Pat - Community Publisher

From: dom Date: 7/23/01 Time: 7:00:03 PM Remote Name: 62.30.112.1 Comments Yes, I had a procedure with them 2 months ago, of 3,000 follicular units transplant and was very impressed with the caring staff and their methods, including the surgeon Dr. Santos who did a very skillful job. The Choi seems to work very well and it all goes very fast. Also, they took care of meals, accommodation and an excursion in Athens, and made it a pleasure to be there. Now I'm just waiting for the regrowth to occur! If you would like further deatils, please email me on z.dld.public@blueyonder.co.uk

dhi From: CD Date: 7/19/01 Time: 7:46:35 PM Remote Name: 12.79.192.167 Comments I just saw the dhi website. Quite persuasive with the Choi needle and "no-touch" technique. Does anyone have any experience with this clinic?

dhi From: CD Date: 7/19/01 Time: 7:46:35 PM Remote Name: 12.79.192.167 Comments I just saw the dhi website. Quite persuasive with the Choi needle and "no-touch" technique. Does anyone have any experience with this clinic?

From: NW Date: 7/19/01 Time: 1:24:57 PM Remote Name: 24.20.64.166 Comments Andy...I am only a patient, but I understand micro's can be hair cut from the original hair size groupings say 4, down to whatever needed 1's, or say 2's....Folliculer units is hair that is looked at through a microscope and obtained from the donar area in its natural size grouping..so a folliculer single is a single hair that has always been a single hair.....a micro single may be a single hair, but cut from an original grouping of more than one...I hope this helps...all folliculer HT seems to be the favorite..I did have some small 3-5's put in my crown area and am happy..but also had mainly Folliculer 1-4's in the front and temples.....I would say if you want insurance, go all folliculer...go to a well known respected doctor, ask to see his former patients, even if you must wait or pay a little extra, or even travel, get the best....its seems the truley great HT doctors are always busy doing "Hair", they get more patients and sometimes you have to wait..I waited 3 months...I will recommend a great book..."The bald Truth"..avail on Amazon.com..a great way to learn....good luck.

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: From: andy Date: 7/19/01 Time: 12:12:31 PM Remote Name: 63.211.44.194 Comments from everyone's experiences do minis offer natural results. I'm trying to recreate my receded hair on the sides and thicken the middle (I'm about a 2a to 3) Should I mix follicular units and minis behind them or just stick to follicular units

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: From: andy Date: 7/19/01 Time: 12:12:31 PM Remote Name: 63.211.44.194 Comments from everyone's experiences do minis offer natural results. I'm trying to recreate my receded hair on the sides and thicken the middle (I'm about a 2a to 3) Should I mix follicular units and minis behind them or just stick to follicular units

From: wolfhair Date: 7/26/01 Time: 9:54:24 PM Remote Name: 24.27.169.142 Comments Tina, There are two types of shedding, that which occurs to the existing hair and that which occurs to the hair shaft in the graft. Minoxidil can reduce by 50% the shedding of the shaft in the graft. Females for some unknown reason tend to lose existing hair more than males. Other than than, the cause and amount of loss of existing hair is neither complicated nor mysterious, it's directly related to the trauma to the recipient area and existing hair. If small scalpels are used and incisions are made between existing hairs, shedding can be reduced from none to a minimum. The larger the wound and trauma to the recipient area the greater the damage to the existing hair and hence shedding. This depends on your surgeon's choice of instrument, surgical skill used in making the wounds, and amount of care and concern.

From: hairpictures@hotmail.com Date: 7/21/01 Time: 2:20:33 AM Remote Name: 216.254.38.166 Comments Shedding is something you will have to deal with. I shed a good deal. Dont really know how much but enough. I lost the most right after surgery. I am going on 6 weeks post surgery. My doctor told me to expect fallout for two months. he did say it will grow back. Heres how i look at it, you end up looking bad for a while but when it grows back everyone will notice a greater improvement:)

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: From: Mike Date: 7/20/01 Time: 10:08:15 AM Remote Name: 4.40.228.3 Comments I had success with my two proir transplants but they were not nearly as effective as they are today. There has definitly been mass improvements with HT's today verse's 10 years ago that's for sure, especially in the hairline. In fact that is the main reason I went back to have more transplants because after my hair finished falling out in the front from MPB you could diffently see where my plugs were from my earlier TP's and I would always see people staring at my head trying to figure out what was going on. How embarrassing that was!!! Well no more because now I am a happy camper with a full head of hair. Now mind you it is thin but it covers all by bald spots and for my age 50 it looks perfectly natural and no one will ever know that i was ever bald :-) Good luck to everyone trying to replace what MPB took from us.

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: From: Mike Date: 7/20/01 Time: 10:08:15 AM Remote Name: 4.40.228.3 Comments I had success with my two proir transplants but they were not nearly as effective as they are today. There has definitly been mass improvements with HT's today verse's 10 years ago that's for sure, especially in the hairline. In fact that is the main reason I went back to have more transplants because after my hair finished falling out in the front from MPB you could diffently see where my plugs were from my earlier TP's and I would always see people staring at my head trying to figure out what was going on. How embarrassing that was!!! Well no more because now I am a happy camper with a full head of hair. Now mind you it is thin but it covers all by bald spots and for my age 50 it looks perfectly natural and no one will ever know that i was ever bald :-) Good luck to everyone trying to replace what MPB took from us.

From: Thomas Date: 7/19/01 Time: 10:46:23 AM Remote Name: 63.140.30.98 Comments Chad, just wanted to let you know that I had 2 procedures done by Dr.Rose. The first one was last year in Florida and the second one was in Minneaplois at Shapiro Medical. Both times the results have been fabulous. I would recommend him to anyone. He was very professional as was his entire staff. Thomas

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: From: Chad. R Date: 7/17/01 Time: 12:03:54 AM Remote Name: 152.163.195.213 Comments I have been researching and went to Shapiro Medical. I have the opportunity to have my surgery done by one of Dr. Shapiro's associates and am wondering if anyone knows anything about Dr. Paul Rose. I have seen pictures of his work and met 2 prior patients and they looked great. Just wondering if anyone else as any comments to add? Please let me know.

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: From: Chad. R Date: 7/17/01 Time: 12:03:54 AM Remote Name: 152.163.195.213 Comments I have been researching and went to Shapiro Medical. I have the opportunity to have my surgery done by one of Dr. Shapiro's associates and am wondering if anyone knows anything about Dr. Paul Rose. I have seen pictures of his work and met 2 prior patients and they looked great. Just wondering if anyone else as any comments to add? Please let me know.

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: From: NW Date: 7/12/01 Time: 4:57:26 PM Remote Name: 24.20.64.166 Comments It is very sad to hear of patients trusting "part time" HT doctors, the majority being plastic surgeons that have only a crash course in transplant procedures..often these physicians fill there schedules with "side" work, such as hair transplanting...Patients with poor results then find out the truth...some Doctors dont belong in the business, these people then blame 1)Regulations 2) the doctor 3) the procedure...seldom do you hear these patients admit they jumped in blind. Or in other words blame thier own poor judgement....I for one am living proof, HT surgery has given me a path other than being bald..I am very happy after one procedure..and have quite a bit of reserve hair in the back should I need it later...My advice...listen to the negative comments, they are true, listen to the success stories, they are true too...above all select a proven highly recommended doctor whom does hair full time and is always busy with happy patients. Trust people whom give you proof of great results..."Do not assume anything"..HT can be a very successful surgery. I personally have witnessed in person several great heads of hair afterwards..the poor work I have seen..has almost always been from plugs or a min. of 5 years ago...Why do I care..? Because there is not too many great feelings like having your hair back. I am only a former patient trying to spread positive news.

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: From: NW Date: 7/12/01 Time: 4:57:26 PM Remote Name: 24.20.64.166 Comments It is very sad to hear of patients trusting "part time" HT doctors, the majority being plastic surgeons that have only a crash course in transplant procedures..often these physicians fill there schedules with "side" work, such as hair transplanting...Patients with poor results then find out the truth...some Doctors dont belong in the business, these people then blame 1)Regulations 2) the doctor 3) the procedure...seldom do you hear these patients admit they jumped in blind. Or in other words blame thier own poor judgement....I for one am living proof, HT surgery has given me a path other than being bald..I am very happy after one procedure..and have quite a bit of reserve hair in the back should I need it later...My advice...listen to the negative comments, they are true, listen to the success stories, they are true too...above all select a proven highly recommended doctor whom does hair full time and is always busy with happy patients. Trust people whom give you proof of great results..."Do not assume anything"..HT can be a very successful surgery. I personally have witnessed in person several great heads of hair afterwards..the poor work I have seen..has almost always been from plugs or a min. of 5 years ago...Why do I care..? Because there is not too many great feelings like having your hair back. I am only a former patient trying to spread positive news.

From: Rick in Baltimore Date: 7/9/01 Time: 2:56:58 PM Remote Name: 24.4.252.28 Comments I have only been using Toppik for a few weeks, but I am still on the first large size product that they offer. They say it lasts 75 days, but I don't think it will last that long for me. I was also unsure which color to order. Incidentally, I ordered light brown. Fortunately for me it matches great. Don't forget that the company offers a no risk 30 day trial period with return of product. You could always return the product and order a different color. Even if you don't get the color matched on the first try, you will be convinced that this product has the capabilities to change your self confidence. I had my best and most trusted friend come over the first time I used it so that I could get honest help and feedback. One last thing about color. When I first used the product and applied it, I thought I chose the wrong color. But when you follow the directions and pat in the fibers and comb your hair, it all blends in perfectly. Then, just for uniformity I apply a small amount to my whole head so that there won't ever be any doubt (I don't even think its necessary, but it works for me). If it looked bad, my best friend would have told me immediately...She is very critical...LOL. By the way...my hair is pretty short as well. It does not matter. I hope this helps

Re: A new product called "Folliguard" From: MD Date: 7/8/01 Time: 3:02:30 PM Remote Name: 64.252.75.78 Comments I have heard of this product. Do not believe it. If it were true, then why wouldn't this product be well known. It is nothing but a combination of vitamins. These vitamins probubly do help to keep hair healthy but in no way do they regrow hair. I do think that vitamins are an effective part of a hairloss prevention regimin because they can help to strengthen your hair shafts. Saw Palmetto is a good example. If you want to take vitamins, buying them individually is the way to go instead of taking somthing like folliguard that only contains small amounts of these vitamins. Let me know if you want a list of these vitamins. I hope this helps, Take care

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: A new product called "Folliguard" From: B.G. Date: 7/8/01 Time: 9:51:16 AM Remote Name: 216.77.208.196 Comments The ad reads "Grow back sexy thick hair" The revolutionary new supplement scientifically formulated to stop hair loss and regrow new hair. Has anybody tried this or has anybody even herd about this? It says Clinical test prove the ingredients in Folliguard block the formation of the root-choking harmones that cause your hair to fall out. Can I get some feed back B.G.

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: A new product called "Folliguard" From: B.G. Date: 7/8/01 Time: 9:51:16 AM Remote Name: 216.77.208.196 Comments The ad reads "Grow back sexy thick hair" The revolutionary new supplement scientifically formulated to stop hair loss and regrow new hair. Has anybody tried this or has anybody even herd about this? It says Clinical test prove the ingredients in Folliguard block the formation of the root-choking harmones that cause your hair to fall out. Can I get some feed back B.G.

From: MD Date: 7/6/01 Time: 6:44:24 PM Remote Name: 64.252.66.76 Comments I could not agree more! Toppik is a truely amazing product. I use it on the frontal portion of my scalp and nobody has ever noticed a thing! People have even run their hands through my hair and not noticed. It has definatly given me back alot of confidance. However, I am concerned that it may perpetuate hairloss. Is there any truth to this?? I think the reason that it seems that I have lost more hair since using toppik is that the difference with and without it is so drastic that when you see yourself without it, it looks like you lost more hair. Maybe, no more hair was lost, it's just that prior to using toppik, you got used to the amount of thinning you had. What do you think?? I would recommend this product to anyone with mild to moderate hairloss (thinning) and considering a HT. This will buy you some time so that you can make an more informed decision and who knows,maybe a treatment will come onto the market. Also, HT are getting better and better.

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: From: Rick in Baltimore Date: 7/6/01 Time: 1:08:15 PM Remote Name: 24.4.252.27 Comments I am 30 years old and my hair has been thinning out gradually in my crown area for the last several years. Being over 6'2", I have been lucky because most people cannot see unless I am seated or bent over. As of late it has become really obvious to me and has shaken my confidence. I tried Toppik hair fibers (desperate to try anything) not thinking it could work or even look good. I was amazed...It really works...nobody can even tell you have used anything...I have regained the confidence I had before I even knew I had a thinning problem. Definitely try this product!!!! You will not be sorry.

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: From: Rick in Baltimore Date: 7/6/01 Time: 1:08:15 PM Remote Name: 24.4.252.27 Comments I am 30 years old and my hair has been thinning out gradually in my crown area for the last several years. Being over 6'2", I have been lucky because most people cannot see unless I am seated or bent over. As of late it has become really obvious to me and has shaken my confidence. I tried Toppik hair fibers (desperate to try anything) not thinking it could work or even look good. I was amazed...It really works...nobody can even tell you have used anything...I have regained the confidence I had before I even knew I had a thinning problem. Definitely try this product!!!! You will not be sorry.

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: Dr. Glenn Charles - Boca Raton - Update From: TClark Date: 7/4/01 Time: 3:44:35 PM Remote Name: 64.12.101.181 Comments I had 1400 grafts done by Dr. Charles on May 9. I left for Hawaii a few days later and have just returned to Boca Raton. I stopped in to see Dr. Charles to make sure that all is healing well. It has now been approx. 7 weeks since the procedure and I could not be happier. I only had grafts in the temporal area to fill in some of the thinning from the past few years. I also take Propecia and use 5% minoxidil to maintain the hair that I have. I can now see a great hairline that is just slowly making it's way in. It was certainly money well spent and I do encourage everyone to check out different doc's extensively before having any work done. But at the same time I would highly recommend Dr. Charles and his excellent staff to anyone who is considering this procedure.

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: Dr. Glenn Charles - Boca Raton - Update From: TClark Date: 7/4/01 Time: 3:44:35 PM Remote Name: 64.12.101.181 Comments I had 1400 grafts done by Dr. Charles on May 9. I left for Hawaii a few days later and have just returned to Boca Raton. I stopped in to see Dr. Charles to make sure that all is healing well. It has now been approx. 7 weeks since the procedure and I could not be happier. I only had grafts in the temporal area to fill in some of the thinning from the past few years. I also take Propecia and use 5% minoxidil to maintain the hair that I have. I can now see a great hairline that is just slowly making it's way in. It was certainly money well spent and I do encourage everyone to check out different doc's extensively before having any work done. But at the same time I would highly recommend Dr. Charles and his excellent staff to anyone who is considering this procedure.

Note - This message was recopied by Pat the editor from the original discussion group to this vastly improved online community. The name of orginal poster and the date posted are listed below: From: doug h Date: 7/4/01 Time: 12:30:49 AM Remote Name: 4.40.61.124 Comments I saw the Bosley infomercial. I had a consultation & was convinced. I did no research. I had 1600 grafts 10/2000 for $10,600. I was pleased also, until I did research and found out Bosley is too expensive and slightly behind the times. I had my second procedure by Dr. Victor Hasson at Hasson & Wong in Vancouver, B.C. 1530 grafts for $6,000. The differences were significant. At Hasson & Wong: the procedure was significantly less painful, the price was more reasonable with 1/2 paid ahead instead of full payment required ahead. The price was $4/graft for up to 1500, $2/graft for any over 1500! (He has done some procedures of 2400 to 3000 grafts in one session, first session. It was my second, so scalp elasticity limited the number for me.) The instrument used to cut the recipient sites was smaller (I could hear the difference). They also were willing (able)to put grafts in my temples. Bosley wouldn't do that, I was told I would look like an orangutan. Another vital difference. I paid for EXACTLY 1600 grafts at Bosley. I asked what if the number they actually get is different? (You know it will be). They Mumbled, hemmed and hawed and did everything but answer the question. You know, of course, what the answer was. If they got fewer than 1600 follicular units, they would HAVE TO cut the ones with 2,3 or four hairs into single hairs in order to fill up the prepunched 1600 holes. Either that or leave holes unfilled and gaps in the pattern, which I have a bit of in the crown. I was told no more holes would be cut, so if they got more than 1600 grafts then either singles were placed together into single sites or they were thrown away. The key is, they would not answer my question, except to say, "It works out". Tell me, does that sound like the best in the business??? Dr. Hasson cuts most of the recipient sites but stops short, waits for the EXACT count of follicular units, and then cuts EXACTLY that many sites. Then, That is what you are charged for.No other method is acceptable or honest. Also, one technician uses a microscope to dissect across the donor strip, obtaining squarish layers one follicular unit thick, which are then layed out flat and further dissected into follicular units by others. Thay claim to get 20-30% higher yield than without the microscope. I saw no microscope at Bosley. Another thing about Bosley. Although they will give you references to call, they will never let you see a patient in the clinic. They have a secret exit door down the hall from the entrance. If anyone else is in the clinic, they wait until the "coast is clear" before they let you leave the room. They also have a separate entrance for returning patients. No patients ever see each other. They say it's for privacy. In contrast, Hasson & Wong's clinic and the consultation office in Seattle were both very open & unembarassed, no skulking about or secret doors. I hope this helps those searching for a good surgeon.