hairbank

It does make sense but I would get a second opinion. I had my first HT about a year ago, 1200 grafts mostly in front and on top. At the time of the procedure, I figured to be NW 4 or 5 on the baldness scale and for me, 1200 was not near enough to get the results I'm looking for so I'm planning another session. You can have shockloss of native hairs around where the grafts are placed so it is a concern. My understanding is that this shockloss happens to hair you will eventually lose anyway. I don't know to what degree you may experience it? I did have some with my first procedure and noticed a "thinning" around where the grafts were placed. I don't think they came back! Anyway, it definitely depends on your degree of loss, what you want to achieve.....and many other things. Again, I also recommend you get a few other professional opinions. How old are you and what is your degree of loss.

From what I've read, it's different for everyone. I wouldn't be too concerned that most of the new hair has fallen out. I had 1200 FUT's almost exactly a year ago mostly placed in the front and on top. I remember wondering when the new grafts would shed as had been mentioned might happen. For me, I'd say 60% or so fell out during the first month or so, but the remaining stayed dormant until about month 2 or 3 then started growing. My main issue after the procedure was some shockloss. I still had some hair in the front and top area where the new grafts were placed. But, about a month or so after the HT I noticed it had thinned. Also had some thinning around the scar which has since filled in for the most part. Though my hair has continued to thicken, most of my growth seemed to take off at about month 3. I do think I noticed a few new ones that were placed closer to the crown within the past few weeks. I have been told crown grafts sometimes take longer to start. I'm sure you'll start seeing results soon. It's fun watching the progress. Hope it turns out like you expected.

The $11,500 did not include airline reimbursement and hotel room but they said they would pay 50%.

The quote I got for the 3000 was from H&W. I wonder why such a large difference in price in only 1 1/2 years since Hairworthy's HT. Are they all negotiable? How about you B spot? Would you share the cost of your 3100 w/ Shapiro? I may be naive but when I sheduled my first HT a year ago with Dr. Samuels I assumed what he quoted to me was non-negotiable. At that time, I paid around $4,000 for my 1200 FUT's. I would appreciate replies from any who would care to list their # FUT's received and total cost (especially the Midwest, where I'm located). If I can get a fair amount more grafts by traveling (driving or flying) I'm tempted as long as it's for reputable work. I'd like as much "bang for my buck" as possible. Thanks for the input. Hairbank

2-10-07: 1 year update from HT #2 7-8-06:<BR>I've attached pics for an update at 4MO. 22 DAYS. Let me know what you think.<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR><BR>2-15-06: <BR>Hello everyone,<BR><BR>I went to H & W 2/15/06 and received 3886 grafts from Dr. Wong. This was my 2nd HT,the first having been 1 year ago where I received 1200 FUT's in the front and top.<BR><BR>The whole experience was great. I stayed in the Grandville Island Hotel which was very nice and only a 5 minute cab ride to the office. It's cool because you can order room service and really don't have to leave the room unless you want to.<BR><BR>I got there for the session at 6:15am and after completing the necessary forms was face down in the chair for donor strip extraction. This process took about an hour. Then, at around 8:30am they started placing grafts. During the whole process I felt little discomfort, if any. Dr. Wong was very good about checking with me to see if I could feel anything........I told him my head felt like a block of wood! (Good, I guess).<BR><BR>At lunchtime, the gave me a menu from the Red Robin restaurant which is located in the lower level. I had a sandwich and fries, and picked out a movie to watch in the afternoon. The session finished up at 4pm and I was good to go.<BR><BR>Jotronic stopped in during the middle of the afternoon to say hello. He's really a great guy and the primary reason I chose H&W after viewing his story and photos.<BR><BR>That night, I took 2 Tylenol PM's, and eventually the sleeping pill provided and slept fine. I went to H&W the next morning before my flight for the first cleaning. Unlike what I had done with the first HT, the want you to start "gently" washing the grafts and donor area starting the first day after the procedure.<BR><BR>I believe somewhere around 2800 FUT's went into the crown, with the remainder filling on and around the top and also around the hairline and temple peaks. You can see this from the pics below.<BR><BR>I am amazed at the donor scar. If it wasn't for the staples I'd go ahead and shave the rest of my hair down. It's soooo thin. Dr. Wong said I had great laxity and it came together nicely so it should heal fine.<BR><BR>Please let me know what you think of the pics. Thanks to Dr. Wong and his staff for a great HT!<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR><BR>Hairbank

Hello, I had my first HT (1200 FUT's) on 1/18/05 with Dr. Lawrence Samuels in St. Louis, MO. I'm very satisfied with his work and have been pleased with the results, and, I'm planning another HT for better coverage. My first HT of 1200 FUT's filled in along my hairline and some on top, none on the crown. I'm probably a NW 5, have been loosing hair since 23 yrs old (I'm now 39) and it's from the crown forward though my hairline has also receeded somewhat (please review my photo album, there are 3 before pics and 1 after pic. I'll be posting more soon) First: Dr. Samuels did fine work but will only perform HT's between 1000-1200 at a time. Due to my location and the desire for more FUT's the 2nd time, I'll probably go with Dr. Konior in Illinois. If anyone has had a HT with him, please reply with your opinion of the procedure and how many FUT's you received. Second: Placement - I like to lower my hairline slightly, more on the sides (brought forward) and temples than front. Also, I'd like to "thicken" the top and cover the bald spot in back as best I can (I know, I want it all!). I'm hoping to get up to 3000 FUT's in this 2nd session. Do you think it will be enough for a full overall appearance?? I've viewed pic's by type of hairloss, # of FUT's..etc. but the results are so different? FYI my donor hair is pleniful and thickness/density is very good. Third: What are the standards when it comes to cost? I've done some preliminary checking (not with Dr. Konior's office yet) and was quoted $11,500 for 3000 FUT's. I plan to only use a reputable member of the coalition, is this reasonable? I appreciate any and all replies and will try to get some updated pics of my first HT for viewing to help with opinions. Thanks, Hairbank

Hello, I had my first HT (1200 FUT's) on 1/18/05 with Dr. Lawrence Samuels in St. Louis, MO. I'm very satisfied with his work and have been pleased with the results, and, I'm planning another HT for better coverage. My first HT of 1200 FUT's filled in along my hairline and some on top, none on the crown. I'm probably a NW 5, have been loosing hair since 23 yrs old (I'm now 39) and it's from the crown forward though my hairline has also receeded somewhat (please review my photo album, there are 3 before pics and 1 after pic. I'll be posting more soon) First: Dr. Samuels did fine work but will only perform HT's between 1000-1200 at a time. Due to my location and the desire for more FUT's the 2nd time, I'll probably go with Dr. Konior in Illinois. If anyone has had a HT with him, please reply with your opinion of the procedure and how many FUT's you received. Second: Placement - I like to lower my hairline slightly, more on the sides (brought forward) and temples than front. Also, I'd like to "thicken" the top and cover the bald spot in back as best I can (I know, I want it all!). I'm hoping to get up to 3000 FUT's in this 2nd session. Do you think it will be enough for a full overall appearance?? I've viewed pic's by type of hairloss, # of FUT's..etc. but the results are so different? FYI my donor hair is pleniful and thickness/density is very good. Third: What are the standards when it comes to cost? I've done some preliminary checking (not with Dr. Konior's office yet) and was quoted $11,500 for 3000 FUT's. I plan to only use a reputable member of the coalition, is this reasonable? I appreciate any and all replies and will try to get some updated pics of my first HT for viewing to help with opinions. Thanks, Hairbank

I'm on day 9 of my HT of 1400. I haven't really noticed many lost "hairs" yet but have started combing out what appears as dandruff in the morning after showering. I spoke with the doc yesterday about it and he said it was how the scabs shed. I think someone already mentioned this but best case is to call the surgeon and ask the question to him. Good luck!

I had my first HT with Dr. Lawrence Samuels (St. Louis, MO) this past Tues. I do not have pic's to post yet but will do so in the next few days when I'm comfortable wetting my hair so they can be viewed more clearly. Initially I was going to have most of the grafts placed in the back because my loss has progressed back to front vs. the other way around. After talking with Dr. Samuels, I decided to have the majority put in front then slightly thinning as they moved toward the back. The experience itself was good overall. The most pain experienced during the procedure was from the numbing of the donor area, which really wasn't that bad. Recovery didn't go as well. I experienced quite a bit of pain in the donor area and some on the scalp The meds didn't seem too help much. After the first couple of days it was pretty manageable. I iced my forehead and donor area religiously and have not yet had swelling. I was supposed to only get 1200 grafts but received 1400 and was not charged extra which was nice. Most of the placement of grafts went from very dense in front and then tapered to very, very few on the crown. I'm sure I'll want to follow up with more density on top and the crown soon. I'll post pic's within the next few days. I'm thrilled to have had it done and can't wait to start seeing some results. How long should a person wait before safely attempting another procedure? Thanks, Hairbank

I had my first HT with Dr. Lawrence Samuels (St. Louis, MO) this past Tues. I do not have pic's to post yet but will do so in the next few days when I'm comfortable wetting my hair so they can be viewed more clearly. Initially I was going to have most of the grafts placed in the back because my loss has progressed back to front vs. the other way around. After talking with Dr. Samuels, I decided to have the majority put in front then slightly thinning as they moved toward the back. The experience itself was good overall. The most pain experienced during the procedure was from the numbing of the donor area, which really wasn't that bad. Recovery didn't go as well. I experienced quite a bit of pain in the donor area and some on the scalp The meds didn't seem too help much. After the first couple of days it was pretty manageable. I iced my forehead and donor area religiously and have not yet had swelling. I was supposed to only get 1200 grafts but received 1400 and was not charged extra which was nice. Most of the placement of grafts went from very dense in front and then tapered to very, very few on the crown. I'm sure I'll want to follow up with more density on top and the crown soon. I'll post pic's within the next few days. I'm thrilled to have had it done and can't wait to start seeing some results. How long should a person wait before safely attempting another procedure? Thanks, Hairbank

I appreciate the advice. Given this is my first HT, I did the research I felt necessary and decided to move forward. Dr. Samuels required prepayment 1 week prior so I'm committed to the 1200 graft session. If he would have allowed more I would have taken it, but at the same time this does break down the cost a bit more. I have checked him out and have seen his work and I'm comfortable with him. I am committed also to doing this again for at least another 1200. Maybe the second time I'll try someone else who would give me more grafts depending on the coverage I'm looking for. It would be nice to do it once, but, it's a lifetime thing and I'm not that concerned about another HT (maybe I'll feel differently after the experience ;^) ). Given these things, what would your opinion be on placement for the 1200 given my type of loss from the posted pics?? more in front and move to the back later?? All in front?? All in back?? Your opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

Unfortunately the max. the surgeon will perform per each HT is 1200 and he is the closest and most reputable for me by a long shot. Several things factor in but he seemed concerned that "overcrowding" an area might potentially harm remaining hair. At any rate, on the flip side, the cost for the 1200 is $4,000, or $3.33 per graft, which I thought was reasonable. If I concentrate mainly on front and top, given the 1200 grafts, how many would I need in the back to have adequate coverage to use with a concealer and not have any "shiny" spots?? Keep in mind I plan on having another HT of an equivilent amount within 1 yr. Thanks for your input.

If you havn't view them, I posted my pic's on the "post your own HT pics" section. Please see it for reference. I'm about 2 1/2 hours from the surgeon and only had one consultation with him. The next time we meet will be next Tuesday before the HT when it will obviously be decided. I would like it to be as dense as possible, but at the same time the area on the back is so bare while from a frontal view I still appear to have a "decent" amout of hair that has receeded slightly. Knowing that I will most likely do this twice (for a total of 2400) what would you recommend for placement during the first procedure?? Thanks, hairbank

I'm having my first session this Tuesday, Jan. 18th, with Dr. Lawrence Samuels. 1200 grafts. I was hoping to get input on the area to concentrate the grafts keeping in mind that I plan on doing another 1200 in about a year depending on the overall success of the first HT. Initially I was thinking 80% back/ 20% front but now I'm not sure, you opinions are appreciated. I had been on Rogaine while in my 20's (I'm 38) and used propecia for a time about 5 years ago but stopped as I'm cautious about what I process through my body and felt I was attempting to "put of the inevitable". Genetically, my father had loss but more from front to back. Mine was more of a back to front progression. I have very thick hair on sides and back and was told by the doc I could do this a number of times. My father had a HT about 10 years ago with grafts of 4-6 each. He only had 400 total but surprisingly he has pretty good coverage and it appears to have all stayed. I have a brother who looks like a "Chia Pet" with hair clearly from my mothers side. Thanks for the posts. Any opinons as to recommended placement of grafts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Hairbank

I'm scheduled for my first HT, 1200 grafts, with Dr. Lawrence Samuels next Tues., Jan 18. My question is about placement and coverage?? Please view my photo album posted on "Post your own HT". I've grown my hair longer than normal for the HT so coverage is not as good as it appears (not that its that great ;^) ) I'm wondering whether to concentrate on the front first or the back, or a mix of both then fill in later?? I plan to have another session, 1200 or so, in about a year depending on the success. Initially I was going to go with 80% in th back with 20% in the front because I've lost a considerable amount in the back. I would appreciate your opinion as to which way to proceed. Thanks, Hairbank

I'm scheduled for my first HT, 1200 grafts, with Dr. Lawrence Samuels next Tues., Jan 18. My question is about placement and coverage?? Please view my photo album posted on "Post your own HT". I've grown my hair longer than normal for the HT so coverage is not as good as it appears (not that its that great ;^) ) I'm wondering whether to concentrate on the front first or the back, or a mix of both then fill in later?? I plan to have another session, 1200 or so, in about a year depending on the success. Initially I was going to go with 80% in th back with 20% in the front because I've lost a considerable amount in the back. I would appreciate your opinion as to which way to proceed. Thanks, Hairbank

These are pic's 5 days prior to my upcoming HT with Dr. Lawrence Samuels. I'm looking for input on placement of grafts for my first HT of 1200 grafts?? Most likely I will follow up with another session of 1200 in about a year or so depending on my results. Your input is appreciated. Thanks.

These are pic's 5 days prior to my upcoming HT with Dr. Lawrence Samuels. I'm looking for input on placement of grafts for my first HT of 1200 grafts?? Most likely I will follow up with another session of 1200 in about a year or so depending on my results. Your input is appreciated. Thanks.

Gunner1886, If I were you I would get a consultation from a reputable HT physician. At this point your hair loss really isn't that bad. Someone who is qualified to advise can give you a better idea with what the progression will look like and what you might try doing. I'm 38 and would classify myself as a NW 3 vertex and have gradually been losing my hair since I was 21 starting at the crown. In my 20's and early 30's I used Rogaine (for a few years) and propecia (a year or so) but I didn't feel like they helped. Maybe a little but how can you tell if it's slowing the loss?? After years of debating, I'm finally having a HT in a couple of weeks. Depending on your age, hair density, and type of loss you might wait a little longer but that's a question best asked of a physician. Good luck.