Paco

It has been about 5 years since I got my hair transplant with Dr. Karamikian from NYC in June of 2004. At that time, I was 28 years old and had a receding hair line. I transplanted about 3000? (forgot the number) by now, but I posted my pictures on this forum.

Anyway, 5 years later at the age of 32, I can still see that about 50% of the transplanted hairs are still there. I still have a flaky scalp problem and unsure if I should change shampoos or put some petroleum jelly on my scalp? QUESTION: Is flaky scalps a common problem with FUE Hair transplants?

I will consider another hair transplant in the future if my hairline gets worst.

It has been about 5 years since I got my hair transplant with Dr. Karamikian from NYC in June of 2004. At that time, I was 28 years old and had a receding hair line. I transplanted about 3000? (forgot the number) by now, but I posted my pictures on this forum.

Anyway, 5 years later at the age of 32, I can still see that about 50% of the transplanted hairs are still there. I still have a flaky scalp problem and unsure if I should change shampoos or put some petroleum jelly on my scalp? QUESTION: Is flaky scalps a common problem with FUE Hair transplants?

I will consider another hair transplant in the future if my hairline gets worst.

hi,

I am 5 months post-op. About 50% of the

grafts are growing. Still waiting for

the dormant grafts. I currently take

a centrum multi-vitamin to supplement

my folic acid intake.

I was wondering which shampoo is recommended?

I normally use V05,Pert, Finesse, etc.

Is Nioxin any good for 5 months post-op? Many

people say that it is no different from

other shampoos.

As of 10/27/04, Nioxin Cleanser & Scalp Therapy combo (33oz each) sell for $39 at JCPenney.

Thanks,

pacman26

Hi,

My surgeon gave me Oat Beta Glucan to spray on the grafts post-op in June. What does it do? I heard that it is good for burns.

Would using Oat-Beta Glucan help my hair? Would it enhance my hair? At 4 1/2 months post op, I have only seen slight growth. Only 25% of the 1550 grafts are growing.

Just curious,

pacman26

Hi,

My surgeon gave me Oat Beta Glucan to spray on the grafts post-op in June. What does it do? I heard that it is good for burns.

Would using Oat-Beta Glucan help my hair? Would it enhance my hair? At 4 1/2 months post op, I have only seen slight growth. Only 25% of the 1550 grafts are growing.

Just curious,

pacman26

After 3-week post-op, I find that my recipient is itchy. 33% of the grafts have fallen off already.

I prefer not to scratch my scalp or else the new hairs will just fall off. Kinda nice to just keep those hairs there even though I expect most of them to fall out eventually with 2-6 weeks.

Two Questions:

1) How do I clean the recipient area besides using just shampoo? (Pert w/conditioner) If I use my nails, I can scrap off a lot of gunk/oil in the recipient area. Is this normal?

2) How do I deal with an itchy recipient area?

I tried letting shower water hit directly on the recipient area which helps a bit.

However, I do notice that there is more gunk in the recipient area than before. Maybe there are too many sweat glands there?

Half of my donor area has a fine line. The other half is still red and bumpy.

Thanks,

Paco

After 3-week post-op, I find that my recipient is itchy. 33% of the grafts have fallen off already.

I prefer not to scratch my scalp or else the new hairs will just fall off. Kinda nice to just keep those hairs there even though I expect most of them to fall out eventually with 2-6 weeks.

Two Questions:

1) How do I clean the recipient area besides using just shampoo? (Pert w/conditioner) If I use my nails, I can scrap off a lot of gunk/oil in the recipient area. Is this normal?

2) How do I deal with an itchy recipient area?

I tried letting shower water hit directly on the recipient area which helps a bit.

However, I do notice that there is more gunk in the recipient area than before. Maybe there are too many sweat glands there?

Half of my donor area has a fine line. The other half is still red and bumpy.

Thanks,

Paco

As promised, here was my post-op pix.

my 1500 FU transplant. I am happy with the work.

Now, I just need to take care and wait patiently.

Any comments?

Hi,

I got a 1500 FU transplant last wedsnesday 6/2/04 to the front on my recedingn hairline. Now, the weather is getting hotter in NYC.

As recommended, I will wear a hat in the hot summer time. However, wearing a baseball cap makes my head hotter because heat is trapped.

I am afraid that my hair follicles with be feeling like it's inside an oven. Should I be afraid to sweat around my newly transplanted hairs?

My question is "Will the heat damage the Transplant?"

Thanks,

Paco

Hi,

I got a 1500 FU transplant last wedsnesday 6/2/04 to the front on my recedingn hairline. Now, the weather is getting hotter in NYC.

As recommended, I will wear a hat in the hot summer time. However, wearing a baseball cap makes my head hotter because heat is trapped.

I am afraid that my hair follicles with be feeling like it's inside an oven. Should I be afraid to sweat around my newly transplanted hairs?

My question is "Will the heat damage the Transplant?"

Thanks,

Paco

Bluesman,

Did you experience any shock loss in the recipient area or surrounding areas?

Thanks,

Paco

Arfy,

Thanks for the concern, I plant to meet a live example of a transplant patient 10-months post-op this Thursday. The patient is very similar in that he only did 1400 Single FU on the hairline only. If it wasn't for this forum, I would have NEVER thought to see a live example. I dind't know that this was normal to ask.

Thanks,

Paco

I just wanted to say that I thank everyone (including Rugger) for their honest opinion. I will try to get opinions from other's who tried Dr. Karamikian. I will consider a second opinion from other doctors (i.e. Dr. True) in NY. I wish the Shapiro Medical Group in MN were more accessible.

I still have a week to decide before cancelling.

Thanks,

Paco

Please send your pictures soon. I am have appointment scheduled for Dr. K next week.

I am considering a second opinion now.

What is your opinion of the quality of Dr. K's work? Donor Area ok? Recipient area ok?

Right now, I am not sure about Dr.K's reputation. Will consider a second opinion with Dr. True. Too bad I can't fly out to see Dr. Shapiro in MN.

The 'objective' facts are:

1) He graduated in 2001 (3 years of experience)

2) Shares office with Dr. Hitzig (subject to 120 lawsuits of malpractice.. and using un-qualified people to be technicians.)

3) Uses multi-blade scalpel which is riskier

4) Uses Mixed grafts, while single FUT are now preferred.

FYI, here are some pics I found on this forum of some guy who went to Karamikian. The guy was probably too rush. (went immediately)

http://hair-restoration-info.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=5696015661&f=1466060861&m=6426082774&r=2446041874#2446041874

In a away, I feel a little nervous that Dr. Karamikian shares an office with Dr. Hitzig (subject to many lawsuits).

For just single FUT transplants, I think Dr. Karamikian can do the job. However, he's is not an experienced and well-reputatable.

I agree.

Honestly, from much research on the American Medical Association website. Dr. K got his degree in 2001 from Lake Erie college. He promised that he can do 1400 single grafts of the front of my head. I am comfortable with his education, CBS publicity, and skills.

I didn't see any live examples, but just photos in the album and his website. Honestly, I don't expect him to bring a patient to show me.

I try to rely on word of mouth. I have no experience in HT's. I didn't know about the 'multi-blade' issue until this was brought up.

Hopefully, I pray that the result would be positive. I spent the last 2 months doing research on hair-transplants. There have been many good/bad stories on the web.

Thanks,

Paco

Arfy,

As per your questions, I am 27 years old and my hairline is exactly like my 51 yr old dad's.

Some friends say that it is no big deal because I can comb my hair forward to cover my receding hairline... but this problem had taunted me for the last 7-8 years. With modern science, hairs can now be moved!!

Dr Karamikian's website is http://www.nyhlc.com

He seems to be a honest and reputable person.

Feel free to post about any opinions about him before I have surgery in 2 weeks. I'll keep everyone posted about my experience.

Hair transplants can be like box of chocolates.

This is always risk involved. I wish it was easier though.

Paco

Hey all,

I had 2 consultations with Dr. Karamikian recently. Now my 1st transplant is scheduled for June 2, 2004. I hope to have 1400 Single FU moved to fill in the temporal angles and bring down the front hairline. Any suggestions?

I have suffered lots of ridicule from my family and friends. I just want to have normal hair and have a positive self-esteem when I look at myself in the mirror.

I am very excited to have a normal again after losing my hair when I has just 19.

Attached is my picture before transplant. Hopefully, I can keep everyone posted of my progress after a few months.

I am glad I found this forum before my transplant.