tberry

Borderline, Let your hair grow 2-3 inches on the sides and back. I'm assuming that you are going to have some time off after your HT surgery. After 8 or 10 days the scabs will be off and it will look much better than you think it will at this point. Still a little red and people will know you have had something done if you can't wear a cap. If you cut it down where your scar is showing from your strip, that's what will draw attention to your head. I kept mine long until I had my sutures out then had my barber cut it as short as he could without the scar showing. I own my own business and just started wearing a hat before my transplant so people wouldn't notice me coming in all of a sudden after my surgery and start asking me about it. I know how it is though, I worried myself sick about what others would think or say about it. As it turned out it just wasn't a big deal at all. You'll be surprised at how well it actually looks after 8 10 days. Good luck

MDM Then you better get in done before MArch cause I'm already on the books!!! Give me a call when you get a chance. Tberry

I went to a local brance of a national lab in my town to have my bloodwork done. Dr Shapiro had an account # with them and the fee was charges to Shapiro. I wasn't charged anything over my initial fee for the bloodwork. You have about 4 techs and Dr Shapiro working on you for a full day and in any HT there is blood from taking the strip, cutting the strip and making the incisions. If I was the Dr I would want to insure the safety of my employees and myself. Shapiro is a good guy. I'm going back in a few months for another go-round to fill in my crown and touch up on my first HT from March. Good luck.

Shapiro had me get a blood test done also. They checked for hepitits, and AIDS which is prudent to do in my opinion.

I told my barber ahead of time that I was having a HT and asked if he could give me my first haircut after hours. I called him a day or two ahead of time and met him there at closing time. I've been going to him for years and he was glad to do it. I also gave him a much larger tip than usual. Just call and explain the situation and I'm sure yours will probably do the same. Good luck.

When I had my HT done with Shapiro, I didn't take them up on their offer to watch a movie or TV. When I went into the procedure room there was already some music playing kinda low and I figured that I would rather have the techs working on me comfortable and relaxed. I figured it was my job to sit still and let them do their work without any other distractions. It wasn't too difficult to do with a valium or two in me!!

Dr Ron Shapiro did his last HT.

Altair, if there is anybody on this forum that I'm rooting for it is you. Cooley is a good doctor and from everything I've heard about him he is a real standup guy. You are a brave sole to put your pic out there. Everyone will be watcdhing this one real close. Keep us posted with your progress and good luck to you. tberry

forlife I'm just over 3 months out from my initial HT with Dr. Shapiro. I had just shy of 2600 graphs. I had a little bit of tightness initially but it soon went away. I cannot tell that I have any loss of feeling or tightness in my reciepient or donor area. It really hasn't been a big deal for me. I worried myself to death before I had the procedure done, but again it just wasn't a big deal. I will have no hesitation about going in for the next one in about 8 months. The scar is in no way detectable in my case. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. tberry

Socialdrinker, Congrats on your procedure with the good Dr Cooley. Looks like he did a great job with you. To Dr Cooley, Offering your services like you have to Socialdrinker speaks volumes for you and your dedication to hair transplantation. Very few would have done what you have and you should be commended for it. Great job.

Altair, I'm sure Dr. Cooley will be able to help you. I also had a consult with Dr. Cooley before i had my HT In March with Shapiro. I was impressed with Cooley when I met with him and I think he is good choice. I would consult with others also. Shapiro does excellent repair work and I would at least send him some pictures to get an evaluation. I live in the Carolinas also and wanted to stay close to home initially, but listening to everyone on this forum convinced me not to limit myself to my geographical area. I'm confident you will find someone who can fix your problem. Tedgroves: Grow up

Before photo top view and plan drawn at shapiro's office

march 18 appx 2600 graphs

Dr Shapiro and i discussed both staples and sutures. He led me to believe that there really wasn't a significant difference in how my scar would turn out if i went one way or another. I chose the sutures. I look at the scar everyday and it looks good and tight. Having them removed Monday afternoon. I did the same thin Mapman did. Bought a travel pillow and use it for sleeping. The first few nights it was uncomfortable, but it did not hurt. I was more concerned with moving my head around and pulling the suture line apart while I slept and also rolling over and putting pressure on the graphs. I just didn't have any pain from sutures. When I go back for my 2nd on I'll ask for sutures again. I have used all my spray up as well and still have the majority of tiny scabs attached. I'm following all the directions but still can't bring myself to rub with the pads of my fingers while shampooing to help loosen them. I'm just letting them come off when they are ready. I'm still amazed that this has been so easy. I had myself convinced that it was going to be a real hassel. It just isn't a big deal. Can't wait for the 2nd one. Still trying to post my pics for everyone to see. Hopefully today. Good luck and let me know how it goes for you.

Sorry folks, can't seem to get the pics Matt sent to my by email transfered. I'm a novice in this area. Any help would be appreciated. tberry