corvettester

Geeeze guys! Where did your sense of humor go? I was just trying to infuse a little humor in the matter, lol! I didn’t think I was the only Full House fan on the HTN… guess I was wrong:( In all seriousness though, I think my questions are perfectly legitimate. Uncle Jesse, please post your own pics. Also, why the need to duplicate your post in two separate threads? We have a lot of “drive-by” character assassination attempts in these threads. They typically have a few things in common such as first-time posters, no pics, etc… I’m not saying that you’re one of these posters, Uncle Jesse. I’m just saying that we see similar things often, so if you could just please post your own pics, it’d be greatly appreciated. Then we could all comment on them. You have to remember that Spex is a paid consultant of Dr. Feller. Therefore, in my opinion, he is not a credible source. No offence to Spex, it’s just the way I see things… call me crazy! Many thanks Unky Jesse. Please don’t see my previous post as anything more than having a laugh... Corvettester

Welcome to the forum Mr. Katsopolis! What an interesting first couple of posts you’ve made... "Have Mercy!" A few brief questions… "Talk to me" as you used to say;) Why is Spex posting your photos for you? These photos are the exact same photos that he posted in another thread just two days ago: http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/160915-hairline-repair-2200-grafts-dr-feller.html As I’m sure you know, Spex is a consultant for Dr. Feller. If you want your thread to have any credibility, it’s important that you post your own pics. I might recommend you ask Spex to "Cut...It...Ooouuut" as your roommate Joey is so fond of saying;) Also, why did you repost this in the Surgeon Reviews section when, aside from the introductory paragraph, it is the exact same post from above? That's weird! Lastly, and please don’t take this the wrong way, but has Dr. Feller or Spex compensated you in any way for posting this review in the two separate threads? Just curious. Like I said, welcome to the forum, I think you'll find plenty of support here on the HTN. We're like one big family where... Everywhere you look (everywhere) There's a heart (there's a heart) A hand to hold on to. Everywhere you look (everywhere) There's a face of somebody who needs you. Corvettester p.s. Send Becky and the twins my love.

Youonlyliveonce, Your new hairline frames your faces perfectly. At just 7 months post op, there is a definite cosmetic improvement, to say the least. Even though you're young, your new hairline really brings out your naturally youthful appearance. I imagine that you are the only person that can tell the difference between your transplanted hair and your native. We missed you here buddy... keep us updated. Corvettester

GeHAirDo, Your story is almost exactly the same as mine: same age, same NW level, deep temples, fair skin, I will never shave my head. I too refused to wait in the vain hope of cloning or some new technology because, either way, I wouldn't want to be among the first to try it out. My temple recession was even worse than yours. I thought that it was obvious to everyone that I grew my hair long to minimize it. However, I recently told a couple friends of mine about my HT and they told me that they had never realized that my hair was receding because I hid it so well-- they're not the type of friends to sugarcoat things either... we bust on each other for any and all reasons! I chose to undergo my first HT 7 months ago at the age of 29. I closed my temples and reestablished my hairline. However, I'm still in the ugly duckling phase as it stands now. I still have a lot of maturing to do and hopefully a little more growing. Being torn between SMG or Rahal is a very good position to be in-- it shows that you've done your homework. I think your expectations are very realistic and I'm almost surprised that Rahal didn't recommend 3,000 grafts. Either way, you're all set for an outstanding result. Of course, make sure to do even more research and that you're are aware of all the potential risk and pitfalls. I totally agree with you that now is the time to do something, you're not getting any younger. These are the best years of your life; to that end, you should enjoy them to the fullest. Corvettester

What's left to improve? Maybe the crown? I hope you're not getting greedy! Corvettester

Joetronic, I can understand your frustration, as I imagine that you have to deal with issues of poor photo quality on a daily basis in your profession. Not to mention the fact that you have such high standards at H&W and have been a pioneer in the industry in regard to accurate and detailed photo/video results. However, I’m going to have to disagree with you on this one for a few reasons. My concerns are broad and cover trends that I have witnessed throughout the HTN since I became a member eight months ago. They’re not directed specifically against you or even exclusively to Tropper’s case; nonetheless, here they are... You and Dr. Konior, among others, have argued the futility and subjectivity of analyzing photos online of posters with poor results. I can assure you that you’re arguments are well taken. However, it still doesn’t sit right with me because when the results are good, nobody is questioning photo quality. Not once have I ever heard anyone say, “These pics do not conclusively prove an outstanding result.” It’s only ever when someone is making a complaint, claiming bad or less than optimal results, that suddenly it becomes essential to have good pics. Further, what troubles me most is that it’s only when someone is making a complaint against a coalition doctor that controversy arises. When a patient experiences outstanding results, nobody questions him. However, when he experiences poor results from a coalition doctor, so many posters second guess, accuse, and insinuate ulterior motives, etc... It’s just not right. 
I hate to sound cynical, but something tells me that if Trooper had posted the exact same photos, yet claimed that his result was from Bosley, then he would have had a rash of supporters with very different opinions of his results. Furthermore, I think that the idea that he should have to style up his hair and portray it in the best possible condition is unfair as well. I mean, just look at Troopers hair... it’s bad! Yes, I understand that he has thin, curly hair, but that doesn’t change anything: people with thin, curly hair have outstanding results all the time! I can only imagine how much styling and concealers he’s going to have to undergo in order to hide his result. There simply is no “illusion of density” to speak of. If anything, it’ll take some very clever and laborious styling and effort just to get a minimum illusion in a best-case scenario. I pity the man on a windy or rainy day, driving with the windows down, in a room at work with bright fluorescent lights, or any of the countless other situations that can ruin his meticulous styling campaign. Is this what we’re aiming for with URFUT/URFUE in 2011? I think we owe it to him to be a little more forthright and candid in our response and analysis of his case. No more blaming the victim or questioning his motives as some have egregiously done with Trooper and others (not you though, Joetronic). Thus, I think his pics are good enough to get a general idea of his result and the challenges he faces to conceal his MPB as well as his poor result from the HT itself. He’s got a lot on his plate... 
Of course, we’d all like some better pics of Trooper, but it isn’t really necessary at this point. The fact of the matter is, all the styling in the world, the best photos, assurance from HTN members, doctor analysis, will not change the simple fact that he is justifiably not happy with his result—and he ought not be! We shouldn’t sugarcoat it either, nor should we pressure him with doubt and guilt into giving us every last painful detail in high-definition. We owe him our compassion. It’s clear form his posts that he is riddled with self-guilt for even posting his own honest experience. He doesn’t even want to discourage anyone else because of his misfortune, or even risk tainting his doctor’s reputation. Lastly, the way I see it, the average Joe simply cannot appreciate the importance of photo quality the way professionals do. Trooper, among others, probably has a day job, family and friends. Posting HD photos of his results in natural lighting from several different angles probably isn’t top on his list of priorities. Right now, he just needs our support. I really hope you can appreciate where I’m coming from on this one. You must be inundated with this stuff all day long so I’m sure it can become very frustrating at times. Nevertheless, perhaps a little perspective is what’s needed here. Try to think back to when you were in newbie shoes and all the muck you had to sort through to get trustworthy, reliable answers and viable solutions to your hair loss problems. Don’t take for granted your experience and assume that the vast knowledge that you have acquired over the years is readily apparent to all. Lastly, though I disagree with you on this one, let me say thanks for being one of the few consultants out there that is open-minded enough to consider opposing and dissenting views. You’re the only consultant that I have ever witnessed acknowledge and take responsibility for less than optimal results on a patient from the doctor you represent. So thanks for your dedication to transparency and your integrity. Corvettester

Aaron1234, Actually, one of the two patient complaints posted this week was a patient of Dr. Paul Shapiro, username: MitchJohnson1. I originally thought that it was one of those "hit and run" type of posts because it was the posters very first post, no pics, no details, etc... However, Dr. Shapiro chimed in and said that he believed the poster was authentic. Unfortunately, the OP provided no photos, no details, no response so far, no nothing! So until I see some pics or a more detailed explanation, I'm going to remain skeptical. I'm not trying to diss SMG, I'm just sayin... Corvettester p.s. From one blonde to another: your results are truly enviable!

RcWest, Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic. So far, two separate Coalition doctors and have told me in person that they don't believe that half of the docs in the coalition belong there and that I should not take the coalition status seriously into consideration when choosing my doctor. Funny thing is that these two docs usually make most people's top doc shortlist. Bear in mind that I didn't ask them their opinion about the coalition. In both cases, they went out of their way to give me their opinion of the coalition and the doctors who comprise it after I mentioned to them that I'm a member of the HTN. Corvettester

Dr. Konior, Thanks for the response. I think I understand what you mean now. Correct me if I'm wrong, but basically, Senile Alopecia occurs frequently, just not enough for most people notice. Whether or not it's in the donor area, or (in the case of an HT) in the recipient area. Since Senile Alopecia is sporadic, it's not likely to have a significant impact on overall cosmetic appearance, either in the donor area or in the recipient area if one has had an HT. It also isn't that noticeable because there isn't a real pattern to it like MPB where one loses all of the hair in a very specific location, thus creating a bald spot. However, there are rare cases where men experience significant Senile Alopecia which actually is disproportionately large and ends up having a very serious impact on the overall appearance of the donor area, or in the case of an HT, in the recipient area. Such cases are so rare, however, that it's like lightening striking the same spot twice. Corvettester

Hey guys, Senile Alopecia is an important topic. Therefore, I took the liberty of starting a new thread in the Hair Restoration Questions and Answers section. You can find it here: http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/160903-senile-alopecia-how-common.html#post2266316 Hopefully, we can build broader awareness of the issue and got other docs to chime in. Corvettester

Senile Alopecia: How Common Is It? There has been recent discussion on the HTN regarding Senile Alopecia which has caused a lot of alarm. If I understand the phenomena correctly, it is the process of donor or DHT resistant hair in the "safe" zone miniaturizing in a man's fifties and sixties. However, men in their twenties, thirties and forties may experience it too. This is especially pertinent to the HT community considering that the adverse effects of Senile Alopecia can effectively render null and void an otherwise successful HT. In a few recent posts, Dr. Paul Shapiro and Dr. Feller stated that although Senile Alopecia does exist in younger men, it's very rare. Conversely, Dr. Konior stats that he sees it quite frequently. The disparity of opinion comes as no surprise to any of us HT patients. As we all know, if you ask three HT docs the same question, you'll get four different answers! LOL! I'd appreciate it if some other docs could chime in. What I'd like to know is, how common is Senile Alopecia among younger men? Also, how common is it among older men? What percentage of us should expect it in our youth and what percentage of us should expect it in our golden years? Also, is their any viable method, such as microscopic examination of the safe zone, to quantitate the extent of miniaturization, in the hopes of early detection or even predicting Senile Alopecia? Many thanks. Corvettester

Tonycc, The overwhelming, vast majority of posts on the HTN are positive and detail good results. I simply don't see any evidence supporting your claim. Corvettester

Dr.Konior, Yes, I understand that miniaturization of donor hair does exist (I assume you’re referring to Senile Alopecia experienced by younger men). I do not doubt that it exists at all. I meant that I doubted that that was the case with Tropper. Until now, I thought that it was very rare, but you mentioned that you see it quite frequently. In fact, I had never hear about it until just this week in regard to another disappointed patient who goes by the username Mitch Johnson. Dr. Shapiro and Dr. Feller both commented on Senile Alopecia and its adverse effects. However, they both emphasized that it is very rare. For this reason, I said that I doubted that this was the case with Tropper. I mean, what are the chances that the first time most of us ever even hear about senile alopecia, we have two separate cases of it in the same week here on the HTN? So yes, it could be Senile Alopecia… I’d just be very surprised if it were! The photos that I was referring to that I think looked pluggy are #04.jpg, #06.jpg, #09.jpg, and #10.jpg. Hopefully, it looks better in person? Yes, it’s clear that the hairline was loaded up with singles; however, I still think it looks pluggy and unnatural. I don’t think sugarcoating it serves any useful purpose. Corvettester

Spanker, You made a solid choice with SMG. I think your expectation of having a good HT that isn't see-through is very realistic, to say the least. You should definitely expect and demand a high yield transplant, in my opinion. Dutch, I couldn't agree with you more. I've seen a lot of blaming the victim even when they do sound genuine and conciliatory. I mean, it's different when it's one of those drive-by, hit and run, first-time-poster type of threads. Those threads should be deleted outright. However, when you got a guy looking for support, and all the fanboys start attacking him because he won't sugarcoat his bad result, then I have to take issue with that. It's simply inexcusable. Corvettester

Interesting case. I don't think it's too much considering that you have so much more donor available. I'd say stick with the Fin this time. I've seen so many posters lately bemoaning the fact that they stopped Fin only to lose a butt-load of hair immediately thereafter. Good luck with your results. Corvettester

Trooper, I hate to sound harsh, but your result is less than optimal, to say the least. In some of the pics, your hairline looks downright pluggy. However, it seems like you can minimize it via styling options with your remaining hair. I have to disagree with TC17 that the pics look “MUCH better.” In my opinion, they look worse because they’re more realistic than the others. The one without flash (see below) is particularly troublesome considering that that is how most people will see you. Your hairline is about as ill-defined as it gets. I would definitely consult with some coalition doctors on a repair job. If you could just get your hairline repaired, it would minimize a lot of the sparseness and the see-through element in the back and mid-scalp because most people see you at eye-level, from directly in front or the side. As for the rest, I don’t know what to tell you. It doesn’t look anywhere near 4,000 grafts to me, unless you were one of those rare cases that I’ve recently heard about where the transplanted hair miniaturizes… I doubt it though. If I were you, and I had more donor hair available, I’d go for yet another pass, but not with Feller: he already had his chance—twice! I don’t care how good his results are with other patients, that has no bearing on your case. I’d ask for a refund. The simple fact that some of your transplanted hair has managed to take hold, yet most of it hasn’t, inclines me to believe that this is NOT an unfortunate case of physiological limitations. Lastly, if I were you, I'd seriously consult with a physician about starting Propecia. It seems like you could benefit from it considering that you stated that you continue to lose hair. Sorry to sound so dim… I just want to give it to you straight. Corvettester p.s. As far as your new photos go, I'm going to assume that you didn't set the year in your camera correctly because the timestamp states that they're from today's date, but in the year 2009.

Trooper, You shouldn't be apologizing for anything, this is what the HTN is here for. If there were only great results posted, it wouldn't have any credibility. You're actually doing a great service to the community by posting your poor results. Potential patients need to know the risks and pitfalls. I'm sorry to see that it hasn’t worked out for you, especially since you seem like such an optimistic, nice guy—you deserve a nice head of hair. However, it's good that you're taking such a positive approach to the matter. Provided you still have donor hair availability, there is still hope for you. Corvettester

Hey Spanker, I'm right there with you buddy. It seems like they come and go in cycles. However, you can take solace in the fact that you're among the best prepared and well educated of any of the pre-ht patients out there. You certainly have realistic expectations and won't go through a lot of the anxiety others do post-op. I've seen a lot of your postings on the forum and you definitely have done your due diligence. I just pasted my 7 month mark and I'm still in the "ugly duckling" phase, so yes, I'm anxious as well. All I can do at this point is just ride it out and hope for the best. But yes, it's kind of hard to ignore all the bad results lately. Unfortunately, none of the "poor result" cycles had passed through the forums in the three months I was researching before my HT-- so all these new cycles are scaring the bejesus out of me. I simply didn't imagine there would be so many. However, it's really my fault for not being more thorough. In any event, I don't regret having my HT. Have you decided upon your choice of physician? Who and when? Remember all the exceptional results my friend! I'm excited for you! Corvettester

Trooper, At this point, it's not looking good. I'd be really surprised if you had any more growth, though you still have a hope for some maturity. I would have expected double as much growth from 4,000 grafts. I wouldn't be happy with this result, nor would I be optimistic about future growth. Your blog photos aren't very revealing. Could you post some pics of your hair dry, without product, in natural lighting? Also, do you have any sort of dermatological condition that may have contributed to the poor result? Are you on Propecia? Corvettester

Good luck man, I hope it turns out well for you. It'd be awesome if you would create a hair loss website or blog to show your progress. Corvettester

What an interesting first post! Welcome to the forum Mitch Johnson! Would you please provide the community with before and after photos as well as the details of your procedure, i.e. FUT/ FUE, Graft Count, NW Level, Age, Family History, etc... I'm not trying to accuse you of anything, and I really hate to sound cynical, but I just see too many of these "drive by" first time posters complaining, attacking, denouncing or berating well-reputed doctors. No offense, but your post has all the hallmarks of a phony / duplicate account: it's your first post, it's negative, potentially maligning, critical, it's very vague, you have no supporting documentation, no B&A pics, virtually no details, etc... So if you don't mind, please show us that you're committed to transparency and provide us with more details concerning your case. I'm sure the community is very interested to hear your story. Corvettester

Both docs are top notch in my opinion. When it comes down to a choice like this, I feel like it's appropriate to consider "soft" variables such as price, location, convenience, accessibility, etc... Hence, I would go with Rahal in this case. However, if you live 25 minutes from SMG, then I would go with them. From personal experience, I can attest to how reassuring and comforting it is to know that at any time I can just jump on the subway and be in my docs office 25 minutes later. I understand that this is not a primary concern for everyone, but it is for me. I like to feel supported and have access to my doc if I feel like I need it. So far, I have gone in for follow ups every two months and my doc has been more than welcoming. Corvettester

Doesn't get much better than this. Corvettester

You definitely should go see a physician to get an accurate opinion. I mean, from the pics it looks to me like MPB, but your story doesn't really support that theory because you said that you started thinning in your early teens and that you're only 23 now... maybe it is some type of infection or dermatitis. What about your grandparents and uncles, how is their hair? Definitely go see a doc. I wouldn't be surprised if they recommend that you immediately start medication to slow or halt further loss. In my opinion, time is of the essence in your case! Corvettester

If these pics are the harshest conditions possible, then I suspect that you're hair loss problems will completely cease to exist in about 8-10 months. Your temple points are looking really good too! Corvettester