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windjc

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Posts posted by windjc

  1. Originally posted by hairwaiting:

    hey guys, been a year since ive been here. going in for my second fue soon, and i just wanted to catch up.

     

    are there any new fue docs on the horizon? last time i was here only feller and smg were the main contenders. and rahal seemed top for strip. still the same?

     

    improving results. anything new reccomended for me to apply before and after for aiding healing, growth, and scarring?

     

    thanks guys icon_smile.gif

     

    Were you not happy with your first FUE? Why not go back to the same doctor?

     

    Everyone has a different opinion about who the "best" are. So that changes everyday, depending on who you talk to.

     

    But the docs you mention all seem to still have good reps. I got FUE with Umar and like it.

     

    But I don't think that there have been any revolutionary developments in techniques in the last 12 months. Strip docs are getting better at closing the scars. FUE docs are coming out with more patient results. But thats about the extent of it.

     

    Some docs are experimenting with different ways (platelet rich blood and such) of increasing healing and lowering transection rates, but they havent shown verifiable results as of yet.

  2. Originally posted by Bill - Managing Publisher:

    Windjc,

     

    In addition to the information other members provided above, here's a link to a Q&A blog article I wrote some time ago that may help you.

     

    Which one is Better to Maximize Hair Counts via Hair Transplant Surgery ??“ FUT then FUE or the Other way Around?

     

    Best wishes,

     

    Bill

     

    Thanks Bill,

     

    But I think your arguments include financial ones, which I wasn't referring to. Also, imo, the arguments against FUE first still include transection.

     

    As techniques improve, this is becoming more of a dated argument.

     

    I am living proof that you can get density just as good in a FUE procedure as strip. And there are many others.

     

    Anyway, I still think you have good important points in most of what you say regarding the comparison between the two.

     

    I simply advocate patients looking at every conceivable option before deciding long term course of action.

  3. Originally posted by Maxxy:
    the best way to get the most grafts is to do strip first and FUE second" makes ZERO sense to me.

     

    It makes perfect sense to me. Below is a post that I wrote on another thread... others might not agree, but it seems very logical to me.

     

    "In FUE, there is only so much you can take before the area looks thin, however, in a strip you are also removing the skin as a result you do not encounter that problem.

     

    If you started off by getting large FUE procedures, then you pretty much have to continue with FUE. To get a strip procedure at a later date, you would have to get a wider strip taken as the donor would be depleted."

     

     

    Sorry, Maxxy. This logic makes no sense. Its still the SAME amount of grafts either way. If you do strip first, more of the grafts will come from strip. If you do FUE first, more of the grafts will come from FUE. Either way, same amount of grafts.

     

    Any theory that says strip first - FUE second = more grafts is assuming transection in FUE. Thats an ASSUMPTION.

  4. I thought I was sorta bright, but this whole "the best way to get the most grafts is to do strip first and FUE second" makes ZERO sense to me.

     

    Why on earth could someone not get just as many grafts by doing FUE first and strip second?

     

    Either way you use ALL the grafts on the flesh that is completely removed from your head with strip and SOME of the grafts everywhere else.

     

    I'd love to know how you can somehow harvest more grafts by doing strip followed by FUE.

     

    It makes no sense to me although people post it on different threads constantly.

     

    Was this something Feller posted and so everyone just went along with the theory?

  5. Originally posted by aaron1234:

    Good luck ironman. Hope it all works out for you. I must say I'm sort of miffed as to why you would do an experimental HT since it appears you still have some good donor left. Either way, keep us posted and I hope you are happy in the long run.

     

    Ummmm. Experimental? Are you referring to the nape hairs? So, worse case scenario they all fall out 20 years from now and he loses the front two lines of hair, maybe a cm?

     

    I think "experimental" is a bit harsh, imo. Especially when, even with this worst case scenario, he will have a potentially much more soft and natural hairline for a long long time.

  6. For those who know, this is a serious question.

     

    I'd like to know what the real deal is with hairsite. Like, for instance, who runs it and what his real income sources are.

     

    I've read forums for some years now and I post from time to time. If anyone was to research my posts you'd find that I am a big proponent of patients taking responsibility for the results of their HTs, etc. I have defended docs that I thought were unfairly bashed. I am not an alarmist or prone to melodrama or hyperbole.

     

    But I have become frustrated with what seems to be a blatant disregard for real patient feedback on Hairsite. I am coming to the opinion that that site is only run for profit, with the forum only a shell to bring more business to the site.

     

    I have no problem with online monetization. I have made millions in online marketing myself.

     

    But to have a forum and not allow open discussion or any negative feedback regarding doctors or situations is unfathomable.

     

    I know many on here know more about that site than I do. I am NOT starting this thread as an open invitation to bash Hairsite. But I would like some honest objective feedback about the operation that is being run there.

     

    Cheers.

  7. Originally posted by k10:

    I just received the pics from Dr. Bauman so I wanted to share them with you to be fair to him.

     

    This pic Dr. Bauman sent me is from 2005-2009 (before any HTs until after HT 3, around 5400 grafts), I must remind you that as Bill stated I do not know the results of my 4th procedure at this time. I am only a few months post op.

     

    I have also updated my original post to include more pics he sent me. Thank you

     

    WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY did you go to this same doctor 4 times?

     

    At some point the patient has to take responsiblity for their results. You didn't get good results with the 1st transplant. Your experience with Bauman should have ended their.

     

    I don't even know what to say. And you are still talking to him about another surgery. At this point you get exactly what you deserve.

     

    Its horrible that the results are this bad. Its sad that you could have avoided 80% of this EASILY.

  8. Originally posted by GuyManDude:

    Thanks for the NY referrals. I do drive to NY an don't mind driving that far for a procedure.

     

    As for photos. I have photos from my procedure post opp and current photos showing where I am now. Earlier photos are printed. I don't have a scanner and have been taking photos of photos in an effort to get you guys something to look at and compare.

     

    However... to be very honest, you don't need photos in this case. Unless you just want to comment for the sake of commenting. It doesn't forward the topic for me to post photos. I've stated how many hairs I should need and what prices I'm getting etc...

     

    The only thing I can see posting photos will do is if you disagree with the amount of hairs I actually need. So I'll post them, but I need to finish my mini-collection so you can get a strong idea of where I've been and where I'm at.

     

    NO disrespect intended.

     

    Again on budget. Saving a few hundred bucks right now is almost impossible. I don't want to explain my financial situation. Please don't force me to. icon_smile.gif

     

    You wanted good answers. Bill just gave you golden advice. You should take it. You should absolutely take it.

  9. I had 2600 frontal FUEs done with Umar 4 months ago and have gotten very nice results already.

     

    Its funny your experiences and opinions are similar to my own. Umar is very kind in person although stoic. He also invests very little in staff or customer service. Of course, the upside of this is he does all the transplants himself. The downside is that he has a new secretary every 4 days icon_smile.gif (Okay, I jest a bit here).

     

    But his staff (of one) almost costs me my transplant because they failed to notify me that somehow my wire didnt come through to their bank and then when I showed up they called off the surgery for non-payment. So, basically I refused to leave, we had a heart to heart, and went forward.

     

    But the results are as good as any strip I've seen on any forum after 4 months.

     

    I'm glad to know you had positive results. Congratulations.

  10. You very well may not be a great candidate for FUE. But there is nothing stopping you from going for a consultation with both a leading strip surgeon and a leading FUE surgeon for their opinions. The best docs aren't going to try to sell you something they can't do.

     

    If I were you, I would set up a consulation with Hasson and Wong for strip and Dr. Umar for FUE. If you go to Feller he will tell you to do strip, so what's the point there?

     

    As some on here have mentioned, you may want to do a strip (or two) procedures followed by a FUE procedure. But, if I was in your shoes, I would meet with doctors in both fields to make a comprehensive gameplan.

     

    Of course, these is assuming you want to tackle this as aggressively as possible.

  11. Originally posted by aaron1234:

    Is FUE totally safe? Well, crossing the street isn't totally safe. But if done in the right hands, FUE can be effective.

     

    It does leave a lot of scars. They probably won't be noticeable if you shave down to a 1-2 guard. But if you shave it slick bald, they probably WILL be slightly noticeable.

     

    One downside is that FUE generally doesn't achieve the same yield as FUT. I believe the best candidates for FUE are those will very minimal balding.

     

    Creative79, if you want more responses I highly suggest posting pics. More members would be willing to comment if they saw your balding pattern and donor area.

     

    At least some of the times, FUE has as good of yield as Strip.

  12. Originally posted by Bill - Managing Publisher:
    But it is a little frustrating when I ask the such questions and the moderator or the office's forum representative answer in effect "risks are minimal" or "the doctor knows best".

     

     

    Excuse me Windjc...

     

    But I was offering a very general opinion and view regarding the safe zone. This is not only my view, but the view of dozens of leading physicians. I was not addressing specific concerns you had about specific results. In fact, your last post contains no reference or links to a particular result you are concerned about. I can't read your mind. If you want my input on a particular result, send me a link or share your concerns on the thread featuring the results.

     

    That said, I am inclined to agree that physicians need not to deviate too far outside of the universal safe zone on extremely young patients. The younger the patient, the higher the risks.

     

    Bill

     

     

    Here's one from this forum:

     

    Example

     

    Again, I'm not a Keser hater. I love FUE. Had it done myself and have very good results.

     

    I just don't understand the graft selection at all.

  13. Originally posted by windjc:
    Originally posted by Bill - Managing Publisher:

    Guys,

     

    I've emailed Dr. Keser earlier today asking about his availability so I can learn more about his practice. I've also asked him to take and present photos that demonstrate a typical day of surgery at his clinic. I think it's important that we not only view his results, but that we acquire a better understanding of his surgical procedure. After all, we want to be as thorough as possible in prescreening surgeons before potentially recommending them.

     

    Regarding the safe zone - I do think there is some room for flexibility and adaptability depending on the patient. While some of the donor photos show FU grafts harvested above and below the universal safe zone, sometimes in order to obtain more grafts, a physician will migrate into areas still considered to be safe given a patient's hair loss pattern and family history of hair loss. I refer to this as the "custom" safe zone.

     

    There are a few additional risks of removing hair from the custom safe zone however, as long as risks are minimal, a patient is fully informed of the risks, and consents to them, then I see nothing wrong with this. I included the part about risks being minimal because I think that some things are obviously not within the best interest of the patient. Thus, even if a patient consents to something not in their best interest, the physician(s) need to be held accountable. But most reputable physicians will take a patient's individual circumstances into consideration and sometimes deviate slightly from the norm in order to help a patient meet their goals, that is, if their physiology and characteristics call for it.

     

    Best wishes,

     

    Bill

     

     

    Of course, everyone is different. That's a given. But when I see pics of a 28 yrd old with recession in his 3rd zone and a clear diffuse thinning pattern to NW4 and then I see grafts taken well above the NW7 line and arguably above the NW6 line, then I have some serious questions.

     

    Maybe the patient wanted him to do it. Maybe it was the only way to harvest the grafts he needed. I don't know.

     

    But it is a little frustrating when I ask the such questions and the moderator or the office's forum representative answer in effect "risks are minimal" or "the doctor knows best".

     

    I have nothing against Dr. Keser, but come on. We should ask for specific answers regarding this for any doctor.

  14. After seeing some pictures form Dr. Keser's work,

    I was surprised that he will take many grafts from "non-safe" zones. Although there is debate to what is safe or not, I am talking about zones above a NW7.

     

    I personally would not have any doctor move grafts in that area on me.

     

    But if there are doctors that do body hair transplants and aren't recommended because of the questions about longer term effects/stability, I think likewise doctors that take grafts from aggressive areas also have to be questioned.

  15. Originally posted by Balboa:

    the way they are doing body parts is allot diffrent i think. also so the article with replaceing ones esophogus and they actualy used a diffrent esophogus cleaned it off to the bone so there was the basic shell left then grew the new guys cells arround it. so not quite the same princeiple however i do agree that it makes things look promising and i am one that is counting on all this

     

    You may be right about this and if I exaggerated it was unintentional.

     

    However, growing organs for transplantation is considered a science that is much closer than most people would imagine.

  16. If you want FUE, you should at least look into Dr. Umar in Redondo Beach. He only does FUE and has done it for the last 7 years.

     

    He operated on me. I'm not quite 4 months out, but things are progressing quickly and steadily for me. But there are other docs like Feller who also do FUE.

     

    Was your first surgery strip? I can't believe a doctor charged you $10 a graft in 2009. That's ridiculous. Particularly for strip (if that is what you had).

     

    There are world class strip surgeons who charge $4-5 grafts. And great FUE surgeons who charge as little as $6.

     

    At least it seems you will do your research this time. Good luck.

  17. Originally posted by phil mascallpen:

    I have a trip to Mexico planned the last week of March. At that time I'll be 4 months and a week post-op.

     

    How careful do I have to be about the recipient area when it comes to hanging out at the beach in the sun? I'll be at the beach pretty much every day.

     

    Anyone with experience here?

     

     

    My doc (Umar) didnt want me in the sun for 60-90 days. I dont remember which.

     

    I'd say that the recipient area is still vunerable, simply because it probably pretty much bald (or bald-like) and easy burnt. I don't think you want to run the risk of a sun-burn to create more trauma, swelling and inflammation in the area.

     

    But that's my non-medical opinion.

  18. I think you will be absolutely fine.

     

    Are you going to wear your hair that short? If, not, there is no way any scars will ever bee seen.

     

    You probably had a mild infection or immuno irritation. I had a break out on my nape from FUE. I haven't seen anyone on the forums with something similar. I got steriods from the doctor and eventually it went away. And this is an area with very little hair to cover up at all.

     

    You'll be fine. How is your eyebrow, btw? That seems the more interesting and pressing topic.

  19. Originally posted by dreadlocks:

    I hear what you are saying Hairismylife. Sorry it sounded disengenous but I have no agenda and am here to educate and share experience with guys (and of course girls) who are desperate for help and turn to flash advertising using models with hair brushed out as before pics. I am very much against the conveyor belt approach and budget transplants and am no fan of DHI, BHR, Hospital Group or any other cheap hair dealerships. But the question remains - Why would Amir Khan (A man instantly recognisable to a billion people) go there for his work and have the photos taken to prove it. Moreover, why is virender Sehwag (also known to roughly the same billion) now endorsing them and plastered across their website. Many other young dudes will ask the same question? Why? Why? Why?

     

    Celebrities aren't smart. That's one reason. At least not all of them are smart.

     

    Plus, celebrities like to get paid endorsements and things for free. Free is cool, even if its just a $500 watch or a $500 Blackberry or a $10000 HT.

     

    Plenty of celebrities have gone to bad HT surgeons and gotten bad HTs.

     

    Why are you so fascinated by this phenomena? And why are you not a fan of DHI after you went for a consultation there? Or if you weren't a fan, why did you go at all?

  20. Originally posted by TakingThePlunge:

    Hey labrat,

     

    Thanks for your comments. Others have expressed the same idea but when I talk about not being happy with my yield, I am speaking only about the area that was transplanted at a higher density than what has grown.

     

    I agree that the hairline design was too conservative. I discussed that with Dr. A before the procedure but he was adamant that it had to be that way and felt that I would be happy with the results so I decided to leave it in his hands knowing that I could always get it lowered later if I wasn't happy with it.

     

    I also recognize that my before pics give a glimpse of the direction my balding is heading in but, in reality, it doesn't look that bad in person and I believe that there has been some improvement from the Proscar and Rogaine I've been using over the past year.

     

    I never expected to have a full head of hair after this procedure and I wasn't convinced I'd be happy with he conservative hairline design but what I didn't expect what the very poor density in the transplanted area that resulted from the inexplicable failure of many of my grafts to grow.

     

    Hey TTP,

     

    Do you use Toppik or some concealer? I would think you have enough density in the the transplanted area that if you keep it short and use Toppik wisely, you might be able to get a fairly thick look.

     

    I know it doesn't give you more hair, but if would seem like it could make a significant difference, since basically what you have is a diffuse thinning look in the transplanted area.

  21. Originally posted by Sparky:

    Dr Umars work always looks more bloody than most. The results turn out ok though.

     

    I asked him about this last time I saw him, because a lot of people comment on it and I couldn't figure it out.

     

    He said that he does not clean the recepient area of blood as he doesnt want to run the risk of moving, dislodging, or otherwise damaging the transplanted follicles.

     

    He went on to say that the clean pictures you see most of the time are after the recipient area has been cleaned. He said that every patient bleeds and if you don't clean the blood it looks like this.

     

    For what it's worth.

  22. Originally posted by Abedogg:

    I went to Umar in So Cal and I'm very happy at the 11 month mark. Feel free to let me know if you have questinos.

     

    Have things continued to improve for you past the 8th month mark?

     

    I know then you wouldn't say you were "very" happy. Moderately happy perhaps.

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