champybaby

What I'm doing here, and to answer your question — "do you still think about hair transplants in your day to day life?" — no, I don't. But I do enjoy helping people, like other members have helped me, through their HT journey. I'm sharing because I know that people on this forum, both newcomers and older timers, wonder what a HT looks like beyond one or two years. Most first-time HT candidates think they just need 1 HT and their done. But the reality, especially for younger people with aggressive hair loss (like myself when I first got mine), is that they will lose more hair and that they will need (or want) another HT. I'm showing what multiple HTs (3) look like over many years. It looks like you've posted a lot of questions seeking insight/help. I've done the same. We're all trying to help and support each other here. So that's what I'm trying to do. Cheers 🍻

Heya — No, I wasn't blindfolded. Is that a thing lol? And yea, there was some talking during the first 15%-20% of the surgery, but generally speaking, you want the doctor and their team to do their thing so I try not to talk a lot. There is a TV in there, though I've never asked for it to be on. I essentially fell asleep for all of my surgeries. I never associated pain with my surgeries. I don't believe they're painful at all. For me, I find sleeping post-op to be the most difficult, as you need to sleep upright. That's easier for some versus others (like me). Took sleeping pills to help with that. After 10 days, it's just a waiting game for results.

Just an update. Got 4400 FUT in 2012. Got a second* procedure in Nov. 2020 of 2500 (mostly FUT, about 500 FUE) and placed about 1500 in back and 1000 in front. I've been taking meds since my first procedure. I'm legit a hard NW6. Most recent pics below were taken today in HARSH lighting. Hair is very slightly damp. Also filled in FUT line about 4 months after second HT (400 beard). That made a big difference. I can shave it down to a 3. You can see before pics in my signature. First pic is my around 2011. Had a massive black hole in the crown prior to my second procedure. Dr. K legit changed my life for the better. Just wanted to share some pics because this guy's work is amazing and meant to last. I'm still losing some hair. Mostly my part line/halo. I imagine I will have another 2 HT in my lifetime, both minor to fill in some spots. Dr. K told me I should have a full head of hair for the rest of my life, as I did "everything right" — thanks to his advice (such as taking meds, doing FUT first). I'm nearly 41. Happy to answer questions. Cheers —

I've been shaving my sides w/ a 3 lately. Everyone I know says it looks much better with short sides. Mind you, I've had 2 FUTs. In terms of texture, I can't really feel a difference. It's mostly a visible thing. Very glad I got the FUT filled in.

Dr. K literally changed my life. Wouldn't be where I am today if it were not for him. In my experience, the 4.5 month mark is when you can start going out without a hat w/ confidence. Just gets better and better from there.

The first time, yes, staples. The second time, no, just stitches. Dr. K explained the why to me when I asked, but I can't recall what he said right now.

I looked into this. FWIW, this was a convo w/ perhaps the largest contributor of SMP on this forum. He was 50/50 on whether it's worth doing. He also added that SMP to fill areas damages his equipment, which I found surprising. Again, this was just a convo I personally had. People should explore do their DD, etc. Just sharing what I learned 😃

Bro. I bet you could do it w/ 300 grafts. Plug the 200 elsewhere. My crown was a massive black hole and 1500 did the trick. Based on the pic you shared, much of it will come down to the skill of the doctor and how the grafts are angled, imo. If you're open to using a literally dash of XFusion or something, with the 300 grafts, it's look stellar. Real happy for you brother.

This is why I always go in Nov. It's cold, hat season, holidays...just lay low for 3-4 months and you're good to go.

Thanks. The reality of getting a HT is spending money on all sorts of new products to find what works for you. That's been my experience. Though I'm always interested in trying a new product so I'll check it out. I really like Harry Tame Cream (soft). It's cheap, but man, is it so much better than similar stuff I've spent $30+ for.

Can you elaborate on the sea salt spray? I've been using a combo of a shine spray + harry's soft taming cream. What does this do?

Get on fin, oral minox. Start consulting w/ tier 1 surgeons now. You will have a much better picture of when. I don't believe you need to do anything right now but take meds and speak with a tier 1 surgeon. If you do opt to do a HT now keep in mind that it's more than likely you will need another one, or two, in the future. HT, the majority of times, is not a one and done thing. If you were like 50 with some hair loss, sure, that could be a one and done.

Correct; it was maybe 4-5 months, but yes.

Over time, they become less coarse and more in line with your regular hair. That's what I've recently begun to notice.

My first run w/ doctor K I was nervous; the second time I was so excited. You're in good hands. Having two FUTs limited how short I could cut the sides. Since it was the pandemic and wfh and all, I thought I'd knock it out shortly after my second procedure.