fakeplstctrees

Thank you all very much for the reassurance. It's a delicate time for a HT patient. I can't wait to have the results I have been expecting for over a year now. I am sure Wesley will come through for me. I am not unsatisfied with the work of my first surgeon, for 1500 grafts, he did excellent work, top notch actually. I am just upset that we only went with 1500 grafts, that was not nearly enough for the results i was seeking. So that is where he let me down. And fine, Staggerlee, you are right. This forum exists to share information in this this tight knit community, whether it be good or bad. I will reveal the name of my initial surgeon on my profile. I will say this though, his work really is top notch, he is very accomplished, and a fine surgeon. He just went far too conservative with me, I had nowhere near the density I sought. So I am unhappy with his misjudgement in this case. I can't wait to do this with Wesley though!!!!

I have been doing scalp stretching excersizes for a month or so, and I believe I have increased lakit, but some hair is falling out where I am stretching. Can the massaging damage follicles? Thanks for any feedback.

Well, I'm a week away from surgery number two, 2200 grafts (3700 grafts combining both surgeries). Although it may sound silly, I am more nervous going into the second procedure, than I was for the first. It may be because I did not get the results I was seeking and expecting from my first surgeon, who I will not name. But this time I am going with Wesley, and I know I should just mellow out, and have faith in his ability. Any thoughts, or advice from some more experienced individuals?

Hello my glossy headed brethren, Thank you all for your support. I feel very confident in deciding to have Wesley do my second procedure. Like I said before, I am involved in his clinical trial, and I know for a fact that his method will work, and change the playing field. I am having a tried and true FUT strip procedure with him, I wouldn't benefit from his scarless process anyway, as I have already gone under the knife, and have a linear scar. I know he will minimize scarring with a good trichophytic closure, and maybe down the road, I will have a minor FUE session, to completely fill in the linear scar, and be able to have short hair. I am just anxious to get it over with. my patience has been tested, having a procedure a year ago, waiting for results that were unsatisfactory. now I am having a second one done, and there is still so much waiting. now its for the procedure, then it will be for the results. at least I know my results will be wonderful this time.

Wow, that is a lot of growth for such a short period of time. He did a fantastic job on you!

I think Shapiro was one of the doctors along with Bernstein, and Unger who wrote the first book on HT. He did your procedure, how is that coming along?

I am having my second, an FINAL procedure with Dr. Carlos Wesley. I have great faith in his abilities, I am involved in his clinical trial already for his groundbreaking new harvesting technique, and he seems like more of a friend, than just your surgeon. These are qualities that I feel doctor needs to be effective with their patients. Not to mention his results are great, and he is partners with one of the legends in the world of Hair Transplantation, Dr. Walter Unger. They guy wrote the bible of the religion of Transplantology, so consider me a Transplantologist. All kidding aside, I am excited for my upcoming procedure on 2/20.

Once again, I want to thank everyone for their feedback, it is very reassuring. I do have news though, and I'll start a thread about it. I cancelled my procedure with my initial doctor, and chose Dr. Carlos Wesley instead. I am very excited. It's a larger, more expensive procedure, but at least it's the last one I will ever need.

Thanks guys, so if I'm paying $13K, that is on the high side, huh? I had my first 1500 grafts for $6500, and I'm having another for $6500 in February. Does the fact that is is two separate procedures contribute to the higher cost? Same Doctor by the way. And I am soooooo psyched for my surgery, I am beyond tired of being thin in the area's I requested density. I wish I could have it done tomorrow.

How much should a hair transplant cost. Seriously, all variables aside, and as specific as possible. A 3,000 graft, FUT procedure, more than sufficient donor area, not trying to recreate a youthful hairline, wants good density in frontal third, going to a high quality network recommended doctor. How much should that person expect to pay?

I consulted with my doctor, and he thinks that 1,000 properly placed grafts will solve my density issue. I am excited to go ahead with this, and have a head of hair I can be proud of. My only concern is, I have been on finasteride since September, and think I am thinner as a result. Am I alright to go ahead with my second procedure, or should I wait for the full results of the finasteride? This could all be in my head of course. Thanks guys.

Fireman, You have a difficult decision to make, and it appears that you are going about it properly, researching first. If you require that many grafts, I think it would be nice to have it one and be done. But I'm not a doctor, and am not sure of how well suited you would be for a megasession. Also, this brings up the question of cost. It has been my understanding that the more grafts, the less expensive they become. Has the conservative doctor made mention of how he will charge you for two procedures, as opposed to one large one? Another factor to consider is the time, emotions, and personal comfort you invest in each procedure. I personally had a procedure of 1500 grafts, and am not happy with the yield or density, so will have to undergo a second procedure. This procedure is not extremely uncomfortable, but it is no walk in the park either. Would you rather be vacationing in the Turks & Caicos Islands, or be stuck at home, sleeping in a recliner in moderate discomfort a second time? Those are some pretty important factors to consider. As for the Suture or Staple issue, I have no opinion. You probably should meet with your surgeon in person before an operation, just my opinion. I do wish you the best results possible, and please keep us informed, I am particularly interested in the cost matter of having multiple procedures. Cheers, -Trees

I believe he does operate on a sliding scale, obviously I'd like to get a bigger discount than that, simply for all that's involved in a second procedure, and what I'd be sacrificing, when it should have been done the first time under the scalpel. But you think that is a fair price? I will certainly not pay anymore than that. Thank you Spanker. And I appreciate the feedback Newhairplease.

Hello my glossy headed brethren, I am at the 9 month post operation period, and am meeting with my surgeon next Friday to discuss and review my results. I posted a new album last night. Hair Restoration Social Network - Hair Loss and Transplant Photos I am very disappointed with the results, as I was led to believe that I would achieve my desired results with the number of grafts I received; 1500. According to many forum members, and two other Doctors I have consulted with since, have said I needed at least twice the amount of grafts to get my desired results. All I wanted was a mature hairline, with a good amount of density behind it. Basically a dense frontal third. I described my desired results to him, and he recommended the 1500 graft procedure. Other than poor planning, and not enough grafts; he did excellent and refined work. I was by no means butchered, but I am still unhappy with the results. I expressed my disappointment in August, and he said that if I was still unhappy at December's consult, we would work something out for a second procedure. This is where I need help. I am not sure how to approach the subject without insulting him, but I need to express how displeased I am with the results. I thought I was going to achieve my desired results with the first procedure, but that veil was pulled from over my eyes a few months after the procedure and saw the lack of density. That is heartbreaing for a HT patient. Now, in order to achieve my desired results, it will require a second operation. I don't want to have to go through that all over again, but I will need to in order to get what I want and paid for. He said he would work with me on the cost, but we didn't discuss to what extent. How do my fellow forum members feel that I should approach the financial aspect of it. My funds are somewhat limited now, and I do feel that a doctor should stand behind his work and make sure he has a satisfied patient. That being said, I feel a hefty discount is in order. Look at it this way, I am unhappy with my results, I have to go through the discomfort of a second procedure, I won't be going on vacation this year as a result, so instead of being on a tropical island, I will be home sleeping in my recliner in the cold gloomy weather, and will have to take time off of work. Time I can use toward something else, and more enjoyable. But I am willing to go through all of this again to have the hair I want. How much of a price break should I seek and expect? Another 1500 grafts will make all the difference, and my quality of life will improve exponentially; but I paid for that already, and was seriously let down. I strongly feel he needs to make it up to me. I appreciate all of your feedback, and the sooner I get it, the better, my follow up is coming very soon. -Trees