John Malloy

Randy, Please trust me on this one. Stay away from an HT doc that would recomend a HT at this point. Your hair looks great! I had two HT's and I have not had a hat off since. Granted it's only been 4.5 months since my second HT, but even if things work out for me I would never, if I had your hairline go forward at this point. First, you are extremely too young,and once you start a HT you are making a lifelong commitment. At 21 your barely legal. You have way to much to lose--shock loss, scarring, obvious looking transplant, etc.. and not much to gain at this point. Assuming the best case scenario is you get excellent growth, Well that won't be for a year. And I think you would be a fool to live under a hat at 21 for a minimum of 6 months when you already have a great head of hair. TRUST ME GO ON MEDS FOR NOW. One of two things are going to happen your MPB will accelerate extremely fast in the next couple of years in which case you would have donor hair upfront and be bald behind it. In other words, it's much to early for a HT. Or, it will stabilize in which case I would not sacrifice the scar and loss of sensation to the back of my head for a minor cosmetic improvement. Randy, I'm talking from experience here. WAIT

Hey JS, I don't want to sway you away from a HT, but be very careful. If you read most of the posts from the top docs, 6 months for a HT to look natural is very rare. I'm 4 months from my second HT, and would not dare go outside without a hat yet. I was a N3. I basically had the mohawk look going on, but a very thick mohawk. I actually think the fact that my natural hair is thick makes the HT stand out a little more. My Ht does not look bad at all in pictures, but in person it is evident that something is going on up there. Anyway, if you are able to socialize as your hair is now, in my honest opinion, I don't think I would go through with it. As any reputable doc will tell you, "there are no guarantees" Trust me, you don't want a bad Ht, or for that matter a HT with poor growth---it is a living nightmare. And while I'm hopeing that my second HT has me looking natural again, I sincerely don't know if I'll ever go to another social event again with my hair if it does not show some wonderful growth in the next couple of months. I hope I did not get off topic, but my point is 6 months is extremely early for any kind of signigicant result. Check out some of the other forum topics. I just feel as though the majority of responses to your post are leading you to think in 6 mos you will look completely natural. Just be extremely careful. Why not wait a couple more months? This way I can be your scapegoat. I went to Dr. Feller to correct my first Ht. He is a very respected doc on this forum. If my HT looks decent in a couple of months, I would love to give him a referral. But if a respected doc like Feller has me sporting a hat at 7 mos, I would never with a clear conscience suggest a Ht to anyone.

Hey Acrobaz, I apologize if my post was harsh. While it is too early to judge my Ht with Feller, I'm emotionally wounded from my first Ht, and grow more skeptical everyday I don't see growth from my second. I do understand I've been a pessimistic voice about Ht's on the forum lately, but trust me, if this turns out ok in a couple of months, I'll be Feller's best advertisement since the internet. Once again, I will be a constant voice about Ht's for a long time. And that goes whether the news is good or bad. I feel that is the right thing to do. I wish I would have done more research before my first HT. Anyway, I want to reiterate that I'm sorry for so harsh. I am just so stressed out and I've been like this since my first HT.

I wanted to add one thing to John Malloy - you shouldn't feel misled by anyone, least of all members of this community. Those of who did our research properly need to take ownership for our decisions and responsibility for the outcome. No results are guaranteed. Quote First, I think I was misunderstood before--maybe it's me, but I feel as though everytime I post my sentiment about my HT's so far, I immediately get attacked. It's confusing because I don't know who's who on this forum. Some guys are patients or possible patients like me, and others are paid represenatives for the docs. Either way, the only thing I've conveyed on this forum to date is my personal experience with Ht's to date--that is undebateable. Anyway, in regards to your post. while it is clear that nothing is guaranteed, you give the impression that I have unrealistic expectations. My only expectation at this point is that after 2 Ht's, when I was an early NW 3, with in Feller's words "pristine donor hair" is that I can go outside without a hat and not look silly. As far as guarantee's, after extensive research on Feller--most of it from this forum--, the common belief is that Feller only has approximately 2 patients year that don't grow. Assuming he does 200 cases a year-- that leaves me with a 99% chance of growth. I'm not sure my odds are that good to make it home from an afternoon drive tommorrow--But, I damn sure expect to be home tomorrow. I don't think that is unrealistic.

I totally agree with that. I had a transplant in June of 08 which does not look bad in pictures, but when I take my hat off in work all of my obnoxioious,yet honest co- workers ask me, what the f--- happened to your head, it looks like pubic hair. I've actually had a second procedure in March of this year. Unfortunately, I still won't walk to my mailbox without a hat because I just moved a year ago and none of my new neighbors have saw me without a hat. I have no choice but to take my hat of at work or I would never be caught in public with my hair the way it looks right now. I'm just hopeing for a miracle in the next couple of months, but as time goes on, I'm starting to wonder what I'm going to do. I just don't know where I went wrong. Both of my surgeries were with very reputable doctors. I'm starting to wonder if all the before and after pics are similiar to my situation.Now, I went to Feller because everybody raves about him. I sincerely hope you guys did not mislead me. So for now, I'm crossing my fingers.

Hey Stimpy, Yes, I do understand that 3.5 months is extremely early to evaluate my final result; however, I've been dealing with issues from my first HT from June of 08. The reason I'm so concerned though at 3.5 months is because I am seeing absoulutely nothing that hints at growth: pimples, etc... Anyway, my second HT was with a coalation doc with many accolades. So, I'm crossing my fingers and praying for the best. Unfortunately, at this time, I could not even recomend a HT to my worst enemy.

I'm sincerely sorry for your situation. I am 35 and had 2 Ht's and while I'm only 3.5 months post op from my second procedure, a HT was the worst decision of my life to date. I just wanted to let you know if you think things could not get worse--they could. I know how it is to feel insecure about hair loss, but if I were you, I would rather look a little old from hair loss than have an artificial look going on. Trust me, I get a lot more double looks now that I had a HT then I did before. And not in a positive manner. While I hope my situation changes in a couple of months, for now, I would not even think of another Ht. I will keep you informed in the near future. Shave it for now, at best, a HT is going to consume a minimum of 8 months before it will look natural==and that is not even guarenteed. I am a 37 year old man who has been dealing with hair loss since i have been in my early 20's. Though i am not totally bald i have a lot of hair loss in my crown area. Like many of you i have tried everything that has come along over the years and nothing works. Hair loss has basically destroyed my life . I am a highy gifted guitar player who over the years i have been offerd abput a dozen or so recording contracts. My dream really , but my hair loss and the way i look have kept me from going after this dream of mine. Ilive in southern florida and everyone here seems to look good and have really nice hair but me. My hair loss keeps me from going out much i dont go anywhere and i hate to be around a lot of others. Ifeel like less then them i dont talk much and basically live the life of a hermit . Like you i keep hoping tommrow will bring us something that works but it never does. I have spent so much money on things that dont work drugs inculded. That i have almost spent all my savings . I live a very modest life and dont make much money at all . Hair transplant would be ideal for all of us sure but who can afford it? I cant probaly never will be able to . Like many of you i was laid off from my job of 19 years this year ,then i developed an issue with my feet going numb . Come to find i have some sort of neroutphy that of course they can't find out why. For guys who don't have it you have no idea what hair loss does to a person . I find it hard everyday to even smile beacuse when i look in the mirror i hate what i see. And everyday its the same thing and it sucks. Like many of you i try to keep hope going but let's face it a cure? Probaly not in our life time and if so only the elite will be able to afford it . I have bascialy let hair loss ruin my life and as much as i say i do not care i do. I dont feel right about it /No wigs please that isnt for me but i have though about it as the only option but i never made a move that way . I am stuck in this hair loss limbo where nothing seems to ever really work no matter how many b.s. studys proved it did . We just seem to be running in the same path over and over every year dont we? I have pretty much had it with all this i dont know what else to say about it . Thanks for letting me vent for the first time in my life .

Please grow Please, Unfortunately No. I signed a waiver so I had the finances to have the touch up with Feller. I'm sorry I sincerely wish I could share that information with everyone on this site, but I had to put myself first on this one. Also, I'm not that familiar with the forums yet, and I hope I'm responding to everyone properly. If not. I apoligize.

To everyone, Thank you for taking the time to read my posts and give me some feedback. I'm sorry if I "worked anybody up". Alas, at six months for better or worse, I will be posting my pics. I hope the pics are taking from Dr. Feller's office. I also hope there is a shot of me giving Feller a hug. Time will tell!!!

Hi Bill, First, I sincerely appreciate that you allow me to have a voice on this forum. Now with that said. EVERBODY STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!. My intent for posting to this forum, contrary to Dr. Feller's belief, was not to belittle, disparage, Feller, or more importantly to cause "any friction" between doctors and patients. It's actually quite funny Bill because I think you responded to my post with the premise that I acted prematurely; however, your post reaffirms in my mind that I did the right thing. Here's why: In your post, you say, " In addition, establishing realistic goals and planning for the long term (managing the risk of future hair loss, the need for potential subsequent procedures, making good use of a finite donor hair supply, etc.) is vital to the satisfaction of the patient. In many cases, hair restoration should be seen as a process, not a single procedure." That is the exact reason that I posted. I wanted to talk about my next step in the process ( what to expect, should I use minoxidal,etc...) But could not get a response. For the ninty- ninth time, I never belittled Feller's work. I did state and will not back down to the fact that I did not receive a response after numerous calls. Dr Feller-- the time you took to post the emotionally loaded post to me, you could have just called. I though we had a good rapport with one another. By the way Dr. Feller, I'm not foolish enough to libel or slander your name in any way shape or form---I know your resources trump mine, and you could hire the finest advocate money can buy; However, I do know enough from a legal standpoint that the truth is the only and absolute defense to the aforementioned charges. Thus, I would not make a statement claiming you did not call me back after numerous calls, if I did not have physical evidence of such a claim. Dr. Feller-- I just hope you can put your ego aside and we can talk about this rationally.

TC 17, I'm glad someone understands my point of view. I agree it is possible that I am a pain in the ass, but first of all, a doctor as intelligent as Feller clearly understands there is an emotional element to HT's. And, more importantly, What was so inflammatory about my posts? They were honest and I never "knocked Feller's work. What good would screening my experiece do for the readers of this site. It may do the doctors all the good in the world, but that would contradict Pat's intent when he started all of this. Kudo's to Pat for allowing a civil disagreement!

Dear Space between, Yes, it is quite possible that I am having a breakdown. As far as trying to calm myself- I've been trying for over a year now. And to be clear once again to all. FELLER DID NOT PERFORM MY FIRST SURGERY. This does not negate the fact that Before a HT, while I was self conscious of my receding, I never missed a social event because of my hair. Now, unfortunately, I've turned down numerous. Maybe, your a better man than me, but this does not change the fact that I've been tramatized from my experiece with HT's to date. Like I mentioned earlier, I am praying that I have a fantastic result in a couple of months, but that changes nothing today. So, while I may be having a breakdown, maybe you should walk in someone else'e shoes before you talk down to them with so much bravado. This dosen't make you a man, it makes you insensitive.

Dr. Feller, First, I never had any complaint about your work. I did however have a complaint with you returning my calls. I think when I put in bold letters that I'M NOT CRITICIZING FELLER'S WORK, IT IS MUCH TO EARLY TO EVALUATE, that I made that point clear. As far as you given me post op attention, I strongly disagree. While I feel you were nothing but a gentleman the day of surgery, I've called your office numerous times with no response. If I'm to demanding I apoligize. But why should that be screened from the public? Should they not be allowed to form their own opinion. Second, while I do understand that 3 months is entirely to early to evaluate any result, I'm trying to convey to this forum my experince with HT's, and I've been going through hell for over a year. THIRD, to be clear to all. DR FELLER DID NOT PERFORM MY FIRST HT, AND THE REASON I CHOSE DR FELLER FOR MY SECOND PROCEDURE WAS BECAUSE OF SUPERB RESULTS HE ACHIEVED IN THE PAST. I'm praying that I fall into this category in a couple of months. However, I will not back down to the fact that MY EXPERIENCE with HT's to date is HORRIFIC. Finally, as far as this post being screened, I totally disagree with you. I think it is imperative that people thinking of HT's understand that there are still extremely artifical results happening till this day. NOBODY CLAIMED THAT YOU WERE PUTTING OUT THESE RESULTS. Therefore, if this post was screened, readers may have received the wrong message from this post- just as you have. And as far as being gracious. Dr Feller you did not perform my surgery for free, And while you treated my wife and I with the upmost of respect, you were generously compensated. Furthermore, where I come from that is called a doctor having a "bed side manner" I hope I did not offend you Dr Feller, but if you think I am going to go on this post and state the last year, including the 3 months since your surgery were "wonderful" you are clearly mistaken. Once again thank you to the moderators of this site for "keeping it real" and not screening a member's experience.

Lost my swagger, I'm curious-are you compensated by this forum to hide the reality that HT's are a crap shoot? If they were not you would not even be reading my post right now. My original intent was to keep my HT a secret. This is not possible because a very reputable HT doc gave me a very artifical look. This was not a repair job from the 80's ,but a repair job from 2008. The only thing that I'm doing here is sharing my unfortunate experience with anyone that is considering a HT. I am in no way trying to be contentious. Trust me, I'm praying that in 3 months that I am praising Dr. Feller as a God; however, for now I want to warn anyone even considering a HT that it is not only a very invasive procedure --50 staples in your head, but also to borrow part of your cliche, results not only 100% vary, but exceptional results are rare and even in those cases there is an extensive downtime. So, I want to thank the moderators of this site for allowing me to voice my honest opinion--there are many sites that would screen this post. And let's hope in a few months I'm raving about HT's. Trust me, I've been wrong more times than the folliciles that I had planted in my head; however, I was never ashamed to admit the fact that I was wrong, and never not man enough to apoligize for putting my foot in my mouth.

By the way guys what is MSM and is it over OTC?

It's amazing as I read the responses to my post (which I do appreciate) of why I or anyone for that matter would have a transplant in the first place. I'm not saying that there are not decent results out there, but the more I think about it. I had my first Ht a little over a year ago by a allegedly qualified surgeon. Now, I have a follow up procedure with Feller who is a well respected surgeon in the field. It's 3 months later, I see absolutely no growth and this is normal. So lets see, I wait 18 more months to evaluate the final result. That is over 2 years and close to 14 thousand dollars for a MAYBE. I honestly think the HT field is still in the Neo stages of producing any signigicant and consistent results. If this is not the case than any respected doctor should not only guarentee growth, but refund the fee plus an inconveniece fee for broken promises.

1973kop How long was it until you saw significant results?

Hey Guys, Thank you all for the feedback--it helps!. But as Spex mentioned, because this is my second transplant, and the first was a disaster, I'm extremely skeptical of the whole transplant process. However, my major concern is I've been reading some posts on this site claiming minoxidil will accelerate the growth process, but I don't want to obtain medical advice from a website. I would rather hear it from Dr. Feller who I feel was compensated fairly enough to not only perform the surgery, but participate in the follow up care. Once again, I apoligize if I appear to be overly pessimistic, and I hope my opinion is quite the oppisite in a couple of months, but up until today a hair transplant was the worst decision that I ever made. I AM NOT CRITICIZING DR FELLER AS IT IS MUCH TO EARLY TO EVALUATE HIS WORK, But this has been one horrible journey from my first surgery in June of 08. And I would not wish this on anyone. I was a little insecure of my hair condition, now I have not been outside without a hat for over a year. Sorry guys but that is the truth.

Hi everybody, I had a hair transplant with Dr. Feller on March 20 of 2009. I am currently 3 mos. post op with no results. I've seen Feller's excellent results, but I'm getting very nervous by the fact that I called his office literally 9 times to address my concerns with no call backs. Is this typical of Feller?

Hi everybody, I had a hair transplant with Dr. Feller on March 20 of 2009. I am currently 3 mos. post op with no results. I've seen Feller's excellent results, but I'm getting very nervous by the fact that I called his office literally 9 times to address my concerns with no call backs. Is this typical of Feller?

It is amazing how opinions could differ depending on "what side of the street" you look at the situation from. However, if this is sincerely a rare occurence (less than 2%) and we (referring to doctors and patients) are sincerely on the same team here. I don't think it should be to much to ask Dr. Feller or any Dr. that is a member of this coalition to fix UHT for free. As a matter of fact, it should be a requirement to particiapate on this site. Once again, if this is that rare of an occurance-- would'nt it be financially wise to keep the one or two percent of slow growers happy than to scare away 10% of possible future patients?