Cospine

Below are the pics before the procedure

Pics with the BB cream. It shows the hairs more clearly as it hides the redness of the scalp.

2 month update. The redness finally seems to be fading a little. I started taking oral minox 2-3 weeks after my procedure and I'm surprised I'm not seeing more shedding. Definitely in the depths of the Ugly Duckling phase but the growth seems fairly good for 2 months but tough to tell what is native vs implanted. There is definitely new hairs and plenty of smaller hairs sprouting. The acne/ingrown hairs persists but is better and believe this is probably a positive as these are mainly new hairs growing. Have to say that the emotional process and waiting is harder than I expected. It really can affect your confidence and I and see how some people withdrawal during this stage. I stopped taking TRT after the procedure as this can effect hair loss but is definitely contributing getting the emotional struggles at this stage. I plan to get back on the TRT at 3 month mark but will be extra careful not to run high on testosterone levels.....just keep it healthy range. Here are pics... without the BB cream.

Follow Naders instructions on post care and scab removal. It worked perfectly for me though I shaved my head. Use the bucket of water, soap and gently massage with your fingertips. The 5-5-5 rule works great. Don't force any scab removals....they will come out within a week

"I had to stop oral finasteride due to side effects. Not just sexual but also mental. I’ve had a very stressful and emotional six months and the finasteride was definitely contributing to my symptoms." What mental side effects? I'm weeks in and feeling a bit depressed. Not sure if this is specific to my circumstances, the ugly duckling phase, or maybe medication...ie oral minox

Experience - time will tell. 7 weeks in. So far it's pretty encouraging as I'm seeing the hair in place growing longer and appearing to getting healthier though it's tough to say what is native hair vs transplanted hair. There is definitely more hair, but it's hard to quantify how much more at this stage. I would say 30-40% total? Will these new hairs fall out over the next month or so......it's a guessing game. I'm definitely in the unsure ugly duckling phase but no reason to be discouraged. I do have some concerns on the recipient area that had heavy pimples as I'm not seeing many new hairs sprout. I'm hopeful for more density but it's still early in the process. The time waiting is tough. I think this part of the HT can be isolating and kinda depressing for some including myself. Our hair is worse that when we started and we can become more self conscious, which is primary motive for the HT for many of us. Luckily, I work from the house but had some higher profile meetings/conferences and the redness was a bit obvious. I found this to conceal the redness....very helpful. L'Oréal Paris Makeup Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream Tinted Moisturizer, Anti-Redness, 1 fl oz, 1 Count I guess it's a few steps back before you can move forward but over all it's very encouraging. I have a great Dr ( Nader) and have very healthy expectations. I'll post pics at 2 months

I'm 7 weeks in and still fairly red though it seems t have gotten noticeably better the last few weeks. All depends on your skin type. More hair sprouting on scalp helps hide the redness as well. I found this BB cream to work VERY well to hide the redness as compared to other things I've tried. My Dr ( Nader ) approved but I only use when absolutely needed and wash immediately after. https://www.amazon.com/LOréal-Paris-Beautifier-Moisturizer-Anti-Redness/dp/B00L2SNFPQ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2P0PVEHG1PHFP&keywords=bb%2Bcream%2Bredness&qid=1700004540&sprefix=bb%2Bcream%2Brednes%2Caps%2C231&sr=8-5&th=1

Need a little love from the other members so I started another thread Five weeks and the ugly duck is here. The pimples have been bad in the donor and recipient area but appear to be getting better. I was hoping the redness would have reduced more by now. I have used toppik at a work conference but washed it off immediately. I may try a lotion concealer if it can be washed off. I'm a little concerned about the damage from these pimples as some there is some scarring but should heal. I just hope the damage has effected the the hair growth. I'm learning to keep the hats CLEAN!! On an other note - Is some depression during this phase normal? I know that I need to trust the process and give it time. Just alot of worry that this will turn out well as the hairs are so wispy and weak. there are new hairs coming in but growth is very slow and the hairs also appear small and weak. There area few spots where I don't see any growth or very little. And the waiting is tough!! I almost miss the the bald head before the procedure. Lol. Feeling pretty isolated as I can't go anywhere with out a hat and meeting new people is tough and work functions are a little embarrassing. for your support!

Five weeks and the ugly duck is here. The pimples have been bad in the donor and recipient area but appear to be getting better. I was hoping the redness would have reduced more by now. I have used toppik at a work conference but washed it off immediately. I'm a little concerned about the damage from these pimples as some there is some scarring but should heal. I just hope the damage has effected the the hair growth. I'm learning to keep the hats CLEAN!! On an other note - Is some depression during this phase normal? I know that I need to trust the process and give it time. Just alot of worry that this will turn out well as the hairs are so wispy and weak. there are new hairs coming in but growth is very slow and the hairs also appear small and weak. There area few spots where I don't see any growth or very little. And the waiting is tough!! I almost miss the the bald head before the procedure. Lol. Feeling pretty isolated as I can't go anywhere with out a hat and meeting new people is tough and work functions are a little embarrassing. Thanks everyone for your support!

Did you use any concealer or makeup to hide the redness? This is a challenge for many on this forum

I bought a XL bucket hat from Amazon...very loose. Wore that in public as needed starting on 2nd day, It covers both donor and recipient areas. Make sure you have a few button down shirts for the 1st week....trying to delicately put on tshirt is risky IMO

Have to be patient and very clear communication in your email. Have great photos, know what you want and be able to act quickly. Questions are good as well but you need to communicate that you've done your research and he has everything needed in the email.

Day 14 - Healing well but definitely quite a bit of ingrown hairs. New hairs in recipient area do seem thin and a little wispy, Not a strong. I've been using Aloe Vera on recipient area but this may be making the ingrown hairs issue worse. Definitely having some increased itching. Still not sure what to do about redness as I have face to face meetings in 10 days. I've been doing very light cardio at gym for 1st week...just walking and some stairs. Going to start lifting again with weights...will keep it light for the next week

Day 7 - Sprayed scalp like crazy for 1st week

Updates. Two weeks post surgery First- Nader is great! Felt totally comfortable and he had my trust immediately. DAY 1

Moving this topic from Questions to Reviews Thanks to all for sharing their insights, experiences and insecurities about losing their hair. Like many, I've been living with hair loss for many years and haven't been able to shake the embarrassment and finally decided to do something about it. Nader has great reviews and I feel confident I chose the right doctor....event though I haven't met him. It's been a year in the making of researching and speaking to people about a transplant. I've been on his schedule for over 9 months. These surgeries are not risk free and at my hair loss stage results will not be perfect but I have modest expectations. Truthfully, I am excited and also nervous. Probably the same doubts alot pf people have before the procedure... Am I too old and should have done this earlier, is the hair loss too substantial to make a difference, will the recovery be too much of a sacrifice, what if the transplant fails? Ultimately, I believe this surgery will help my my appearance and help with being so self conscious with my hat off. If I can look good for the next 8-10 yrs, I'm happy. Recommendation for others considering a transplant- If your not in good shape, drop some lbs and get to the gym. Then look at would you would look like with a shaved head. It can make a big difference for some...unfortunately it didn't for me. Profile: 52 yr old male. Start losing may hair at 21. It's amazing I have anything left!! In great shape and fairly young looking even with the hair loss. Started Fin at 26ish Was on Minox for number of year but stopped 15 yrs ago. I will be starting the oral with Nader Fairly fine hair - Density is moderate I was told from US (Colorado) doctor and donor area was 5-6k. Contrast of hair and skin is fairly good...I hope. I think this will help. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated!! Not looking for a young hairline. More matured hairline...I've always had a pronounced widows peak. As I've told the the doctors...I'm ok showing a a very recessed hairline, I just don't want to be bald. My goal is density and natural looking. 3k grafts planned next week. Front and some midscalp - Ignore the numbers in the 2nd pic 2nd surgery will be necessary for mid scalp and crown. Recovery is a big concern and causing alot of anxiety. I work form the house but have to travel a few times a month for meetings. I worked my ass off to clear my travel schedule for 3 months but life happens. I have a high profile meeting 5 weeks after the surgery and I know my head is going to look red and noticeable....not sure what I can do about it. Shaving it to a 1 guard an maybe some topical or tanning lotion will help (with dr approval of course) Can't even think about the 2nd surgery now as I want to concentrate on the front area and some of the midscalp Kicking my nicotine (packets) has been harder than I expected. Should have started quitting this earlier. Wish me luck.....no turning back now!!

Day 14 - Healing well but definitely quite a bit of ingrown hairs. New hairs in recipient area do seem thin and a little wispy, Not a strong. I've been doing very light cardio at gym for 1st week...just walking and some stairs. Going to start lifting again with weights...will keep it light for the next week

Day 7 - Sprayed scalp like crazy for 1st week

Updates. Two weeks post surgery First- Nader is great! Felt totally comfortable and he had my trust immediately. Day 1 Day 1

Appreciate the reference. Yes, very similar hair loss and pattern. Your results were incredible! It does look like you have more coarse hair post surgery....are you using any hair products to thicken? Any post surgery care that you believed helped with the success?

Thanks to all for sharing their insights, experiences and insecurities about losing their hair. Like many, I've been living with hair loss for many years and haven't been able to shake the embarrassment and finally decided to do something about it. Nader has great reviews and I feel confident I chose the right doctor....event though I haven't met him. It's been a year in the making of researching and speaking to people about a transplant. I've been on his schedule for over 9 months. These surgeries are not risk free and at my hair loss stage results will not be perfect but I have modest expectations. Truthfully, I am excited and also nervous. Probably the same doubts alot pf people have before the procedure... Am I too old and should have done this earlier, is the hair loss too substantial to make a difference, will the recovery be too much of a sacrifice, what if the transplant fails? Ultimately, I believe this surgery will help my my appearance and help with being so self conscious with my hat off. If I can look good for the next 8-10 yrs, I'm happy. Recommendation for others considering a transplant- If your not in good shape, drop some lbs and get to the gym. Then look at would you would look like with a shaved head. It can make a big difference for some...unfortunately it didn't for me. Profile: 52 yr old male. Start losing may hair at 21. It's amazing I have anything left!! In great shape and fairly young looking even with the hair loss. Started Fin at 26ish Was on Minox for number of year but stopped 15 yrs ago. I will be starting the oral with Nader Fairly fine hair - Density is moderate I was told from US (Colorado) doctor and donor area was 5-6k. Contrast of hair and skin is fairly good...I hope. I think this will help. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated!! Not looking for a young hairline. More matured hairline...I've always had a pronounced widows peak. As I've told the the doctors...I'm ok showing a a very recessed hairline, I just don't want to be bald. My goal is density and natural looking. 3k grafts planned next week. Front and some midscalp - Ignore the numbers in the 2nd pic 2nd surgery will be necessary for mid scalp and crown. Recovery is a big concern and causing alot of anxiety. I work form the house but have to travel a few times a month for meetings. I worked my ass off to clear my travel schedule for 3 months but life happens. I have a high profile meeting 5 weeks after the surgery and I know my head is going to look red and noticeable....not sure what I can do about it. Shaving it to a 1 guard an maybe some topical or tanning lotion will help (with dr approval of course) Can't even think about the 2nd surgery now as I want to concentrate on the front area and some of the midscalp Kicking my nicotine (packets) has been harder than I expected. Should have started quitting this earlier. Wish me luck.....no turning back now!!