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 am not sure. Does your doc work off a sliding scale? If he does, the minimum discount should be that you pay on that sliding scale. If he charges 5 dollars for the first 1500 grafts and 3.75 for everything after, you should only pay 3.75 for all additional grafts for this session. Does this make sense? If you got good yield and are upset about the planning, you should be careful about being too aggressive in demands, but you should not pay any financial penalty because of his poor graft estimation.

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

Medical expenses are deductible if the annual total is more than 7.5% of you adjusted gross income. Elective surgeries are not usually considered eligible as they are not medically necessary. But that is open to great interpretation. A model, or actor can do it, as their income is derived from their appearance. So a procedure to enhance their appearance is eligible. There are many other loopholes I am assuming.

Aaron1234, just because insurance doesn't cover a procedure, or other medical expense does not exclude it from being tax deductible. I have many doctors that I see that are not in my insurance comapnies network, so I have to pay out of pocket to see them. You can bet your ass that I am deducting those costs on my tax return.

My main question is, has anyone actually done this, or knows of someone who has done this? I think I am eligible to do it, as I am pursuing an acting career, and my appearance is of paramount importance. I need to maintain a youthful appearance to get many roles, and being bald is not a youthful appearance.

Is there any way of doing this, without negative repercussions. I mean the receipt is not remotely specific as to the procedure. It just has the name of the 'Dermatology practice" on it.

Hello my glossy headed friends, I have a question. I think I already know the answer, and am kind of embarrassed for asking; but can I deduct the cost of my HT surgery when I file my tax return in 2012? With the general increase in the cost of healthcare, for example my new HSA through my employer having a $3,000 deductible and $6,000 out of pocket max, it would be nice to catch a break. Does anyone know the answer to this? I hope all are well as Thanksgiving is approaching.

-Trees

Baldwhisky,

 

 

 

Indeed, very good point, despite the tongue in cheek.

 

All patients should fully read through their consent forms prior to signing so they all understand everything they themselves are electing to do and ask any questions surrounding all the risks and potential outcomes clearly outline within it and involved with HT surgery to their doctor.

 

Then post op if the patient is not satisfied for whatever reason despite the result or their possible inflated expectations and understanding there then can be no miscommunication or flipping of the script. This in turn can save a great deal of energy, emotion and time and also can limit barbed topics and even lies posted publicly online designed to malign Doctors.

 

Best

spex

Spex,

I am looking at surgeons to do my second surgery, as I am not happy with the results of the first one. My unhappiness stems from inflated expectations I came to as a result of poor communication with my first surgeon. I am meeting with him in December to fully assess my progress, and discuss my level of satisfaction. I feel very strongly that I was misled to believe that I would achieve the results I was looking for from my first procedure, and my doctor has already agreed to work with me and stand behind his work, but to what extent? We will find out in December. I have never mentioned my surgeons name at all, especially not to "malign" him. Don't you think that a Surgeon should stand behind their work, and if they don't, then an honest, and greatly disappointed patient not only has the right, but duty to make their situation known in this community? I uinderstand that there are those out there with less than honorable intentions, that can be said about both doctors and patients though. I am counting on my surgeon to make good on his work, and provide me with the results I had requested, and was led to expect. I think that is only fair. And in the name of fairness, that surgeons name will be revealed for doing a top notch job and standing behind his work, or revealed for providing misinformed expectations, and not following through on them afterward. I don't see that as an attempt to "malign" a surgeon, and many other network members would agree with me, both patients and surgeons.

That having been said, I might be in the market for a new surgeon if my primary doesn't follow through. I have heard absolutely wonderful things about Dr. Feller, and would certainly consider him to work on my dome. Spex, I know that you have a close professional relationship with Dr. Feller. Have you seen poor work on his part, or just people speaking poorly of him? The first negative information I have read on Feller was this post above. Please let me know what people are saying about him, whether it be positive or negative. PM me if you must. But I want it to be perfectly clear that I do not intend to harm my primary surgeons reputation, I just want what we had discussed, and I was expecting after my first procedure. You surely know the heart ache felt by a HT patient, whose expectations have not been met.

Sincerely,

Trees

Best of luck on your journey, I have heard wonderful things about both surgeons. Before exhausting your donor supply in 4 years, make sure cloning isn't only a few years away; that would be a shame.

My shedding is significant, and I am three months on Finasteride. Is significant shedding normal at this stage, and how long until the Shedded hair grows back? I mean if it is just jumpstarting the cycle.

OK, I wrote a whole post the other night, but guess I never clicked post quick reply before leaving the forum.

I will go into as much detail as I possibly can, without revealing anything I am uncomfortable with; I don't want to violate Dr. Wesley's trust.

I arrived in the morning, just as any HT patient would, and had a benzo to relax. We went into detail as to what was going to happen, and I was fine. We were only doing a very small procedure for the clinical trial, so only enough donor area to provide FU's for the trial and some grafts to fill in a weak area of mine was removed.

I liked what I saw, and that was a lot; Dr. Wesley let's you be involved as much as you want as long as it isn't interferring with his work. This will prove to be very promising, and I have no reason to believe that it will not be. This is nothing crazy, or way out there. Other people have described it as a new approach to existing technology, and improving upon it. I wish I could say more, but I can't, it is super exciting though. Dr. Wesley is also super excited to reveal his new technology, but can't just yet. He has intellectual property to protect, but give him a little time; all questions will be answered. Remember, in addition to all of his research, he is running a successful practice.

I received 154 grafts for my participation in the trial, and that may seem like a very small amount, they will add a good density to an area I needed them most. I have an unusually dense donor area, with many 3 and 4 hair groupings, so each graft counts. This is promising for future procedures, well a future procedure, I hope I only have to go through this one more time, I am 3 days post op, and still in a bit of discomfort. I had to go back to work yesterday, and had a funeral to attend this morning, but I plan on taking it easy for the rest of the weekend. I plan on having another 1500 graft procedure in Februrary or so, and I think I will then be happy with my results, all I want is a DENSE FRONTAL THIRD, is that too much to ask? lol.

Anyway,

Wesley is legit my friends, this is something that will offer a real alternative to the tried and true FUT procedure, much more so than a FUE. All will be revealed soon. Please keep the well wishes coming, I certainly appreciate them. You can ask me more questions, and I will try to answer them as tactfully as possible. Goodbye for now my friends.

-Trees.

Hello my glossy headed brethren. I am going to take part in the advancement of hair loss treatment in the morning, and am very excited about it. I will be getting a small amount of grafts for my time, discomfort, and participation, but I am very proud to be part of something that will help many others down the road. I have complete faith in Dr. Wesley's ground breaking method. Wish me good luck, and I will keep you all posted.

Hey guys, thanks for the feedback. Sorry it took so long to respond, I've been pretty busy. I am certainly glad to hear that this increase in shedding is merely temporary, and that it is indicative of a favorable response to the finasteride. I can't wait for it to come back, as I appear much thinner now, and the transplanted hair isn't dense enough to mask it. I really had my hoped up that the finasteride would reverse the effects of the DHT on the miniaturized follicles. At least I can find find comfort in knowing that I will have assistance in retaining the hair I have!

Yes, I am cutting my 5mg Proscar in quarters. It is a brilliant way to avoid paying the ridiculously high price of Propecia.

Are you sure my follicle miniaturization won't reverse?

I began using Proscar (Finasteride) about two months ago, and have noticed a marked increase in hair loss. Is this normal? Does it mean that it is working? And will it reverse the miniaturization of my thinning follicles? Thanks guys.

I just saw a procedure in another thread, where Dr. Rahal did over 7,000 grafts. He averaged 278 hairs per sq cm, that seems really high. I have consulted with several other doctors regarding my second procedure, and they all said that too many in one area will only yield about 70% or so. I know Dr. Rahal is a superstar and all, but how is it possible to put that many in one area?