When I had my first transplant (with Dr. Konior in Chicago) in April 2009, I totally kept it a secret from just about everyone outside a few family members. I was a Norwood 4/5 and I was still a bit skeptical about hair transplants. Dr. Konior planted 2700+ grafts into my hairline and the frontal third of my head. After two stealth weeks off from work, I went back, no one could tell a thing and I went about my business. About 4 months later, all hell broke loose as my formally very balding head starting sprouting hair in a dramatic way. My face was totally framed again and though no one knew what was going on, I got all kinds of flattering comments regarding how good I looked and how I should have let my hair grow out before (duh! - would have if I could have!). I got away with letting people think that, yeah, I was finally just letting my hair grow out now. Since I still had a bald crown, everyone pretty much bought it and got used to the new me. Anyway, the spectacular result the first time around colored how I planned to approach the second time around. If you have a bad result or if your HT looks pluggy, I can certainly see why you wouldn't want to broadcast what you did. But I was very fortunate and had great results. No one could warn me that I would look stupid or regret it because that was not the case.

Anyway, I just had my second HT with Dr. Konior (2400 grafts) on June 10 over my crown. This time, beforehand I just decided to tell some people. I got tired of trying to come up with excuses for why I was essentially disappearing again (I run with guys at noon every day and suddenly not doing so creates a helluva lot of suspicion). Though some were a little shocked, so far all have been pretty laisse fair about it all. They all have their own lives to worry about so my procedure hasn't created much of a wave at all (surprise surprise I'm not the center of everyone else's attention). In fact, most have pretty much forgotten I did it already (Dr. Konior does really neat work- I could go out in public hatless after about three days and no one could see my staples or notice much redness or scabbing). Staples are out now, scabs are all off and I look like I did pre-HT #2 so there's nothing to grab anyone's attention at this point (hopefully in the months ahead, there will be - in a good way).

It was really freeing this time to just come clean. I figured, how could I explain how my previously bald head is really not bald anywhere at all now? (like I said, I have months of waiting now but if my results are anywhere near what they were the first time around, the cosmetic difference is going to be quite dramatic). I figure if any of my friends were going bald (and some of them are now), or certainly if any of the women I know were going bald and they found out they could do something about it, they sure as hell would. So why should I feel so weird about taking control of my life and doing something about my baldness? Screw it. I'm just telling people if they ask, yeah, I had some work done and I'm really happy about it. I know some of my balding friends are going to eventually be asking for more information as I'm anticipating some of them researching HT themselves. Whatever you all decide, good luck to you. If you can get away without telling anyone, good on ya. It ain't their business anyway. But if you do tell people, don't be ashamed or feel weird. Baldness is something we don't have control over. Deciding to do something about it is something we have some control over.

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http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com...asp?WebID=1772

In my experience speaking with numerous guys who selected a top surgeron first time round get an overwhelming response from informing others about their HT. It certainly saves a great deal of energy in the long run. Many are often suprised how interested and share similar concerns. I know a Dr Feller patient who was open about it to friends and family and i think 3 if not 4 of the people he told ended up also having surgery.

Saying that, i am somewhat of a hypocrite as noone knows i have had a ht outside my family and HT community...why... i think i have kept it quiet so long now that too much water under the bridge. I started HT's very young and was very vulernable so hence why i kept it private originally and just maintained that privacy.

Ironically i have possibly had my HT scrutinised by more people looking into Ht's than most, so go figure..

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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"

I mirror most of what Spex said regarding his HT's, being too young etc....

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My Hair Loss Website

I told my immediate family, one friend who is balding and I knew would be interested in following the procedure, and one other friend who lives out of state. No one else knows including my coworkers.

For me the issue had nothing to do with shame. I think of it more like a magician giving away the secret to his tricks. It is, after all, an "illusion of density." I prefer to keep my smoke and mirrors. I think it provides a better effect.

I've enjoyed meeting one of my old high school buddies for lunch each month and hearing him talk about who's balding in their Facebook pics. He considers me to be a fellow hairy guy. I'm undercover and I love it!

I also agree with what Bill said. I like taking the focus off my of my head.

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant

I am not a medical professional. All opinions are my own and my advice should not constitute as medical advice.

View my Hair Loss Website

Great posts guys. Extremely helpful and I really appreciate it!!!

I would'nt volunteer the fact i've had a HT but whenever i've been asked if i've had plugs, i've been honest and said yes. This honesty backfired recently however, when a female colleague who I'd thought of as a friend not asked, but told me 'you've had hair plugs' when I sheepishly admitted that I had, she screeched, reeeaaalllyy! and walk off sniggering. That hurt, and i've not spoken to her since.

Slaps - Did she notice simply because you have more hair now or because she saw "Pluggyness?

Definately the plugginess and HT contrast, I can see it myself. Tbh I kind of expected people I know to notice somethings different, its when the eyes of perfect strangers keep darting up, thats when you know somethings not right.

Slaps - Was your surgey done by a doc recommended on this site?

For me it's the simple fact that I've discovered keeping your private life private is better than sharing everything with everybody. As slaps stated you might think someone is a friend and be completely wrong. I've only shared it with people I completely trust and see zero benefit to share it with others unless it's to help another patient.

Of course for the guys like Bill and Joe this is their job so it makes perfect sense there.