Slickster76

19 minutes ago, Gatsby said:

1/ The redness in my case is the result of over 8k beard grafts being utilized. I found after the first surgery (about 4K beard grafts) that the redness faded after six months. During the second surgery almost another 4K beard grafts were again extracted and this left redness again which took another eight months to fade and improve. Three months ago I think I had reached the limits of what can be taken without leaving visible redness. Even though it was only 400 beard grafts, this time I think that they have gone over pre extracted areas. I am now using a silicone scar ointment twice a day this time and will keep using it for another three months or so. I’m not worried about the redness if it means I can have my hair back. I’m sure that this redness will improve over the next six to twelve months.

2/ I usually use a product called MUK and it keeps any of the straggly beard hair straightened and packed down. These pics today were just taken on the fly (no product, etc). Also in previous pics at a Xmas party in this thread I have just let my hair go back to its natural curly state. When left curly the beard hair blends in so much better even without product. I’m going to keep coloring my hair and just continue to keep growing my hair long from now on. All the best with Dr Pittella @Slickster76. If I was doing this all over again he would definitely be up there as a surgeon of choice. 👌
 

And is there anything that I can use for the redness in the beard area? I imagine they will utilize a lot, if not all. I have Italian/German skin...so fairly olive...not too much though. I take really good care of my skin; it's pretty smooth and wrinkle free. So I'm just wondering if it's going to look pocked or bad after this.

Hi, Gatsby:

Two quick question …I’ve just had my consultation with Dr Pittella and am moving forward with it - and am excited. But wanted to get some insight from you:

1) I too will be using a lot of beard donor. In your photos, I see some redness on your cheek — Will that fade? Up close, can you see any scarring at all?

and 

2) Given that our beard hair is a different texture, is there anything we can do to smoothen it, make it less frizzy once it’s on our scalp?

Thank you in advance for your time and help.

Oh yeah? How is the cost vs Pitella?

Is Dr Sever as good with high Norwoods as Pitella, as far as results?

And do you know if they do (and are good) at beard transplants as well if my donor is sort of low?

I too am a Norwood 6/7. Is Hattigen Hair a great clinic for advanced cases like that?

Has anyone on this forum had any experiences with them?

I have a question here about beard transplant related scarring. If Pitella used all of your beard hair, are you left with a ton of tiny pock marked scars on your face? I am usually clean shaven, and prefer it...but would I look like I used to have a lot of bad acne? My skin leans more toward an olive tone (Italian/German)...not pale...so I'm not sure if that help or hurts for a beard transplant.

Any thoughts?

Got it. And would you say anyone in the US even comes close for high Norwoods?

Who is at least the US's #1 for that?

Is Dr. Wesley considered a top guy for high Norwood cases? 

On the level of Pittella?

I'm awaiting a consultation with Dr. Pittella, but still would prefer to stay in the US if possible.

Please keep updating. I'm rooting for you and a great result. I also just recently reached out to Dr. Pittela and am waiting for a consultation date. How long was it from your consultation till your actual surgery?

47 minutes ago, Gatsby said:

Can you post pics of your chest hair and scalp hair? I don’t think personally that chest hair would look natural on the parietal sides of the scalp. If it was a match with your scalp hair it might work but be mindful that body hair has a much lower success rate and anagen life than your scalp hair. You will experience periods of anagen desynchronization. Also using beard hair in these regions would also look unruly. You also require adequate scalp grafts to mix with other donor sources. 

That's interesting about body hair having a different anagen life than scalp hair; and anagen desynchonization. Can you explain what that is exactly -- as in what that experience is and how often it happens? Does it also happen with beard hair?

True, but as severe as your case was - your hair now looks solid…and I think it gives so many of us hope that perhaps anyone can be helped.

Any update on this?

Any update on this?

Hi, all...

For high Norwood cases with low donor.... Who do you think is the better surgeon, that yields better results?

Pitella or Zarev?

And is Pitella's wait list as long as Zarev's? 

One difference I know of, is that Pitella offers virtual consultations.

Hi, all ---

Thanks in advance for everyone here. I've posted before, but having trouble getting clarity.

I'm a Norwood 6 with low scalp donor due to two previous HT. I have some left though, as well as beard and body. I know Pitella and others overseas are great for this -- but can anyone tell me the top 3-5 in the US that are best at advanced cases?

Amazing. Thank you for sharing.

How long did you have to wait to get your surgery?

Was traveling to Brazil and Pitella's office easy, or have issues?

Yeah, I'm just not comfortable going to Turkey for this. I'd rather spend a little more - and feel safe. Does anyone on this thread know of the top surgeons for Norwood 6 or 7 in the US?

Do you happen to know of top surgeons for Norwood 6-7 cases that are in the US?

Hi, all...Just seeing anyone has gone to Dr. Bauman and what their experience was like?

I'm doing research now for a surgery; to utilize both scalp and beard (which I'm told Bauman does) -- but I'd love to hear what anyone thinks.

Also -- if anyone could list the top five hair surgeons (for advanced cases) in the US, I'd greatly appreciate. I'd just to prefer to not travel out of the country for this, if possible. 

Thank you in advance.

Are there any top surgeons in the US that anyone can recommend for my case?

Does anyone know about Dr. Alan Bauman? Or anyone they like?

Thank you so much for sharing. How will the scarring and redness end up on the neck?

Will it all look back to normal, or remain red?

Hi, all...I'm new to the forum and really in need of help. I had undiagnosed Chron's disease since I was a kid, and started losing hair at 17 years old. I had a transplant in my 20's and again in 30's...from Bosley (now I know that mistake). ...and now am in my 40's, with severe loss in my vertex...but looking to end this nightmare.

I don't have the most donor hair left ... though I DO have some, as well as beard, etc. I've only recently learned about the abilities of Dar. Zarev and how he gets a massive yield, even with damaged donors. I live in the US, so a little nervous about going to Bulgaria and that long of a trip for surgery like this.

I was wondering if anyone can point me in the direction of surgeons in the US that mirror the miracle work of Dr. Zarev. Or is he the best?

Again, I'm brand new to this network... I think I have one real chance at finally getting this right...I hope I do. I'd really, truly appreciate any guidance. Thank you in advance.