MasterP

Koenig- I cant say enough good things about my experience with Dr. Vogel. He is hands down the best in our area! I referred myvery paranoid uncle to him as well. He was also very pleased with his experience, staff, knowledge and location. Before I decided upon Dr. Vogel, I had consultations with two other HT Dr.s, one in Rockville MD. and the other through Bosiey, but I never felt comfortable of the staff, location and Dr's. I got my HT done back in 2009 and Im so glad I did it even though its very expensive. Good luck and let me know if you need any more info. Sincerely, Mike (MasterP)

I am awaiting responses from others, but can there be a huge difference in the number of grafts estimation when the doctors have seen the same set of photographs. Also, for me the price they have quoted is exorbitant, I understand that its that way in US & Canada. Is there any financing available if I still want to take it up. Awaiting to see your feedback. Yes, there can be a difference. Docs may see the same condition but may have different techniques or different plans on how they restore. Im 38yrs previously a 5A balding guy from Maryland and did the same thing. i sent photos via email to get some estimates on how many grafts and prices. But thats not the only thing you should do. You need to see them in person. Research your doctor before you see him. see if he or she has any publishing's or credentials (good or bad). if the doctor has any experience, you should be able to find info on the web. You need a doc who does the latest follicular grafting and does most of the work themselves like the NEW trichophytic closure technique of the donor site (ask about staff experience and techs). Some doctors will do only little sessions at a time and others with experience will have the skill to do a larger session at once. There are several things you need to set your mind on: * try Propecia because i wish i started on it at 26yrs it would of saved me hair and money in the long run. its proven to stop hair loss on many people and even regrow hair on the crown area. a good HT doc will evaluate this with you and only place grafts in this area if you commit to using Propecia for a LONG TIME... i know it sucks but its an investment in yourself. Although it does get cheaper with a generic brand but you need to stay on the name brand for one year first to make sure you see any change. See a HT doc with questions and prescription. * research and research your doctors - this forum really helped me - go through the web. HT doctors can have such different skill level. You need a doctor who is not afraid to publish their techniques and process. Look at previous clients (before and after photos). HT is a serious matter surgically and aesthetically. * set realistic goals: i got 2300 grafts but still maintained a slight receding hairline cause of my hair style and age. a low hair line is not for everyone. a skilled doc should know whats right for you and should see your future progression. * you need to feel comfortable. i avoided the big HT places cause i was bothered by them sometimes 10 times a day by phone and felt like a number not a person. i needed a smaller and more personal place that payed attention to the little details. Remember, the selection of a HT doctor's staff says a lot about the practice they run. (everything counts) * have a positive attitude going for the surgery - it can be a long procedure and some discomfort but i cant tell you the level of excitement i have to have my own real hair again. my forelock is restored once again. NO MORE FLIP TOP. Make sure you get lots of details and even in writing how the procedure will take place and what they give you and how many people are involved and ask if your the only procedure for that day. You want all the attention from the doc and staff for a high price you pay. Also make sure you take off for at least 5 days - some need 7 days after procedure and plan to do NOTHING. it is so so important to the healing process and avoiding swelling of the forehead. follow directions from doc. My doc got me started a day earlier on a "MethytlPRENDNISolone"4mg schedule tablet packet a full day earlier. i think with that and a combination of ice packs and motrin is what kept me from the swelling. I had no swelling at all the entire time but slept in a reclining chair with my head looking at the ceiling the entire time for 4 nights.(it sucks but worth it). i bought several gel packs and different sizes. one not frozen to support your neck cause its way more comfortable then a rolled up towel. alternate back and forth with a frozen one on your forehead and a little on the neck. thats what helped me. Your donor site may hurt like hell like mine the second and third night but the pain is controlled with Motrin every 4-6 hours.(ask your doctor first cause im not). My grafts did not hurt at all the entire time. Just be very careful with them. Use a saline spray often to help speed up the healing and dont touch them. Your doctor should have instructions on how to care for them. If you need a recomendation i went to Dr James Vogel in Baltimore, MD. I had the best experience and results with him and would do it again with him. This doctor has the skill and knowledge and staff and price that made it all come together for me and make it a reality. 38yr 2300 grafts by Dr Vogel on May 28 2009

I totally agree. I went for a consultation to see Dr. James Vogel on May 8th 2009. I first met with Mary who is Dr. Vogels professional assistant. She was so patient with all my questions and very helpful. Dr Vogel came in soon after and spent a lot of time with me answering all my questions. He then performed an exam of my balding pattern and worked out a written plan with drawings of what he thought would bring me the best HT solution (now and for the future).He also encouraged Propecia to help reverse balding on the crown area (which im taking now). I loved how organized him and his staff were and how they treated me like a person and not like a number. Unlike two larger HT places(im not naming any names) but i hated how they harassed me by phone and i never got the same person each time. Dr Vogel was so much more cozier and just great to deal with and is location was so easy to drive to, it was right off of 695 in Baltimore, MD. Dr Vogel said that i would need at least 2000 grafts to restore my forelock. His price was not the cheapest but he was not the most either. My motto is if your going to do something important get it done RIGHT the first time. Dr Vogel doesnt play around, he has an amazing technic and system in place that is the best around and i would never go anywhere else but him. Thats why i trusted him and his wonderful staff to place 2300 grafts on May 28th. More about my procedure to come. I attached a pic of my balding pattern prior to my surgery. I was a 5a stage at 38yrs