Here I Grow Again

Thanks Bill, Hey you know what? I don't think I ever posted any before pics. I've been tracking pretty regularly but just never posted. Let me get some pics up...

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Hi folks, It's been a while since I've posted any updates of my procedure. figured it be nice to share some updates so I'm posting some pics for review. Just to give everyone some b/ground info: I had experienced shock loss in the donor area which was pretty noticeable to about 10 months. It is only now that I have seen much of it grow back so I would definitely say based on this that shock loss can extend well past 9-11 months and even up to a year. Rogaine: After almost 1 year of consistent use I found no noticeable difference so Iw ill be discontinuing it's use. I have not tried propecia or any other prescription medicine- just refuse to take any drug long-term by choice but that's just me. Anyway here are my pics...

Hang in there Arrie, You are going through the exact process we have all gone through. In the next several months you will be more and more at ease as your hair starts to come in. Take pics on a monthly basis if you can as it will be hard to see your progress unless you can look back. It's like trying to watch your grass grow. All will be well.

My apologies in advance as this should go under "Off-Topic Posts" but considering the popularity of this topic for ng2gb I'm posting here... So question: What are you going to do now???? Right out of Yahoo: It's no Rumor Jessica Alba is officially pregnant, People magazine reports and her rep confirms. ?» Who's the father?

Hi MPA, I went through extended redness and pimples post surgery as well. I was eventually prescribed antibiotics due to the pimples but all was well. It is indeed a normal part of the process so you should not worry but do keep your doc posted on the status of the pimples to ensure the area does not get infected.

Your hair is fairly thick and does not look like you are losing any significant amount right now. You have a natural, normal line although it may not seem like you do anymore because it may have receding somewhat but I agree with everyone here that there is no need for you to have a procedure, it's just not necessary for you; You are fine and can wait it out.

Hi WH, I am 1 year post op and have no regrets at all. I think if you do your research so that you understand the pros and cons and maintain realistic goals the chances of regretting your choices are less. I thought about it for years, tossing it around in my head, researching, planning through options and when I finally made a decision I was super sure I'd have no regrets outside of a butcher job. It really is not like buying a car, you can sell, trade or donate that but there's no going back on a scar and hair manipulation. That's why I always say- learn to appreciate who you are today with or without hair.

Yeah some folks just process the medication faster. You are right, good point about the dentist comparison. I was thinking along the lines of the same pinching feeling you get from a dentist's shot but the procedure is much more than a dental visit. I took 4 days off before going to work and barely got over the swelling walking into my office. Then had a co-worker tell me I looked like s***t. Next time I'll be sure to take 2 weeks off minimum.

Unfortunate for me i metabolized the medication rather quickly, needing several follow up shots throughout my procedure. I had to actually let them know when I was starting to feel the procedure. Even with that, it was not bad. As mentioned above, like seeing the dentist. You will be fine. Don't forget to bring along some music and enjoy the ride.

Hi Chris, Headaches may be one of the listed side affects along with dizziness. Take a look at the can to see if it is listed but I think it is and if so, I would stop using it for a few days and restart to see if you still have the headaches. If you still get them, I guess you will have to write off Rogaine as a potential hair loss product for you.

Hi Glenn, I had a procedure done by Dr. Epstein in Miami and Dr. Rose is also highly recommended on this site. I too thought about MHR in Florida before finding this site. Sooooooooo glad I found this site before I made any decisions. I think if you take advantage of the resources here you will have no regrets. As far as costs, I think MHR is on the high end and most coalition docs (who will provide better results) are less and in some cases much less. I agree with Jobi, check out this site.

Hi Pokerbrat, I'll give you my short 2c and then the longer. I had my procedure done last year and yes I would do it all over again because so far it has taken me back about 10 years. I don't have a full head of hair and probably won't but again, I am where I was about 10 years ago and that's not a bad option. I've always worn my hair very short prior to surgery and I was ok with that as well. Now the long winded answer: I think that you will be happy with your results if you have realistic expectations. What helped me keep this in check was that I viewed before and after pics of past patients with similar hair loss and hair type as me. This helped me see what I should expect plus or minus depending on the # of graphs. Now you know that there are women who are really pretty/beautiful with small breasts or less than curvy thighs, etc. but they are pretty none the less and happy with what they have. Those that are not happy will get breast implants or lypo or injections, etc. Some of these women are happy with their results and others are not even if they look good after the procedure. Some will never be happy with the way they look and they may indeed look really good before or after a procedure. What am I saying? A hair transplant is no panacea. You may indeed get good results from your procedure but it will not guarantee your happiness. It's all in your attitude. If at all possible, work on some of the things that you can control. Do you work out and stay in shape? I don't mean getting into pro body building but a fit and trim body can do wonders for your ego and that is something you have 100% control over. Now if you have a small frame you won't look like Arnold but so what. I am 5'7'' 150lbs. Not a big guy by any means but I stay in shape and work out regularly so I look good with what I have. My point is that everyone should focus on improving what they have full control over: - What you eat - Working out - Personality and positive attitude - Choosing to accept yourself and be happy with who you are -etc Then look at yourself and see if you really want to go for the procedure. If you do, great. If not, just as great. You may see that in time you don't need it as you are happy with who you are and that's even better. So to make a short story shorter, get comfortable with who you are. When I lost my hair I cut it short (not bald) so it was not a factor and it looked good to me. I was never a big guy but I work out to stay in shape and I have a lot of stamina. That works for me. I may not be the prettiest one around but I have a positive attitude and always take the lead, who cares what people think. I'm happily married and still have women attracted to me. Not every lady; I'm not everyone's type and will never be. I don't let my hair or lack of it be a factor in my happiness. I had a procedure because I wanted to not because I felt I needed it. I don't regret it and if I never did it, I would not regret that either.

Hi DL, According to my research, wearing a hat does not cause hair loss. As I understand it, this is a myth. I had a procedure with Dr. Epstein and he does recommend his patients use rogaine and I have used it in the donor area after surgery. I had to stop for 2 weeks because it caused redness but once I waited an additional 2 weeks I was fine. I think it did help in early growth but not 100% sure. Your shedding you are experiencing with rogaine is probably due to your reaction to the treatment and is a good sign that it is working. The shedding should only be temporary.

Hi C1, I had a procedure with Dr. Epstein in Miami and am almost 8 months out. I am happy with my results thus far although I still have 4 months before a final analysis. I believe he is well regarded in the repair/hairline area and does not require that you shave. He also displays sample work on his site for your review. I selected DR. E after consulting with several doctors and chose him for his honest and upfront assessment, natural looking hairlines and recommendations on this site. He also has an extensive photo gallery of before and after pics, so I was able to view results of other patients with similar hair loss as I. That helped manage my expectations. I would add him to your shortlist.

Thanks Bill, I do hope that I am a one of those rare cases where it takes 6-12 for it to grow back. Better late than never works for me in this case.

Right now actually not much. I'm of the impression that no one else besides myself really notices the shock loss and I keep my hair short. I have not had anyone make a comment about my scar (and trust me those around me are quick to put in their 2 cents) so I'm assuming know one notices. SO if this is the case, I'm not going to worry too much about it.

Hi TomA, I too experienced shock loss in the exact same area with almost as much loss as you (just a little less). I am just shy of 9 months and to date I have seen little return in that area. Doesn't mean that your experience will be the same and I've read that it can even take up to 9-10 months for it to return to it's original state but keep in mind that the hair may not, at least completely, return. I think I may be heading that route myself.

I agree 100% with this process as it is a valid and necessary method of showcasing recent work to prospective clients. I would never consider a doctor unless I were able to see recent work. Times change and so do abilities. Posting recent work either on this site or the doctor's site should be mandatory.

NN- you are killing me Heman, I agree that you should not make cost your deal maker although it is a facor but keep in mind that it may just require you save a bit longer just to make the difference. Also, there are financing options available for hair transplants that you could look into. Prior to my transplant I researched several hihgly recommended docs and found them to be generally in the same ball park with pricing. Also don't limit yourself to your geographical area either as travel and overnight accomodation costs are minimal compared to the cost of the procedure. Also consider that some docs offer discounts during their "slow" season, or if you are willing to take an appt on the fly when one is cancelled can provide you with a price break. My point is that there are options you can exercise when it comes to cost so don't let that be how you base your final decision. I guarantee that in the long run you will think very little of how much it costs but you will always carry the burden of a below-par transplant.

Hey NSB, how are you. I feel you, I am right there. This may be a good question to post in the QA section. /J

Hey Folica, Things are going well, I think my hair is growing well though I can't really tell since I look at it every day. I have 7th month pics and will post once I take some 8 month pics. (Yesterday marked 8 months.) Thanks for asking.