given the hair characteristics you have now described).

Many seeking hair transplant patients are always looking for the night verses day single hair transplant session. Whereas these "wow" results are impressive to see, they are not always practical and realistic. Typically these results are seen with a much greater amount of follicular unit grafts and the best hair characteristics.

Had Dr. Epstein densely packed these 2400 grafts into only the hair line area, I could understand why people would be questioning the result. But spreading out these grafts over a much larger area (it appears at least half way), is going to to alter the appearance of hair density.

HIGA had a very high level of balding (almost a level 6) where even the few native hairs left (especially in the front) were severely miniaturized.

In my opinion, with his degree of balding, HIGA's result is expected given the number of grafts (and the number of hairs) he has received. He is a work in progress and can go back if he wants more density and coverage.

Dr. Epstein and HIGA, thank you for clarifying this situation.

HIGA or Dr. Epstein, if either of you have any immediately postoperative pictures, this will bring some further clarification I am sure.

Thanks,

Bill

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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.

I'm late to add to this thread as when I first saw it, I was waiting for the facts before making comment. Unless I missed it, I still don't believe that there was an estimate of the recipient area cm2.

Gorpy summed things up very well. I also believe that there is still going to be some growth to come as at 9 months he was still having shockloss in donor area. This would be another indicator that he is a slow grower.

Expectations and satisfaction of results is a totally subjective thing. In this case Higa sounds like he was well versed and informed in his decision. It is unfortunate for the low hair count, but nonetheless, the patient is happy with his personal results and that ofcourse is the bottom line.

HIGA
How did your final results end up with Dr E? You're now close to 16months or so. Any improvement with overall density?

Are you going back to Epstein for 2nd procedure?

Would be very interested in your case.
KK

I wasn't around back then when this debate was raging, but personally I think his one-year results look pretty dang good. It's obvious he went over a large area but, imo, that'd be worth the $10 grand or so.

I hope he posts some more pics, but those in his second posting looked good to me.

__________________
100? 'mini' grapfts by Latham's Hair Clinic - 1991 (Removed 50 plugs by Cooley 3/08.)
2750 FU 3/20/08 by Dr. Cooley

My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Cooley

Current regimen:
1.66 mg Proscar M-W-F
Rogaine 5% Foam - every now and then
AndroGel - once daily
Lipitor - 5 mg every other day
Weightlifting - 2x per week
Jogging - 3x per week