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Follicular Slippage

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Everything posted by Follicular Slippage

  1. Not sure this should be posted in this section, but I just came across this article on a tattoo that looks like a buzz cut: Would you pay ?2,000 for a head tattoo? Celebrity stylist launches new technique to disguise men's hair loss | Mail Online Clever idea.
  2. Guys - This post is 3 1/2 years old and evidently MeHairBeGrowin's last post was February 29, 2004! Me thinks MeHair is MIA . . .
  3. Excellent points but I don't think there is one correct answer. While the future looks bright it's impossible to predict when that future will arrive. As such, you should make a decision based on the information that you have now and how you feel about your hair loss. For years, I watched my hairline slowly recede, hoping all the while that either: a) it would stop receding or b) some miracle cure would discretely restore my hairline. I finally got tired of waiting for scenarios a or b to materialize and took the plunge in November 2004 at the age of 41 and got an HT with 1,650 grafts. With one HT under my belt, I realize that I need another to add volume and shape the hairline. But I'm pleased with things for now and will probably wait a while longer to see what the technology brings down the road. It's like buying a laptop - the current model is never as fast or as powerful or as cheap or as sleek as the model that's going to replace it. If you follow that logic, then you'd probably never buy a laptop because something better will be coming down the road. The best advice for buying a laptop (or an HT for that matter), is to decide if you need it at that point in time. Once you've answered that question, then the solution is clear. Good luck.
  4. Voxo - It will be 1 year next month since I had my HT. Though the numbness has decreased substantially, there is still some numbness at the back of my head from above the donor scar to the top of the crown. In spite of this, I consider this to be a minor concern and plan to have a second HT at some point in the future.
  5. Bill - I saw practically the same scenario at the mall here about 3 months ago - buzz cut, grafts, fresh scar. Certainly had a lot of respect for the guy; he was out with some buddies and obviously wasn't concerned about hiding his HT. Is this a trend?
  6. I'm glad that this post was resurrected. It shows that in the case of this profession, certificates, professional memberships and even the number of HTs performed are all irrelevant!Ultimately, what counts is the results of the HT. I think this is what makes this profession so demanding - a doctor's work is judged constantly and they can't rest on their laurels. The technology changes and they must change with it to maintain professional quality and standards. Given such demanding professional challenges, it's no wonder that a number of doctors simply are not up to the task. FS
  7. Invisible - I think the anxiety, doubts and second thoughts that you're experiencing is completely understandable. I believe it's something that many of us have experienced because of the intense emotions that we feel about our hair loss. As you mentioned in your post, you became very self-conscience about your hair loss at the age of 17. You've had to live with this condition for the past 4 years and I completely understand your frustration and angst about your receding hairline. I also understand your desire to try to remedy your hairloss problem. Now that you've committed to a specific course of action (i.e., a hair transplant and Propecia), I would give this solution a chance to work. I understand that you feel strange about having a hair transplant and you feel as if you're being secretive. I think this is a natural reaction to hairloss. For years, I watched my hairline slowly recede. I kept hoping that eventually my receding hairline would "stabilize" and in the meantime, I tried several techniques to help disguise my hairloss (different haircut lengths and styles). It bothered me that I simply couldn't accept the fact that I would eventually be bald. I felt like I was between a rock and a hard place: I hated the way I looked but I also worried about what "others" would think of me if they realized I had had a HT. Rather than decide on what to do, I ignored the problem and continued to hope that my hairline would stop receding. When it became evident that the styling gel that I was using for my "hair" was styling my forehead rather than my hair, I realized at the age of 40, that I could no longer ignore this issue. It dawned on me that this was something that I needed to do for myself and I couldn't be bothered about what "others" might think. Last November, I got 1,600 grafts transplanted and began taking Propecia. It's been almost 10 months and I'm glad that I got my HT. Does it look perfect? It's OK - the hairline needs work and I could use more density. But it's far better than before and I can finally finish up that bottle of styling gel that was gathering dust for a year! Psychologically, I find that I am not as fixated about my hairloss as before; this is one of the greatest benefits of my HT. I was also surprised to find that with the exception of my father, no one has commented on my hair. I think it's a case where most people simply don't realize that I had it done - which I still find surprising. As I said before, give this solution a chance to work. This is an adjustment period for you both psychologically and physically, and it's understandable to start second-guessing your decision. However, do not do anything that might undermine the success of your HT - that would not be a good idea and might even cause some unwanted results. Please give yourself some time before you make any rash decisions about the HT. Regarding the Propecia - it doesn't work on the hairline but on your crown. Basically, the Propecia will slow down your hair loss and essentially buy you time. Perhaps it might keep you from having to have a second HT in the foreseeable future. Hopefully when that time finally comes you'll be older and there will be additional options available to treat hairloss. All the best - FS
  8. Probably the most bizarre combover I've ever seen was in a college English class. The instructor had combedover the hair from the back and sides of his head - I have to say it looked pretty decent from the front. But as soon as he turned around to write something on the blackboard, his head looked like the rearend of a Yorkshire terrier! No photos (unfortunately) but after 20+ years, that image of the English instructor is indelibly stamped in my mind. Needless to say, when hairloss became an issue for me, the "Yorkie combover" was never an option! FS
  9. I think Robert may have answered the "dry grass" question. Or perhaps, the guy used too much hair gel. In my own HT experience, my transplanted hair, which formerly resided on the sides and back of my head, is no different in color or texture from the rest of my hair. I supsect that if someone had this texture to begin with before the HT then they would continue to have that texture after the HT. As for looking natural, I would agree with Ashley that that is one of the biggest challenges with a HT. Of course this is also a problem with a lot of surgical treatments; HTs, breast implants, nose jobs, hip replacements - the solution can come close but it's usually not as good as the original. Yet in spite of this, I would still have opted for the HT. I plan to do an additional HT at some point to work on my hairline by adding more grafts and making the hairline a bit less straight. Finally, I'd encourage those of you who are ready to trade-in your bald heads for beer bellies to carefully reconsider your options. For many people, being bald or being overweight are equally undesirable - it's silly to suggest that one sucks less than the other. Let's face it: they both suck. All the best - FS
  10. Ashley - Thanks for the fresh perspective. Fortunately, my wife feels the same about my (formerly) bald head as you do. Interestingly, the weight problem that she's had in recent years as a result of childbirth doesn't bother me at all - but it does bother her. When I went in for my HT consultation, the doctor made several admiring comments about my height - I'm 6'2". He was about 5'8" and I soon realized that his height probably bothered him about as much as my receding hairline bothered me. I of course couldn't help but notice the thick head of hair that he had. It made me realize that we all have our own crosses to bear and these crosses really help shape our perceptions of ourselves and the world around us. Thanks for the insights. FS
  11. tkotko - Your "unthawed" comment made me realize that the numbness is similar to the sensation that you get when you put something frozen against your skin. I've been trying to describe the sensation to my wife and numbness wasn't really the right word. Besides, how many of us want to admit to having a "numb skull"?!? Sorry - it's late . . . Excellent word - thanks. FS
  12. Thanks for the replies - I know that I'm not the only one who has experienced this and it's always helpful to compare notes. Gill - my strip was also "ear-to-ear" so I'll just continue to wait and see what happens. Thank you all again. FS
  13. I had my HT last November (1,650 grafts - NW 6) and am just shy of 7 months. Based on my experience, by 3 1/2 months, I had a sufficient amount of hair grow back that I felt comfortable enough to walk around without a hat. Between 4 1/2 and 5 months, I started to re-use a bottle of hair gel that had been gathering dust for some time (for some reason, that was a HUGE benchmark for me!). All this is to say, I think you're on the cusp of having that "holy cow" experience. Since you had a few more grafts than me and went to Dr. Cooley, I'm sure your results will be quite dramatic. All the best - FS
  14. I just wanted to check in with everyone and find out how long their scalps were numb after their HT. In early June it will be 7 months since I had my HT and I have slowly regained sensation in my scalp. However, the back of my head from the scar up to crown is still feeling numb. Interestingly, their is less numbness along the sides of my head. I mentioned this to my doc at our 6 month appointment and he said that though it was uncommon, sometimes it just took longer for the severed nerves to reconnect. I was curious if any of you had had a similar problem and if so, when did you finally regain full sensation in your scalp. Thanks - FS
  15. I just wanted to check in with everyone and find out how long their scalps were numb after their HT. In early June it will be 7 months since I had my HT and I have slowly regained sensation in my scalp. However, the back of my head from the scar up to crown is still feeling numb. Interestingly, their is less numbness along the sides of my head. I mentioned this to my doc at our 6 month appointment and he said that though it was uncommon, sometimes it just took longer for the severed nerves to reconnect. I was curious if any of you had had a similar problem and if so, when did you finally regain full sensation in your scalp. Thanks - FS
  16. Excellent post Arfy. Pictures can be misleading either by accident or by design. There are simply too many variables like camera angles, lighting, and focus which can dramatically alter an image. Of course, we won't even mention what can be done to retouch an image with programs like Photoshop. Obviously, the best way of seeing a doctor's work is to see it in person - and not through the oftentimes distorted and limited eye of the camera. FS
  17. Good question. I had 1,650 grafts last November; I was a NW 5-6. Like JacobS, I got pretty pumped-up immediately after surgery because I could suddenly see hair. Since I knew it would be short lived I looked upon it as a preview of things to come. Since I freelance and teach part-time at a local college, it wasn't a big deal for me to show-up to class with a fleece skullcap because a) it was winter, and b) it was an art class and many of the students wear similar headgear. I think I was more anxious than depressed - though the hat trick worked for school it wasn't feasible if I went over to someone's house. So I ended up having to come up with all sorts of excuses as to why I couldn't see the relatives during Christmas, go to a friend's New Year's party, go to church, etc. Having to avoid situations where I might need to remove my hat proved to be quite stressful for me, but it was especially difficult for my wife. She'd often be "on point", and it was both awkward and difficult for her to have to answer questions from family and friends about my absence. I know she was relieved when I finally began to "reappear" without a hat last February. Since I've re-surfaced, I haven't noticed any odd-looking stares at my forehead or comments about my hair. One thing that I did to distract people from noticing my HT was to grow a beard. When I removed the hat permanently in late March, I converted my beard into a goatee. In spite of the fact that I've been clean-shaven for practically my entire life, I rarely got any acknowledgement or comments about my facial hair, let alone my HT. Yes it's been a stressful and angst-ridden few months. However, the alternative of continuing to go bald was not acceptable to me. In the last few weeks, I've become more comfortable with my HT and actually get a kick out of being able to use styling gel again! At some point, I'd like to get another HT to add some density and improve my hairline. But for now, I'd like to stop worrying about my hair and just take it for granted - that will be a nice change. FS
  18. Hey Switch - How'd the HT go? Please update us on your progress. FS
  19. Hi Switch - I had my first HT last November. While I certainly am not a "veteran", I can answer your questions based on my experience: 1. The scar - The appearance of the scar is determined by the skill of the physician and the amount of grafts being transplanted. Based on the posts that I've seen, I believe that Dr. Poswal is well regarded. Also, the relatively small number of grafts being transplanted should not produce a particularly wide scar. 2. Number of grafts - I think 1,500 grafts is better than 1,200. Concentrating them towards the front would the best strategy to improve your hairline. 3. Hair length - Some doctors actually cut the hair in your recipient area to facilitate placement of the grafts - my doc didn't. I assume Dr. A would have mentioned this to you. At any rate, given your diffuse hair loss, I think it's a good idea to grow out your hair to help hide the HT. 4. Getting back to work - I understand that you have your own business but I think it's a good idea to take off at least 1 week. Why? Some people experience swelling. There may also be some discomfort. Plus, my doc recommended keeping the grafts moist to reduce scabbing by spraying Graftcyte on them every 2 hours or so for the first several days - it would be hard to do that at work. Lastly, your head isn't going to look pretty after surgery - I'd stay home if I were you. 5. Wearing a hat - You can wear a cap for limited periods of time. My doc thought it was important not to keep my head covered for extended periods of time. 6. Sleeping with stitches - I didn't have any problems. Frankly, the entire back of my was numb from the anesthesia for several weeks. In fact, after 5 months, I still have numbness at the back of my head. This should be the least of your problems. One word of advice - on the morning that you go in for surgery, don't drink any coffee, tea or any other caffeine and make sure you have a good-sized meal. Evidently, this will help counteract any reactions you may have to the anesthesia. Here's a thread on my experience that I posted in the Forum (you can learn from my mistake!): Nausea and almost fainting during HT Good luck on your HT. FS
  20. Russtaman - That seems a little high. Check out this thread from last November: http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/showthread.php?t=136512 Good luck. FS
  21. Just to clarify: Is that the correct spelling on attorney?
  22. It's been about 6 months since my HT. In addition to having more hair (!), I've also developed an oily scalp. This was never an issue before. In spite of the fact that I shampoo my hair everyday, I'm surprised to find my scalp in a perpetually lubed-up condition. I'm curious if this has happened to anyone else and would like some feedback on the following: 1. What is the cause of my oily scalp - the HT, propecia, and/or MSM? 2. Is this a temporary condition or permanent? 3. What's the best way to "degrease" my scalp? Does conditioner help or exacerbate the problem? I searched the Forum and found only a few "oily scalp" references with not a lot of feedback - perhaps this is not a common occurance. At any rate, if you have any insights on this, I'd appreciate your input. Thanks - FS P.S. - I just realized: With my oily scalp, "Follicular Slippage" has taken on a whole new meaning! Bloody hell . . .
  23. It's been about 6 months since my HT. In addition to having more hair (!), I've also developed an oily scalp. This was never an issue before. In spite of the fact that I shampoo my hair everyday, I'm surprised to find my scalp in a perpetually lubed-up condition. I'm curious if this has happened to anyone else and would like some feedback on the following: 1. What is the cause of my oily scalp - the HT, propecia, and/or MSM? 2. Is this a temporary condition or permanent? 3. What's the best way to "degrease" my scalp? Does conditioner help or exacerbate the problem? I searched the Forum and found only a few "oily scalp" references with not a lot of feedback - perhaps this is not a common occurance. At any rate, if you have any insights on this, I'd appreciate your input. Thanks - FS P.S. - I just realized: With my oily scalp, "Follicular Slippage" has taken on a whole new meaning! Bloody hell . . .
  24. Much better than before - I'm no longer experiencing the lag that I reported to you before. I have noticed that the golden hair follicles which indicate new posts do seem to take a moment or two to show up. Otherwise it seems to be about as good as before. FS
  25. I can't get your second pic to load and it doesn't show up as a thumbnail. Also the first pic is distorted like it was stretched vertically. Try re-posting your pics. FS
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