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Imissme

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Everything posted by Imissme

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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!
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. Bill, you have no opinion on my experience?
  14. Thanks Eman. I couldn't agree more. I found when i was getting closer to the date that I was looking forward to it. So, I had expectations and am pretty happy with everything so far. Today is day 3 and I'm feeling great! Slept good last night (slept in till 10am, hey, I'm on vacation! ) then washed up, watched TV (all day which was both strange and awesome at the same time) and am just relaxin'. I think I'll be a little stir crazy tomorrow...need a good book soon.
  15. I forgot to mention that the staff at Adam's Airport Inn didn't give me a second glance. It was kinda funny seeing me walk around with a cap smothered in vitamin E at 6am for coffee. lol
  16. Hello everyone, I just wanted to write and share my recent experience at Dr.Rahal's office in Ottawa. I could go on but I think the best format would be to rate what I felt was done well and why. Online Evaluation: =========== 4/5 stars If anyone has ever done an "online evaluation" for a HT and after submitting your photos and receiving a response, ask yourself (like I did) "how accurate is this evaluation? I mean..they are just a couple photos. I thought I would be rating this evaluation a little lower but his assessment was exactly the same. After I considered it, I supposed what was missing was his explanation. Having said that,it would be extremely difficult for him to offer explanations in every single online application he received, wouldn't it? As a result, this method seems to be very effective from both a customer and business perspective. Have faith in Dr.Rahal's online evaluations gentlemen! Hypothesis: ============ 4/5 stars When I arrived, I spoke to Adrian for a few minutes and filled out some forms at around 6:45am already having finished a bottle of water, some whole wheat toast, a carrot muffin and a small coffee. Dr.Rahal arrived and we discussed what I was looking for and he answered any additional questions I had after researching several years. I explained since I had had a procedure roughly 8 years ago (which wasn't terrible but was far from great) along my hairline, I wanted it beefed up and camouflaged better since they were not done using FUT and were a little obvious, in my eyes. So...the hypothesis was...he would prefer to do roughly the first third of my head and no further since i had some native hair which was in "no man's land" (Dr.Rahal's accurate and rather humorous description of hair which wasn't thin enough to plant in, but not thick enough to look perfect). He did say that it was well rooted so I am cautiously optimistic some minox along with my already daily regiment of finasteride will be sufficient. This was also an answer I had mentally prepared myself for in advance although I hoped we could sprinkle a few grafts in there. Respecting his expert opinion, we continued. Procedure: ========== 4/5 After discussing and measuring out the hairline, we moved on to surgery. Painless and comfortable. No pain, no discomfort whatsoever. I had put money down and had additional money in the hopes of obtaining between 3000-4000 grafts. He felt 3000 would be sufficient for what I was looking for. He also indicated I had roughly 8000 donor available. We ended up getting just over 2900 which I was pleased with. Technicians/Staff: ============ 5/5 The technicians were fabulous. Before my procedure I was chatting with Adrian about business and he mentioned the majority of Rahal's client are from over seas. I found this interesting and he also mentioned that they had recently brought in some new staff (in addition to some of Rahal's senior techs who have been with him he started practicing in '95) who could speak multiple languages and assist with any anguage barriers. Needless to say, this speaks volumes about Rahal's commitment to customer satisfaction. A team of three techs cycled in and out every couple hours and I must admit, I was getting a little restless by about 1pm. Dr.Rahal came in (as he had several times to check in), added some additional freezing and I was good again until 4pm when we finished. The "Doctor": ============= 5/5 I really can't say enough good things about Dr.H.Rahal. One thing I genuinely appreciated was his sincerity, professionalism and approach. Dr.Rahal did not have to go out of his way to make you feel comfortable. After looking at many pictures of his craft and reading about other experiences over the years, I knew he had my best interests in mind and the abilities to make them happen. I work in the wireless industry and have a keep interest in business so during my post-op checkup the following day, Dr.Rahal took the time to chat with my for a little while before I started the journey home. He also indicated that he would like clients to submit more feedback and "after results" to him. Not everyone checks this forum or others like it (though few compare) so I vowed I would submit my photos a year from now (...at the latest, fingers crossed)....highly recommend. Value: ====== 5/5 His prices are probably the best available for the amazing work he does. Having said that, NEVER let cost or location determine where you go. When I say value, I'm not referring to money however, THIS value is based on the number of grafts, ability to make a perfect hairline and being one of the best in the business to create an invisible scar. If any of these are of value to you then rest assured you're in good hands. Overall: ======== 5/5 ' I was impressed by Dr.Rahal's abilities which is why I initially elected to choose him for my procedure. What made this a perfect score for me was the entire experience. Adrian was excellent in keeping me up to date, Rahal was personable but genuine and the staff were excellent. It's much to early to comment on my personal results but I very optimistic since I know now I went with the right man for the job. From beginning to end, highly recommended. NOW, I just need to look like I did when I was 16!! Haha - just kidding...I'll settle for my age.
  17. I agree with the above posts. It is certainly worth making the additional calls to receive the Proscar. I happen to live in Canada and was paying $70.00 a month for over a year for Propecia. When my prescription ran out I asked for Proscar indicating to my doctor it was the same thing. Now, I just have to pay the dispensing fee which is $5.00 and it will last me close to a year! Talk about saving a bundle of cash. It is going to pay for a nice portion of my HT now. I'm not familiar with your area but like the guys said above, if you hunt around you can get it.
  18. Hmmm...a question occured to me for anyone using Revita. How does your hair feel after the shower when it's dry? Thin and unmanageable or thick and awesome? Considering this before I buy it, it is pricey and although I like its properties, I spend alot monthly on fin and minox. I need to justify it. Thanks.
  19. Great article on Revita. Check out the science on this stuff. Yes, science. http://www.hairlosslearningcenter.org/content/news/hair...ticle.asp?CopyID=118 Summary of the article for the lazy people: =========================================== Revita promotes a healthy follicle with its sebum removal qualities. Sebum is a fatty substance that accumulates around hair follicles in the scalp. It is believed that sebum removal from the scalp may help unclog the hair follicle (similarly to unclogging a drain), improving blood supply and exposing the hair to more nutrition. It also assists in topically inhibiting DHT (which causes hair loss). Hope this helps. I'm sold on it now.
  20. Looking forward to hearing about your experience, graft count, etc.. I have elected to go with Dr.Rahal myself and will be in the office on October 14th for my procedure. How long were you doing the laxity exercises for? Happy growing my friend.
  21. Dermatch. I've heard differing opinions on this stuff. It's not shoe polish is it? I'm open to anything but I'll be wearing it short for some time and I do have some existing hair so would that be my best bet? I'm a patient man so having said that, I'm pretty good with concealers.
  22. Thanks for the responses everyone. I'm hoping I'm one of the lucky ones who has the redness go away quickly. I can't say how tired I am of wearing ball cap already so I will definately use some concealer if i can get away with it. Luckily, my head is already shaved but I've been growing it out a little since my surgery is in October and I'd like to cover the scar somewhat initially. Dr.Rahal does some good work with the scar so I'm cautiously optimistic it will look alright. Bill, what concealer would you recommend? I've been looking at Nanogen recently and was considering giving it a shot post-op. Any other suggestions? Does Nanogen work well? I will probably keep the hair short for the first six months or so, if that factors in to any of the choices for concealers. Many thanks.
  23. Hello, I am just wondering how long the "redness" lasts on your scalp after a HT so people wouldn't know. I work in an office but in my current position can still get away with wearing a hat even though it's "frowned upon" but I'd like to know when I can lose the cap safely. Thank you.
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