Since21

I looked at your pics. Hard to tell, but it doesn't look like folliculitis. Mine looked worse, but I took pics under very bright light, so they always looked more angry and red. I was proactive as well, but with every outbreak that subsided, it seemed like another one started shortly thereafter. Again, it was just a phase. Seems like a distant memory now, but at the time, it was worrisome.

I went through a pretty frustrating phase with pimples. The warm compresses seemed to be the best way to deal with them. I'd use them 3-4 times a day for 2-3 days and that would clear them up. I thought they were going to seriously impact my outcome but as you can see from my avatar they didn't. Or if they did, I can't tell. At the time though, they kind of freaked me out.

3,452 grafts 1211 singles 1804 two's 437 three's I'm approaching the one year mark now. Happy with the result. It's getting to the point where I really don't think about it that much anymore. Hard to believe considering how much I obsessed over it in the first several months following the surgery. As others on here have said, you just get on with life and move on.

This is true. That is why you must diligent in your research and not rely on the words of one so-called 'expert' or 'self-titled mentor,' to use your words. Research, research, research, and research some more. Consult, consult, consult, and consult some more. My first consultation ever was with H&W. This was back in the summer of 2012. I didn't have a good feeling about them or the industry in general afterwards so I shelved the idea at the time of having a procedure. Took me another several months before I had another consultation. I found their style a little too sales-y, to be honest. This is a bit reactive and why I agree with the statement that "some people are psychologically not good candidates for cosmetic surgery of any kind…" Your results are not by any stretch of the imagination a 'disaster.' Without knowing your hair characteristics and remaining density, it appears to me that whatever problems you may have with it can be remedied. I am happy with the results of my HT. It has exceeded my expectations, but at the same time, it's not quite what I expected, if that makes sense. I've had to recalibrate my thinking and expectations each step of the way. You have to be realistic with what hair restoration can accomplish. Really? Again, this is why I agree with hairweare. After everything you've been through, you're going to 'turn to others' to determine your course of action? Why not consult with a handful of top surgeons (Konior, Bisanga, Feriduni, Lorenzo, etc.), process that information for a while and make your own determination?

You've been through a lot. Wishing you the best on your journey.

That's quite an assumption. I've played many competitive sports and make my living in the arts. I understand both quite well. But one thing is abundantly clear: you're not an artist. As a patient of Dr. K's and having had many conversations with him about hair restoration and yes, the arts, I can tell you he has an artist's soul when it comes to his craft. It's the reason I chose him after consultations with many top surgeons.

Artistry is key. I expect a good surgeon to possess the technical skills, but in hair restoration there is an artistic component. That's what separates the good from the great. That's why the sports comparison doesn't apply.

Making a sports analogy is a little silly, don't you think? You're talking about a method of harvesting - placement is still pretty much the same regardless of the method of harvesting and where the real artistry comes into play. Konior and Feriduni both do FUT and FUE and I would venture to guess that neither of them would compromise a patient despite what method of harvesting is used. I would feel confident having either surgeon perform FUT or FUE as each of them do both and offer the highest level of professionalism. They aren't your final two choices by accident. Personally, when it came down to my final decision between Konior and Bisanga, I chose Konior based on timing and location. In the end, I didn't feel entirely comfortable leaving the country for what I consider a pretty major surgical procedure. The pros and cons of FUT vs FUE have been discussed ad nauseam on here. Do your research and make your decision based on what method you're comfortable with. My hairstylist is blown away by my scar and has told me on numerous occasions that he has difficulty finding it and he's intimate with my head as he's been cutting my hair for 15 years. That's my experience. It may not be yours. But you are maximizing your chances of an optimal result with both surgeons. You've done your research, now make a decision and go boldly in the direction of your dream.

Looking good, KD!

If the last posted pics are the final result, I might agree with you, but I believe it's a work in progress, so i'm withholding judgment until we see the completed case.

I had to go back and look at your before photos. Nice improvement! Congrats. It should continue to get better.

I don't know, man, it looks a little cornrow-ish to me. And there's a noticeable gap between the native hair and graft site. I hope it all works out for you. But it appears to me that you will be dealing with this some years down the road - filling that gap as your hairline continues to recede.

I had a procedure with Dr. K eight months ago and I didn't use anything on the recipient area except the saline spray during the initial healing phase and a very mild sulfate-free baby shampoo when washing the area. I would ask Dr. K what he suggests (if anything), he's lightning fast with his email replies.

There were many times I thought the growth had stalled. It's like watching paint dry. You're looking right on track, brother.

My first thought was harvesting outside of the safe zone. Did you have FUT or FUE?

Difficult case to judge. I gotta believe Lorenzo wouldn't have taken on this patient if he didn't think he could produce a cosmetic improvement. Based on the pics so far, however, I think the doc should have passed on this one, but will reserve judgment for now.

It's all subjective, but I do not believe Lorenzo produces the most natural hairlines. I do believe he achieves stellar coverage using FUE, probably the best, but I don't find his hairlines to be exceptional. Regarding the use of flash or no flash with photographs, ultimately real-life is the true test. I've not had one person detect that I've had a HT (Konior) and I'm only 8 months out. People have noticed a change in my appearance, but usually comment on how healthy and happy I look. I've also had several intimate encounters since I tossed the hat over a month ago and have been told I have 'gorgeous hair.' My hairstylist (who has some celebrity clients) told me my HT is one of the best he's seen and cannot find my scar unless he looks really hard for it. I'll take those real-life observations over a forum compliment any day. Matt and I have very similar hairline designs and aesthetic results. I wouldn't trust anyone's judgment who says his result looks unnatural or 'strange.' This is where the surgeon's artistic ability determines to what degree they are able to create the illusion of density based on limited donor supply. Funny you mention this weird look where the hair first goes forward and loops backward. I've noticed many younger guys with this type of hairstyle. It's the way some people's hair naturally grows. You do realize that even with a full head of natural hair, you have to play around with different hairstyles to find what works best for you. Not everyone can style their hair any way they want and have it look great.

Where do you get your information from? Is this documented or just your opinion? With all due respect, I'd be careful making statements like this unless you have the facts to back it up.

It's not like hair restoration surgeons have just thrown their collective hands up in the air and said, 'This is as good as it gets, boys.' There are several practicing at a very high level, but they can only take it so far due to limited donor supply. If you ever met Dr. Konior you would know that he literally obsesses over how he can create more natural hairlines. Until the issue of limited donor supply can be remedied, I think most of us are just being realistic as to what can be achieved at this point.

There's a saying, hairyjoe: If 10 people say you have a tail, sooner or later you have to turn around and take a look. You would be in the minority in considering Matt's result to be unnatural. I have a very discerning eye - my job demands it - and Matt's result certainly gives the illusion of a natural hairline. I've also had a HT by Konior and have had many intimate encounters and not one person has called me out or even commented on my hair. Of the people I've told, they are pretty blown away. I count on the illusion. If you scrutinize it closely, it certainly lacks the density of a full hairline, but most of us know what we're getting into when we start this. We're counting on the skill and artistry of the surgeon to create that illusion, not restore our hairline to its former glory.

It's troubling to see what those hackneyed Dr. Frankensteins were doing to patients in the past by carving up their scalps like that. It's obvious by looking at the scarring on this guy that these so-called surgeons were reckless and had no real idea what they were doing.

Looking good, Scott. Definite improvement. Feels like the time has flown.

Makes sense. A hairline placed a centimeter one way or the other and a hairline design with rounded or receded temples could really make an impact on precious grafts.

This has been said countless times on here and I agree 100%, money and travel should not be your top concerns when it comes to your cosmetic appearance. You might be able to find a suitable compromise, but I cringe when I start seeing potential patients talk about cheap per graft rates. Personally I'd want to go the best, regardless of cost. Your 40 year-old self will thank your 29 year-old self. I had five in-person consults. You simply get a better sense of which surgeon is a better fit for you and who you'll feel most comfortable with. A consensus will also emerge about what you'll need to achieve your goals.

If you're willing to fly, but still want to keep it close, I'd include Dr. Konior in Chicago in your search and Dr. Ron Shapiro in Minneapolis. If you're not willing to fly, then in the New York area I'd consider Dr. Carlos Wesley; Drs. True and Dorin; and Dr. Alan Feller. I've also been impressed lately by the work of Dr. Jerry Cooley in Charlotte, NC. Keep doing your research and consult with as many surgeons as you can.