jrsmith28

Thanks everyone! For anyone like me who stalked this site for years looking at results and contemplating a procedure, I say DO IT. It changes so much.

And that's why we take the plunge.

Was there any crown work done? Are you happy with the hair line if you were to pull your hair back?

Yes extremely happy! It couldn't have been any better. No crown work done. I'm sure that's coming in a few years. As I grow it out I've started to put some gel in and comb it up. It's so crazy I haven't been able to do that in 15 years.

It's been a slow gradual growth from the start. You really don't even notice a change that much until you do something with pictures like that and remember how bad it was.

I feel great. Everything is just how I thought it would be. No complaints so far!

9 months in...

5 Months in! I have some hair spray in...fuller with dry hair. I can now cut down to a 4 and there is no visible scar.

3 Month update........

It's funny because the dreaded "ugly duckling" phase never really hit me. I feel like shortly after the procedure, I simply went back to looking exactly like I did pre-op. I went back to work and honestly didn't even think about it. Now I am hitting 3 months, and am starting to notice some early growth. It's far from thick, but with a comb I can make it look better than pre-op. Can't wait for the coming months to see what happens.

Look's great! I hope I can get a quick growth like that.

Look's great! It's funny how getting a little more hair suddenly gives motivation to work out. I'm a month post op and have started running and lifting like never before. It's like we finally have a real goal in sight with a new self image.

1 month down...

Yup!!! It's almost gone. Funny how that happens. It's definitely gradual...but noticeable. I also just shaved my hair down to a 5 attachment. I'm basically back to pre-op now with minor redness and slightly visible scar line.

I'm a little over 3 weeks and have a question. I don't think I have shed anything yet. Don't you typically shed within the first few weeks? Does it just hit all at once or is it a gradual shed?

I am 2 weeks post op and with it being summer, wondering about the effects of sunlight. At what point is it safe to let some sun on your head? I also tend to burn easy...would even a slight burn damage anything to the new hair sites and prevent growth? I haven't shed anything yet, but know it is coming, and want to know how long I have to obsessively protect my head.

Thanks for posting your pics. That's going to give you quite a transformation when it grows in!

 

How many grafts did you receive?

Thanks I think so too! 3045 total.

Hey JR,Looks like u have quite a few graphs! What was you number break down?

1- 752

2- 1531

3- 664

4- 98

Total - 3045

Congrats! I was in there with Dr. Cooley recently also. Actually, trying to figure out the best place to get my sutures out. Right now, looking at CVS. Any suggestions in the Atlanta area?

I have no clue. I was planning on going back to Charlotte to get them out so they could look at everything too. I'm probably just being overly cautious.

A couple before and 3 morning after procedure.

Thank you all!! I'll be looking forward to some feedback. I couldn't imagine a better experience than what I had with Dr Cooley and staff. I was nervous about the strip and that actually turned out to be the easiest part. They make you feel so comfortable. I'll attach some day 2 pics.

I just got back to my hotel room after spending the day with Dr. Cooley and his staff. I underwent my first FUT.

Soooooo many feeling right now. I have been contemplating this move for over 10 years and so happy I finally did it. I couldn't sleep last night I was so nervous.

I will post pictures tomorrow and start tracking my progress as the long wait officially begins!

More hair look...

I've been on Propecia since I was 19. It has helped a lot. I think I would be completely bald. I typically have my hair longer and don't want to shave it down that low. If I can get away with a 3 or 4 shave I'm good to go.

I scheduled with Dr. Cooley for mid April!!! Can't wait. I decided to go with FUT and was told I would need around 3000.

It's a weird feeling. After considering this for over 10 years, I finally pulled the trigger and now it's a very nervous/worried feeling of making such a permanent decision. Anyone else go through that? I've hated my head and been depressed about it forever, and now I find myself looking in the mirror asking if I really need it....???? Wth???

I just hope it works out.

Exactly. With how bad the front looks, I'd much rather live with a bald crown in the future.

Thank you all!!! I'm getting more info on this thread than I have from meeting with docs!

I would RATHER let my hair grow out...it just looks really funny with the front receding. I also have a big head which doesn't help. I wouldn't mind the scar from FUT as long as I wouldn't have to shave again. I'll attach an image a little more grown out.

Either way, I have decided that I do not look good at all bald or shaved. I wear a hat constantly anyways. I don't think the self consciousness could get any worse even with a scar. I just want a hair line without this big long widows peak.

I'm definitely leaning towards Cooley. I'm going to set up a consult today.

I live in the Northeast GA area. I am close to Atlanta and 4 hr drive from Charlotte.

I am considering Dr Griffin, Dr Cooley, and just saw that Dr Mwambe has a GA office possibly.

Any thoughts? Opinions? Recommendations? Fue or Fut?

I have been researching for years and am ready to finally pull the trigger.

Awesome feedback. Thank you!

And now that you say that, I seem to remember first seeing the ARTAS option at Dr Cooley (who is recommended here) and now it is nowhere on his site. I could be mistaken.

It just seemed like a faster option because I'm sure an FUE procedure would be very labor intensive and I assumed would cost way more. Do you think a regular FUE with a reputable Dr would take me over 20k generally?