garyr

Arfy wrote: <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I think the transplanted hairs in a specific area will all emerge around the same general time, more or less. What happens is that these hairs mature and get thicker, which means more coverage... the hairs cover up more bald area. Hair shaft diameter is a huge factor in coverage... Wispy hair does not cover as well as coarse hair does. That's what people refer to, when they talk about 50%, 60%, 70% etc... how mature the hairs are. This was part of a letter I received from my doctor: <BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> You are at the 6 month post - op stage now, and will begin to experience the majority of your growth from now until the 12 month mark. Generally, at this time, patients will experience about 60% growth. This is an exciting time for you, as you will begin to see what the final result will be. I was naive to think that by 'growth' was meant new hairs will continue to grow out or emerge through the skin over a year - instead - all will emerge together and the new follicles will grow longer/thicken/mature over a year. I do see what the outline of the final results will look like at this point. I unfortunately think 1 pass of 3600 may not be quite enough for what I was hoping to achieve. Anyway, I have several months to obsess before I consider booking #2, so thanks for the insights. garyr

HairBeThere So, 'gtowth' is the actual emerging of the hairs popping through the skin and not just the appearence of growth (thickening, lengthening) -is that right? garyr

For Drs. or veterans with HTs post 1 year This may be an obviously sophmore question, but: the general formula for follicle growth appears to be that around 4 months one sees the beginning of decent progress. Afterwards, one gets approximately month for month growth - for example, 70% after 7 months. Does that mean around the 7th month, approximately 30% of the transplants have not yet emerged? Or, all follicles have emerged, however 30% are not long enough to make a difference to one's appearence? This is not an academic question. I just passed the 6-month mark and am curious if I have approximately 40% more follicles that have not broken through as yet. That is what I hope is the answer. Thanks, Garyr

For Drs. or veterans with HTs post 1 year This may be an obviously sophmore question, but: the general formula for follicle growth appears to be that around 4 months one sees the beginning of decent progress. Afterwards, one gets approximately month for month growth - for example, 70% after 7 months. Does that mean around the 7th month, approximately 30% of the transplants have not yet emerged? Or, all follicles have emerged, however 30% are not long enough to make a difference to one's appearence? This is not an academic question. I just passed the 6-month mark and am curious if I have approximately 40% more follicles that have not broken through as yet. That is what I hope is the answer. Thanks, Garyr

Your going to look super good between halloween and Thanksgiving -lol - no need for a mask you won't recognize yourself! Garyr

Thanks Brian: My doc didn't recomment my using minox. again until around the 10-14th day so I didn't run into the white crusts you had. I'm just not sure about penetration once the new hairs are growing. It seems mist or dropper you have to use your hands to make sure it gets to the scalp instead of just sitting on the follicles. Garyr

Question: I also use the Kirkland. Do you guys only use the drop applicator? I found it a drag to put drops on all the HT graft areas and surrounding hair using the dropper. Besides, I thought it didn't cover enough ground per application. I started using a fine small-bottle plastic mist sprayer. I'm probably overusing a bit, but, Minox. is not that costly. Any thoughts? Garyr

Thanks Rugger... My doc old me he liked seeing patients at 3 months, because he knew they were feeling like killing him [my words]. I was well prepared for the 4 mo+ wait. This is new info for me regarding front/top vs. crown fill timing. It's wierd, now tht I'm getting visable hairline growth I'm feeling good about my appearence from the front and miserable about the crown. Go figure. I should probably go to sleep for four more months and wake up to a surprise - lol. GaryR

Thank ya...thank ya...thank you... I'm now at that 4 month + period and noticing lots of growth in the hairline and top and can see what it's going to look like over the next period. However, I had at least 2/3 of my crown closed with new units and can't see hardly anything happening. This makes me feel better to know that others have similar crown growth. I'm still learning, so this forum has ongoing value to me. Garyr

Jerry, I did two 'bad' ones. Once on the overhead bin on the plane home from the HT (ouch) and once 10 days after when I left the medicine cabinet open while washing my hair in the sink. That one drew blood and maybe pulled out a FU. However, at my near 4 month mark I can't say I'm any worse for the hits. You'll most likely be fine. Good luck. Garyr

fedup 77 Congratulations to a fellow 57er and NW 5a. Man we won't have to fuss about our hair again until we're say... in our 70's (lol). The exception to this is Uncjim who won't have to fuss until...oh 91 or 92 . The hard part is now over - you made your selection, you had the work, now sit back and admire the changes as they occur. Put up some pics when your ready so people can see another example of what Doc Epstein can accomplish. garyr

Microprose, I wore a hairpiece for more than 11 years. You have haircut alternatives other than HCM. Look in your local phone director and find out who else is doing hair systems for men other than a chain. They will usally have someone who can cut hair to meet your needs. I'm still getting my hair cut post-strip at the place that makes and fits hair pieces for men in my hometown. Many know how to work with post-op scares on the mend. garyr

fedup77... Good luck to a fellow 57er. Dr. Epstein was on my very short list and you should feel very confident about results he gets as viewed through the experience of other posters on this site. Make sure you follow all the 'stay out of the sun' guidelines and maybe find a way to show off some of your hats in sunny Florida. Dedicated drooling may take your mind off your head for awhile. garyr

Rugger... I put up some post-op pictures on Feb 6 2004. However, with the update to the website recently, I noticed I could not view these pictures just now. Oh well, I will try to post 4, 6, 9 and 12 month photos and include a before pic as well. Unless they really suck garyr

What is the range or percent of units one can actually expect from a HT procedure? Say you go for a consult and the doctor guess-timates he can harvest 3,000 units based on laxity and density measurements. Then you go to your procedure and the laxity and density measurement numbers are the same. How close do doctors actually come to hitting the pre-op numbers? I've read on this site lots of people going for say 2000 units and winding up with 2150 or going for 2500 units and winding up with 2581, etc. Does it ever work out the other way that you go for 3000 units and wind up with 2850 or even 2,700 - ten percent less? Is there a margin (i.e., 1%, 5%, 10%...)that is unpredictable until it's all cut and totaled? garyr