ravchase

I've been using Rogaine for years. It's probably the only reason I'm hanging on to what I have (I also take Biotin & use Nizoral shampoo). To be honest, Propecia scares me. I really don't want to rely on pills for the rest of my life...especially since the results are far from a guarantee. I'll discuss the plan of attack with some of the doctor(s) before my next surgery. That is what Dr. Pistone had recommended, and it had been what I anticipated anyway, but some doctors may feel differently. Obviously, getting a session like yours that had nearly DOUBLE the number of grafts I received would be do much more as far as ensuring as close to full coverage as possible. Thanks again Matt...while I had been accepting of what might was, in my opinion a "good" result, your message convinced me that I should make sure the next time I get a "great" result.

Not offended in the least. I appreciate any frank feedback. Most of what I've read as responses is along the lines of "Looks great!" and you can never if they're being honest or just cheerleading. I did want to focus on the crown - obviously that's in the worst shape. I'm okay with the hairline for now, but mostly because I wasn't expecting full density in the first surgery, especially considering how barren it was to begin with. He could have packed the hairline more densely, but then I'd get less coverage than I did across the front half of my head. He also only got 2200 grafts (compared to your 4300). However, I had been expecting the second surgery to increase density of the hairline regardless of doctor. Dr. Pistone had told me (in a prior appointment) that he would not need the entire second strip to fill in the crown, so then he'd return to the hairline and work his way backward. Picture of my donor area (from 5 days post-surgery) attached. I will definitely consult with some other doctors to get some feedback on my best path forward. There are several in the New York City area Thanks for the recommendation of Dr. Beehner - Saratoga Springs is actually pretty far relative to me. New York City is only about 2 hours away, and in addition to Feller, I know Drs. Bernstein, Dorin & True are there, so there shouldn't be a need for me to travel further than that. Thanks again!

Matt, Thanks for your feedback. I added some additional photos that show the hairline (you can't really tell from the others since my hair is combed straight forward). Unfortunately, as you see, I am still using Toppik. I think the fact that I'd be using it on the crown regardless has more or less let me accept this fact, and the fact that I now "look good" with Toppik, as opposed to before, when there was nothing in the temples, has been huge. At this point, if my crown were not nearly bald, I would be comfortable going out of the house without Toppik. I was pretty happy with my results, but I had what I'll call "reasonable" expectations. Your results seem exceptional! You are probably correct that I've had further hair loss in the recipient area. The doctor told me as much when I saw him a few months back. He had said that the majority of the hair on the front half of my head was transplanted hair. I don't THINK it's an issue with the donor hair...he told me it was a great donor area (although I'm sure they usually say that), but God knows the hair on the back and sides of my head grows quickly and is always thick, so it doesn't seem like that should be an issue. I am alarmed at the statement about the second strip scar. Someone mentioned that on another board as well. It's enough to at least make me consult another doctor. I always knew that one surgery would not be enough - however, I don't intend to have more than two, and I want to emerge from the second surgery not reliant on Toppik anymore. It would be nice to not have to worry about going out in the rain, having to wipe down my bathroom counters and floors constantly, or sleeping at a girl's place and having to dust off the pillow without waking her up. I will consult with Dr. Feller in NY for my next operation. The scar resulting from the second surgery was a concern to me (whether it be the size of the "combined" scar or a second scar in and of itself). I'm curious to get others' opinions as well. Thanks everyone for your feedback!

See blog below for updates. Also FYI - Dr. Pistone informed me that he is moving to Marlton NJ in the fall (closer to Philly)

Updated - now 8 months out

Updated once again for 6 months out

Updated once again (a little late, but the pics are a week old) for 5 months out

Another update now that I'm four months post-HT!

Just updated for 3 months out. Alot of progress this month!

Just updated my blog...two months out. Next couple months should be interesting!

Blog updated 5 weeks out! Pretty much back to normal...

Thanks guys. Just updated my blog for Week 3!

Site has been updated. First two weeks went off without a hitch and I am feeling good so far!

Just like he said, they came off days 7-10 naturally with a little massaging. Not sure why I thought I'd be different I guess that's normal...

Just met with the doc today. He recommended massaging them off. Once I took a normal shower under the showerhead they started dropping like flies, and it's only Day 8. The nurse had recommended either Vitamin E capsules or olive oil, but it's looking like that won't be necessary