Background:
I'm a 30 year old Caucasian male. I have been suffering from thinning hair on top and a receding hairline for about 3-4 years now. I was very much in denial at first. After about two years of seeing a very full thick head of hair I had thin and hairline recede I started to research. I read over many articles as to what was happening and what my options were. After some time I decided it was time to take action because the lost was starting to become noticeable(particularly the receding hairline at the temples). I researched doctors and after reading many great reviews I decided to check out Dr. Arocha.
Consultation
I chose to have a consultation with Dr. Arocha in September of this year. I met with Dr. Arocha and his staff. I was very nervous about discussing these issues, but everyone on the team made me feel comfortable about talking about my hair loss. We discussed the options between FUT vs. FUE and I was given an estimate of the number of grafts I would need to achieve the results I hoped for . After the consultation I spent the next month and half debating between the two types of procedures. I finally decided I was leaning towards FUT. I had one more consultation with Dr. Arocha just to ensure FUT was right for me. He showed me several strip scars of his patients and the scaring was minimal(hard to notice even with shorter hair). We decided on 2500 FUT + PRP and he recommended beginning to use Propecia.
Day of Surgery
I arrived at the office around 7:30 AM. I was honestly very nervous that morning, however the staff and Dr. Arocha were very friendly and really helped calm my nerves by conversing with me. Dr. Arocha then designed and drew my hairline and made sure I was happy with what he would like to do, I agreed and then began to prep for the surgery. Local anesthesia was applied, no pain just slight pinch. The staff casually but professionally conversed with me throughout the procedure helping me to remain very relaxed throughout the day. I was encouraged to speak up at anytime if I was uncomfortable. I actually feel asleep a couple of times which was good for me. We took a break for lunch. Food was provided for me. After that we continued with the procedure. The procedure ended around 4:30 PM. Throughout the day I really felt no pain, which was a relief as I thought this would be painful.
Once everything was complete, I went back to my hotel room ordered some Chinese food and took the pain medication as instructed. There was a little pain before I took the medication after that, The staff recommended using a cervical pillow to lay and sleep which really helps.I experienced no pain and slept very well(from about 8PM to 8AM the next morning.)
1 Day after
The day after I went back into the office so Dr. Arocha and his staff could check on me. They washed/shampooed my hair for me, and said everything looked fine. I was sent home with the shampoo to use for the next days and they instructed me how to wash the hair, donor, and recipient areas. They refreshed my memory on the medication to take and the post-op steps to follow.
It's now day three. I haven't really experienced any pain. I have been taking the pain medication as instructed.. The staff recommended a cervical pillow which really helps with sleep and sitting/laying comfortably. The donor/strip area can be a little tender to lay on, but using the cervical pillow its elevated so there isn't really any pain.
I plan to continue to follow the post-op instructions and relax.I have a follow up in one week.
Based on my experience so far, I would recommend Dr. Arocha to anyone. The thing that strikes me is his passion about giving you the best head of hair he can.
Looking back, for the past few years I really made this into a bigger ordeal than it was. Ithink the hardest part is making the first step(at least it was for me)
I'm hoping for great results, I suppose it's a waiting game for now. I can continue posting follow ups if anyone is interested.