Imissme

Thanks for the condolences guys. It kinda sucks. I should say I clipped it down with a 1 or zero guard as well. It's just pretty short. I just took a picture and looked at it. I'm almost embarrased to post it here. Thankfully, with a hat (again) I can cover it if I wear it really low across the back, thank goodness. I am emailing the picture to myself and will post it here shortly. Looks like I'm butchered right now. I will also post a before picture when my head was shaved right down prior to the surgery.

So I've finished my surgery and am at almost two months. I just got promoted at work but my grandfather passed away last night. As such, I am attending the funeral this coming Saturday and in my haste, decided to shave my head down since it's looked beyond terrible considering I only had the first 1/4 or so of my scalp done. I had a scar from a prior surgery that wasn't bad, about 1cm or a little less on the back quarter to back half of my head. It was low as well so it looked my something had cut me, it did not look like an HT scar. I've had my most recent surgery with Dr.Rahal and he said the scar was too low to remove. Being pretty indifferent about it, I didn't care too much since I knew he'd be using the trich method for closing it. Well..I might just need to encouragement but I have to tell you....the scar looks f*king terrible. It goes up to my ear on one side and is easily 2 or more centimeters in diameter across the back, mostly on one side. I really look disfigured. I have a terrible camera otherwise I'd snap a shot or two. I don't have time right now but... Dr.Rahal has said that there is probably some shock loss back there but even so...one side where the incision was done, looks how it should. The other 3/4's of the scar looks easily twice as thick and as long. I have already scheduled a follow up appt in February to see what can be done about removing it but lemme tell ya...Im not impressed at this point in time. Has anyone else noticed shock loss around the donor area? If so, any bad to good stories out there? I begin a new job tomorrow with a different leadership team I've never worked with before and by shaving the hair down, that scar makes me look like Frankenstein has sewn me up back there. I really can't believe how bad it is even though I have tried to be as positive as I can about it. With the hair shaved down it really has put it in perspective.

John, I just finished sifting through all the posts you have taken the time to write out. I actually read a bit, left, thought about what you said. Came back, read the rest, left, reflected on it, made dinner ( ) and thought a little more. As Bill said, it is difficult to understand what point you are trying to make. After thinking about it I believe you are looking for replies from physicians in the hopes you can use it in court. To me, it seems like you are baiting them to reply. If I am wrong, forgive me. I do not mean that as an accusation, it just doesn't seem like you are looking for the things others come here for. Support, advice, encouragement, assistance, suggestions, recommendations and help in general. This forum is patient driven and always has been. You also seem really angry. I understand how you feel. Disfigured, ripped off and I understand where that comes from and read about how you've been trying to get help for that and I am truly sorry for how difficult this has been for you and how it has negatively affected your life. Like Bill said though, I'm not sure you're in the right place to get the questions answered that you keep asking. This forum is patient driven and sometimes doctors will post advice, suggestions, etc..but essentially (from the short time I've been here) it was created by patients for patients. Maybe you should consider that? I really hope things work out for you. I'm not gay or anything but you're still a handsome guy and if you were looking for help in getting your life back, this would be a great place to seek it. I realize that your procedure changed your life in a negative way and judge that you are very distrustful of any doctor at this point. It shows. If you can get past that, I can suggest a few who would be able to really help you. If you even want that? You really don't look that bad but I know you don't feel that way. Your scar can be fixed. The area of the front of your scalp can be made to look 200% better. It's a humble offering on my behalf but it's all I have to offer. You could be you again. If your physical appearance bothers you that much, only you are going to be able to do something about that. Whether it comes from the outside or starts on the inside is up to you. Whatever you do, all the best. I hope things work out for you and God bless.

Predator, this period sucks, I have had similar thoughts as I approach the two month mark. I really do empathize. Shockloss blows, the itching I experience where I didn't even have hair planted is fierce but....these are temporary symptoms we all knew we would experience. Don't forget that. I don't blame you for having regrets at this stage since it is the hardest phase (as far as the physical appearance of the hair). I know it's a cliche but give it time. You're going to look fantastic my good man. I'm not just saying that, with your characteristics you're going to be a hairy beast. Keep your chin up.

Cool, yeah, maybe I'll throw you a PM Eman. TomA, good to know. I've heard that as well which is very encouraging. I just wondered if maybe the graft didn't "take" whatsoever. Looks like the skin healed and the hair simply fell out. I've heard the hair doesn't usually drop out until about 3 weeks post op. This was 11 days after.

They're pretty important, in my opinion. Start doing them as soon as possible, it's never too early. I started mine in August and my surgery wasn't until mid-October. Not only can doing them increase the number of grafts a surgeon can take in a single session (more hairs), they will also help ease tension on the donor area incision which will help minimize the size of the scar. There are only two exercises I know of and you can find them by searching for scalp laxity. Hope this helps.

I dont think any type of concealer is going to help hide anything if you've already got a "shine" going on the top of your head. You could probably get away with using some concealer a couple weeks after the surgery on the donor area during work hours then cleaning it up when you get home but the recipient area will be pretty pink for some time. I work in an environment where hats are kinda frowned upon but I can still get away with it...I'm grateful for that since I share the same concerns you have. Best of luck.

Good post, that makes two of us!

Thanks Eman. Do you have any recent pictures by the way? Wondering how things are coming along for you at this point. Still very recent, I know, but I just wondered. I'm doing alright. Since I can see my head alot better there are spots where I don't see any hairs at all. This is discouraging since I wonder if some spots were missed. This would obviously be a heart breaker for me but I'm trying to not get ahead of myself and just remain patient but.. well.. it is tough. Hope you're doing well.

Hmmm...I am 11 days post op myself...some of my scabs are coming off now and I notice hairs coming off in the scab as well. Is everyone saying that this is normal and there would be blood if I was losing the grafts? I have no bleeding either It is kinda scary!

Thanks Head, I'm glad it helps to ease your mind. He does good work and is a great guy. I'm sure you'll be happy. Are you staying in Ottawa for awhile? Yup! They are below my name in the Web Log.

I'd really like to see this as well.

Thanks, Lotus. Have you not updated your Web log? I see some lines drawn as though you were going to have a procedure, did you get it done? I have also created a Hairloss Weblog.. The link should be under my name now. Cheers.

Thanks Future. I did my "experience post" a little differently than others since I thought that it might help others if I covered certain areas that may be of more benefit to them individually. Man, I've got a long way to go! My hair looks like crap with the incision and all because hair was also shaved around it. I'm thankful that I'm off work for a time at least. Regrettably, despite my best efforts, some of the swelling has gone into my face...which sucks. Well, I suppose it will be worth it in the end. Best of luck, Future. I'd recommend Dr.Rahal but there alot of skilled surgeons out there. Cheers.

Bill, you have no opinion on my experience?