Jersey23

Just over the past couple of weeks I notice many hairs growing and lots of peach fuzz everywhere else. I'm excited that it's starting to happen. I've attached a couple of current pix that show the beginning of the growth.

Just over the past couple of weeks I notice many hairs growing and lots of peach fuzz everywhere else. I'm excited that it's starting to happen. I've attached a couple of current pix that show the beginning of the growth.

Hairless, Please heed Bill' advice. He's been giving great advice to newbies like us for a long time and only has your best interests in mind. You can't go wrong with any of the doctors on his list. I personally went to Dr. Feller in February and while it's too early to state my HT was a success, I had a great experience with him and his staff. He's a well known, proven HT doc and he uses the lastest and greatest tools/methods. He is very honest with his assesments and comes highly recommended on this and other sites. My advice is to try to get consults with 2 or 3 of the NYC coalition docs. While each is highly accomplished, one might be more creative in a particular part of the HT process (e.g. crown work, natural hairline) so you'll want to choose a doc that will lead to the best results for YOUR situation and goals. Best of luck and keep researching. Knowledge is king. Jersey

I'm 7 weeks out today (break out the cake!) and have lost most, but not all of my grafts. It seemed like I lost more than half after about 4 weeks, then it slowed down. I thought I saw growth until I realized I had a few hairs I used to shave down (since I had no other native hair around them) and now they are growing back. As stated in other posts, these are definitely the thicker, more coarse types. I'm actually hoping the rest fall out soon since it seems the sooner they fall out, the sooner they will start to grow. I know the next couple of months are the hardest since nothing will be happening. The toughest part is figuring out how to wear my hair. I currently have it parted and grew it long and blow dry it to basically cover the full recepient area. However, as it's gotten longer, it looks like a dead raccoon on my head if it doesn't lay right. So, I'm not letting it dry naturally, which curls the hair and makes it shorter. I'm self- conscious about the front sticking out (with it's few scattered hairs and slight pinkish color) but not sure what else to do. Anyone face the same predicament? Also, just noticed some shockloss on my donor area on both sides above and behind the ears. It could have been there for a few weeks, since I haven't really looked to closely at that area.

Afriend - There are a few excellent doctors in the NY area. Drs. True & Dorin and Dr. Feller seem to be among the most recommended (but aren't the only ones). I had my HT with Dr. Feller last month and definitely recommend him. His costs are posted on his website (http://www.fellermedical.com/Fees_Financing.htm). I don't know T&D's costs, but others have posted about them. Obviously, you shouldn't be looking at cost as the only determining factor, but luckily these doctors are excellent and have reasonable pricing. Set up consults with both of them and take it from there. Good luck!

Jotronic- Excellent job! Very detailed and much appreciated (kinda like those H&W HT's I always hear about . Do you think something like this should be made permanent at the top of each forum? This way newbies won't have to always be searching through tons of threads. Thanks again.

As a relative newbie to this site (which has been invaluable for my decision to move forward with my HT and which doc to choose), I think it would be helpful to have a permanent topic at the top of each forum that lists the most common abbreviations and explanations. While many of you are fluent in HT speak, some of the terms are like a foreign language to us (dutasteride anybody?) The vets input, guidance and concern is extremely appreciated by new members/lurkers and they could possibly make recommendations to Pat on which terms need to be added or updated as time goes on. Here's my list of items that I think would be beneficial to have seen in one place before I started viewing all the threads: #1 cut, #2 cut etc. Body Hair Transplant (BHT) Coalition Doctors Concealers Dense Packing DHT Diffuse thinner Finesteride/Proscar/Propecia/Dutasteride FU FUE vs. Strip FUT Graft H&W IMHO (and the longer versions of this that I still don't get IMO Megasession MPB Norwood (NW) scale Rogaine/Minoxinal Shockloss Ultra Refined HT Widows peak Ultimately, it would be Pat's decision to add/delete/update. Perhaps Pat could set up an e-mail link on the abbreviation/explanation thread for someone to request that a definition be added (whether it's because they don't know it or think others could benefit from it). If there is something already similar, maybe we just need to put it at the tops of each forum to find it easier. What do you think?

As a relative newbie to this site (which has been invaluable for my decision to move forward with my HT and which doc to choose), I think it would be helpful to have a permanent topic at the top of each forum that lists the most common abbreviations and explanations. While many of you are fluent in HT speak, some of the terms are like a foreign language to us (dutasteride anybody?) The vets input, guidance and concern is extremely appreciated by new members/lurkers and they could possibly make recommendations to Pat on which terms need to be added or updated as time goes on. Here's my list of items that I think would be beneficial to have seen in one place before I started viewing all the threads: #1 cut, #2 cut etc. Body Hair Transplant (BHT) Coalition Doctors Concealers Dense Packing DHT Diffuse thinner Finesteride/Proscar/Propecia/Dutasteride FU FUE vs. Strip FUT Graft H&W IMHO (and the longer versions of this that I still don't get IMO Megasession MPB Norwood (NW) scale Rogaine/Minoxinal Shockloss Ultra Refined HT Widows peak Ultimately, it would be Pat's decision to add/delete/update. Perhaps Pat could set up an e-mail link on the abbreviation/explanation thread for someone to request that a definition be added (whether it's because they don't know it or think others could benefit from it). If there is something already similar, maybe we just need to put it at the tops of each forum to find it easier. What do you think?

Thanks to everyone for their encouraging words. I had the staples removed today so I can finally look forward to some sleep without pain in the back of my head (and without pain meds!). Dr. Feller was in surgery, so I couldn't get my hair counts. I'll post them as soon as they e-mail them to me in the next couple of days. Now I start the waiting game as the hairs will fall out soon and then nothing for a few months. Can't wait until month 4!

I just added my 9 day post-op pictures. Everything is getting better. The swelling went away, most of the scabs are gone and the staples come out Monday. Hopefully the little guys will fall out soon so the future growth can begin!

Justme... I'm 8 days post-op so I know all too well what you are going through. The swelling did start with my forehead and on day 3 my eyes swelled up so much, I had to wear sunglasses for two days. You could only see half of my eyes it was so bad. My kids kept asking me to take them off because they wanted a good laugh. I was told to massage them downward, but did very little of that thinking it wouldn't help. Lo and behold 2 days after that my eyes were back to normal and I had only a little swelling in my cheeks. IMO, even if you do nothing, the swelling should go away in a couple of days, but gently massaging the area helps spread out the fluids that were pumped into your forehead for the procedure. Good luck with the rest of your recovery!

Toad hit it right on the money. I did call my Dr., but didn't speak to him. I let them know that I was having problems with the donor area and if it made sense to up my dosage. They relayed that the Dr. said don't increase the dosage and some soreness is normal. I guessed that would be the case and since I'm now only 4 days from getting the staples removed, I figure I'll grin and bear it. The soreness (rarely any true pain) only really happens when I lay back on it. Even when I push in along the staple line, there isn't any real pain, just soreness...but it's enough to cause problems when laying down on it. Since I don't think it's infected, I guess it's part of the healing process. I'm really looking forward to Monday to get the hardware out!

I'm 1 week post op today and have a hard time sleeping the past few nights. The staples are coming out on Monday, but it seems the tightness and slight pain is a little worse than the first few nights, even though I'm still taking my Vicodin before bed. I'm still laying down with 2 pillows and a backrest when I sleep to ensure I don't mess up the grafts and to also help with swelling (which was bad a few days ago, but almost all gone now). Is this normal? Also, my recipient scalp area doesn't hurt, but is very dry. Most, if not all of my hairs are still intact, but I'm getting all that white, flaky, fuzzy look. I just started applied Aloe Vera a couple of times a day, but wanted to know is there anything else I should be doing?

I'm 1 week post op today and have a hard time sleeping the past few nights. The staples are coming out on Monday, but it seems the tightness and slight pain is a little worse than the first few nights, even though I'm still taking my Vicodin before bed. I'm still laying down with 2 pillows and a backrest when I sleep to ensure I don't mess up the grafts and to also help with swelling (which was bad a few days ago, but almost all gone now). Is this normal? Also, my recipient scalp area doesn't hurt, but is very dry. Most, if not all of my hairs are still intact, but I'm getting all that white, flaky, fuzzy look. I just started applied Aloe Vera a couple of times a day, but wanted to know is there anything else I should be doing?

I didn't get the actual counts, but Dr. Feller stated I had about 2800 in the front and 300 total on the temples (probably 200 on one side, 100 on the other).

Here are a few pre and up to 2 days post of my 2/22/07 HT with Dr. Feller. I just added my 9 Day post-op pictures. Staples out on Monday!

Here are a few pre and up to 2 days post of my 2/22/07 HT with Dr. Feller. I just added my 9 Day post-op pictures. Staples out on Monday!

I doesn't hurt, it just looks and feels funny. I've been very dilligent in keeping it elevated and making sure I sleep upright. I think I'll continue that for a couple of more nights. I guess I'll let the swelling continue down...bet the wife will like that .

As expected, my forehead swelling is now firmly around my eyebrows and eyes. The bridge of my nose is now twice the size, which partially obscures my eyes (although my vision is fine...it just feels tight). My kids keep asking me to look at them so they could get a good laugh! Anyway, I haven't iced anything yet and was wondering if it will reduce the swelling if I did or should I just let mother nature takes its course and be patient.

Peter- It would depend on things like your job, vacations planned, other events planned, etc. Personally, I wanted the winter since I have less going on, don't have to worry about the sun and don't see neighbors or friends as much given the tempuratures (I'm in NJ). The timing should also take into account if you've done enough research to determine which doctor to choose and their schedule (some can't fit you in for a couple of months). Best of luck on your decision and continue to post your situation so everyone here can guide you with their experiences.

New - For my procedure yesterday I was given a valium before the donor strip removal. I didn't ask for it, but they said they give it to everyone. I'm guessing it's so we don't get too nervous, even if we aren't at the start of the procedure. However, the Valium didn't take the edge off the pinches from the injections to numb the donor area. I've read about doctors using topicals first, but for whatever reason, Dr. Feller doesn't use them. I'd have to say that from a pain perspective, that was the worse part of the day, but he moves pretty fast. If your doctor uses any type of numbing agent first, you shouldn't feel much. Bottom line is that you need to speak to your doctor ahead of time about your concerns and see what options he offers. Then report back to the forum and let everyone furthur guide you.

I removed the donor bandage this morning and the only place I could find the staples was part of the back. I did have my hair pretty long on the sides and back, but I'm pleasantly surprised by the lack of obvious HT work done. I'll be rinsing my hair for the first time tonight and that will give me a better look. Sleeping last night was tough, since the only way to stay upright is to lay back on the donor area, which was very tight. I took some meds at 6 this morning and grabbed a few hours of sleep and haven't had to take anything since. My forehead is pretty swollen, but that's it. So far everything looks good. I'll try to post some pix this weekend.

I'm about 2 hours post HT and everything is fine (if you consider a head the size of a watermelon normal..just kidding, the swelling isn't that bad yet). As expected Dr. Feller and his staff made me feel very comfortable. We redesigned my hairline 3 times, but he said we'd do it until I was happy with it. Overall, was a very positive experience with the only real pain part being the strip injections, but they don't take that long. The hardest part might have been staying still the whole time, but I half slept through most of it. They work so deftly (and my head was completely numb) that at times I'd open my eyes just to confirm the two techs were still working on my head. I am very happy with the shape of the overall grafted area and the very natural looking hairline. He did 2800 grafts for my front 1/3 (no native hairs, so my post pictures will be all HT) and he did 300 on my temples (more on one side since it receded more). I won't have his pictures until staple removal on 3/5, but will try to post some this weekend from the ones I took with my cell phone. Thanks again to everyone's well wishes. I can't wait until month 4!

He's not exactly in my backyard, but 2+ hours of driving is nothing compared to flying to Vancouver like some guys do to see H&W. I'm leaving in a few minutes since Dr. Feller requires a hotel stay for out of towners to ensure the proper arrival time. Thanks to everyone for your well wishes.

Seeing Dr. Feller tomorrow for the HT. It will be strip surgery yielding approx. 2500-2800 grafts for the front 1/3. I've got enough coverage in the middle 1/3 and the crown is thinning, but not in need of a HT yet (maybe in 5 years or so). I'm pretty psyched about it knowing what a great surgeon and person he is. I'm not worried about the procedure but more the post-op look in the next month or so. Luckily, as a mortgage loan officer, I can work from home most of next week, if necessary. My boss wears a hat to work most of the time, so that won't be an issue when I come back either. I'll post some info within a couple of days (depends if I'll have internet access and how I'm feeling). I just wanted to thank everyone for their input over the past couple of months and in advance of my post-op questions. Let the growing begin!!!