zerro

Pat, glad to see my doc is still there. Keep up the good work. ~zerro

where'smyhair... I don't think it is illegal because it is elective surgery. It's not like he/she is doing a emergency bypass or something. You need to get over this. Ask yourself, if I had the option to find out if someone is HIV positive, would I take it? An emergency is different! But your HT doc has the luxury to evaluate the entire situation. They didn't say they would turn you down if you were HIV did they. They just need to know, so they can take appropriate precautions. You're making a mountain out of a mole hill! Get 'r done. ~zerro With my doc it was mandatory. No test, no procedure. I think that was fair. No big deal.

Sure did and never thought twice about it. In fact, it's nice to know that I don't have any of those viruses. I wouldn't have checked otherwise, if not for getting a HT. Their just trying to protect everyone involved. Also, there might be medical reasons such as higher risk of post-op infection or something. Don't let something like that stop you. Other than that did it seem like a positive experience? Who did you see for your consult? ~zerro

I was hoping someone could help me out. Does all HT hair begin to grow as terminal hair or does some look almost like vellus hair. It's obvious to me when I see a dark hair pop through the skin but, I have a lot of light hair at the front/mid part of my scalp (where the HT was done) that I didn't have before. And, if this is part of the HT, I'm pretty pumped because there is a lot of it. I know what vellus hair looks like (colorless peach fuss,) and this isn't peach fuss because it is longer and has the slightest bit of color right now. I know it is growing in length, too. Although, I do have dark blonde hair so I don't expect the Ht to come in black but this new hair is lighter in color than my existing hair. Could this be vellus hair responding to propecia after 90 days, or is this my HT? And, if it is my HT, why the difference in the two types of growth? Also, if I happen to see significant results from propecia, does the vellus hair, that responds, become terminal? Any veterens have a take on this, please. I checked out past forums and didn't find any conviencing results. Answers went both ways. Thanks zerro

I was hoping someone could help me out. Does all HT hair begin to grow as terminal hair or does some look almost like vellus hair. It's obvious to me when I see a dark hair pop through the skin but, I have a lot of light hair at the front/mid part of my scalp (where the HT was done) that I didn't have before. And, if this is part of the HT, I'm pretty pumped because there is a lot of it. I know what vellus hair looks like (colorless peach fuss,) and this isn't peach fuss because it is longer and has the slightest bit of color right now. I know it is growing in length, too. Although, I do have dark blonde hair so I don't expect the Ht to come in black but this new hair is lighter in color than my existing hair. Could this be vellus hair responding to propecia after 90 days, or is this my HT? And, if it is my HT, why the difference in the two types of growth? Also, if I happen to see significant results from propecia, does the vellus hair, that responds, become terminal? Any veterens have a take on this, please. I checked out past forums and didn't find any conviencing results. Answers went both ways. Thanks zerro

just curious, when did you get your HT and how many FU's.

Hey members... I don't know if anyone saw Dateline when it was on (I know I didn't) but I found something interesting on dateline internet video on hairloss. Address below Dateline They provided 5 different balding guys several different products. From HT and propecia, the laser comb and some kind of fish oil product. They had a HT doctor evaluate at 6 months and 12 mo. The results are what we expect. I'm not promoting or discrediting anything but, I found it amusing how they used shawdowing and different light in their evaluations. It was quite interesting so check it out. I assume any media player will play the video.

Hey members... I don't know if anyone saw Dateline when it was on (I know I didn't) but I found something interesting on dateline internet video on hairloss. Address below Dateline They provided 5 different balding guys several different products. From HT and propecia, the laser comb and some kind of fish oil product. They had a HT doctor evaluate at 6 months and 12 mo. The results are what we expect. I'm not promoting or discrediting anything but, I found it amusing how they used shawdowing and different light in their evaluations. It was quite interesting so check it out. I assume any media player will play the video.

BobbyN... the propecia should not have any skin related side effects, ie: cause tingeling, pimples or other sensations unless, which it is probably to early for it to be working effectively yet, (if it is going to,) you were experiencing hair growth from it. If you have ever shaved a part of your body like an ankle or your chest. The hair itches when it grows back. Sorta the same thing. It has to break through the skin. If your still itching and feeling little sensations on your head it is most likely caused from your recent HT, ie: it is still healing in areas and your hair can be beginnning to grow. The new hair growth is also responsible for the pimples or ingrown hairs. They'll pop out on their own or if the ithing and stuff is bothering you to much, put some antibiotic cream on it, it worked for me. The pimple went away within hours. Just a thought, I recommend not popping them because of infection, scarring and damaging the new follicle. The pimples on your forehead could be from something you were or are using to treat your scalp ie: rogaine maybe, or an ointment you maybe were or are using post-op, a new shampoo perhaps, or something else. I'm unsure about this. Maybe others would know. I've been using propecia for 3 months now, and I haven't experienced any acne. However, I did have a little acne on my forehead post-op, from the antibiotic ointment I was placing all over the recipient HT area. From my experience, some of my Ht shed within 7-10 days, still more within the first 21 days and a little in the next 10 or so days. However, I did not lose it all. If it doesn't shedd don't worry about it. What I didn't shedd, I noticed after 30 days, post-op, was growing, and I've already have been experiencing new growth, especially at the front hairline, that had fell out early. I'm finding new hair everday. If you don't shedd them, good for you because your ahead of the game. Not everybody shedds their HT, maybe only parts of it. Everyone's different, including when your hair is going to begin to grow. The time table you've heard about or that your Dr. explained to you about regrowth and shedding is an average. There will always be people outside the curve. To answer your question: It is from the healing process ie: your scalp is waking up and still healing and the regrowth process is probably beginning. Just a thought. ~zerro

modman.... I know, anxieties can mess you up! It catches up to you. You are expected to perform at a higher level than the rest but, you age. Get over it. If I was to explain it, it is less invasive than any dentist you have ever went to. No doubt, it is invasive. They cut the back of your scalp and slice up your forehead... big deal! You don't feel a thing. My guess, you are looking for a way out, and you found it. Apparentely, you don't want it bad enough. Take it from me, I was more concerned about the 2 1/2 hour drive to and from my appointment than I was about the 6 hours I was there. If you go to a recommended dr. from this site, from what I hear, your in good hands. Take it from me, you are, your own worse enemy! GET OFF THE UNNESSECCERRY MEDS, START EXERCISING AND EAT HEALTHY. A healthy diet and exercise will give you better results against any problem, than drugs. It will clear your mind, body and soul. Stop watching TV, and start concentrating on you, and humanity. I'm tough against you, because I've been there. Exercise and an healthy diet is the key. NO BEEF! These surgeons are not out to mess you up! Only to make you feel good- about you. Yes, it is all about you. Right where we started from.

You know Hairworthy & Cas, maybe they'll have a swim competition across the English Channel or something, so that Delanoe can atleast get his feet wet A BLOODY NO BRAINER- "FAB-HAIR" WINS!

Like I said... be careful. If you don't feel any tension, there probably isn't any. If your worried about doing sit-ups, lay your hands and arms across your chest or flat against your stomach. This will prevent you from pulling and stretching your neck and donor area. I do nine different stomach crunches at high reps and at 30 days out, I found that I could do them all safely and without pain. The trick is work your stomach and not your neck, back and shoulder areas. Also, if your still worried... try 'pilates' exercises for your stomach. That is a big fad now especially with women, but I see now that 'Men's Health' magizine among others is beginning to support it. And if your still not sure, take smoothy's advice and use a ab machine or just run or jog to burn calories and to stay in shape. Nothing wrong with that! The important thing is to grow hair and to continue to look good below your forehead. Other words, stay healthy. 90 days is along time not to work out if weight-lifting is your thing. I was getting itchy after day 10 to get going. Although, I found out, that was a little too soon. I hate running... but would be happy to jump on a bike if that is all I could do. There are many options out there. I chose to begin lifting again because I feel it is safe for me to do so. ~zerro

Your right, well said. Confidence does come from within and in my case, also under a hat. For at least a little longer Robert, I had the day off today so I'm trying to get some milage on my karma points (posted alot.) Hope you don't mind. ~zerro

BobbyN... your shower should never be normal again. That should be a great feeling! I can't believe that I'm giving advice, but glad to help out. From day 1 post-op I was instructed to wet my recepient zone with a supplied solution (spray bottle) of peroxide and sterilized water for 10 days to help loosen the scabs and probably the same reason you would use it on any wound. Also, from day 1 I gently lathered-up the recepient zone with baby shampoo and rinsed with a cup of water. Of course, at 2 weeks you're way beyond those first few critical days. Now just let me say... I was probably over cautious but I did not allow (continued to use a cup of water to rinse) a forceful shower spray to touch the recepient area for 30 days-I checked my notes. I don't know what the price of gold is... but we're now probably wearing several ounces worth on our head. And, I don't want to wash it down the drain. At day 40+ I'm still using an indirect-gentle shower setting to rinse that area. However, I am confident that it would be okay to let it rip, maybe I checked out past forums a while back and many people are using Nioxin cleanser and scalp therapy... so I went out and bought some at my local salon (the only place I know to get it, that and the web) and my hair and scalp feel great. I'm still wimpy about using the spray-on treatment that comes with the economy pack, because it can make your scalp a little rosy and red. I've used it before. I'm going to wait until I see more substantial growth. Keep in mind it doesn't claim to grow hair, just that it will optimize a healthy scalp. Answer: My doc said ten days post-op... I say when you feel totally comfortable with your new hair... I guess, what I'm trying to say is that I don't think I'm there yet. Soon, I should think. Sorry, I really didn't answer your question, did I. ~zerro

Blue, sorry I got a little over zealous. However, I did know what you meant. And, I still say do not scrub at your donor area. The more you play with it the worse the pain will get. I'm sure your Mom or caregiver told you that when you were a kid. I checked back on my docs written and verbal instructions and he stated "I could resume normal washing (regular shampoo) at the donor site 10 days out." And, if it hurts to sleep on your pillow, sleep upright for a little longer. You may have guessed, I'm the type that tends to over do things. If a little advice is good; more is better. However, 3 days was not nearly enough time for you scar to begin to heal, before you began sleeping on it.

For gods sake, don't scrub at your head/hair! At day 10 or so, are you going back to have your staples or sutures removed? If so, your doc should tell you that you may start using your regular shampoo, which will help dissovle all that away. I know baby shampoo sucks; it doesn't clean crap. But it's not aggressive, that is why you are using it. At day five you should be treating your head/hair like gold. By all means do not scratch at, scrub or allow a full shower stream of water to land on your recipient area... though, in the donor area knock yourself-out this may help the pain by washing out any foreign particles and loosen the scabs. It worked for me. On the recipient zone use a plastic cup full of water to gently wash away the suds. (I continued to do that for 3 weeks) For the next few days, you're going to have to live with that greasy mop. But, in no time-at-all it will be over. As for the pain, I'm sure everyone is different (some heal quicker than others and vice-versa) but, unless you have something funky going on...I would say yes, it is normal. By headache you do mean pain in the donor area, right? If you have a real headache...then I don't know, because I did not. Otherwise, for the next few weeks you will feel minor discomfort from time to time in any area your doctor touched. If the pain is severe, get in touch with him/her. Also, if your not using a antibiotic ointment you should be. It helps against infection and keeps the bloody-scabs soft. Although, I did not find a need to place it on my donor area, the doc did a great job and my guess is at only 1600+ graphs my strip was much smaller than yours, I did however, apply a thin coat across my entire recipient zone for the first 7-10 days. I was warned to keep the scabs moist (dry scabs may pull-out the new follicles) and I found that it helped to reduce the itching. By-the way, I just remembered... if your not sleeping in a reclined position this may be the reason you have a headache, pain and swelling at your scar. If you have one, sleep in a recliner for the next 5-10 days. You have to keep the blood pressure down--keep the blood from rushing to your head and don't bend-over for a few more days. I also slept in my recliner for 3 weeks and did not suffer from swelling or headaches. Everything I mentioned seemed to work for me. I hope that helps. Keep in touch with your progress. Everyone here is more than willing to help! And, pay special attention to the advice you recieve from the long-time vets. Also, use the search to find past forums...they hold a wealth of information. ~zerro

You know Robert there is a lot of truth to the public image thing. If all things are equal between a bald guy and Mr. 'Fab-Hair,' Fab-Hair will win. Why, because of self-confidence. Self-esteem and self-promotion work hand in-hand, don't you think. Now that I'm going to have hair, job interviews this spring (after graduation) should be a pleasure and not a burden. Hey, they even may look me in the eyes and not at my baldness. I should be hired on my qualifications, not my looks is a bold statement-I know. Perhaps, the interviewers really don't care. However, I know with a little confidence I'll knock them off their feet. I'm not saying all bald guys lack self-confidence, only that I do. ~zerro

Hey... I'm sure it is different for everyone. However, my dr. said I could begin normal exercise after the sutures were taken out at day 10. So, I lifted on post-op day 11-12, different routines, and decided against continuing it because I felt tension, stretching on the donar area, and pressure points in the recipient area. I waited until day 20 to get back to a normal routine. Made sure I didn't bump or scratch my head or pull on the scar area when I was doing sit-ups. I've never done individual neck exercises...if you do I recomend being careful. At any time you feel tension just stop and wait a few more days. Like with any exercise routine, you are your own boss. Treat your HT like a injury and nurse it back. At day 30 everything was normal with scar area and I didn't/don't do anything special to protect it. However, the recipient area I still treat like gold- out of paranoia- I'm sure that routine will continue for sometime. Infact, I kept a log on my healing process becuase I plan to have another session and have to work it into my public life. Fortunately, over the summer I can hide-out for a while. Never the less, day thirty seemed to be the day everything was totally back to the pre-surgery date. It felt great to get that extreme workout sweat again. Again, be your own guide... 2 weeks isn't to soon as long as everything is healing properly. If you're training to be Mr. Olympus and it involves highly-strenuous manuveurs... just be cautious and don't over due it. In my opinion, lifting is okay as long as your healing properly (no bleeders/bleeding or pain in the donor/recipient areas.) Answer: go for it, just be careful. ~zerro

Cas... I'm afraid to "pop" those suckers because of scarring and paranoid about follicular damage so soon after my Ht so, I decided to put some Bacitracin (antibiotic) ointment on them and... within a few hours those puppies are gone. Don't no why it works. Certainly, wouldn't recommend it for anyones face. Just thought I would let you know. ~zerro

Ken... agree it is hard to explain. I wish I had a digital camera! I'm still noticing shedding. For me, it was all the multi-follicles that shed; only the singles (not all, actually a low % that stuck around and mainly on one side) are now growing. And, I just checked it out in the mirror this morning and I figure that I'm really not crazy--I am experiencing growth now. I can now see it without that magnifying mirror. Yeah, I bought one. I believe, they are mainly the singles (with small % of others) that fell out within the first 10 days. Heads up! I have no idea if this is the case for everyone... but if you see like real tiny black specs (I think scabs or something) I first thought it was dirt... there be hair growing under there! Their breaking through the skin. Just gently brush or wash them away. Yeah ty... same thing taking place, took place, with me. I think (a lot of speculation today on my part) those are the hairs that went dormant and are waiting to be washed down the drain, which sucks. You know guys, when I first went to the doc and we discussed that I had to wait 3 or 4 months for growth... I was pretty anxious and a little weirded out. His comment was... this period should be the exciting part for both of us. I was like, yeah right! Let me tell you... now that I see new hair and growth with the ones that stuck around... (within 40 days post-op) he was right, it is! Still no idea if everything is going to respond that quickly. And guys, because no one other than the doc and his staff knew I got this done, I have to tell someone... I keep having these re-occuring dreams with me, with hair... it's totally on my mind 24/7. I mean it's great! The kicker is... in my dream -keep in mind it has been a long time since I had a hairline- I panic because I don't know how to style it. How weird is that

powerplay... Check out this thread. We're not alone (also newbies.) Original post By KenEastCoast help!

Ken & tymman... I've experience the same thing. I really freaked when I noticed those frontal hairs shedding within the first 7-10 days (yeah, I'm still a little anxious.) However, I'm now 37 days post-op and I have found that those babies are starting to grow back (noticed them a few days ago.) My guess is I shed 50-75% (I hope) and I feel that many of those hairs that hung-on are now growing too. They seem longer and softer, though it could be wishful thinking. This is my first HT so I really don't know what to expect either. I've always healed rather quickly, I'm in great shape, I have been on vitamins/minerals for years, I have been taking propecia for 3 months, and I have been using nioxin for a week... if nothing else, it's great therapy for your hair and scalp. My hair feels great! I have a hard time finding my scar in the mirror and can barely feel it when I search. I did notice a little shock loss around the donor area from combing, but nothing visible. It was really, very minor. My scalp is still a little off color (light pink) in the front where the hair was placed close together. Question: Have either of you guys noticed any new growth yet, or shock loss in your recipient zone. Ty... I noticed your HT was around existing hair. I'm maybe planning on a second HT soon and I'm a little frightened about shock loss. In the first session it really didn't matter because I didn't have any hair. Guys, by using this forum we're not not alone. However, each of us is unique and we must experience this process of regrowth alone. I wish us all the best of luck! Please update me on how it is going. ~zerro

Hey, thanks for all the responses the good and the bad (especially the good.) Powerplay... in the end, why did you not go with Haber? And, since we are both at the same stages, I would like to compare notes now and again if that is alright with you. Additionally, how bad was your hairloss and how many graphs did you get; was it your first? tkotko... I agree the money is gone. However, to me spending this money is like buying all the farmers crops before he sows the field. No one truly knows what the harvest will be like (to many variables.) In this case, the best we can hope for is to view photos of past harvests, talk to the doctor about his ethics and knowledge and hope that you made a right choice and that the growing season is optimal. No, although a lot for me to spare, the money is not that big of an issue if I made the right choice.

Hey Robert and others... What is MSM, what are the claims, benefits and where do I get it, any side effects? Also, of course we know, for some, minoxidil has benefits to hair threatened by nature. However, my Doc believed minoxidil didn't add any benefit to the recipient hair. And if it does (big if,) one would have had to be using it in the site both pre and post op, and that actual benefits if any, would be cancelled-out/equalled by natural growth anyway. In otherwords, in a years time ones hair will be the same length. This I felt was good news because I hate minoxidil! It's messy, leaves my hair oily, flat, unmanageable and dull. I have used it in the past with no results- but being coureous, I did try it again for two days post op in the recipient area plus the recommended areas with the same results; plus my scalp, ears, neck and face itched like crazy. Any thoughts to why? Is it too soon at just one month post op? Does anyone believe, from experience, that the benefits out way the inconveinances that I suffer from by using it. -comments and advice, of any, appreciated. ~zerro

Thanks Pat, Robert and the rest of you guys, gals. This is a great site. I really haven't found any questions that I have, that I can't do a search on and get some answers. Seems, more or less, that everyone pretty much goes through a simular healing process. I searched pimples/ingrown hairs...bang there it was! Thanks again guys ~zerro -And, after all the Nioxin conversation I read I broke down and bought some. However, I would like to say the prices at my local salons was a lot better (nearly 1/2 as much) than the web site that was being talked about.