Jersey23

Adam - Congrats on choosing a great surgeon and great guy. I'm almost 2 years post HT with Dr. Feller and never get tired of hearing how I look 10 years younger. My only advice is to make sure you follow the pre-HT instructions very carefully. There's a section on not taking aspirin or alcohol for a certain amount of days (a week before the HT?). Ask the office for it at least 2 weeks before your HT, if they haven't given it to you then. Non-compliance could mean a lesser outcome. Best of luck! Jersey23

Mike, I've been off the boards for a while (a new job will do that to you) but I wanted to respond to your post. Given Dr. Feller's stellar reputation on this forum (and others) and my own personal experience with him (1 year post-op last week), I can tell you that if there ever was a surgeon who cares about doing it right and standing by his work, it's Dr. Feller. You should absolutely have consults with the other coalition docs in the tri-state area, but please consider a face to face with Dr. Feller. I'm in NJ and would be happy to answer any questions about my search for an HT doc. I'd also be willing to meet with you to share my pre and post pictures and talk about the whole experience (which was well worth it!) Best of luck in your search. Jersey

Dazza, Congrats on the HT! I'm sure you'll be very pleased with the results since Dr. F is top notch. Grow Well! Jersey

Dazza and Gazza (you guys related ?) I had my HT with Dr. Feller in February and love my results so far. I had 3000 grafts in my frontal third and have had 3 different people tell me I look 10 years younger in the past couple of weeks. The first couple of months are challenging because you don't see any progress, but then it starts happening and gets very exciting. Your in great hands with Dr. F and his staff. Best of luck to both of you! Jersey

Maybe if I earn enough interest, I can afford a 2nd HT!

Folica, With respect to Bill, I've read tons of his posts (hard not too ) and I think you'd have to agree he's one of the most objective posters on this forum. I understand the percieved edge it gives H&W, but anyone whose read his posts knows he doesn't push them any more than other top docs. He always gives credit where it's due and I respect him for that. I think the value he adds in his new role far outweighs any indirect bias toward H&W (same with B-Spot). As long as they continue to educate and try to raise the standards of the HT docs, then I don't have a problem with it. If a co-moderator or patient educator regularly spoke about their doctor without also mentioning other Coalition docs, that's a different story. Just my $0.02. Jersey

DJF- I'm glad I found this site too before my HT (check out my 6 month progress with Dr. Feller I just posted today). It helped me understand the difference between good doctors and the rest as well as the differences between the best doctors (some are known for hairline work, some for megasessions, some for crown work, etc.) I'm sure MHR has done some good work, but they also have plenty of unsatisfied patients. What's important is consistency. The Coalition doctors have a proven track record of high standards and consistent results. Why look anywhere else? Best of luck going forward! Jersey 2/22/07 3000 Grafts with Dr. Feller

Here's my 6 month update (actually 5 1/2 months). Dr. Feller stated I'm a month or two ahead of an average amount of growth, which is nice to know.

Here's my 6 month update (actually 5 1/2 months). Dr. Feller stated I'm a month or two ahead of an average amount of growth, which is nice to know.

Pokerbrat - I know you were going back and forth on your decision. I'm glad to hear you went through with it and of course had a positive experience with Dr. Feller and his staff. I'm actually exactly 6 months out today (I'll be posting results soon) from my Dr. F HT and can tell you it was one of the best decisions I made. In most lighting, I have what looks like full coverage in my front 1/3 when I didn't have anything before. Please keep in mind Dr. F said I was almost 2 months ahead of an average HT, so don't expect the same results. The next few months will be tough since you won't see the growth, but have faith and you'll be enjoying the fruits of his labor. Quick story to illustrate how hair does make a difference. My wife met her best friend last week and showed her pictures from our recent vacation. Her friend didn't know I had an HT and blurted out I looked 10 years younger! Now that's what I'm talkin about! Best of luck on your recovery and continue to post for advice. Jersey 2/22/07 Dr. Feller 3000 grafts

Dude - funny you mentioned swimming. I went for the first time in years this past Sunday in a pool with my kids. The freedom of not worrying about fixing your hair everytime I surfaced is something you'll get to experience for yourself next summer. I also go away with my 5 long time friends once a year to a beach resort, but always ended up staying on the beach when they were body surfing or just BSing out there. I felt I was missing out, but better than having them look at my head and make comments...right? Next trip is next month and none of them know about my HT (I've seen them since, but since it was always golf, I had a hat on the whole time). Can't wait to finally join them!

SETT/Burt, First, best of luck with the upcoming HT's. Keep us posted on your progress. As far as advice, I'd look into one of those neck pillows you use on a plane (blow up kind of other). I had a hard time laying back on a bunch of regular pillows (even though I was pretty upright) since I was afraid to put any pressure on the still tender donor area. I think the neck pillow will allow you to have less pressure on the donor since the pillow allows you to keep your head more uprignt and therefore the brunt of the pressure will be below your scar line. If not, you should try to use some towels to achieve the same concept. Also, my biggest problem after the HT was finding a restaurant or other food store that I can go into without feeling self-concious about the big white wrap sticking out from under my hat. If you are staying at one of the local hotels, you might want to either pack a sandwich on ice in a cooler or get the number ahead of time of some places that might deliver to your hotel. I ended up miles away from Dr. Feller's office at Dunkin Donuts and felt funny being seen the way I was. Anyway, that my $.02. Jersey

Pokerbrat - I would definitely do it again. It's been only 5 1/2 months and I already have enough growing in that I was able to: 1) get rid of my combover and cut my hair short (and stopped worrying about the slightest breeze making my hair take-off) 2) am able to jog outside or mow the lawn without a hat for the first time that I can remember 3) get up in the morning and not have to rush to the mirror to fix my hair over the bald spot since I actually have some now. 4) able to take my hat off at the end of a round of golf (like the pros...even though I don't shoot like them ) without having to snap it back on worrying about how bad it looks 5) able to actually open the windows to my car once in a while and not worry about spending time fixing it before I get out. 6) etc, etc. etc. all making me feel a lot better about myself. As other posters mentioned, as long as you go to a Coalition doctor, your chances of saying yes to this question in the future greatly increase. Since I also went to Dr. Feller, I'm sure you will also see good results (although your growth time could vary). Stay positive and know that once you weather the first few months, you'll know you made the right decision. Jersey

Goldstar - I had 2800 grafts on my front 1/3 and another 300 on my temples. Total cost was around $9,500. Dr. Feller posts his prices on his website (fellermedical.com). I think he quoted me a price for the 2500-3000 range, but was able to extract more, but didn't charge me for the extra. Jersey

Most of my grafts actually hung around for over a month and the first time I saw a bunch of peach fuzz was right after 2 months. Of course, everyone grows differently. It then slowly but surely started to come in. My right front is coming in longer than the rest (over an inch long on the right) but I'm sure it will even out over time. They hair is curlier than the rest of my hair even though it was pretty straight when it was put it. When I had hair, I did have a wavy hairline, so it seems to have mirrored that for now. I spoke to Dr. Feller last week and he said more hairs could still come in and the existing ones should thicken. Can't wait until full results are in by the Winter, but I like what I see so far. I'll probably post some updates in a few weeks.

Poker - I too didn't have anything in the recipient area, but Dr. F did shave part of my comb-over (which is gone now) well as a little on the back edge of the recipient area where he must have overlapped a little with my native hair. My scar was above ear to above ear, but even from the beginning, I couldn't really see it (or the staples) since I did have my hair about 1" long. Basicially, I wore a hat for almost 2 weeks, which by then I was able to comb over from my part to cover the still healing recipient area (lots of hairspray ). Yes, it was still reddish for a while and probably noticible to someone staring at it. However, a couple of people I asked told me it just looked like I had a slight rash or sunburn (from a vacation). While each doctor is different, most don't want you using concealers for at least a couple of weeks and I believe Dr. F will tell you a month. While I always felt funny when the hat first came off (I was still pretty red/pink for another month or so), I am estatic about my results so far. I actually have enough hair in the front now, that I had most of my comb-over cut off last week for the first time in a decade and it looks pretty natural...and that's only 5 months post op and 3 months of growing. BTW, I'm having my 6 month follow-up with Dr. F on Aug 9th at 1:00 and I'd be happy to hang out and answer your questions and let you see the results so far. Just PM me if you wanted to meet before or after. Jersey

The last post was mostly for Dakota, but also tries to answer Poker's question.

Poker - I had the Tri with Dr. Feller in Feb and it's barely detectable (and will further fade over time). The big advantage of the tri-close as I understand it is that they bevel one end of the flap so the hairs grow through the scar, thus further mininizing any detection. I don't have anything else to compare it to, but I would choose it (and him) again. Remember, you still need a competent doctor making the incisions and using either staples or sutures for the close. That's why it's important to go with one of the Coalition doctors who have a proven track record. As far as visibility after surgery, I'd have to say yes. Mostly because you will have staples or sutures which protrude to some extent, although, I had a hard time finding my staples since I kept my hair fairly long. I will note that I had some shockloss on the scar line above one of my ears (near where the scar starts), but it went away after a month or so. Keep researching and then you'll be comfortable making your decision...good luck. Jersey

Pokerbrat - I had my HT done with Dr. Feller in February and so far I am very pleased with the results. I had 3000 grafts placed on my front 1/3 via strip and it took about 6-7 hours. I've got a good amount of hair there now, when I haven't for 15 years, so it's very exciting. As far as the strip goes, the only part that hurt a little were the anesthesia injections to the donor area (and to a lesser degree the recipient area), but then you don't feel anything during the procedure. Strip surgery is more invasive, but can yield a lot more grafts and it's a lot less expensive for the same amount of grafts. If you only need 1500 grafts then FUE could be a possibility, assuming Dr. Feller (or other docs) feel you have the proper donor characteristics. If you do a search for Dr. Feller (not sure which sub-forum), he explains his philosophy on why FUE isn't always the best option. I believe he will start an FUE procedure and if after 45 minutes or so he doesn't feel you are a good candidate, he will give you the option of switching to strip. BTW, contrary to what many people will tell you (or what you will read), FUE can leave scars, albiet less noticible than with strip. Personally, my scar is virtually undetectable at this point, which was echoed by the lady who cuts my hair. The tri-close that Dr. Feller and others use allows hairs to grow through the scar, so it makes it very difficult to see. Dr. Feller is highly regarded for his ethics and his technical expertise. I can only tell you from my experience and other posts that I would highly recommend him for both strip and FUE. Other top docs should be considered too, but you can't go wrong with Dr. Feller IMO. I'd be happy to answer any more specific questions about Dr. Feller, surgery day or post op procedures. Best of luck....Jersey

Gaz... Actually had my HT on 2/22 so coming up on 5 months next week. Everything is going great. I've got a bunch of hair on my frontal 1/3 where I haven't had anything for years. I might post some updates soon or wait until the 6 month mark. I'm sure you know you're in good hands. From the first few minutes of that morning when he draws the potential hairline until you leave, you'll know that he and his staff are going to do their best to make you feel comfortable and make sure you are happy with everything. After the 3rd erasure and redraw that morning (since I wanted some adjustments), I apologized for taking so long. He said "Don't worry, we'll be here as long as it takes to get it right"...That's one of the reasons he's a top doc. Best of luck and feel free to hit me with any Feller-related questions about the big HT day. Jersey

For what it's worth, I went to Dr. Feller for my consult and decided to put down the deposit that day to save my spot on a particular day. They gave me the option of going downstairs in the building to a lab to get the blood work over with. I decided to do it and they gave me the write-up to hand to the lab (so not sure what exactly I got tested for). Might have been Quest..but I was in and out in minutes and never heard anything about the results (which means I obviously passed).

Burt- I agree with Folica about trying to get the interest free loan or cancellation discount. However, with only a few days notice (cancellation discount), there's a chance your body wouldn't be ready (e.g. no aspirin, alcohol for past week) unless you regularly don't drink or take aspirins. I personally used part of my home equity line of credit (HELOC) to pay the 10G's since I have a lot of equity in my home and would rather get the tax deductions for all the interest then put it on a card and pay a higher rate and no deductions. As a mortgage loan officer I caution you if you are considering this approach if your loan to value (new total loan amount as a % of the home's value) approaches the 80-90% range or higher. With declining home values in parts of the country, you could end up owing more than you can net from a house sale. Having taken the plunge 3 months ago and now seeing the hairs starting to sprout, I know it's going to be worth every dime. So I can definitely sympathize with your desire to get a HT, finances be damned. Best of luck! Jersey

Hairfree, I was one of the peach fuzz guys right after the 2 month mark. I seemed to have a few hairs that looked like regular hairs, but most of my recipient site (especially the middle to back of the site) was all fuzz. Now, almost a month later (12 week mark), it's really starting to come in with longer hairs (but not very thick yet). I have to say, it's very exciting once you see it starting to come together. As you know, full results won't occur until 12-18 months. Be patient and you'll probably see some noticeable changes in the next month or so. Jersey

Mrjb, Seeing more and more hairs popping through is great. The hardest part now is deciding if I should keep my hair long to mostly cover the uneven and not fully grown in hairs or cut it shorter. I'm leaning toward letting it grow another month (before I'm going away on a vacation) and cutting it shorter then. Hopefully, it will look more uniformed and normal by then. Jersey

Bill - If all the fine hairs turn thicker, I'll be one hairy dude by the end of the year! It's a great feeling to feel hair where I haven't had any for over a decade. Dr. Feller performed the HT. I had about 2800 grafts on the front 1/3 and another 300 total on the two temples. Thanks for the continued encouragement and for the support you give to everyone on this forum. BTW, I'm just over the river in south/central Jersey in case you ever have a HT get-together in the Philly area. Maybe Pat could show up in Hair Force One! Jersey