corvettester

Mars, AmanIndia had a poor result. Too bad for him. He had a poor yield, larger than acceptable scar and he is not satisfied with the overall cosmetic result. I imagine it was just too big of a procedure for the guy. Corvettester

The design looks awesome. So long as you have a good yield, this is going to be a game changer in regard to your appearance. However, I have to admit that I'm a little worried due to your age. You could very well lose a significant more amount of hair. If you only have 3,000 grafts left, as you mentioned, that would be a cause for concern in my opinion. I would not have gone so aggressive in the hairline and temples. Let's just hope you have more than 3,000 grafts left in the donor area and that you don't lose anymore hair. Are you on Propecia? Either way, the work looks super clean and I think you're in for a killer result. Corvettester

So now we have The Big 4.That is just gimmicky enough to shatter any hope I might have once had in these technologies... which wasn't must in the first place. I have to second what Jotronic says. Although I'm sure there will be periodic advancements throughout the future, I would never base my decision on that... it just sounds like you'd be setting yourself up for disappointment. It's the same reason I could never understand the concept of God and Heaven... what about this life! Corvettester

Jesus mother of God! I want me some of that there Propecia! Probably the best result of Propecia I have every seen... even better than Cardel25s... Corvettester

Vanity, What happened to you is unacceptable and I think the doctor is clearly culpable in this situation. Whether or not it was intentional is irrelevant. You acted in good faith and suffered the consequences of another's negligence. I've seen this a lot in the sales world. It's similar to the old "bait and switch" tactic. Basically, you've already invested so much time, effort and money in preparation, that it's unreasonable to walk away. It's used as a negotiating weapon. I always walk away from people like that, and I'm not polite about expressing my dissatisfaction with their shameful business practices. It's a calculated gamble on the part of the vendor because most people won't read the fine print. Those that do are then in a serious predicament when standing the lobby the day of the procedure. I imagine that most simply say "To hell with it! Let's just get it over with already!" I find it highly unlikely that Dr. Arocha was unaware of this detail or that you are the first person that this has happened to, especially when it is the doctor himself who advertises Chase's services. However, to give him the benefit of doubt, perhaps he only recently started using Chase... I commend you for sticking to your principle. You did the right thing. So long as you have all the documentation stating that you were promised 0% financing for this procedure, I think Dr. Arocha should compensate you for your lost expenses. Corvettester

Hey dude, I remember you! It looks like it's coming along well for only 2.5 months post-op. You're certainly an early grower, especially from such a large FUE procedure. Don't worry about the crown yet, it takes longer to grow, especially with FUE. I'm even surprised you're seeing such significant growth this early in the frontal third... Anyway, I know that there were some valid concerns regarding the evenness of your hairline design, as well as the size of your one-day FUE procedure. However, I think it's just best to hold off on any presumptions and negativity for the time being. Stay positive and don't think about it too much. As it stands now, your HT is precocious and that is usually a VERY GOOD sign! Let's hope for the best. Corvettester

I've seen this somewhere before... where did you find it? Corvettester

Strong, One more thing... I find the above statement a little hard to believe. Are you saying that the doctor really wasn't concerned at all, even in the slightest? Did he say that you should expect big things in the next 3.5 months? Surely there had to be something else... he must have said something to the effect of what you should expect or what could potentially compromise your result? I can't imagine how any doctor, let alone a 'prominent NYC surgeon" could dismiss no growth at 8.5 months post-op as irrelevant. Something doesn't add up here... Corvettester

Strong, This is something I come across often on the forums and have always wondered about... Basically, many people claim that prior work from the pre-URFUT era of hair restoration can impede or prevent growth with a new procedure, even with the current techniques. If this is true, then why would a doctor accept such a patient? Also, how is it determined whether the previous work could potentially compromise any new procedure? H&W recently posted an inspiring case from a burn victim who had stellar results. I can't imagine previous methods of hair restoration would be more traumatic, invasive and intractable than that of a burn victim... Either way, you should definitely be seeing growth 8.5 months post-op. If not, then I'd feel comfortable saying that your procedure is all but assured to be a failure. Of course, you have to wait until a year to assess the final result, but to have no growth at 8.5 months post-op is unheard of, except in the cases of outright failures. However, you need to post some pics to get any meaningful input on this matter. Also, who was the doctor of your previous procedure and your most recent one? Corvettester

Jessie, Who are you going to believe: Hairthere and Bonkerstonkers... or your lying eyes? The simple fact of the matter is that you are not satisfied with your result. You are the one who has to live with it everyday. You're the only one who has seen it in person, for what it truly is, and I do not question your opinion or judgment. In fact, I don't think anyone has the right to second guess you. I'd just love to see one of these self-proclaimed experts try to tell me what is what in regard to my HT! It's unfortunate that you're still being attacked for posting your genuine thoughts and opinion on your experience and result. However, take heart in knowing that they are a lot of us cheering for you and hoping that your upcoming repair procedure gives you the result you want and deserve. Do keep us updated... Corvettester

I think that you're in the final throes of a NW6 territory and that it's only a matter of time before you plateau as a NW7. Generally, HTs are not recommended for cases like yours. However, if you do stand a viable chance at an acceptable cosmetic result from an HT, the following criteria would have to be met first: 1. You must respond well to Propecia and Rogain. No side effects. A noticeable stabilization and some decent regrowth. Also, you must be fully prepared to take them religiously and indefinitely. 2. You must have an above average donor supply. If you don't have a minimum of 8,000 grafts in the bank, then I don't think you're a good candidate at all. I can't tell from the photos that you posted if you have a good donor supply or not, but you're going to need at least 8,000 grafts. 3. You must understand that even 8,000 grafts isn't going to get you back to what you had 15 years ago and you'll obviously need multiple procedures, probably three. I don't mean any disrespect or offense, but based on the photos you provided, I was surprised to learn that you're 35 years old. However, I imagine it's due more to lifestyle choices than anything genetic... I really think you could do well to lose some weight, build some muscle, get in shape, shave daily, improve your posture, get a tan, upgrade your style... and smile! Not to mention, completely change your diet. I'd say go raw... I highly recommend that you check out Bobman's profile. I thought of his "before" photos once I saw your pics... I wish you the best, but I think you're going to have to make fundamental lifestyle changes before you consider an HT. Look at it as reinventing yourself. It's an exciting concept and men and women do it all the time for the better! Corvettester

How far below your hairline is the acne? Corvettester

Hells yeah! Corvettester

This appears to be a good result, especially considering the number of grafts used. There is a clear and definite cosmetic improvement. The hairline is conservative and age appropriate, as it should be. The transplanted hair lays nice and blends well with the rest of the hair. It all looks very natural and refined. Of course, it's noticeably thinner than the rest of the hair, but that issue could be addressed with another procedure for density. I think he got a good yield and I do regard it as a stand alone procedure. The patient does not need more density, but could certainly use more if he wants it... That being said, it looks good and I'd be happy with that amount of coverage from only 2,300 grafts. If anything, I would have went for 3,500 grafts initially to preempt the need for a second procedure for density, but doctor knows best... If the patient isn't satisfied with the density, then I'd suggest adding another 1,500-2,000 grafts. Either way, it looks good and there is a very dramatic improvement from where he started. If I understand this statement correctly, Dr. Reed is saying that this patient has achieved 70% of native density with this first procedure of 2,300 grafts. If so, I disagree with his claim. Although I do regard "70% dense" as an optimal standard to give a satisfactory illusion of density, I don't think that this patient has achieved 70% of native density... more like 40%. From what I've seen, the 40-50% range is the bare minimum for the illusion of density and it typically looks very see-through, especially in the hairline and frontal third as is the case with this patient. Once you get into 65-70% of native density, it's very difficult for the naked eye to tell the difference, even in the hairline alone... I can easily tell the difference, which is why I think that this patient needs another 1,500-2,000 grafts to get to the coveted 70% of native density threshold. I'm confident the second procedure will do just that, but like I said, it looks good as is. Corvettester

I highly recommend True & Dorin. I had both my HTs with Dr. Dorin. I'm 2 months post-op from my second HT. See my profile, reviews and updates to learn more about my experience. Corvettester

Don't go to barbers, go to hair stylists. There is a big difference: price, quality and ultimately the end result. Explain to them that you you need them to design a hairstyle that conceals your hair loss as best as possible. That is their job. If they don't have experience with that, then go to someone who does. Regard the hair stylist in the same manner you regard you Primary Care Doctor: hold nothing back, tell them everything. They're supposed to be professionals. You don't go to the doctor with a stomach ache complaint only to hide the fact that you have diarrhea because it's kind of embarrassing, do you? Corvettester

I'm still going strong on the Biotin too. I continue to see improvement in the quality and overall health of my hair. I'm so sold on it! I'll be starting MSM next week to see if I can't get my hair growing faster and / or any more improvements in quality or texture... I'll keep everyone posted for sure. Corvettester

It's more of an evolutionary advancement on technique and it looks very promising... Corvettester

Chael, Quite the opposite. If anything, I believe that Biotin reduces the likelihood of breakouts and acne. From what I understand, Biotin is also good for the skin and fingernails, as well as the hair. Of course, I've been starting to get pimples in the recipient zone because the new FUs are just now starting to sprout 2 months post-op. It was the same after my first procedure, before I was on Biotin. It got really bad around 3-4 months post-op, but stabilized by month 6. I don't know much about MSM. I always thought that it was for joint issues and inflammation, but don't quote me on that... Either way, I really can't speak highly enough of Biotin. I wasn't expecting such a noticeable difference. There is no possible way that I'm experiencing any sort of placebo effect. Since starting Biotin, the difference in my hair quality is appreciable. Corvettester

Jacob, I'd say that you're more of a NW4A, or in the last throes of a NW3A. I would definitely get on and stay on Propecia, if I were you. Spend some time on this forum and others and you will see a lot of guys in their late twenties bemoaning the fact that they didn't start Propecia sooner, or that they ceased usage only to lose loads of hair afterwards! Further, I'd consult with at least two reputable HT docs because you may not be a good candidate for HT after all. The fact that you're only 22 and already approaching NW4A territory does not bode well. However, it's not the end of the world either. I think a lot of it will depend upon how well you respond to the meds once you start taking them consistently. As far as FUE goes, if you're "saving your pennies" as you put it, you're going to be saving a long time. You're going to need a lot of grafts, probably multiple procedures too. FUE cost twice as much as FUT, so you're easily looking at a $20,000 FUE procedure, or $10,000 for FUT. Lastly, don't let the hair loss get the best of you. Stop avoiding social interactions, learn to live with it and be proactive in your response to it. You may even want to consider shaving down to see how it looks on you... Corvettester

JayWalker, Just saw your pics here: http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/163375-dr-dorin-uk-patient-jaywalker-pre-postop-1647-hairline-fut.html Your new hairline design looks good. The work looks really clean too. You completely closed off your temples and reestablished your hairline. This will erase any impression of a widow's peak that you must have been sporting previously. I also like your native hair. You have good hair characteristics so I think it's going to end up a great result. This should be a real game changer for your look. Grow well. Corvettester

He looks it over in person and then compares the photos we've taken over the past 14 months... Why, is there a better method? Corvettester

I used CareCredit for both of my procedures. It worked out very well for me. I paid off the balance well in advance of the 1 year 0% APR that they offered me. So I didn't end up paying any interest or any fees. However, I have heard reports where people have had bad experiences with them. I don't know the specifics, but you should look into it and judge for yourself. If you're the type of person who has trouble paying your bills on time, then I wouldn't put it on any type of credit card or financing because by just making one late payment can cause you to incur additional fees that can be quite outrageous. Done correctly, you can finance your procedure and not pay any extra fees. Done incorrectly, you can really hurt your credit score and end up with a penalty interest rate plus fees. Whatever you do, don't ever take out a secured loan for an elective procedure. Despite what some people may suggest, it simply isn't worth the risk of losing your home or car. Only use unsecured debt such as credit cards or financing services such as Care Credit, etc... If you'd like to read a very lively debate on the matter, I suggest you read the following thread: http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/163144-best-priced-dr-ny.html Corvettester

Yes, it was a difficult decision to come to. In fact, it was harder to decide on whether or not to start Propecia than it was to get an HT! However, I feel really good about it now. It ended up just being a cost/benefit analysis. I feel like the costs out weigh the benefits for the time being. Also, although I do realize that you have to lose a decent amount of hair before you notice it, that doesn't mean there aren't any viable means of knowing/realizing when I'm losing hair. monitoring it closely isn't that burdensome. Thanks for all the help gentlemen! Corvettester

Runman, Sorry to hear about your experience. Did you ever post any pics of your result from Dr. Bauman? Do you still have any? If so, can you post them? Corvettester