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No, Bonkerstonker, I didn't have that, (Cool name by the way) though my donor area is still very sensitive, as a coworker slapped me in the back a couple of weeks ago...

hey man I'll be 5 mos post op in a week; my hairdresser has been following my progress since my hair transplant - examining my scalp and told me that at three months she wasn't impressed but now, she says that the entire recipient area the crown shows growth all over pretty much like a day old shave. The hairline though is rather slow to respond. I of course cannot see pretty much anything in the back but I do see that some of the transplanted hairs in the front that did not fall off are about 1 cm or so in length and some are rather curly. She told me she's very impressed and that I should give it more time....meanwhile, my doctor hasn't returned my calls doesn't really want to be bothered and that's rather upsetting. But thank God for my hairdresser; she's a straight arrow...

I will consider the rogaine topical solution, it seems like a safe bet....The first three months after the procedure seemed unending....now that i'm approaching five months I'm like...arghhhh. You've been patient for a year and somewhat pleased with your results regarding dr Chao...I too have thought of the possibility of more hair growth had I gone to another more reputable doctor; Cost, like you mentioned, is a major factor. He did mention that because i'm a smoker he'd put less grafts and yet the day of the surgery he had transplanted more than 2,000 grafts...confussing yes, but grateful nonetheless. Most likely I will go back to him as well because he's cheap and his staff is great. Unfortunately neither dr chao nor Rob Angelino really ever return phone calls; you're basically ignored and forgotten...that alone will make me scrutinize him and his staff even more, and milk them for as much attention as I can. Thanks a lot for your reply....

Thank you, for your reply....No I have not experienced that many pimples that would alarm me and as for propecia that's out of the question...I was on propecia for six monthe and switched to avodart for two years with no results except for a loss in libido and terribly embarrassing sexual encounters...I had to visit an endocrinologist who put me on supplements and I had to give me myself tri weekly injections of hormones to help boost my natural testosterone levels back to normal...Then I had my hair transplnt. As I am 41 years old, I really don't want to mess with my libido...Thank you for your words of support. I now can safely assume that I have to be patient for another 3-4 months...before I notice a considerable difference....Boy do I hate having to comb over that small bald patch...

Sorry it took so long to reply....Currently i'm beyond the four and a half month mark...I was told the number of grafts given me, which was a surprise...2,257 overall, though I only paid for 2,000. Two weeks later when I had the sutures removed, I grilled the nurse with questions...As the nurse told me that they had transplanted up to 60 single grafts per square cm in certain areas; that made me rethink their strategy of not densely packing the grafts since i am a smoker. I don't know though I was told by bosley doctors back in 2003 after a consultation that a succesful transplant has about 25 - 40 grafts... Also they took pictures right after the procedure; pics that I have not seen despite calling them a few times...No contact at all from them; However after about 3 months when I had my stylist examine my scalp, she couldn't tell I had had a procedure and there was no new hair growth yet. Most of the transplanted hair had fallen off. A week ago I had her recheck my scalp and she noticed new hair sprouting forth that looked like "a day without shaving" with hair all over my receeding hair line. Although not an expert she did assure me that the new hair that was coming out was dense and growing out evenly....When I look in the mirror I cannot see much improvement as it is still early; Though I trust my hairdresser as she assures me that Dr Chao did a fine job and that I should be patient.....The mark of 4-6 months seems crucial. Though I do find it slightly easier to comb my hair. I am very optimistic...

Yes indeed, i was upset at first but then understood his logic. Nonetheless I am glad he didn't refuse me. He told me that when certain serious cosmetic surgeries are performed, the nurses draw blood and check for nicotine content. If you're blood contains nicotine they'll hold off on the surgery. Thanks RC

Thank you Lorenzo. Good luck Pete. Your pics look great. I was surprised they bought me lunch. They suggested I take a break and eat, though I kindly declined as I wanted to get this over with. Sitting in the chair for 6 hours was like....argh; though I was heavily sedated. My only regret is that he didn't densely pack the grafts due to my smoking which I was able to cut down to 3-4 cigs a day but not quit. He assured me however that I should be fine. I am 5 days post-op, recovering nicely, slight swelling of the forehead for which I used ice packs and anti swelling meds. The donor area is still tight and slightly uncomfortable. Valium helps me sleep like a baby. I no longer sleep at an incline, and I take it very easy at work. 4 more days to go before I can take a normal shower and run my fingers through my hair. I did notice a two hair graft falling out which I saved; I was told it's normal. Everyone at work is fascinated at my procedure and a few have even come up to me and opened up about their hair loss. Expressing and confronting your fears and subsequent actions by talking to people has made me all the more comfortable. After two years on Avodart, without any results besides a terrible loss in libido, I am finally elated and proud to have done this. Cheers...

I am four days post op, sponge watering and lite shampooing my hair. when I was done, I applied light pressure with a towel, let air dry for about an hour and a blowdry set on low with cold hair to dry it. I noticed a two hair follicle loose in between my front hair. It was dry there was no blood. I saved it, and took some pics of it. I wonder if I lost any more grafts but can't seem to find any of them. I was told it's normal to lose a few grafts and that it wouldn't be anything significant. I guess I worry too much.....

I just had a procedure done by dr Chao. 2,257 grafts all over my crown and some on the hairline, on 2/15/2011. I am now three days post-op. I have no swelling, no bleeding and all looks good. Check out my pics. Dr Ron Chao and his staff are very nice people, extraordinarily courteous and they even bought me lunch.