badger_01

Everyone's already given you really good answers. I'd just like to add, that an HT should be your last resort. It is permanent and irreversible. I'd recommend getting on fines (propecia) and minox (rogaine) if you're in the early stages and see if you can stop or slow down MPB before you consider an HT.

If you've had great results 3 times in the past, you should be fine. I picked a doc who places atleast half of the grafts himself, but a number of excellent clinics have techs place all the grafts, so its not uncommon these days.

From everything I've read, you'll be in great hands. Congrats on deciding to get an HT. Good luck!

mak_uk, I had the same concerns as you , since i had been worried about propecia and rogaine caused scalp irritation for me. I started propecia 2 weeks after my HT, with no sides and I'm happy to report that my shockloss wasn't too bad. I intend to continue using propecia to keep my native hair. U can check my blogs for pics.

In general, some clinics advise against the use of products that contain alchohol for the first couple of weeks.

Congrats on making a decision to get an HT. Often the hardest part is the first consult! As long as you are conservative with your hairline and expectations you'll be fine.

It is generally believed that it takes only 50-60 fu/sq cm to give the appearance of fullness, so u should look at conserving your donor hair for future surgeries. Even if your hairloss is minimal at this time, your donor supply is limited and needs to last a lifetime!

thats a great question. Younger patients need to be more conservative in their approach, in order to keep enough of hair for future procedures. Every person is different, with different levels of hairloss, donor denisty and laxity. Based on your donor characteristics, family history and level of baldness, a skilled ethical doctor will be able to guide you through a long term plan. That is why it is essential to pick a skilled ethical physician (and there are many in the coalition!).

pradeep, also keep in mind that finasteride can cause an initial shed. Don't stress over it..it can't be helping. Hopefully the fin will work for you and stabilize your hairloss, otherwise you're already getting a headstart in planning for your HT! Try not to panic...there are solutions for hairloss these days! Start with the meds (you should try adding minox), allow atleast 6 months for them to work , and then decide your next step. Though it may seem like it...you won't be bald in 3 months!

Congrats on the HT! I had sutures but it was still an annoyance. It gets better everyday but honestly i only started sleeping normally when they were out at day 10.

good luck man.I'm glad you're following up and i hope you'll be happy. You did your research and went with one of the best docs. You deserve a great result!

Congrats on the HT! Dr Feller is great and you'll be thrilled in a few months. 3100 grafts in that area will look very full. Lay low for the next few days and let your grafts take hold. Then sit back and relax..its a long wait ...but you'll be really happy when its all said and done. Grow well!

hairmax...used the find to search for info. There is a wealth of info on this site. The short answers are 1. Some docs insist on shaving the recepient area while others don't and we've debated the merits of both methods on this forum. 2. Everybody recovers differently from an HT. Some people develop alot of swelling around the forehead and eyes. I slept upright and used icepacks for the first couple of days and didn't have much swelling. 3.The last question is the trickiest to answer . Typically you'll want to lay for 10 days, though people go back earlier. Looking normal requires upto 6 months. I went back on day 10 and wore a hat for the first month. Once again, there is alot of info on how to hide your HT on this site (if that is what you want to do..some people are just open about it)

Right after the HT, the grafts fall out and regrow and then in most cases transplanted hair stays for life. There are a very small (statistically insignificant) number of cases where the transplanted hair has fallen out after a few years. Noone is sure why at this point. It could be that the Dr strayed from the "safe" area while harvesting donor hair..or something else. For the most part though, its permanent

I had exactly the same thought before I got my HT. I rationalized it by saying..i'd rather be waiting for something new to develop, with hair than without it!

I'm still in the ugly duckling phase but with concealers i look respectable. I was able to ditch my hat at 4 weeks and i'm truly grateful for that! I have pics with and without concealer on my blog.

Good to hear Dewayne. I had the tricho closure too and hope I'll be as lucky, because besides the doc's skill, the patients ability to heal plays a role. Looking fwd to seeing pics!

hairmax, while cost is a concern for alot of us, I encourage you to find a doctor with a proven track record. If you search this forum and others (HLH), you'll find stories of people who've wasted their donor hair by picking badly. Being in NY, you have one of the best in the biz in your own back yard. Atleast consult with Dr Feller and others before you make up your mind. Remember the results of the HT are permanent, so take your time and choose wisely.

PM joetronic, he'll take care of you.

patchy, there are a number of places both in the US and around the world where you can get an HT for a "bargain". While there may be an occasional good or even great result, my personal opinion is that you can't leave something as important as this to chance, so I'd prefer going with a surgeon who has proven results.

Pinkie, I wouldn't be worried about rain. You could have done without the whacks on your head but with inflatable guitars i think you'll be fine. Try to lay low until day 10 when the grafts should be set for good! Good luck and grow well!

Dr Carman, You got any post-op pics of The Donald? ROFL....i'm going to grow my hair out like Vinny D when I'm fully restored ..great post!

Mike, Congrats buddy! I was really rooting for you. When I saw your shockloss post I was really nervous about my own transplant. You chose one of the best in the biz, and your faith in the process has paid off! Your transplant looks great and it will get even better! Pop open that bottle of champagne you've been saving .

Agree with Bill...you should be fine to wash now, but don't leave it to chance. Call your doc and get his opinion.

Some of it is dependent on how bald you are...but I had similar concerns about ppl finding out. I had my procedure 2 months ago and confided in only one friend. I ditched my hat at the 4 week point and was worried about ppl detecting the scar. Even the person I'd told couldn't detect it after I'd applied dermatch. With the natural results that ppl get these days, fully grown out HTs are virtually undetectable when you choose the right surgeon. Also, it has become so much more acceptable in the past few years with so many stars and public figures accepting that they had procedures. In a few years it will be as common as breast implants! Go ahead with your plans...pick the right surgeon and you'll be happy!