fedup77

before

Well guys---here's a few pics ---one before and 2 after. I know---they're kinda fuzzy, but what can you expect from a cheap digital camera I borrowed (I took pictures with the digital camera of the pictures I had developed from my film camera). Well, here they are ( you really don't want to see my ugly self in a crystal clear pic anyway)

Hello Buddyebson; I think what you're refering to is like, when you blow up a balloon and draw something on it ( with a "dry-marker" ) or, for instance, put 3 dots on it( representing hair grafts)--each one ince apart. Then, when you deflate the balloon, the drawing is much smaller or the dots are closer together( deflated, maybe the dots are 1/8 inch apart). I'm sure the same thing would happen with your scalp. HOWEVER just think how little you scalp expands when saline is injected into it---VERY LITTLE. If it expands very little, it will also contract very little leaving VERY LITTLE difference in the spacing of the grafts. A balloon expands 10 or 20 times its deflated size and therefore makes a noticeable difference in spacing of the dots ( or "hair grafts") ----I sure as heck wouldn't want my head or scalp expanded that much ( although sometimes I think my wife would like my other head expanded by 10 or 20 times ). Anyway---I can't see how injecting saline can expand you scalp enough to make a difference--I will post some pics soon ( my son is scheduled to visit me this weekend and he's gonna check out my computer---it keeps locking up and I have to re-boot it all the time. I can't be online for more than a couple of minutes and --poof--it's screwed. In order to post my transplant story I had to copy it and then hurry up and paste it before my computer screwed up)

Geedo: It's under the catagory " Hair transplant experiences" on the forum page that has a listing of the members and guests that are "currently online"

Hey guys --I finally got off my *ss and posted a story about my HT experience with Doctor Jeffrey Epstein on April 12th of this year. Check out my story under " hair transplant experiences" I'm not a world -renouned author, but I think it's readable----

Hey guys --I finally got off my *ss and posted a story about my HT experience with Doctor Jeffrey Epstein on April 12th of this year. Check out my story under " hair transplant experiences" I'm not a world -renouned author, but I think it's readable----

First, some background on myself. I'm 57 years old and have been losing my hair since I was 25. I tried Rogaine when it first came out and it did nothing for me. I have been on propecia for about 4 years and it has stabilized my loss but it stabilized at a norwood 5A. I had been thinking about a HT for a good many years ----I'm glad that I was too poor to afford one until now because of the poor results of transplants until the last few years when FU techniques became commonplace and more reasonably priced. The internet has been a godsend of information ( as long as you do your research and don??t believe everything you read), I found Doctor Jeffrey Epstein (and other highly qualified HTsurgeons) on the internet during extensive research. Since I live in Michigan and Doc Epstein practices in Florida, I did my initial consultation via E-mail. The doc quickly answered my e-mails and also called me on the phone so we could discuss the pictures that I had sent him. We decided that 2500 grafts would be a good place to start ( although I could use more, I couldn't afford more). Since I had contacted him before his recent price increase, ( necessary due to increased staff salaries and higher rent and insurance costs) , he agreed to honor his old prices ---$8200 for 2500 grafts ( in the end, I actually received 3115 grafts---the extra 615 were FREE---but I'll get to that later). My wife and I flew to Miami, Florida on April 10th 2004 for my procedure (on April 12th ) and stayed for 2 weeks to make it a combination procedure and vacation.. I was hoping I would feel good enough after the procedure to be able to vacation ( as it turned out, I only stayed "holed-up " in my hotel room for the first day after my surgery---I felt surprisingly well ). My wife and I arrived at Doc Epstein's office at about 9:00 AM on the 12th . After a pre-surgery discussion with the Doc about what our "game-plan" would be, I was introduced to the technicians that would be helping out that day ( I believe there were 7) and ushered into the operating room. Doc Epstein was happy to see that I had a very dense donor area and average laxity along with straight, dark brown ( almost black) hair----I think he was as excited about doing my hair as I was about having it done!!! I was hooked up to a heart rate monitor, a blood--oxygen monitor and had a blood pressure cuff placed on my arm. During my procedure, these instruments were regularly checked to make sure everything was going smoothly. Doc Epstein uses a special instrument ( brand named "the Wand" ) to administer the local anesthetic at a controlled rate and thereby minimizing the pain felt during numbing the donor and recipient areas. I have a low threshold for pain and, even though " the Wand" was used, administering the anesthesia HURT LIKE HELL !!!! Doc Epstein apologized for the pain and his technicians did their best to comfort me, but it still made me wonder what I'd gotten myself into ( however, after the anesthesia set in, the rest of the procedure was totally painless). Like I said, I have a VERY low pain threshold and it was evidenced by the fact Doc Epstein said that, normally, it takes only one or , at the most, 2 passes of "the Wand" over the recipient area to fully numb it---in my case, it took THREE passes to numb mine ( my dentist always gives me a double dose of novocain when he works on my teeth ). Earlier, Doc Epstein had asked me if I objected to having my recipient area " shaved " ( I had the option to leave it long if I wanted to) and I told him that he could shave it if it helped him do his job ( I wasn't going to do anything to jeopardize my hard earned dollars ) so it was trimmed with scissors to probably 1/2 inch in length. When my head felt numb like it should ( like it had a tight-fitting helmet on it ) , the Doc proceeded to remove the donor strip. I don't remember a lot about what happened next because I was "in and out" of a valium --induced sleep, but I do remember the technicians that were dissecting the FU's ( using huge stereo microscopes ) commented that I had a lot of very unusual " SIX --HAIR FU's ". Doc Epstein double checked, and confirmed that I did indeed have 6-hair FU's. Doc Epstein did all of the lateral slits in the recipient area and placed a good portion of the grafts himself ( especially in the frontal hairline area). In 5 hours ( more or less ) I was done and ready to be cleaned up. Instead of the 2500 grafts that I had paid for , I received 3115 grafts !!!!!!! The doc knew that I had plenty of space for any extra grafts, and so he purposely "went heavy " on the donor strip---the result was that I won't have a bare spot where the grafts end and my native hair begins. I had been planning on a second procedure, but with the extra grafts I shouldn't need one !!!! In the end, I received 404 -- one hair grafts, 1169----2 hair grafts, and 1542 ---3, 4 and 6 hair grafts---- grand total----3115 grafts. I was cleaned up and outfitted with a cool looking blue bandanna to wear over my head and then was given a " care package" consisting of instructions, pain pills, anti-biotic pills, a large spray-- bottle of "Graftcyte" ( very expensive if you have to buy it yourself), a month's supply of " Rogaine 5%", and a jar of "Toppik" in a color that matched my hair---everything was included in the price of the procedure ( a lot of clinics offer these extras at an extra cost but not Doc Epstein ---they were all included with the procedure) My wife and I went back to the hotel and I expected to be very uncomfortable for the next 3 or 4 days. To my surprise, I didn't need any pain pills and I had virtually no swelling ( Doc Epstein doesn't inject saline solution into your scalp for the procedure like a lot of places do---thereby eliminating the swelling that saline would cause and keeps your face from looking like a huge marshmallow ). On the second day post-op, I went back to the doctor's office for a check-up and shampoo and then it was off shopping and sight-- seeing. I felt surprisingly great!!!! The "graftcyte" spray that I applied every hour kept the grafts from itching and, since there was a motorcycle show the coming weekend, my bandanna clad head fit right in with the crowd. On the 8th day post-op I had the stitches removed ( virtually painless ) and everything checked again---I was good to go. It is now 4 weeks post-op and about 30 percent or so of the grafts have shed ( due to shock) and I've had a few in-grown hairs where the stitches were removed. The numbness is nearly all gone and the tenderness of the donor site is totally gone. Now I just have to wait for the results. In conclusion, I feel that Doc Epstein did a FANTASTIC job---the donor scar is thin, I will have a good ---looking ,mature hairline ( if everything grows in like expected) and his generosity in purposely giving me enough extra grafts to cover my entire bald area ( instead of leaving a small bare spot and the necessity of having to return for another procedure) has all added up to a TOTALLY POSITIVE EXPERIENCE. The whole time I was there, Doc Epstein and his staff made me feel comfortable and confident in their ability and attention to details. Doctor Epstein seems to thoroughly enjoy his work and his generosity proves that money is not his only motivation ----he goes the extra mile because he takes pride in doing an excellent job. I will post some pictures soon. Sincerely, Gerald ( fed

First, some background on myself. I'm 57 years old and have been losing my hair since I was 25. I tried Rogaine when it first came out and it did nothing for me. I have been on propecia for about 4 years and it has stabilized my loss but it stabilized at a norwood 5A. I had been thinking about a HT for a good many years ----I'm glad that I was too poor to afford one until now because of the poor results of transplants until the last few years when FU techniques became commonplace and more reasonably priced. The internet has been a godsend of information ( as long as you do your research and don??t believe everything you read), I found Doctor Jeffrey Epstein (and other highly qualified HTsurgeons) on the internet during extensive research. Since I live in Michigan and Doc Epstein practices in Florida, I did my initial consultation via E-mail. The doc quickly answered my e-mails and also called me on the phone so we could discuss the pictures that I had sent him. We decided that 2500 grafts would be a good place to start ( although I could use more, I couldn't afford more). Since I had contacted him before his recent price increase, ( necessary due to increased staff salaries and higher rent and insurance costs) , he agreed to honor his old prices ---$8200 for 2500 grafts ( in the end, I actually received 3115 grafts---the extra 615 were FREE---but I'll get to that later). My wife and I flew to Miami, Florida on April 10th 2004 for my procedure (on April 12th ) and stayed for 2 weeks to make it a combination procedure and vacation.. I was hoping I would feel good enough after the procedure to be able to vacation ( as it turned out, I only stayed "holed-up " in my hotel room for the first day after my surgery---I felt surprisingly well ). My wife and I arrived at Doc Epstein's office at about 9:00 AM on the 12th . After a pre-surgery discussion with the Doc about what our "game-plan" would be, I was introduced to the technicians that would be helping out that day ( I believe there were 7) and ushered into the operating room. Doc Epstein was happy to see that I had a very dense donor area and average laxity along with straight, dark brown ( almost black) hair----I think he was as excited about doing my hair as I was about having it done!!! I was hooked up to a heart rate monitor, a blood--oxygen monitor and had a blood pressure cuff placed on my arm. During my procedure, these instruments were regularly checked to make sure everything was going smoothly. Doc Epstein uses a special instrument ( brand named "the Wand" ) to administer the local anesthetic at a controlled rate and thereby minimizing the pain felt during numbing the donor and recipient areas. I have a low threshold for pain and, even though " the Wand" was used, administering the anesthesia HURT LIKE HELL !!!! Doc Epstein apologized for the pain and his technicians did their best to comfort me, but it still made me wonder what I'd gotten myself into ( however, after the anesthesia set in, the rest of the procedure was totally painless). Like I said, I have a VERY low pain threshold and it was evidenced by the fact Doc Epstein said that, normally, it takes only one or , at the most, 2 passes of "the Wand" over the recipient area to fully numb it---in my case, it took THREE passes to numb mine ( my dentist always gives me a double dose of novocain when he works on my teeth ). Earlier, Doc Epstein had asked me if I objected to having my recipient area " shaved " ( I had the option to leave it long if I wanted to) and I told him that he could shave it if it helped him do his job ( I wasn't going to do anything to jeopardize my hard earned dollars ) so it was trimmed with scissors to probably 1/2 inch in length. When my head felt numb like it should ( like it had a tight-fitting helmet on it ) , the Doc proceeded to remove the donor strip. I don't remember a lot about what happened next because I was "in and out" of a valium --induced sleep, but I do remember the technicians that were dissecting the FU's ( using huge stereo microscopes ) commented that I had a lot of very unusual " SIX --HAIR FU's ". Doc Epstein double checked, and confirmed that I did indeed have 6-hair FU's. Doc Epstein did all of the lateral slits in the recipient area and placed a good portion of the grafts himself ( especially in the frontal hairline area). In 5 hours ( more or less ) I was done and ready to be cleaned up. Instead of the 2500 grafts that I had paid for , I received 3115 grafts !!!!!!! The doc knew that I had plenty of space for any extra grafts, and so he purposely "went heavy " on the donor strip---the result was that I won't have a bare spot where the grafts end and my native hair begins. I had been planning on a second procedure, but with the extra grafts I shouldn't need one !!!! In the end, I received 404 -- one hair grafts, 1169----2 hair grafts, and 1542 ---3, 4 and 6 hair grafts---- grand total----3115 grafts. I was cleaned up and outfitted with a cool looking blue bandanna to wear over my head and then was given a " care package" consisting of instructions, pain pills, anti-biotic pills, a large spray-- bottle of "Graftcyte" ( very expensive if you have to buy it yourself), a month's supply of " Rogaine 5%", and a jar of "Toppik" in a color that matched my hair---everything was included in the price of the procedure ( a lot of clinics offer these extras at an extra cost but not Doc Epstein ---they were all included with the procedure) My wife and I went back to the hotel and I expected to be very uncomfortable for the next 3 or 4 days. To my surprise, I didn't need any pain pills and I had virtually no swelling ( Doc Epstein doesn't inject saline solution into your scalp for the procedure like a lot of places do---thereby eliminating the swelling that saline would cause and keeps your face from looking like a huge marshmallow ). On the second day post-op, I went back to the doctor's office for a check-up and shampoo and then it was off shopping and sight-- seeing. I felt surprisingly great!!!! The "graftcyte" spray that I applied every hour kept the grafts from itching and, since there was a motorcycle show the coming weekend, my bandanna clad head fit right in with the crowd. On the 8th day post-op I had the stitches removed ( virtually painless ) and everything checked again---I was good to go. It is now 4 weeks post-op and about 30 percent or so of the grafts have shed ( due to shock) and I've had a few in-grown hairs where the stitches were removed. The numbness is nearly all gone and the tenderness of the donor site is totally gone. Now I just have to wait for the results. In conclusion, I feel that Doc Epstein did a FANTASTIC job---the donor scar is thin, I will have a good ---looking ,mature hairline ( if everything grows in like expected) and his generosity in purposely giving me enough extra grafts to cover my entire bald area ( instead of leaving a small bare spot and the necessity of having to return for another procedure) has all added up to a TOTALLY POSITIVE EXPERIENCE. The whole time I was there, Doc Epstein and his staff made me feel comfortable and confident in their ability and attention to details. Doctor Epstein seems to thoroughly enjoy his work and his generosity proves that money is not his only motivation ----he goes the extra mile because he takes pride in doing an excellent job. I will post some pictures soon. Sincerely, Gerald ( fed

Hello I just had a HT done by Dr Jeffrey Epstein in Miami Florida and he did a FANTASTIC job on me!!!!! I have yet to post my experience and pics on this forum, but I will soon. Dr. Jeffery Epstein is your man. I researched extensively before I went to Dr Epstein in Florida and he has nothing but POSITIVE reviews from previous patients. You can get ahold of me in person if you want to---just let me know ---I'll give you my email address or my phone if you like.

I'm gonna try it again

rugger

Hey Rugger---You requested a pic of the beach babes at South Beach Fla. during my recent HT with Doc Epstein. Well, here it is---a CROTCH SHOT no less !!!! ( this pic is also for my buddy Rooster75 KNA Hairbethere. Have fun drooling guys

Hey Rugger---You requested a pic of the beach babes at South Beach Fla. during my recent HT with Doc Epstein. Well, here it is---a CROTCH SHOT no less !!!! ( this pic is also for my buddy Rooster75 KNA Hairbethere. Have fun drooling guys

I notice on this doctor's website that he's still doing scalp reductions and mini and micro grafts as well as FU's. All the good docs have abandonded scalp reductions and mini/micro grafts in favor of FU's. I also notice that this doctor makes a statement that "ten of thousands of men have hair transplants every day" this statement is very dubious at best. I've already had my transplant using all FU's but, if I were still looking to have one done, I wouldn't even consider a doctor that still does scalp reductions---my advise ---stay away from this clinic.

Tom: I have long, dark brown hair and I just had over 3100 grafts done by Dr Jeffrey Epstein in Miami Fla. He gave me the option of buzzing the recipient area or not. I told him it didn't matter to me---whatever was best for him---so he buzzed it to make it easier for him to do the transplants. I figured that whatever I can do to make his job easier and better, I'd do. I only plan on doing this once and I want to get the best job for my hard earned money.

Hello Solid: I'm sorry, but I don't have any experience with Rose or Charles ( or any other HT doc except doc Epstein ) so I can't comment on their skill and I didn't say Doc Epstein was better than them ( or anybody else other than Bosley or MHR---which I don't have experience with either) All I can do is give MY " two thumbs up" to Doc Epstein based on my own personal ( and very recent ) experience.

I was just reading my previous post and it sounds like I'm mostly thrilled with the price and freebees.That's inaccurate. The absolute MOST important reason for going to ANY Doc is the QUALITY of his/her work--and I am TOTALLY PLEASED with the quality of equipment( stereo microscopes, "Wand" anestetic injection devise, etc), the competence of the technicians ( they quickly recognised that I had quite a few, VERY unusual, 6-hair FU's, etc.) and most of all, the very natural looking results of DR Epstein's experience and "artistry" ( he recognized that I origionally had a natural "widow's peak" hairline and slightly duplicated it( with my approval). All of my ealy and teen pics show this hairline, but Doc Epstein never even saw any of my " with hair" pics and I haven't had my natural widow's peak for almost 30 years) yet he recognized this aspect of me. I'm sorry if I'm "gushing" in my praise for Doc Epstein, but really, I'm happier than a "pig in a pile of shit" about my results.

I just got back late last night from a 2 week combination "mini vacation" and procedure with Dr. Epstein in Miami. I'm going to write an in depth tale of my experience later, but--in answer to your question----I would 100% RECCOMEND Doc Epstein. I saw him on April 12th, 2004 ( last week) for 2500 grafts and my experience was totally first class. His price was reasonable, I got over 500 EXTRA grafts ( which I badly needed ) and he even gave me a 2 week supply " Graftsyte" ( normally VERY expensive), a month's supply of "Rogaine 5%", and also " Toppik" in my hair color. I don't have any pictures yet---I don't own a digital camera and I'll have to have my film developed and then scan them into my computer. You are lucky to live nearby---I had to travel from Michigan, but I'd do it all over, with doctor Epstein, in a heartbeat. I had never heard of Doctor Epstein until 3 months ago when I started searching the web--I'm sure glad I didn't get caught in the "Bosley, MHR, Hairmill" trap. As I said, I'm going to write a much more detailed account of my experience when I get a chance, but for now---in my opinion---you can't do better than Doc Epstein. So far, 10 days post op, I'm happy as hell.

My wife and I are leaving today for Miami for my HT with Dr. Jeff Epstein. I'll be in Fla. for 2 weeks for a combination vacation and HT procedure. I'm scheduled for 2500 grafts on April 12th. I'm 57 years old and a NW5A. I hope I'll be in good enough shape after the HT that I can enjoy looking at South Beaches' "charms" ( and hopefully my wife won't catch me drooling ). I want to thank all you guys that post here ( Rooster75, Rugger, Arfy, etc) for helping me understand what's in store for me. I had a consultation with MHR in Grand Rapids Michigan and was going to have them "do me" until I stumbled acrost this site ---now,instead, I'm going to Dr. Epstein( who is, according to all my research, a top notch HT surgeon) and getting a much cheaper price for more grafts to boot. MHR wanted $ 12,350.00 for 2400 grafts while I'm getting 2500 from Dr. Epstein for $8,800--kind of a no brainer decision on my part on which one to go to. I'll be posting pictures (when I've got something to show) and I'll also relate my opinion of the whole experience ( 'cept South Beach ---I don't think a XXX rated post would see the light of day here). By the way, anybody know where I can sell a 30 year collection of used baseball hats---I won't be needin em next year---ADIOS

My wife and I are leaving today for Miami for my HT with Dr. Jeff Epstein. I'll be in Fla. for 2 weeks for a combination vacation and HT procedure. I'm scheduled for 2500 grafts on April 12th. I'm 57 years old and a NW5A. I hope I'll be in good enough shape after the HT that I can enjoy looking at South Beaches' "charms" ( and hopefully my wife won't catch me drooling ). I want to thank all you guys that post here ( Rooster75, Rugger, Arfy, etc) for helping me understand what's in store for me. I had a consultation with MHR in Grand Rapids Michigan and was going to have them "do me" until I stumbled acrost this site ---now,instead, I'm going to Dr. Epstein( who is, according to all my research, a top notch HT surgeon) and getting a much cheaper price for more grafts to boot. MHR wanted $ 12,350.00 for 2400 grafts while I'm getting 2500 from Dr. Epstein for $8,800--kind of a no brainer decision on my part on which one to go to. I'll be posting pictures (when I've got something to show) and I'll also relate my opinion of the whole experience ( 'cept South Beach ---I don't think a XXX rated post would see the light of day here). By the way, anybody know where I can sell a 30 year collection of used baseball hats---I won't be needin em next year---ADIOS

EAST COAST Thanks for sharing your experience---I'm usually not lucky but I hope I'm lucky enough to avoid your situation ---are you going to have any FUE in the future?

Hey guys--I'm scheduled for a 2500 graft session in less than a week. I've read on another thread that one guy can push on his scalp in back and have his forehead move. Another talks about pinching scalp between his fingers. I'm 57 and never had a HT before. I can't move my scalp hardly at all. I did my consultation over the internet and phone so I couldn't have any check for laxity, but my scalp seems to be VERY tight. I've always been proud of the fact that I am usually mistaken for someone much younger than my age because of lack of wrinkles in my face ( probably due to my "tight" skin/scalp) But now I'm worried that I don't have enough laxity for 2500 grafts. I'm a NW5A so I will need more than the 2500 grafts to get decent coverage ( I know I'll need a 2nd HT --when I can afford it) It's too late to start scalp exercises( HT less than a week away). Is there a way I can determine laxity on my own ---and ease my mind---I'm really worried( maybe my worrying is just pre-op jitters--I don't know) Can I get some input on this please? Thanks

Hey guys--I'm scheduled for a 2500 graft session in less than a week. I've read on another thread that one guy can push on his scalp in back and have his forehead move. Another talks about pinching scalp between his fingers. I'm 57 and never had a HT before. I can't move my scalp hardly at all. I did my consultation over the internet and phone so I couldn't have any check for laxity, but my scalp seems to be VERY tight. I've always been proud of the fact that I am usually mistaken for someone much younger than my age because of lack of wrinkles in my face ( probably due to my "tight" skin/scalp) But now I'm worried that I don't have enough laxity for 2500 grafts. I'm a NW5A so I will need more than the 2500 grafts to get decent coverage ( I know I'll need a 2nd HT --when I can afford it) It's too late to start scalp exercises( HT less than a week away). Is there a way I can determine laxity on my own ---and ease my mind---I'm really worried( maybe my worrying is just pre-op jitters--I don't know) Can I get some input on this please? Thanks

My wife and I are combining my procedure in Miami with a 2 week vacation so I won't be posting any pics until sometime in May--but I'll get em posted ASAP

This is my first post. I've been cruising all the hair transplant sites and IMO this is by far the best-- partly due to the format but mostly due to the regulars who post here--I've learned a lot from all you guys ( haven't seen Arfy lately--I really value his opinions). So much for the "sucking up"--now back to business. I'm 57 and fed up with the hair jokes so I've decided to make a change. I'm a NW 5A and been on propecia for 4 years---been losing my hair for 34 years and hearing jokes for 30 of those years. I'm scheduled to have 2500 grafts with Doc Epstein on April 12th. I'll post some before and after pics in the future as well as my opinion on how well the procedure went.I'm pretty confident that I've picked a good doctor and his prices are very reasonable ( even after a recent price increase as reflected in his website). I hope I've made a good decision--only time will tell.