SinTPA

Bill, I think what NG2GB is asking for is a moderated chat. This is very feasible with some very inexpensive or possibly free software. I haven't done a lot of research in this area but here are a few examples of chat clients that offer moderation type features. AddOnChat Parachat Keep up the very interesting chats! Sin

JOBI, I bought a 3-month supply of the Minox foam and will discontinue it as soon as it runs out. I've only been using it at night with the sole purpose of accelerating the growth of the new grafts. Since I really didn't have much hair in the transplanted region I don't expect to regress when I stop using the minox. I also don't expect to lose any of the new grafts. Maybe I'm missing something with your comments but it seems like the recommended regimen from Dr. Epstein of using Minox to accelerate the growth of new hair can only help. Thxs, Sin

Wanthairs... thanks for the comments. I see that we had a similar number of grafts, etc. from Dr. Epstein and that your HT was about 2 weeks after mine. I hope your right that I will see some significant growth in the next 6 weeks. I think I'm convinced that I'll wait until the 14 month mark to make the final eval. He didn't give me the breakdown that you have in your signature. From what I've read on the forums, the larger grafts take longer to grow so that could be the situation in my case. Keeping my fingers crossed... Sin

Thanks for the comments Bill. I'm indeed looking forward to the next few months. At this point I am satisfied with the HT but of course I'm still hoping for significant improvements in visual appearance of the HT. If I could figure out how to take a decent picture in natural light, you would be able to see a better indication of the actual progress.

5.5 month photos posted.

I asked Dr. Eptstein the question. He said that he generally has yields above 90%. I would be interested in more quantitative numbers from a study.

Bill, Would be very interested in the transcript... sorry I missed it. Thxs, Sin

I just placed an order for 180 generic finasteride for $89.30 + shipping. Total cost is $105.85. Delivery is 12 days. My guess is that it is being delivered from India since no prescription was required. I will post again once I receive the order. I take one pill every other day so this would last me about a year.

I believe this is one of the main reasons HT docs recommend that you get on Propecia immediately prior to HT. Propecia is pretty effective at curtailing hair loss from the back third of the head (i.e., in front of the crown back). Since most people have enough donor hair to support multiple transplants, if the hair loss continues you can have a 2nd or 3rd transplant as you age. If done right, I believe the hair loss can still look somewhat natural (albeit different) even if hair loss progresses towards the crown. My HT surgeon said that he normally has a 90%+ success rate on grafts. I haven't had a problem with mine. I'm sure there is the unique case where a patient has some medical issues that would cause a less than optimal result but I would find it difficult to believe that a surgeon who takes the necessary methodology and process during a HT wouldn't have a very high success rate. I think if you go with a reputable surgeon than your probability of a failure is almost negligible. I'm a citizen of US. I wouldn't feel too apprehensive going to Canada for a HT. I would, however, feel apprehensive going to India.

Just posted 4 month pictures. I'm starting to see some real growth. My guess is that the 5 month pictures will start to show a lot of visible growth.

I'm also a patient of Dr. Epstein. I began using Rogaine liquid as directed about 10 days post-op. I switched to the foam which is a lot easier to apply. The foam is a little like a gel that you would put in your hair for styling and I find its tolerable during the day. I'm not sure about the effectiveness of the foam versus the liquid. I'm almost 4-months post-op and really starting to see a lot of growth. Cheers, Sin

At what point post HT would you typically expect shock loss or is it random? I've noticed some loss even at 3+ months post HT (a few hairs in the sink each day). Thxs, Sin

Good question Tom. I was wondering the same thing. Do the scar fading creams even work is the other thing I'm wondering. -Sin

Make sure to constantly soak the graft with the Graftcyte spray provided by Dr. Epstein. It can't hurt the healing process and I think it helps with keeping the grafts hydrated. I didn't take pictures immediately post transplant w/ Dr. Epstein on 4/13/2007 and I wish I had to better document the experience. Please post pictures when you have a chance. The donor area will feel a little uncomfortable for quite some time. Good luck and keep us posted. -Sin

Dr. Epstein puts a piece of tape on the forehead for the first 48 hrs. I didn't experience any swelling issues. Sin