Hair transplant experience with Dr. Gabel, Portland, OR

[steelblue7]

New poster here, long time lurker. Thanks to all of your threads and posts I finally took the plunge to better my hairline with the well recommended Dr. Steven Gabel.

I just had my transplant yesterday with Dr. Gabel. Thanks to many posters on this board, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect and wasn't too nervous about the procedure. When I first arrived, I was greeted by a super nice assistant named Stacy. She was warm and inviting, answered all my questions and gave me a clear picture of what the day entailed. I had my own lounging area with comfy slippers and plenty of snacks. When Dr. Gabel arrived his enthusiasm got me excited right away. I could feel his passion for his work when he began outlining the new hairline. It wasn't an easy task since my head isn't the most symmetrical. It took a few adjustments, but due to Dr. Gabel's perfectionistic personality, we found the perfect plan to make my hairline young again, and looking natural.

Once in the surgical suite, all the staff, Dr. Gabel, Cassie, Stacy, Ailleen, and others were diligently working like a well-oiled machine. The strip was easily removed, much quicker than I anticipated with minimal discomfort. Dr. Gabel's comedic presence really kept me at ease and the Valium also helped.

Then the holes were placed in my temples and front hairline. I barely felt a thing other than the anesthetic injections, which weren't that bad. The process took probably just over an hour. So far I was amazed at how easy this was.

Then we broke for lunch and I had a great meal, stir-fried beef, rice, and vegetables in my personal lounging area. I made a few phone calls and soon we were back at it, this time inserting the extracted grafts.

Over the next 5 hours or so, with intermittent breaks, the staff, including Dr. Gabel, carefully inserted almost 2700 grafts, filling in my temple regions and slightly extending my center frontal area. I enjoyed three movies in the process, often times forgetting I was having a surgical procedure. Time flew by, and before I knew it, it was time for cleaning and more pictures, then prep for going home. Dr. Gabel gave a full, detailed outline of treating my surgical sites over the coming weeks. I couldn't believe how great my new hairline is looking and I couldn't help but be thrilled about the months of growth to come over the next year.

I'm in my hotel right now, a super pleased patient with excitement about the future, and sincerely grateful for the wonderful, expert work performed by Dr. Gabel and his entire staff. I couldn't believe what a class act he was, including the staff. I am extremely grateful for the encouragement I got from this forum and the knowledge I gained in helping me choose the best doctor. I am planning to post pictures of the pre-op, post-op, and future growth pics over the next many months. I am looking forward to the months ahead when I can joyfully look in the mirror, unlike in the past when I would avoid it. Thank you all and stay tuned!

[steelblue7]

First pic is pre-op, second pic is 1 hour post-op

[Mickey85]

Wow, 700 grafts for no extra charge? That is amazing and very generous of the good Doctor. The work looks very clean, now the waiting game!

[fugly]

Congrats on the new procedure, now patience is in order for a few months...what was the cost per graft before the 700 extra? 700 WOW!!

[TakingThePlunge]

steelblue7,

Congratulations on your recent hair transplant with Dr. Gabel! I've never heard a bad word spoken about him or his staff and his results always impress. Hope you'll keep us posted!

[chrisdav]

I have always liked the work Dr Gabel presents and he is an excellent surgeon.

Keep everyone posted Steelblue with your progress

[irishsailor]

You went with a fantastic surgeon, im sure you will get a gret result

[steelblue7]

Here are my pics of day 7 after my transplant w/Dr. Gabel. So far, less redness and scabbing than I expected, no loss of grafts that I'm aware of, and no pain, just a little tightness in the sutures and a little numbness on the top of my head. My face swelled up pretty good (especially around the eyes and bridge of my nose) on day 3 and subsided after day 5. I am feeling like the worst is behind me, which really wasn't bad at all.

[BadBeat]

That's going to be one sweet hairline. Happy growing!

[steelblue7]

Here are my 3-month pics. It's difficult to see the new hairs coming in since they are blonde. I'm starting to see progress and I'm hoping I'll get a surge of new growth into month 4.