Dr Blake Bloxham

Hi Sean, Thank you for the kind words. Very nice to hear that people enjoy the content we share -- especially considering that we have a bit of a "backlog" and will share a lot in the near future.

Hi Recession, Yes, he healed very well. While scar healing is dependent on physiology, I agree that it can be hyped online. Most patients heal very well from both types of surgery and typically still have the ability to go quite short in the back. Thanks for watching and commenting.

Hi Upshall, Try not to be too discouraged at 5 months. I don't know anything about your case specifically, but 5 months is still very, very early. I have seen patients with very little progress at 5-6 months who end up doing very well in the end. I would say this patient is a little ahead of the "curve;" I have many guys who do not look like this at 6 months and still end up looking great by 18.

Five, Did you have acne like this as a teenager? It does sound like that classic hormone-related type of acne seen around times when hormone profiles change. Who prescribed the finasteride? They may have run into this issue before with patients and may have a good solution.

"Researchers may have sniffed out a possible cure." That's a good one! I recall reading about this a little while ago. Like you mentioned here, I think it is always good to be "cautiously optimistic" when it comes to these "miracle" treatments that news outlets make seem a little bit too good to be true. Do you have a link to the actual study referenced in the article? It would be interesting to read. I wonder if there is any subjective anecdotal data from people trying this online? Interesting theory all around. Thank you for sharing.

Great replies thus far. Bonkling, Would you mind sharing a little more information about your specific situation? Age, level of hair loss, family history, and preventive medication regimen -- if any. I perform both FUT and FUE, but I am a pretty well known proponent of the FUT method in a lot of situations. In fact, I think most guys would probably benefit most in the long-run by starting with FUT. However, it would be helpful to get a little more information about your case before making too strong of an endorsement either way.

Gene, Day 9 should not be a problem for a hat. I would double check with your clinic's specific recommendation regarding topical fibers. Some clinics really do not want you to use these for a while.

Hi Trix, Congratulations on the procedure. I hope it went well. And thank you for the kind words.

Great post. I have always enjoyed your input on this topic -- and clearly you guys (Dr. Cooley and team) are doing an excellent job with both methods and have the wherewithal to make these types of assessments. Thank you for sharing. I hope you will continue to do so.

Thank you all for the kind words. I really do hope it helps. Dr Bloxham

Hi Everyone, Many of the members and frequent contributors to the forums are obviously very knowledgeable about the hair transplant process. At this point, it is probably difficult for most to even remember a time when they were not "fluent" in the world of hair transplant surgery. But think back to when you first discovered hair restoration or first began your own research process. It is overwhelming and many ask themselves: "Where do I even begin?" Most patients have many "frequently asked" questions about even the most basic aspects of surgery; "How is a hair transplant performed?" "What will it feel like?" "What will I look like after and when can I go back to work?" "When will I see results?" To try and help some of those new to the hair transplant process, I put together a video narrating one patient's "hair transplant journey" from day 0 to month 6. While it does not cover every single aspect of his process, it does touch on the highlights of what most researching patients want to know. This includes: the steps of the surgery itself and the surgical experience; the immediate post-op; getting back to work; the beloved "ugly duckling" phase; and growth and results. The patient in the video underwent a 2,500 graft FUT mega-session, and his 6 month results are included as well; so those who are more knowledgeable about the process may want to watch just to see these. Thanks for watching and commenting. I truly hope new members finds this helpful. Dr. Blake Bloxham Feller & Bloxham Medical, PC

Optimistic, It is extremely variable. Almost all patients are different and you should resist the urge to compare yourself to others -- though I know it is hard not to. I have seen some patients with jaw-dropping growth at 4 months; I have seen others who really did not look "fully cooked" until 18 months (particularly if they had work in the mid-scalp and/or crown region). I even specifically remember one patient who took 24 months to really look fully matured. Now, all of these are pretty much outside the "norm," but just to reassure you that everyone is different. I would say the average patient sees a "spurt" at around 3-5 months, they are pretty happy and starting to actually use the transplants to style, increase density, etc., by 6 months, and then reach full maturation sometime between 12-18 months. 12 months for "full maturation" is a nice easy number we use a lot online, but I personally think almost all patients look a little better at 18 months compared to 12. Seeing sporadic growth or even no growth at 3.5 months is normal. Nothing to be concerned about. I know it is difficult, but try to put it out of your mind for a while and let your body heal and mature on its own. There is an old adage about a watched pot never boiling, and I think it does apply a little here. Best of luck.

Interestingly enough, tanning beds actually contain a much higher concentration of UVA rays (or some even "exclusively" UVA rays), so very pertinent to the discussion. I always tell my patients to use extra caution in tanning beds. I typically tell them 6 months or so, but even then recommend putting something around the scalp to block out the light. It does not seem like this is a part of the body one would really want to "tan" regardless nor would it really detract from using a tanning bed the same way it might on a beach, so why take the risk? Most guys will use a towel (provided by the salon) to cover up there. And, again, double check all of this with your clinic because they may have their own set of instructions regarding the sun and tanning.

Technically UVA rays, while more common and typically less concerning compared to UVB, do penetrate to the deeper layers of skin where the follicles typically rest. They are usually more associated with "photo aging" than they are "sun burn" type damage, but it is an interesting observation/question due to the depth at which they penetrate. Most commercial sunscreens also focus on "blocking" UVB and not really UVA too. I think it is theoretical and somewhat unproven to suggest that UVA would be as harmful as UVB, but those concerned or looking to really "play it safe" in the post-op may want to just wear a hat and completely block the majority of UV rays.

Kiwi, In general, the hair should grow back "stronger" after an initial minoxidil shed. Do keep in mind that the initial shedding period can last up to 3-4 months, and you really should wait at least 6 (with 12 preferred by most) to tell whether or not you are responding well to the medication. However, you should not really permanently "lose" any hair from minoxidil use.

Harry, You should be fine after 6 months maturation. It is good that you double checked with your clinic and likely even better than you used some sun protection. In general, most patients should be cautious up until the 6th month and then, of course, take general precautions in the sun after that.

Rd, Thank you for sharing. Looks like a nice spread on the extractions and a small diameter punch (my guess is 0.8 - 0.9mm). If you were my patient, I would tell you to wait another 6 months and see if this subsided. I know 12 months seems like an eternity, but it is really a short period as far as the body and its healing process is concerned. Remember that each time a cut is made anywhere, there is the potential for damage and changes to blood vessels, nerves, skin tissue, etc., as it heals. So there always is the potential for some slight "sensation" change. However, it is just as likely that things are still rearranging and healing a little bit. So, as annoying as it is to hear a doctor tell you to "give it more time," I would simply give it another 6 months before making a final assessment. Hope this helps.

Helper, Thank you for sharing this additional information. Although I cannot say for certain without evaluating in-person, this sounds pretty normal -- especially if he had several of these larger scabs. Some patients simply form more of these in the post-op., and they can be difficult to dislodge. My educated assumption would be that this area will grow similar to the rest of the transplanted region when things fully mature. Hope this helps.

Dr. Lindsey, Great video. The patient looks excellent too. Nice work.

E, Good question. Here is what I typically gather from my patients: Anecdotally, patients report that the liquid is more effective. However, they also report increased redness, irritation, and dryness of the scalp. They also report that the liquid sometimes "runs" down the scalp. The foam (which does contain fewer of these potential irritants) seems to cause less irritation on the scalp, but people also report it is less effective (I typically hear this from people who switch from liquid to foam). And while they do not report the "running" issue, they do say that they foam sometimes makes styling more difficult. I personally believe the liquid is reportedly both more effective and irritating because it makes more contact with the scalp and absorbs better through the skin surface. However, more people seem to like the foam because it is less irritating to the scalp and a little easier to use. And, of course, it is still an effective way to deliver the medication. All brands should contain the same amount of the active ingredient (minoxidil 5%).

Hi Bjorn, Thank you. The wet, gel look is absolutely more "harsh" and detracts from the overall fullness and layering effect -- which is typically very helpful for density from a transplant. It is interesting, however, how many guys do come in and tell me they want the slicked back, gelled look. It's a tough one to pull off with a transplant because it is very unforgiving, but I take great satisfaction when a patient comes back and they are successfully sporting this look.

Hi Mick, Thank you. I completely agree with the hairline comment. It is all about re-framing the face and recreating those natural proportions. It makes a world of difference.

Hi Kiwi, Thank you. I definitely have a bit of a "back log" of results to share, so I am glad the community wants to see them because there will absolutely be more coming. A lot of educational content too -- which I think is very helpful to share.

Thanks, Melvin!

Hi JJ, My pleasure. I think he's above average -- or a "fast grower/maturer" -- for 6 months. I am always a little bit hesitant to put early grower cases up because I think it makes people who are on track or maybe even a little bit behind worried, so I will again share that "PSA" that just because you are not at this guy's level at 6 months does not mean you won't catch up and be just as dense by the time things fully mature.