new2thissite

Emam--- I was instructed to leave them alone. Hope things are good, buddy.

I was advised that the grafts can be dislodged the first 9 days and at day 10 I could scrub the crusts off.

Dr. Bernstein said wait at least two weeks after the procedure to apply rogaine and to contact office if any sign of redness, irritation, itching, or burning. I will probably wait three weeks.

Thanks TonySC. What about shampoo once done with Folligen Therapy Shampoo? Going back to your regular shampoo right away or baby shampoo or ?

When is ok to wear regular fitting baseball hat after procedure? What shampoo recommend after first two weeks, before going back to regular shampoo? How long after procedure get on treadmill (moderate pace)?

I am 6 days post op and had no problem wanting to itch until I read this thread. Just kidding. I guess I have been fortunate in that regard. I know you will contact your Dr. tomorrow but thought I would share what appears on Dr. Bernstein's web site, as an fyi. "You can massage at 10 days post-op, as the grafts are firmly in place by this time, but I would not scratch the area for several weeks more, if at all. Itching can be lessened by applying hydrocortisone 1% ointment to the area twice a day and by taking Benadryl 25mg every 4 to 6 hours (may cause drowsiness). Both medications can be obtained over-the-counter without a prescription."

Thanks Reyes and Bill for getting back so quickly. I appreciate it. So, if I understand correctly, leaving the existing hair over the graphs is not a problem. I am concerned about combing before ten days since I might accidentally hit a graph. (Rather be too cautious than not cautious enough, at least for first 10 days.) Also, what is benefit of patting hair dry vs. letting it dry on it own? Thanks again.

Had procedure this past Monday. I am washing hair twice a day with sponge and letting dry on its own. Some of my existing hair covers some of the graphs (see picture). Any issues associated with that. I am concerned about moving the hair even when wet. Do not want to impact graphs. I was planning on waiting at least 10 days to dry and comb. Thanks.

Had procedure this past Monday. I am washing hair twice a day with sponge and letting dry on its own. Some of my existing hair covers some of the graphs (see picture). Any issues associated with that. I am concerned about moving the hair even when wet. Do not want to impact graphs. I was planning on waiting at least 10 days to dry and comb. Thanks.

Dan--- I think Bill's comments are very good (as usual). I had my procedure with Dr. Bernstein this past Monday and,if you would like, you can post my pre and post photos as long as my face is not showing.

ninjathen--- This past Monday, I just had procedure with Dr. Bernstein. It is obviously too early to determine final result. The procedure was painless (one pain pill and one sleeping pill the night of the procedure) and Excedrin pm couple nights later (staples). I posted some comments and a day after pic on blog. I can answer any questions on the experience up to this point. PM if you would like. I think the one piece of advice most everyone agrees on is to take your time and do your research.

Thanks Eman (with a K) and Bill. I appreciate your comments and will continue to post my progress. As a point of interest, perhaps, when I asked one of the tech's if activity picked up since Dr. Bernstein's appearance on the Oprah Show, she said that they are always busy. Later on, she asked where I was from and I told her and asked if they get many patients from that area. She said from all over the world. This was just general conversation between me and one of the tech's on the day of the procedure. When you visit for consult, there is no marketing or pressure to move forward whatsoever. As we all know, in the end, it is the results that matter the most.

Vincehair- No. Neither location (nor price, for that matter) was a consideration.

Thanks for your comments. Had procedure November 10 and created blog.

One additional note: Note: SHPS' role is to ensure that the proper documentation is submitted for reimbursement under the Plan, and not to determine whether the treatment prescribed by your doctor or other licensed health care provider is medically necessary.

Below is from one FSA plan--- Hair Transplant Maybe Surgical hair transplants can be an eligible expense if it is necessary to improve a deformity that arises from, or is directly related to, a birth defect, a disfiguring disease or an injury resulting from an accident or trauma. Doctor's statement required. Doctor's Statement Form for Healthcare Expense The Internal Revenue Service requires a doctor's statement be provided for certain healthcare expenses in order to be reimbursed from your healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). The doctor's statement must indicate the specific medical disorder, the specific treatment needed, and how this treatment will alleviate the medical condition. SHPS has developed the following form to assist you and your healthcare provider in providing the information we need in order to process your reimbursement request. Your provider can also write a letter on his or her letterhead, as long as the letter includes all the information on this form. For fast and accurate processing of your reimbursement request, please make sure to include this doctor's statement form or your provider's letter along with an itemized receipt or other documentation. The reimbursement request form can be found on Please note: If your treatment extends beyond the time period listed below, you will need to submit a new doctor's statement form. Employee Name Alternate ID/SSN Email Address Phone Number Patient Name Diagnosis Recommended Treatment How will the recommended treatment alleviate the diagnosis or symptoms? How long is the treatment required? Provider Name Provider Address Provider Telephone Provider Signature Date

You may want to try Lancome Pure Focus T-Zone Powder Gel. I suspect other companies make similar products.

Thanks, Capt'N Mop!!! I am looking at November time frame. How much time should take off work to avoid notice?

here is pic 3

here is pic 2

I had two transplants back in the mid-80's and, of course, they were terrible. Shortly after they were done, I had the transplanted hair removed by way of surgery which left two scars on the top right and left sides. Actually, not really too bad. As my hair gets thinner, the scars become more noticeable. I decided to take a conservative approach to cover the scars and plan for future hair loss. For obvious reasons, I cannot shave my hair. I need the coverage. I am in mid 50's. After reviewing this and other related sites and several online and personal consultations, I have decided to go with Dr. Bernstein. I will post three pictures including front dry, front wet and back. Of course, will keep you posted on the progress as I think objective information can be helpful to others. Any comments/thoughts/factors to consider will be appreciated.

I had two transplants back in the mid-80's and, of course, they were terrible. Shortly after they were done, I had the transplanted hair removed by way of surgery which left two scars on the top right and left sides. Actually, not really too bad. As my hair gets thinner, the scars become more noticeable. I decided to take a conservative approach to cover the scars and plan for future hair loss. For obvious reasons, I cannot shave my hair. I need the coverage. I am in mid 50's. After reviewing this and other related sites and several online and personal consultations, I have decided to go with Dr. Bernstein. I will post three pictures including front dry, front wet and back. Of course, will keep you posted on the progress as I think objective information can be helpful to others. Any comments/thoughts/factors to consider will be appreciated.