Jay T

Mike, shmi Jay, ani gam m'Yisrael (ta) v'atah rotzeh ldaber al ze, hamispar sheli: efez chamesh shtyim shesh echad echad tesha sholosh sheva shmonei. rak achrei shmonei b'erev (loh yom shishi o shabbat).

Hey, I just posted my shock loss pic in the photo album section of the forum. I forgot to mention that the fucidin-h cream and minoxidil have done literally nothing, and I've used them both for 7 months. From what people have been saying in this section, many had their shock areas grow back by now. Anyone interested please check out my other post. Thanks!

I've had two procedures (1800 & 3400). Both were done by highly recommended surgeons. I only changed due to scheduling problems, but had great experiences with both. On the second op, one side of the donor area was tite and the doctor used a single stitch in addition to the metal staples (latest trich closure method was used). I'm now almost 8 months post op and very little of this area has grown back. I was given Fucidin-H cream and also told to use minoxidil 5% directly on the area as well. I've spoken to my surgeon and he recommends a touch-up via FUE. A dermotologist also recommended to me to try intralesonal kenalog injections. Any previous experiences/suggestions from anyone? Other doctors? I've used this forum for 4 years now and its truly the best! Thanks ~Jay

I've had two procedures (1800 & 3400). Both were done by highly recommended surgeons. I only changed due to scheduling problems, but had great experiences with both. On the second op, one side of the donor area was tite and the doctor used a single stitch in addition to the metal staples (latest trich closure method was used). I'm now almost 8 months post op and very little of this area has grown back. I was given Fucidin-H cream and also told to use minoxidil 5% directly on the area as well. I've spoken to my surgeon and he recommends a touch-up via FUE. A dermotologist also recommended to me to try intralesonal kenalog injections. Any previous experiences/suggestions from anyone? Other doctors? I've used this forum for 4 years now and its truly the best! Thanks ~Jay

Phillyhair, In regards to your earlier question about being able to go back to work...it hasn't been a problem so far. I already had hair where the fu's were placed, so the toppik disguises everything nicely. I had the sutures taken out a couple days ago and trimmed the back of my hair with a # 2 and its not very noticeable. There's a little shock loss around the donar site, but, again, not a problem...someone did ask me about it and they believed my hat hair excuse. Depending on your situation, it hasn't been a problem hiding any sign of having the procedure...that's Dr. Epstein for you. Best of luck man.

Phillyhair, My overall experience with Dr. Epstein was fantastic. I'm barely 23, so I needed to go into this with a conservative approach. The hairline he gave me is exactly what I was going for and his office staff is great. It's very laid back and comforting....yet professional. I spoke with the Dr. on the phone several weeks prior to my procedure and felt really secure with him even then. Overall point, you can't go wrong with Dr. Epstein. He'll tell you what can and can't be done and will always be for your best interest. Hope this helps...best of luck.

Hair be there.... Thanks for the reply. Yes, I've been on propecia for a while now, and I'll be starting minoxidil 5% in the next couple of days (i was told to wait until the 10th day after surgery). Regarding the shedding, I just wanted to be sure that it was normal. As the scabs were coming out, one did start to bleed, and I'm assuming that I possibly lost that particular graft. No big deal, but I'm glad the rest of the shedding is normal...with more to come!! great. Anyway, thanks for the reply.

Hey all, I'm on day 8 after a procedure with Dr. Epstein in Miami. All I can say is that it was a great experience and would recommend him whole heartedly. I had a total of 1821 fu's in the front third of my scalp and the scabs have come off. My question is that when the scabs came off, some of the transplanted hairs came out with them. I assume that's normal, but I just want to double check. So far, I've had minimal shock loss with the remaining hairs and the toppik I use is able to disguise the fact that I had the transplant at all. I'm getting the nylon sutures out in a couple days, but if anyway can give me a little feedback, I'll sleep a little bit better.

Hey all, I'm on day 8 after a procedure with Dr. Epstein in Miami. All I can say is that it was a great experience and would recommend him whole heartedly. I had a total of 1821 fu's in the front third of my scalp and the scabs have come off. My question is that when the scabs came off, some of the transplanted hairs came out with them. I assume that's normal, but I just want to double check. So far, I've had minimal shock loss with the remaining hairs and the toppik I use is able to disguise the fact that I had the transplant at all. I'm getting the nylon sutures out in a couple days, but if anyway can give me a little feedback, I'll sleep a little bit better.

Thanks for all of the replies. I just booked by appointment for October 18th. I'm planning on having around 1700-1750 grafts, but we'll see if more are available. My hair is very coarse and thick (i.e. wavy) and very dark brown...almost black, which will be nice to help hide the scar. If there are any more tips/suggestions, I'll be glad to hear them. So stay tuned for some pics.

Thanks Fedup for the reply. I've seen your pictures too but you know how it is...just making sure the choice I'm about to make is the best one. What I liked best so far about Dr. E is his very down-to-earth approach. Being that I'm 23, this really helps me feel more comfortable. Anyway, if there's anyone else who has some expereriences here, I'd love to hear them.

Well, I've been reading this forum for some time and I'm about to schedule an appointment with Dr. Epstein in Miami. I've already heard so many great things about him, but I was hoping to find someone, if not a few, of his former or current patients out there who can share any good/bad (hopefully the first) experiences with him. I've done plenty of research but I just wanted to check with you guys one more time. This is a big step, and I just want to be sure that I'm making the right choice. I've spoken with him on the phone and was very pleased with his professionalism. Being that I'm 23, he and I are on the same page as far as hairline placement, etc., but I'd like to here from anyone else...for my own personal assurances. Thanks in advance.

First off man, don't panic and do something stupid like MHR. I'm in a similar spot as you are and you need to get on propecia asap. Rogaine may help grow some hair and/or retain some, but propecia/proscar is the most secure way to go. You may shed some hair initially with it, but that will subside within a few months. At that point, stick with it for at least a year and then reevaluate how you're hair is looking. In the meantime, if you don't like the thin look, try some Topik. It works really well to eliminate any appearance of thinning. Another thing...with today's technology, it is now possible to get a HT when you are younger and for it to still look appropriate all your life. Look on this site for real doctors that can work with you on this. The combination of staying on propecia forever (and whatever future drugs that block dht). Good luck man.

Felix, I just turned 21 and can totally relate to you. My hair started thinning when I was barely 19. I was lucky though and my parents noticed and took me to the dermetologist and got a prescription for propecia. It took at least 8 months to a year for it to really kick in. My hair is thin on top in some areas, but as of now it looks like it has dramatically slowed down if not stopped falling out. So for me it looks promising in the future. To hide the thinning areas, I just started using Toppik, which really works great-totally undetectable. Propecia is the key though. You need to get a prescription for it immediately. Don't worry about sexual side effects-we're 20 some year old college guys-enough said :-) Results may take a while, but its well worth it! Transplants aren't for us quite yet. If propecia effectively stops your hair loss, then look into the transplants in a few more years(even in our mid 20's). You're at a major advantage here, believe it or not, to stop the thinning and prevent it from going all the way. Best of luck to you man, peace.

Thanks for everyone's imput here. As I stated earlier, I have no intention of getting a HT anytime soon. Propecia seems to be keeping all of my existing hair very nicely. It is thin on top, but my hair is very dark brown and very thick and wavy, so that is a major benefactor in hiding it. I also just started using toppik which is a great product. As for getting scalp reductions or seeing a quack surgeon, both of which are absolutely insane. I would never even consider it. With today's technology and surgical skills and future products, I find myself very lucky to be the age that I am. In my original post I said that even 10 years ago propecia was still unknown. Whether or not propecia is the "magic pill" it still means that there are futher advances in dht inhibitors. Basically, I'm taking advantage of my age here. Have propecia hold the line and using a bit of toppik is the way to go for now. If in a few years a qualified surgeon listed on this site believes I am at an appropriate stage or I've maintained enough on propecia, then I'll get an appropriate and conservative HT. Thanks again for everyone's advice. Peace.