Under Construction

I recently heard of a product called "Touchback." This product is a "Hairmarker" that is used to conceal gray...it is essentially a temporary dye. The applicator looks like it make be useful as a concealer, so I am wondering if anyone has any experience with this product. Thanks.

I am hoping to find a hair stylist in Southern California...preferably in the Orange County area (but I will travel)...that has experience cutting HT hair. I am looking for someone that understands how to create a good cosmetic effect through appropriate layering and how to appropriately cover donor scars. Thanks in advance for the recommendation.

Is there a preferred slit/insertion technique to provide greater blood supply and yield when transplanting into scar tissue? Thanks

Is there a preferred slit/insertion technique to provide greater blood supply and yield when transplanting into scar tissue? Thanks

I am hoping that someone with experience using both of these products can give me an idea of the cosmetic differences between these two products. I have tried Nanogen, and do not like the results that I got. I thought it was quite obvious and messy. I also used their "locking spray" and this really didn't do much to control the product. Thanks for the insights.

I had an HT back in December. About a month later, I started using Rogaine (one application a day, at night, over my entire recipient area (crown, forelock, hairline). About a month after that, I began taking Proscar (using Dr. Wong's suggested every-other-day method). I have never used either Rogaine or Finasteride. I did have some concerns about starting them until my recent HT grew in, but I thought it may help with regrowth/yield and help in the preservation of my exisiting hair. I am now about a month into my Proscar usage, and I am noticing quite a bit of shedding taking place. I did not notice any significant shedding on the Rogaine after the first month, or into the 2nd month (as I began Proscar). Here are my questions: Was it foolish to start these meds for the first time while in the midst of an HT regrowth period? Does this shedding timeline seem normal? How long does the shedding period typically last and when will I begin noticing the benefits of the meds? Thanks.

Abedogg: You seem somewhat disappointed by "the booking process"...can you please elaborate? Thanks

SDM: Are you currently taking any hairloss meds?

Dr. Lindsey, At what point in time, post surgery, do you recommend the scar massage? I was always under the impression that manipulating this scar could cause it to stretch. Also, do you recommend massaging the recipient area? Thank you.

If sleep angle/positon mattered, why don't doctors give advice on this? My assumption has always been that if you can sleep horizontally, there is no harm to the grafts. Am I wrong here?

Stamos, Based on what I know, you should be in very good hands with Dr. Shapiro. He was on my very short list of docs that I considered, and still may go to him for some finishing touches. Unfortunately, your pics are not high enough quality for me to give you an informed opinion about your needs. My general advice would be to remove any obvious/obnoxious plugs in the hairline and/or crown(rather than just trying to camo them). By obvious/obnoxious, I mean pitted or directionally challenged. Also, focus on softening things in the hairline to obtain a natural apprearance. Regarding the donor, I would use the exisitng scar. You will probably be able to revise this scar while getting an adequate amount of grafts. Importantly, you must lossen up the donor area with exercises. You need to focus on this over the next month. Finally, this is probably not what you want to hear, but you must be patient. Based on your pics, and depending on your reasonable goals, you will likely have to undergo at least two procedures, especially if you are going to have any pluggy grafts removed during this procedure. I wish you the best, and look forward to seeing your progress and results.

Assuming one did have seasonal sheds, either due to climate changes (like dogs) or for other reasons, does it make sense to avoid a strip HT during the shed cycle? Or, when the doctor performs the HT, can they still harvest a dormant follicle? If they cannot, you would certainly be harming your donor supply.

Stamos, I am currently undergoing fairly extensive repair work (I just had my third repair procedure), and may be able to offer you some advice. Can you post a couple of pictures so we can better understand your situation? Also, which doctor are you planning on seeing?

Dr. Carman That is very helpful...thank you very much for the informative explanation.

What is the optimal hairline placement angle to produce the most natural looking hairline? When I look at natural hairlines, it appears that the hairs are actually angled back slightly(towards the crown). Yet, from the work that I have seen, most HT doctors seem to transplant hairs so that they stick straight up, or even lean forward. Am I correct here? Is there something that I can communicate to my HT doc to get optimal appearance? Thanks