zerro

Billy... from what I understand and have read on this forum: you may be experiencing a shed from the use of propecia, rogaine and shock loss in your donar area.

The shed is totally normal... the medicine is driving the weakest hair, at the end of its natural cycle, to go dormant. Most of these hairs should come back stronger and healthier. I believe I went through this stage of shed and I'm waiting for a positive outcome. I read that if this happens... it may be a good sign because you are a person that is going to have a positive response to the medicine.

Shock loss is not natural... but is a phenomenon created by the actual HT procedure. Blood flow and the hairs natural state have been disrupted, which in turn causes the hair to go dormant. Most of these hairs should regenerate also. I went through shock loss also. When I combed that area before I showered... it seemed I had a high number of fall-out. It however, is not noticeable and I believe the hair will come back. At this point I'm not concerned because it has stopped fallen out. Aditionally, fall-out does not occur at day one post-op. You're at 6 wks post-op and probably in that stage. Hopefully, it stops soon.

Shampoo just a thought... I don't know why you're using Nizoral: is it because you have dandruf or is it that you heard is was good for your scalp/hair overall health? It may be, but I've never used it so I don't know. Regardless, I use Nioxin, which has eliminated my dandruf when other shampoos (even prescribed) have not, and I now believe it is the best cleanser/conditioner for your scalp and hair. And, you can use it every day! Although, it does not claim to regrow hair it does claim to wash away toxins and DHT and optimize the health of your scalp. Eliminating dandruf I guess, is a bonus or maybe a hidden wordplay (ex: toxins) part of the package. You may want to look in to it... ~zerro

Actually, that is a little deceiving. The frontal area heals very quickly because the incisions are smaller (to accept smaller single and double hair FU's.) However, the frontal area is more densely packed with FU's (more incisions,) so it tends to stay rosy or pink in color longer. Three and Four FU's are reserved for the crown or further away from the hairline. Though, it takes a little longer for the FU's to heal, they in fact heal rather quickly also (within days.) Word of advice... stay away from anyone who bundles FU's together. It's not a natural look. 2 doubles FU's does not make a single quad-unit. Make sure you ask that question! If the dr. says that they do-jump ship immediately.

Looks great Nash. I would be very pleased also.

One question, when did you first notice growth...time after post-op. That would help guys like me, 11 wks post-op, to make a guess to how great our hair may look at seven months.

I'm taking a simular plan of attack! Again, looks great. ~zerro

True, the skill of the doctor is extremely vital. I'll conceed to everyone that at 14 days or so, for the most part, the redness and the scabs will be minimally visible. However, because the public is now aware of Ht's via infomercials and such, how does one explain new hair growth where there was once none. How does one explain away donar hair that did not shed? How does one explain away the pimples or ingrown hairs? And, if you have severe shock loss what do you tell people?

I do however, agree with Nashville Kat, after one moves beyond this period of visibility, 6 mo plus, when finally your new hair is contributing and making a significant difference, one should not care anymore.

Artiste... your question has recently been discussed here http://hair-restoration-info.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f...6060861/m/2761082261

most of the Ht veterens agree that the redness and scabbing should be minimally visible at or around 14 days. However, the debate is whether or not at 14 days plus is there still visible evidence of an Ht. I believe there is until your hair really begins to grow. But for what it is worth I seem to be very analytical and have set high criteria for undetectability. If only one out of hundred or even one out of a thousand notices it is not undetectable.

dre... the only people qualified to make a determination on your condition is a dermatologist. I suggest you find a qualified doctor to make an evaluation and prescribe the best treatment for your situation.

MPB at eighteen is not abnormal. If you have MPB your hair is already pre-determined to fall out. Drugs such as propecia and minoxidil can slow down hairloss and if you're lucky reverse the genetic changes you may be experiencing. However, there are other reasons you could be losing your hair! So, make an appointment and talk to a doc.

If you want a great example of how fast a hair transplant patient can return to a "natural" state of appearance after a procedure, check out this healing progression of a recent Dr. Robert Bernstein patient:

Hey Robert, those pics look great! But I asked joey if he had ample hair to cover up the Ht. Clearly this patient does.

True, I checked my notes and at 7 days my scalp looked normal and at 15 days the pinkish tint was barely visible. However, don't pretend like you don't know what I mean. Quarter inch lifeless stubble sticking out all over your head, after a week the shedd begins some hair goes some doesn't, so you may have one side with hair the other with none, the pimples, the flaky scabs even though their very tiny in size and almost transparent in color and there's probably more that didn't affect me... but I hear a lot about shedding.

All I'm saying is that within the first month or so, a Ht is very visible unless one can cover it up. I would certainly be able to pick one out of a crowd. And, it would be even easier inside an executive board room.

The shorter a person wears their hair, perhaps they could get by in a dark environment. But there is just no way in an office. If a person wears their hair long, as I stated, it's going to be a much, much longer time frame.

Perhaps, I'm more critical about my own head than others would be because I know I've had an Ht. Like me, joey sounds like he is very self-judgemental also, and would probably freak if anyone mentioned it. Perhaps others wouldn't be aware of it; perhaps they wouldn't say anything; likely though, they most definately would.

I said "check with the real veterans there," you are one of the real veterans and I respect your opinion, but I can't hardly believe anyone would suggest unless one can cover it up, at just after two weeks post-op no one would notice. I want to fill in the back soon, likely I will not do it until next summer vacation when I can hide it, which would probably be the least obvious area to other people.

I guess what I'm insinuating is (in my first post) "it all depends on how you wear your hair now" and "do you have ample hair to cover it up." Also I stated, "don't let that stop you. In the long run... you will look better."

Please don't think I'm not taking a pot shot at you here... I totally respect what you, Pat and the others are doing here. What I said, was just my honest opinion. It may not be an accurate account for everyone... just my experience. And, if I was joey or anyone else I would certainly take your advice over an arogant but very humble person like me. Sorry, if I spoke out of turn.

joey... I so totally feel the way you do. I guess, it all depends on how you wear your hair now. Do you have ample hair to cover the Ht? What is your normal routine? If you milk cows for a living you should be all right; if you work on Wall Street, probably not.

It was a couple a weeks after the Ht before my head felt normal again (non-alien appendage.) However, you'll go through a partial Ht shed, a dormant stage, slow regrowth and your scalp will remain slightly pink in the areas where your dr. packs the FU's tight together. I'm ten wks. post-op and although the Ht is growing it is still very obviuos because I wear my hair long (no comb over or concealers) but I've been wearing a hat for years and this easly covers it up. Also, you will experience many pimples or ingrown hair on top of your head that, if Ray Charles was still alive could see.

My best guess at HT being totally un-noticeable or atleast meshes with other hair is 8+ months. Check with the real veterans there! It's a long process... I hope you have time and the resources to hide it. Of course you don't have to hide it, but if you're like me the only people that know I had this done are the dr. and his staff. I've hid it well ever since.

But don't let any of that stop you. In the long run, if the procedure is done properly, you will look better. Out of curiosity, what did Dr. Feller tell you?

thinkingaboutit and others... I'm not being negative about attacking the ol' eight ball before you're a a 5+ like me. I would have preferred to do this much earlier in life but I had other financial committments (my family) that I had to deal with.

I'm just saying, it would be foolish to think that you will only need one Ht. As the years progress, and the thinning continues, you'll want another and another. Heck most of us are considering our second or even third Ht before we do our first.

I'm just saying, that unfortunately, as good as propecia is and the doctors are... it can't totally stop natural recession, and being aggressive in the early stages... like replacing temples and side burns is an over kill in my opinion. We can't all expect to look like Howie Long or Pres. Reagan nor do we want to. Keep in mind... that 18 yr old hair line you're after, although it looks good now, does not cut it and will perhaps be more obvious looking as a Ht when you're forty or older than if you maybe went a little more conservative.

There is no real answer, and each of us make our own decisions. Most of the pics I have seen on this site are incredible... my hats off to you (not really, my Ht hasn't grown in yet) but it seems, and I'm trying to be totally nuetral here, some are a little hair greedy early and not considering the long-term.

Believe me, I've lived through it; it's miserable, but a natural look to me, is a great looking receeding hair line with plenty of donar area to spare. We'll probably need it.

I just don't know. This is a great thread because this topic was the very last self-arguement that I held onto not to get an Ht. Money is no longer the issue, it is the stages in between where you feel you need to get another that concerns me. I know, no one needs to get an Ht, but if a previous is obvious, they should probably get one.

For me, it was a tough decision... and young people who are trying to hang onto their youthful hair line , it's an easy sale. Be careful and consider the long-term investment one has to make.

its still very frustrating when you go out of your way to get a good HT surgeon and things still need to be dealt with like every 4 or 5 years as your natural hair continues to fall out in stages. I'm still weighing my options but I'm not really looking forward to another surgery.

Huh... I thought this was the main part of you comment and that it warranted a lot of feedback. I guess people will avoid or ignore this situation hoping propecia, rogaine helps keep a status quo or that a miracle develops in the short future.

Believe me my concern about life-long maintenance was the last thing (worry) I held onto to the very end. I took a leap of faith that continued maintenance would be at a minimum. Likely, it is just the beginning, and I often wonder that people who are in the beginning stages of balding or are extremely aggressive in the early stages are setting themselves up with a lot of heartache and pain. But on the other hand, being bald is a devastating blow too, perhaps worse! I guess this is a personal dilemma for the ages and each works out our own demons.

Good post! I had/do have those same concerns but decided to bite the bullet anyway a couple of months ago. I guess, I decided to cross that when it comes around. Although, I'm considering another to get that great result, I'll probably wait until the first matures.

I'm sure you'll get many responses on this topic.

LGRANDE... additional advice! If you're not, sleep in a recliner if you have one if you don't, use a lot of pillows to elevate your head. This helps reduce the swelling, blood pressure and helps keep the weight and friction off of your new Ht. Also don't bend over for a few more days. Your scalp is going to feel numb like you're wearing a leather football helment for about 3-4 weeks. For the first 6 weeks or so, your head is going to itch like crazy because it is healing. For me that was the worst part of the whole thing. For about a week I greased up my head with Bacitracin ointment put on a winter hat to help prevent me from itching it while I slept. I assume you were told no heavy exercising, that to use baby shampoo for 10 days or longer. Don't wash, wet or rinse your head with a hard shower spray (I recommend using a cup of water) and not to rub your HT or donar scar but lightly lather soap into these areas. Baby shampoo sucks, but after ten days you can use any shampoo of your choice. In a couple of weeks if it is not all ready your Ht/scalp will become oily and you will probably get pimples. Don't pop them! Just ride them out, they'll go away. Keep your head out of the sun, be careful with bumping it and relax. It takes a while before things begin to normalize. Waiting for results is the toughest part, but it does begin to happen. Good luck!

Bret... I had know clue what Moodmax was until I looked it up on the internet. It's an herb for sexual dysfunction! I hope you aren't buying it for your hair.

So, my first question is... which head do you have a problem with? Second, is this a ploy to get propecia takers to look at this product? Third, are you thinking this product would conteract potential and low risk side effects of propecia? Fourth, if you're taking these together you should ask a doctor or pharmacist.

Yeah, it's called a hat. I prefer wearing either a Boston Red Sox hat or Adidas and on rare occasions because black just isn't my color, you'll see me sporting a Oakland Raider hat.

Just joking jonesy... I wear my hair long too so, I know it does look funny but I've been wearing a hat for years (hopefully, for only a while longer.) Really, I have no clue because I've never used concealers and one certainly can't wear a hat if their going to work in a suit and tie. What are the circumstances surrounding the cover up. Work? Social? Have you tried a bandanna.

Hey Robert...

I think you would have to agree that it is a little early for me to get on Dr. Haber's band wagon. However, I'm sure he doesn't need my recommendation either. There is a lot to be said for a Doctor who quietly receives a steady flow of patients, via past-patient referals.

It would however, be a good touchy feelly feeling to read about great results, of his, posted on this forum. Idea, to bad we couldn't get more info or hype on some of these lesser recogonized or less docomented "Top Coalition Surgeons."

Just a thought, when was Dr. Haber and others reviewed by Pat. (Pat, I saw that you reviewed others in Florida recently.) Is this process done yearly or is it a one time deal where they get the endorsement and are not under review again until you recieve some bad or unfavorable feed back. If this process is explained else where, I apoligize in advance for not taking the time to look it up. ~zerro

Patient feedback is helpful to a point. But some patients gush over a doctor before their results are grown in.

Steve, take Arfy's advice above when you consider what I have to say.

Dr. Haber, in Cleveland, did my Ht. He's recommended on this site although, you will not find any archived forums on him (only a recent one from me about cost.) That could be great news because no one is beating him up on this forum. His clientele seems to be centered around the Cleveland area. He doesn't advertise much or have consults pushing HT's for him. Bad news... you can't really find any news on him. I decided to go with him because I was comfortable with him. I felt as if my end results mattered more to him than they would to me, if that is at all possible. In otherwords, his results were his advertisement.

He was extrememly professional, knowledgable, and seemed to really listen to my concerns, answered my questions and provided good advice (maybe.)

That being said, I really don't know if I'm going to be happy with the results because I'm only two months and few days post-op. However, so far it seems to be going well. My new HT is already 1/2+ long. Seems to be coming in densely however, I do expect and hope that the density will improve. Hairline and density are the telling factors of a great HT. And, until I get to eight to twelve months post-op I really just don't have much to say about my results. Hopefully, I'm not going to be in your shoes at that point.

I know Dr. Haber has done many repair jobs because of photos I had seen in his office. It probably wouldn't hurt to choose to talk with him when you're evaluating doctors. But at this point... I will not make an recommendation on his behalf. In a years time, I would love to be able to.

My procedure is considered small 1600+ set by the standards of many of the members on this forum. Many have been receiving 2000+ graphs. Dr. Haber seemed a little conservative in this area. I am considering another procedure in the future to fill in the back. I guess by breaking it up in to a couple of sessions he felt he was empowering me to be able to make more decisions concerning my hair. That and he is going to get more money out of me. Well anyway, the most important part is done, now I get to choose were the next 1600 go. Hopefully, I'll have the option to lower my hairline, add more density, fill in the back, do some of each or the most unlikely scenario...be content where I'm at. Good luck with everything!

Pics are helpful, but only to a point. You have to see what the patient looked like before hand, too. Pics do not usually show all angles (respect the doctors who do). Some doctors have even put concealoers in patient's hair, to make the results look better. Some guys get good results from Propecia, adding to their hair transplant results. Don't base everything on pics.

 

Patient feedback is helpful to a point. But some patients gush over a doctor before their results are grown in. Some patients have lower standards than you. Some patients may not even be patients at all (who knows). Don't base everything on patient feedback, either.

 

The doctor's website may be helpful, to a point. You may get an idea of what the doctor's philosophy is. Does he concentrate mostly on sales, or mostly on patient education? But some docs do not put a lot of effort into their website, maybe they don't put a lot of stock in it, or haven't updated it for years. Don't base everything on the doctor's website...

Arfy... that is a great synopsis and definitely explains why evaluating and eventually choosing a doc is so difficult and why waiting for the results is such a challenge. I can't even begin to recommend a doctor or a procedure until I see the results of my own HT.

You are a true veteran. We're lucky to have people like you, Terry and others who know there stuff. Thanks

Damo, HairBeThere...

I apologize for not explaining myself more clearly. What it was I was suggesting was... regardless if you use Rogaine on a recent HT for a stimulant/fertilizer and perhaps it works or not... what my doctor said was that in a years time it really don't matter what you do because inevitably your hair will be the same length. That timeline is what people have been calling a mature HT. I know it doesn't increase hair. Only that it may jump start it.

All I was suggesting was that if there is no real advantage to using it why go through the madness.

I'm just two months post-op now and I have a whole lot of hair growing... it's about a half inch or so in length and I never used rogaine on it.

I really don't no if it works or not, but from my experience... it wasn't/isn't necessary to use it.

Thankfully, I think I'm ahead of the average time line that my dr. told me and what I read on here from other guys.

I would like to add one more thing... When I think of baldness, I invision NW5 plus... that's me. I forget that people are getting HT's with hair still on their head. Which is a good thing and I should have done this years ago. So, yeah rogaine may work to keep existing although, it never worked for me. ~zerro

Ken...

My dr. said, "In a years time your hair should ideally be mature regardless if you use rogaine or not." My advice, it's going to grow regardless. Stop putting yourself through all the messy applications. There is know studies that show rogaine helps recent HT's, and if it does, what have you gained. In a years time it is all the same.

Ken... have you given much thought to how you are going to explain it to people that you now have hair.

That is kind of a weird senario. I'm in the same spot. How do I explain it.

And, I'm with you. No sense in posting pics until you have something to show for it.

JohnH, I believe the lasercomb retails for about $625.00, although you can probably pick one up on e-bay much cheaper. Terry.

Funny terry... Yeah, you could probably pick one up at the local dump for free. I think that doc must have been some kick backs from that there light-saber company. If any of that crap worked it would be Headline news and in everyones homes.

where'smyhair... thanks for the positive comments. Although I would normally have a lot to say, I will refrain... I'm sure you and the membership will be delighted.

However I do have one small comment, the reason this country is so great, is that we can legally have constructive debates about both important and yes, trivial matters. No sense of getting upset over it.

If I offended you, I am sorry... I was just trying to make an intelligent arguement for the other side. Being narrow-minded and self-centered will get us no where. We must look at the bigger picture. Do what you have to do! Good luck; I hope it all works out for you.

Oh by-the-way, I hear that Florida's water are now safe, the killer shark fish are moving north to cooler waters. -ha Buddy, you need to loosen up and have some fun.

yeah... still.

On a lighter note.Provided the doctor or techs are not going to bareback you while your sedated or share needles with you at lunchtime I think they are safe.

Mahair... that was funny and I'm still laughing.

Less filling, taste great, low carbs and non-fat. You can't go wrong with that combo.

6 pack punch without the screwy lizard brain side affects. You'll still be operating on all cylinders, you just won't give a sh**!

Robert pretty much hit the nail-on-the-head.