Since21

No list is complete without Konior, Bisanga or Lorenzo.

If you don't know about FUE, then you still have a lot of research to do. I'd suggest you start here with the caveat that the thread was started by a person here who is pro-FUE, so it might be a little one-sided: http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/169499-pros-cons-fue-myths-dispelled.html

This is nice. What was your donor density? And if you don't mind me asking, what is your hairline height (from mid-brow)? I like the design.

Even though they are right in your own back yard, I would still recommend you consult with several doctors (via Skype if you're not willing to travel at this time). Also, are you sure you want to do FUT (strip) vs FUE because H&W is known for their FUT work. I had FUT (not there) so I'm not trying to start a FUT vs FUE debate, but it is something to seriously think about as you move forward.

This is nice. Do you have any immediate post-op pics?

I'm all for showing pics to your surgeon to get a conversation started about what you're hoping to achieve. Although I'd recommend using pictures from actual HT patients. Find patients with similar hair characteristics and hair loss patterns as you have, and include some of the surgeon's own results in there. I think it's more realistic than showing your doc pictures of celebrities, to be honest, and promotes a more practical discussion about expectations. Celebrities have professional stylists who spend a lot of time - sometimes hours - on their hair. Not to mention the photoshop work that's done on head shots and other press materials. Even an image from a film may have been digitally enhanced, and most likely has. You don't know what to trust and I think we can all agree that it's those very images that have contributed somewhat to our insecurities about our hair loss because they're illusory.

I slept relatively upright using a travel pillow for approximately 3 weeks after my HT. It wasn't ideal and I slept in 2 to 3 hour intervals, but it kept any pressure off my incision. The numbness was the strangest sensation for me while trying to lay my head on a pillow. It really bothered me. You'll experience all sorts of funny sensations - including prickles of pain and tingling - in your scalp for the first several weeks or more. From everything I've read, it's a sign of healing and nerve regeneration.

Incredibly disturbing. I imagine Bronte has been notified of this. Reading that article I felt like I had been transported back into the dark ages of hair transplantation.

Of the doctors you mentioned, I think you're right about Dr. Bisanga. He has the most natural looking results. That said, I'd have to seriously consider Lorenzo as well, as he does everything from start to finish and there's a certain comfort in that.

Surgeons like to start with the frontal third as that's what people typically notice first - how your face is framed - and work toward the crown with subsequent procedures. Not the other way around.

You're fine. When does your surgeon recommend shampooing the recipient area? Mine recommended very light and gentle massaging of that area after 7 days. By around day 12 most, if not all of the scabs were gone.

Some clinics say it's okay after 7 days, others 2 weeks. I've seen some that recommend to wait 3 - 6 months. All from reputable clinics that have shown great results. I went by the '10-day rule' that says grafts are safe by then. But I discontinued use after 10 days because of shedding in my crown area. I was a first-time user.

Have you had a follow-up with the surgeon who performed your HT last year? They would be able to tell you.

Your body is not rejecting grafts. Sounds like maybe you had a pimple that wasn't taken care of and there was build up under the surface, possibly in the form of hair that was ready to shed and had nowhere to go because there was no natural pore. I put warm compresses on any that appear and they go away in a few days. Whatever treatment your family doc suggests, if any, run it by your HT surgeon first. A lot of GPs don't have experience with hair transplants.

In the realm of hair loss, that is nothing short of a miracle.

If it were me, I would go see my family doctor and let them examine it firsthand (I traveled for my HT). If there were any concerns that needed further medical treatment, then I would consult my HT surgeon before I proceeded. I had an abrasion on my scalp after my HT in the donor area and I consulted both my family doc and my HT surgeon - they both recommended the same thing.

I think it would be wise to continue to wait. You still have quite a nice head of hair. If you go with a lower hairline and if the men on your mother's side are all NW 5's and 6's, you will be chasing your hairline throughout your 30s-40s with the possibility of running out of donor hair. I was very tempted to get a HT when I was your age - I'm glad I waited. At the time I started to lose my hair, there wasn't Rogaine or Propecia. There's no telling what advancements there will be in the next decade.

As you said, this is very normal. Do not worry about it at all. In fact, be prepared for more shedding and a dormant period before actual growth begins. Good luck and grow well.

I was pretty whacked out, too. I saw the doctor twice following my surgery. I would ask him questions and he'd look at me quizzically and say, 'You already asked me that.' I really don't remember much about the procedure and the next few days after that were kind of fuzzy as well. I must have looked pathetic going through airport security. That valium is some good sh*t.

Ultimately I think it's best to consult your surgeon about these kinds of worries or concerns. If you chose well, they are usually very responsive and understanding as the first several weeks after a HT can be quite an adventure.

The remaining graft placement doesn't look sparse. I've just never seen shedding like that. I hope the remaining grafts are securely in place. Were you receding before the procedure or did you just want to lower/strengthen your hairline?

Nice. Very natural. I imagine it will only get better as the transplanted hair takes on more of the characteristics of your native hair. Congratulations.

You make no mention of who these doctors are, so it would be hard for anyone to advise. Congratulations on quitting smoking. One of the best decisions you'll ever make for your overall health.

What is 'antic era?'

I'm going to use it 2-3 times a week. And only in my donor area for now. I'm almost 2 months out from my HT and will use baby shampoo for the first 3+ months and then switch to Fundamental Shampoo for daily use on my entire scalp. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005I8RH78/ I did a lot of research on SLS-free shampoos and this one kept getting high marks. I've used it a few times so far and like it.