Hairtoday54

Hello! I just recently joined, and asked a couple of questions (one about BHT and the other about Dr. Frechet's technique). I have had two flaps performed about 16 years ago, but have had continued balding behind, and Frechet's technique seemed intriguing. However, on this site (and one other) his work - and that of pretty much ANYONE who performs flaps or scalp reductions or extensions - was almost universally blasted, criticized, and denigrated. Yet, I am VERY happy with the results I obtained (I posted recent photos, and the remarks were pretty much that I was the RARE exception, and that I had won the hair restoration via flap surgery lottery, because my results were so good! However, could it be that the only ones on this site are those who are disgruntled with their results, and so are the only ones who will comment? That is to say, those of us who were satisfied pretty much get on with our lives and no longer peruse these hair sites? That is certainly the case with me: for many years I was completely happy with my results and it has only been recently that I began desiring to have additional work done. So, I have NOT even looked at a hair loss site or blog for 16 years. Perhaps there are thousands more like me who have had GREAT work done by surgeons like Mayer and Fleming, and you just never hear from us because - well, we just got on with our lives... I do NOT want to sound critical or dismissive of those who do post on these sites; I am just suggesting that the sample groups and audience do not necessarily include those among us who have had successful flaps and reductions, and just don't chime in.... Your thoughts? By the way, based on recommendations from several here, I am making appointments with several apparently competent and respected surgeons, for evaluations. But I am also considering flying to see Dr. Frechet, at the recommendation of a local and respected, who surgeon who likes Frechet, but who also gave a balanced and fair opinion of his work. He stated he is one of the best in the world (noting he has pretty much won every industry award there is), but also adding that he obviously only brings his success stories to conferences and symposiums). I do appreciate the advice and opinions offered here - thank you!

Greatjob - I live in Kentucky. But for the best results, I do not mind traveling...

Okay, I am going to try to post some photos...these are all post flap procedures, recent (last year or less). My surgeries were 16 years ago. I am fine with my hairline (although may soften it up sometime) - would be interested in what Bobilero, James84, and others who obviously disdain the flap surgeries think...I will also try to upload some photos of the crown and back, where I have lost hair, and which I hope to fill in.. Okay, not having luck uploading the crown and back; will work on that a bit later. Hope these post! Not sure I know what I am doing!!

Thanks again to all who have provided insight! Looks like I WON'T be considering BHT any time soon! :-)

Blake - I have in fact scheduled appointments with some prominent surgeons - including at least one recommended by this forum. I wonder if I have been clear, however, about my concerns...It seems a number of people on these blogs are champions of the latest FUT/CIT type procedures, in part because of reduced, minimal or nonexistent scarring - which I totally understand. However, please know that in my situation, I am not concerned about some scarring, simply because, due to my previous procedures, I already have scarring to the extent that I am never going to be able to wear my hair short - certainly no shorter than about an inch. So, with that in mind, would my fellow bloggers still think a scalp extension is a bad idea? Again, as long as it is safe, I am not worried about scarring. If it is a concern about scalp viability (necrosis), or something like that, then of course I would be worried. MY desire is simply to get the most density (or best appearance of density) and coverage possible, for a fair price. BTW, I hope to prepare some photos this weekend that I might post, showing my results. I am not sure I have any of me, or closeups, going back during or before my procedures - they were 16 years ago.... THANKS again to all who provide their opinions and input!

Thanks, Jotronic, and Stagger...

If it stays the same - why would anyone want leg or chest hair growing out their heads??

Blake - Dr. Mark DiStefano performs the Frechet technique - having studied under Dr. Frechet himself.

Have another question, for which I have not found a satisfactory answer: I have seen a lot of talk about BHT - Body Hair Transplants. However, I have not seen anything address what happens to hair that is transplanted from areas other than the head (beard, chest, legs, back, etc) once transplanted into one's head. That is, does it sort of "transform" into head hair? I mean, what good is it to transplant leg hair, that grows about 1/2 an inch long, or chest hair that only grows about an inch long, with different texture, into one's head??

I will look at posting some photos, if I can block out my face. However, please know that I am NOT hoping to "repair" my flaps - I was - and am - VERY happy with the results. I simply want to "fix" the baldness that developed behind them. THANKS for your ( and anyone else's) replies to my post!

Thank you for your response, Blake. Do you believe that the FUE/FUT techniques can achieve the same density and coverage, though, that the Frechet technique can achieve (may I assume you have seen photos of his work?)? I am not opposed to FUE/FUT - I just want to get the best and biggest "bang" for my bucks...

I am 53 years old, and I am writing for the first time. I have undergone two flap surgeries- and am very satisfied. Dr. Toby Mayer performed mine in 1997 and 1998. I must say that, had the state of hair restoration been then what it is now, I might have opted for another program. Still, I obtained results that no one I knew then, and few now, can match for density. My situation now, is this: when Dr. Mayer performed my surgery, he felt my scalp was too tight to do proper reductions between and behind the flaps, to eliminate remaining baldness, so he abutted them together. However, I was able to cover quite easily the remaining baldness. It has progressed considerably since then, and unfortunately I did not find out about propecia until a lot more hair had fallen out. So, now I find myself wishing to find a viable, and optimal solution. I read about Dr. Frechet's reduction technique and eponymous device to achieve AR. I have seen many of his patients' results, and am VERY impressed! As an alternative, I have heard many good things about a number of doctors who perform FUE, CIT, etc. The thing is, I wish to have maximal results - not just thin coverage. I am not sure I could harvest enough hair to give me the coverage and density I desire (perhaps I could; I am not positive at this point). So, I am asking you, do you know of anyone state-side who can perform with great expertise Dr. Frechet's reduction method? The only person I have heard recommended is Dr. Mark DiStefano in the Massachusetts. He apparently studied under Frechet (as did Dr. Robert True, from what I understand).I have consulted over the phone with him, and he is very likable. When I had my flap surgeries, I underwent TWO expansion procedures - do NOT really want to do that again! That is a big reason Frechet's technique is intriguing. Now, I have contacted Dr. Mayer, and he feels he can perform a scalp reduction followed by FUE. However, unless he does something similar to Frechet's procedure, I am afraid of stretch back. What are your thoughts? So, as a final question, is there ANYTHING on the near horizon that I should hold out for, before I engage in ANY other kind of procedure?