michaeljames

Looking for a Pittsburgh dr. for ht. Anyone know of any good ones?

Hello Still Got My Youth,

What a great handle mate. The search feature on this site allows you find HTN recommended doctors by area. So this is a good source for you. to take advantage of. There a surgeons who have under gone vigorous scrutiny from the HTN forum advocates. The US has many good surgeons. Research their clinic sites and portfolios that they have hear. All the Best, Michael

I had this question, they say that having a single hair graft placed on fine calibre is "the" important thing while defining a natural hairline, now I also understand having a Zig-Zag,shingled approach is equally important while placing hair grafts to give it a natural look.

 

But I am just thinking how can you have the zig-zag approach while placing the hair grafts on a hairline, because to make a hairline you need all the hairgrafts touching/on that line and if you have a zig-zag approach what that would mean is 1 hair graft is placed on the hairline drawn and one behind that !! I mean does this sound ok ?? You want all the hair placed on the hairline for the hairline to take shape and be complete but if you do the zig-zag approach how will cover the entire hairline ? One will be on the hairline and other just behind that, not touching the hairline so how does this work ?

 

Can anyone explain this ?

Hello Augustya,

Take a look at some unatural hairlines from HT David Borenaz (Bones) and Matthew McConnehy (Mud) where the hairline is super thick and looks unnatural. Men's mature hairline without any hair loss are naturally irregular. Also the follicles in that part of the scalp usually only produce one hair shaft or perhaps two. A surgeon with great skill and artistry will produce a natural hairline by placing singles and twos in a staggered effect so that the thickness across the hairline is not dense giving a wig like appearance. I hope this helps, All the Best, Michael

Hey everyone I've been perusing this site for a while now, wish I'd found it sooner.When I was 25 I noticed I was going bald,here five years later I pretty much am.I found a surgeon in maryland,Dr John Kiely, and after meeting him

and his staff I decided to get two procedures done last year.One in July and

another in november.I got a total of 600 grafts,fue btw, and it cost me six grand.

The donor area looks fantastic, in I can't really even tell where it is to be honest.I was feeling pretty good about the whole thing until recently.My hair is not nearly

as thick as I wanted, and I knew that I would need to get more procedures done to get the coverage that I want.My concern is the grafts themselves.In bright

sunlight I can see bumps all over my head where each graft is.It is especially

notable in the bright sunlight.It looks pretty bad.So after doing some googling

I see that this is called cobblestoning.And it is a sign of a bad hair transplant.

I feel like I had a pretty good experience with Dr. Kiely, but my fear is that

I may be screwed.So my question is, how long after a transplant should I be able

to see the grafts.Could it just be that it takes a while to really blend in with the scalp?I've got two pics here I took outside.Any thoughts.I hadn't really thought it was that bad til I started looking closer.Now I'm afraid it looks pluggy and bad.Like I said I had the most recent one in november so its only been six months?I am due to go back for a check up this coming week, and I'm wondering if I should even bother?Hopefully I am just being paranoid and

these graft will blend in over time.They aren't the best quality pictures, but hopefully you can see what I'm talking about.

Hello gallabacca;,

I completely understand your concern here. The results indicated here in you pics show a poor HT in my opinion. Also a very pricey procedure for such a small amount of grafts. Could you share what type of extraction method was used. The industry and the consumer needs more information on comparing results with FUE to the final outcome.of FUE in regards to method of extraction. On the plus side this is very correctable. HTN surgeons are some of the best in the world. Moving forward in your hair restoration use this forum and review more results in choose a surgeon with more skill. All the Best, Michael

Hello Dyski;

Do you have any updates for us on how you made out. Seeing your doctor and the suggestion of a second opinion are all good ideas. What is your status at this point and what was your action?

Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

I've looked into my scalp condition a bit more(on the internet) and it seems my symptoms look more like it could be something called craddle cap. I've never heard of craddle cap before now but the yellow flacky scabs look very similar to mine.. I'm going to see a dermatologist asap, I don't know why I never went to see one before.

 

Thomasc - that must be so frustrating not even seeing one hair, but I'm sure your time will come soon especially with the psoriasis under control. I too have read in some instances it taking up to 5-6 months. At what stage post surgery did you find your psoriasis flaring up? & how frequently are you washing with Nizoral?

 

gb83 - that sounds encouraging. I've booked a trip to Europe 7 1/2 months from my operation (4 months from now) and was really hoping to have some serious growth by then. Here's hoping.

 

Thanks Michael and gb83 for the dermatologist suggestion, definitely going to go see one.

 

Tom

Glad, we can be of help mate. Let us know how you make out with the dermatologist. As a parent very familiar with cradle cap in new born babies. A mild bacterial infection and dehydration can contribute to it. Also the baby's sensitivity to a cosmetic being used in it's care can be at the root of destroying the natural acid mantle of the scalp making it susceptible to forms of dermatitis. All the Best and keep us in the loop. Michael

Hello all,

 

A breif history.... I have had 2 HT's, one 3 years ago and the other 10.5 months ago. The first HT was great and the 2nd was terrible with barley any growth. I went back to my doctor last week and had a scalp biopsy done and the results said that my scalp is in good shape but I might have Cronic TE or Early Androgenetic Alopecia. I know that I have male pattern baldness and I'm fine with that. My doctor is telling me that the reason I have had no growth for 10.5 months is because I'm in a Cronic Telogen Effluvium stage and need to wait it out. Has anybody ever heard of this or experienced it? He is also telling me that I should wait another year, 12 months before I get a second biopsy or HT. This does not make much sence to me, could all of my transplanted hair (1250 graphs) be sleeping for the last 10.5 months as well as the 20% of native hair I shed. I'm confussed, any help would be awesome.

Hi ecco007,

Sorry, for your complications. I do not have personal experience but am aware of some issues regarding TE. We are all so unique and the explanation you have been given is a reasonable one. The body constantly seeks homeostasis when its natural rhythms are interrupted (ie. surgery). It seems very reasonable to give your body more time if required to reset its normal growth cycle. You are taking the right steps having it monitored by your doctor. I recommend you continue with those efforts and seek a second qualified opinion if you have yet to do so.

Hello Everyone,

This thread certainly has sparked some controversy. There are actually techs who may have more experience then a physician. I have encountered this. At some level greater tech involvement could actually lower the cost of surgery. However, this is still a medical procedure and like other medical applications the balance between the doctor performed tasks and tech performed task need be critically examined. Much like that between a doctor and a nurse in other areas. Clearly, the experience and level of training is an issue here. Perhaps, training for techs needs levels akin to nursing and a physician's assistant. As this field grows I see this as a primary concern, the more formalized and approved certification of technicians. As it is today, my thoughts are to err on the side of exceptional concept and that texts should not perform duties currently exclusive to HT surgeons. I will revisit these thoughts in reference to how training becomes standardized in this medical specialty. All the Best, Michael

Hello IrishSailor;

It is unfortunate that people take such strong opinions sometimes. The whole focus of HTN is a consumer base group and the Forum admins in recommending surgeons. They do not do this lightly. So all the surgeons listed here have undergone a good deal of scrutiny. Optimally, you will have to consult and choose who you are comfortable with. Use this forum and the physicians sites to review results and select possible candidates for your hair restoration. Some posters, like myself are affiliated with HT clinics. As a patient advocate i do so because of the skill, artistry and sincere commitment to the patients. All the Best, Michael.

I have searched the internet this question "losing how many hair a day is normal?"

 

I've got results varying from 20-25 in some websites to 100-125 in majority of sites , 15-20 as suggested by an amateur trichologist in richfeel clinic to around 100 as suggested by a hair transplant doctor I met.

 

So what is the normal daily hair fall number??

Hello RahulReddy,

The normal human hair growth cycle has a pretty wide range to actual hair shafts shedding daily. Research has shone that to range from 50 to 100 years per day. Shedding beyound that should be brought to the attention of a medical professional. All the Best, Michael

Hello ecco007,

The others are advising you well. TE is a condition where the normal hair growth cycle do to some stressor has a large number of hair in the Teflogen stage. The body needs time to return homeostasis on it's own. This condition should be monitored by your doctor. Not what you probably wanted to hear, remain patient. All the Best, Michael

Hi,

I am 32 from India (Hyderabad) and have been losing hair since 8 years, somehow i managed till this date. But now i feel that my scalp is more visible and unable to cover the scalp with my existing hair and would like to do the surgery (HT).

 

But when i met the leading Hair Transplant surgeon Dr.Madhu, he told me that i am not perfect for hair transplant and he suggested to be on Meds for 3 months and visit him again so that he will check at that time about the transplant.

So for a second opinion i went to the another leading surgeon Dr. Ravindra Reddy, he also suggested the same to me to be on Meds for 3 months. I am now thinking to meet Dr.Sreedhar Reddy in Bangalore.

 

Can u guys please tell me whether i am eligible for the surgery and suggest me the surgeon among the three. I am attaching the pics of mine taken today (april 6th 2013). Also i would like to know which Norwood i am in, i am totally confused and unable to figure out about my Norwood Stage.

 

I am thinking to cover my frontal part atleast initially.

 

Thanks and regards

Hello 1962vi;

You appear to be between NW2 advances towards NW 2A...but your pattern is not the classic usually observed. Be sure that your miniaturization study does not indicate diffused hair loss. This cannot be seen by just viewing your images here. Listen to the opinions of the various surgeons you are consulting with and make your most informed decision. All the Best, Michael

Well i have had a 800 Fue on my frontal 1/3rd about 6 months ago

 

Everything is perfect till now.. But what concerns me is the bumpy appearance around follicles..

 

Well this is Pic is taken almost 45 days post op after shed.. There were not much visible scarring then

 

 

Now at 6.5 months the hairs have started maturing.... and at the roots i can see white little bumps... I am worried.. what shoud i do now... I want to go back normal again... I dont mind going bald now... all i want is to be natural again... and i dont want more transplants

 

What should i do...Are they permanent? Or do they subside as time goes...

How soon will cobblestoning appear after a transplant

 

Hello Sharan,

The pictures are a bit obscured but it appears that this could be a case of folliculitis though I would have anticipated it sooner after the procedure. However, that does not rule it out. Give your surgeon a call; folliculitis easily treatable. You can try an over-the-counter antibacterial or get a prescription form your doctor. All the Best, Mkchael

Hello Pup,

What a thought provoking thread. Spanker's point of the best trained and skilled has merit. Yet, I think that person should be a medical doctor or at minimum a physicians assistance. As any professional field there are already enough challenges in HT. Opening the door for non medical people now matter how skilled brings with it more inherent risk literally and perceptually.

Future developments may change my thoughts on this. More exacting and precise robotics, the evolution of certified training programs like in the dental field and others, could cause me to revisit these thoughts. In present state I would also be concerned that less reputable clinics would leap at the opportunity to increase profit margin by utilizing less skilled techs.

I concur with Blake on this for the time being. All the Best, Michael

Hello SkinEd;

The 5% solution works best for most people. Liquid or foam is sometimes just a personal preference. If one or the other seems to work better for you; keep to it. All the Best, Michael

Hi everyone,

 

In early February I had my FUT surgery with a respected surgeon receiving approx 2900 hairs to the front of my receding hairline. I've seen some great results on this forum by this doctor and felt that my transplant went very well.

 

I'm just starting to worry because i am at the end of week 11 since the surgery and can see only at very best 100 transplanted hairs that are coming up. The majority of my transplanted hair fell out in week 6 since my surgery which means 5 weeks have passed since the hair has fallen out. Do transplanted hairs grow at different rates or if I'm seeing some hairs that have grown to 1-1.5cm already should I have expected to see signs of all the hairs coming through?

 

Additionally I have been getting very dry scalp patches and some yellowish scabby buildup in patches of the transplanted area. I'm really worried that this is stopping the hair from regrowing. I have had this condition in the past but have usually been able to keep it at bay with regular use of Nizoral shampoo but at the momment it is not going away.

 

I know this forum gets a lot of posts from worried patients post surgery who are impatient with their hair growth but I'm worried it is my scalp condition that may stop the hairs from ever growing. I've seen patients with a lit more regrowth by this stage.

 

Any suggestions/feedback would be appreciated.

 

Tom

Hello TommyFerdi,

The Psoraisis should not negatively effect your hair growth as it is an epidermal condition and not one toe directly effect the transplanted FUs. Of course if the concern is great and you are noting a negative reaction do not just rely on our responses in the forum but see your surgeon and follow his or hers instruction. All the Best, Michael

I had FUE hair transplant on monday, everything went perfect, I was very impressed with the procedure, but since I looked on the internet I get VERY confused about coffee consuption and caffeine, my surgeon did not say that I should avoid drinking coffee, in fact I had coffee during the procedure, but since I look into it, there are many who strongly advise not to consume it for many days but then there are studies that show caffeine is good for you - like increased hair growth and defense agains DHT,

 

I am taking finasteride since sunday ( one day pre op ) now as well, but caffeine?!!! Can someone explain to me should I stop drinking coffee or it is beneficial to consume it? Or avoiding coffee consumption is just overly hyped thing? Because I love coffee

Hello Bonaparts,

Yes, conflicting information can be so frustrating. Sometimes anecdotal reports spawn a rash of pseudo-science. Worldwide, 25 million small coffee producers in third world countries supplies and estimated 2.5 billion cups of coffee globally per day. I assert if any perceptible blocking of DHT or stimulus to hair growth it would be well known. Or at minimum this highly available resource would be exploited through research without limit for the tremendous market potential.

The medications that doctors use during your hair transplant surgery contain epinephrine. It is used so that bleeding can be minimized and the anesthesia can last longer. Epinephrine is a very potent blood vessel constrictor (more so than caffeine in your coffee).

In the end, use your good judgment and follow your doctors instructions. I generally tell my patients not to have coffee the day of the transplant to keep them calm more than anything else. All the Best, Michael

Hey guys, one of the most common questions in regards to FUE is the pros and cons of both the manual and automated/motorized punches used for extractions. In this thread we can discuss both and I will also be listing exact quotes from prominent FUE doctors pertaining to their preferences and reasons for and against. I will list each quote in a separate post so it will be easily quotable should anyone want to discuss or elaborate on it. Quotes will be in no particular order in regards to whether the Doctor is part of the coalition or not or whether I prefer a certain Doctor's work more or not. Will be totally arbitrary and unbiased. We can also discuss what we think of manual and motorized. I'm leaving ARTAS out due to it's relative infancy.

 

Note: Quotes contained in this thread are the opinions of the Doctors and/or their representatives. Any conclusions you come to based on the information posted here are you own. This thread is not meant to polarize the forum into favoring or denouncing any method used. I am merely posting a collection of opinions on what I view as a very important factor in FUE. I will be adding to this thread as time goes on and Doctor's are free to post their opinions themselves here. I would prefer if representatives post their Doctor's opinions on the matter and not their own simply to keep it keep it level. I'm not being compensated in anyway by anyone, thread is for my enjoyment/interest and yours, should you be interested in such a matter. Peace.

Hi Mickey,

About two years ago Dr. Mohebi directed and conducted a study regarding FUE, At this time the manual method is the preferred in our centers prior and post the study. There are several premises discussed prior to the study: Hair Restoration Blog » Blog Archive » FUE Transplant – Automated vs. Manual

All the Best, Michael

Hey guys, one of the most common questions in regards to FUE is the pros and cons of both the manual and automated/motorized punches used for extractions. In this thread we can discuss both and I will also be listing exact quotes from prominent FUE doctors pertaining to their preferences and reasons for and against. I will list each quote in a separate post so it will be easily quotable should anyone want to discuss or elaborate on it. Quotes will be in no particular order in regards to whether the Doctor is part of the coalition or not or whether I prefer a certain Doctor's work more or not. Will be totally arbitrary and unbiased. We can also discuss what we think of manual and motorized. I'm leaving ARTAS out due to it's relative infancy.

 

Note: Quotes contained in this thread are the opinions of the Doctors and/or their representatives. Any conclusions you come to based on the information posted here are you own. This thread is not meant to polarize the forum into favoring or denouncing any method used. I am merely posting a collection of opinions on what I view as a very important factor in FUE. I will be adding to this thread as time goes on and Doctor's are free to post their opinions themselves here. I would prefer if representatives post their Doctor's opinions on the matter and not their own simply to keep it keep it level. I'm not being compensated in anyway by anyone, thread is for my enjoyment/interest and yours, should you be interested in such a matter. Peace.

Hi Mickey,

About two years ago Dr. Mohebi directed and conducted a study regarding FUE, At this time the manual method is the preferred in our centers prior and post the study. There are several premises discussed prior to the study: Hair Restoration Blog » Blog Archive » FUE Transplant – Automated vs. Manual

All the Best, Michael

Would this be an ideal long term solution?

Hello Socrates,

Yes the relative newness in this procedure makes data scarce for the moment. It's practice is growing among some centers. Ours is one. This article may provide some insight:Hair Restoration Blog » Blog Archive » FUE and SMP Can Resolve Hair Loss

I will check our image gallery to see if more result images are available. All the Best, Michael

Hi guys, I'm pretty much at my final straw with my hair.. I've worried and worried and here I am

 

First of all here's my hair pushed back, usually i have a long fringe over my forehead

 

 

I'm a 21 healthy guy from the UK.. Yes I've suffered from stress and been diagnosed with depression.. Over the past few year I've been recovering from years and years of struggling with anxiety and depression which has lead me to nearly killing myself.. I put most of this down to bullying, my childhood in general and my BDD (body dismorphic disorder).. i dont know if this has made my hair fall out or what, but i know at one point due to stress when i was young, my hair lost all it's colour and was near enough grey

 

These days my BDD is the only thing that really drags me down, I worry about my skin and especially my hair(line) etc

 

My dad has a very similar hairline altho obviously he is much older and it's a lot worse on him, surely that means its hereditary and mine is going to go the same way?

 

Why I'm here is just for some advice, I've bought some Rogaine/Regaine to try out despite reading it's not THAT successful and I'm working to save up for a hair transplant. I just want that gap filled

 

I just wondered if theres anyone out there with some advice

This isnt something I can just learn to deal with. My BDD is out of control DRs and psychiatrists can't help

 

Thanks for reading

 

Aaron

Hell Aaron,

I empathize with your concerns. It is good you are receiving the professional consul for BDD; it is a challenging path but stay with it mate. Minoxidil (Rogaine) sometimes is not effective. Finesteride (Propecia) might be an alternative for you. This is a prescribed medication so you would be best served seeing and HTN recommended doctor. You might find a smaller HT procedure could be of benefit.

Most importantly is that you continue working with your doctor to help with your BDD and share with him how you think improving your self image may help you. All the Best, Michael

Hi all,

 

I've been lurking for 3 years and I've finally just signed up for an account. To keep it short, I'm looking for a good FUE surgeon in the US who can handle hair with a slight wave.

 

My current pattern is a diffuse 3A, concealer works well, but I think the effectiveness is starting to thin (no pun intended.)

 

Being a CA resident, I've long considered Diep or Umar. But I haven't seen enough results to really calm the nerves. Particularly Diep, he has a lot of pre-op youtube videos, but the lack 1 year follow-up videos scares me .

 

It appears that the really great FUE docs are in Europe. But are there any comparable FUE-only specialists here in the good ole US?

 

Thanks

fuepower

Hi Fuepower,

You have certainly chosen two good HTN recommended surgeons. I may also suggest you consider another HTN recommended surgeon Dr. Parsa Mohebi. As you can see from my signature line I work in his centers and familiar with his work. I trust that whomever you choose from the surgeons listed here it is in your favor. All the Best, Michael

So, I'm feeling pretty down because I have been balding since I was 16 when I noticed my hair was thinning. When I got to college I started saving up for an ht and using concealers. It took me a long time because I had a part time job and going to school. I also couldn't get a loan because my sister messed up my credit when I co-signed something for her. After about 3 years my hair got worse and I started wearing a hat all day not letting anyone see my hair hoping one day I will get an ht and then get rid of the hat. My friends and family obviously know why I wear the hat, but I was so insane about them not seeing the change from the ht and I just avoided the subject. It completely destroyed my social life and I was just holding on to this light at the end of the tunnel for an ht. 7 years of solitude and loneliness. So after all this time I finally get my money saved up and I'm ready to get my life back. I went to get a consult and find out that I have diffused hair loss and pretty bad one at that. I am stuck with going bald. I feel like i'm going to snap. I feel I don't have the face or head shape to look good bald.

 

Upside is I got all this money saved up. I don't know what I should do. I thought of maybe hiring someone to give me a makeover to hopefully help me find a good look for me that I just can't see. I feel unattractive. Are there any people that do this professionally and work with hair/balding looks and overall style? I was looking into image consultants, but I don't know exactly if this is what they do. I need help, I am so utterly depressed. I want to be happy again, I haven't felt that way in a long time.

Hello apgomez85,

I deeply empathize with you mate; but we are always more then the sum of our physical appearance. That being said I took a look at your photos. Since you have olive skin and dark hair you could go with the look very similar to Tony Parker, of the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. Not saying you have the same face or appearance but Tony has been sporting that look since early in his career.with some enhancements. Perhaps you have enough donor hair to have a redesigned FUE hairline & augment with SMP. I think you will find yourself happy with that solution. Wishing you all the Best, Michael

Am a 30 years old male had my FUE transplant on the 29th of December 2012 4500 grafts, I got HT in the front and the back, I experienced shock loss exactly after 2 weeks, but after that as my hair grew longer I started shedding my normal hair (non transplanted) which was continues for a couple of months and till now that I can see the center of my scalp I never shed much hair before in my life, I've been losing hair since I was 21 till now I kept it under control for almost 8 years and when Propecia, minoxidil came available I started using them regularly, I actually use proscar 5 mg but I cut the pill in half to lower the dose to 2.5 mg ...

 

I have been using Rogaine foam twice daily, Revivogen (solution and shampoo), and proscar ...

I stopped all the medication for 10 days before the surgery, now am using only proscar again.

 

My question is; is this shedding normal ? will it grow again ? can I do something to stop it ? am I going to need another transplant ? am in my 4 month post op started to see few hair growth in the front I can't tell if its happening in the back ... and I did not lose all my transplanted hair two weeks after the surgery.

Hello Dyski,

Shock Loss is not unusual; but one does want to be certain that is what it is. Hair Loss from shock loss nearly always returns to what is your 'normal growth cycle.' You might want to learn more about shock loss and then consult with your surgeon in a better informed manner. What you don't want to do is make this assumption without the guidance of the person you trusted and invested your HT hair restoration with. All the Best, Michael

They've just went away on their own. I hit the 12 week mark yesterday

Great to hear Boomer that it is all resolved. Look forward to seeing your photo updates if you post them. It will be helpful for others here. All the Best, Michael.

Hello Everyone,

In this thread several people mentioned that they were looking for updates on SMP here is some info.

All the Best Michael.