Bill - Seemiller

Hi all,

As of now, I think I am the only one who has posted on this board about Dr. Katz of Philadelphia and have actually had an HT done buy him. Has ANYONE else on this board had an HT done by him? I'd like to hear about your experience if so! I'll be happy to share mine...some detail of mine is under the photos section. I hope to hear from SOMEONE who has had an HT done by him.

Bill

Hi Arfy,

Thanks for the comments in regards to my opinion post. Yes, what you say appears to be true amongst many "veterans" that 1600 is a small number of grafts based on today's standards. I seemingly agree based on the research, but I'll be honest: I did most of my research about that after I had the HT, however, I am still convinced that my HT will turn out well since the results are coming in, etc. What are Dr. Katz's reasons? I'm not particularly sure, but I do believe he has the best interest of his patience, which of course, I know you are not saying that.

Your advice is good advice...do the research first, I agree. I'll be able to say for sure in about 4-6 months I am sure if I am completely satisfied or not, recognizing of course, that 1600 grafts will not give me a full completely thick head of hair, which is why I plan on going back for a second one. I will probably also check out Dr. Feller when i do a second one just to get more than one consultation, etc. If I like Dr. Katz work, and I don't need more than 1600 grafts for a second procedure, I will most likely go back to Dr. Katz.

Good luck in your decision RMD.

Bill

Hi RMD...I just saw this post so I thought I'd chime in. I went to see Dr. Theodore Katz on September 30th, 2004 and am now 3.5 months post op. At this point, I would surely recommend him for the following reasons:

1. He is very professional and cares about his patients (my perspective of course)

2. He is very honest and open about what he can and can't do for you, making you see what is realistic and possible, etc, which also means he won't do any work on you if he feels you are not a good "candidate" for a HT.

3. My scarline even at 3.5 months is virtually undetectable and unnoticeable even when my hair is shaved down to a 1 clip.

4. My hair seems to be growing in nicely from what I see from the 1600 grafts I received (800 in front and 800 in back). Feel free to look at my pictures in the photo section under Bill.

I can't speak for Dr. Feller, but I do know he has a great reputation on the board, so I am certain he is also a good choice. As far as who to believe on the number of grafts, I'm not sure on that one...seeing pictures might help a little bit for even users on this board to be able to help direct you on how many you might need. The one thing that I don't like, although I understand the concept of it, is that Dr. Katz will only do max 1600 at a time, as some Docs are very conservative that way. You would have to ask him what his theory is on that again, but I know megasessions risk greater shock loss, etc.

My opinion would be to have a couple consultations, one with Dr. Katz, and one with Dr. Feller, and perhaps a few other recommended Docs and see which one seems right for you.

I feel that my opinion of Dr. Katz will be more accurate and forthcoming when I am at about 6 months and I'm really noticing the thickness of the growth etc. Like I said, I am enjoying seeing my new hair come in, but it's not fully grown in or thick yet, so I can't determine whether or not I am fully satisfield. But for this point in the game, I am as satisfied as a waiting man can be for his HT to fully grow in. I started noticing growth coming in at about 2.5 months which seems to be a bit early as everyone is different, but that was very exciting.

Unfortunately, Dr. Katz seems to be not very well known on this forum. In fact, I believe I am the only one who has ever posted on this board that's actually had an HT from him...no wait, I think I recall one other who posted positively. There have been a few skeptics and downplayers with opinions of Dr. Katz for whatever reason, I don't know whether they are founded or not, but I do know that anyone who posted negatively did not have an HT with Him. So to me, their opinion was unfounded. Nonetheless, I hope my rambling of a post has helped a bit. Hope this helps, and I hope to hear from you soon!

Bill

Thanks for your research and time Robert. I have a problem with company's making broad claims that could be false. It seems like more of a marketing tool than actual research and proof!

So far I think I'm the only one to post here that I have used Revivogen...and if it is suppose to work for 88%, then darn, I'm one of the 12 lowly percent that it didn't work for! In one years time, I lost significant amounts of hair, and I did use both minoxodil and revivogen faithfully as directed. Sorry for the disappointment...maybe you'll be different...however...I do like their shampoo, not because it stopped hairloss, but using it made my head and hair feel great!

Bill

Hairbank,

I'm excited for you about the upcoming surgery man! Keep us posted! It's good to see someone else with the same hairloss pattern as me! Hopefully my pics will give you some encouragement as the time goes on. Since I am only 3.5 months post op, I don't have a lot of thickness or length yet, but I am hoping to see a big change by 6 months.

Bill

Hi all!

I can't tell you about other docs because I haven't had surgeries with others, but I had an HT on September 30th, with Dr. Katz of Philly, PA. I attached a picture of my donor scar at 3 months. Personally, I am impressed with it as it is virtually undetectable (other than a bit of redness yet to disappear). This is a picture after I got my hair cut with a one clip, even at the scar.

Bill

Damo,

How are you man? We talked a couple times over email. I was wondering...do you have any 3 month post op pics? Being at 3 months myself, I was curious to compare your 3 month pics to your 6 months pics to see what kind of difference I should expect. Hope to hear from you soon!

Bill

LOL. Thanks Big1. Yeah, I'm very impressed with the scar. Even a one clip barely shows it. The only thing is that the scar is a little red still, and from what I hear takes up to a year to fully go away. But as long as that happens, the scar will most likely be virtually undetectable! I'm excited about it. I can't wait for a couple more months to go by.

Bill

no-one else has commented on my updated pictures...what does everyone think for this stage...at 3 months? Do you think I'll see a big difference by 6 months?

Bill

Hi haretoday,

Well, I'm not realy sure how to reply to your post. I never did do the background on Gerry nor did I feel necessarily that he was pressuring me when I was in there for a consultation. My wife was in there with me too, and he said nothing like "women don't like bald men", and he basically told me the decision is up to me, and to think about it for a couple days, without any pressure. I won't dismiss your experience of course, but mine was not like that.

As far as the background check on him...that seems a bit bazaar to me. What made you do a background check on him? I am sure if you did a background check on a lot of people in this world working for professionals, you would probably come up with some dirt, etc...so his past seems irrelevant to me. That being said, since Gerry doesn't do the HT, it is a moot point, I believe, at least to me. Besides, even if it was an issue, can you really confirm that this Gerald you found on the internet is the same guy? Could it be another guy with the same name?

My experience with Dr. Katz was very pleasant overall...or as pleasant as surgery can be. yes, there was a bit of pain, very little, and some pain and a bit of swelling over the next couple days (all considered normal). Take a look at the progress pics in the picture forum for a better look at my progress. I am 3 months out now and noticing some decent changes. It has a long way to go still, but that seems typical at this stage from what I have read.

Unfortunately, most of the posts here that involve Dr. Katz for whatever reason are a bit slanderous, and ironically, none of the people who have posted have had an HT with Dr. Katz. I'd like to hear some opinions from other people who have had an HT with him. Am I the only crazy/lucky one who has had a good experience? Look at my scar in my pics? Barely detectable...just a little red still (still normal), and the growth has begun as anticipated. (very exciting). What more can I say? Should I defend Dr. Katz? I feel I should to some degree because so far I'm pleased with what I am seeing, and the surgery day went smoothly too. Any people here have an opinion that had surgery with him? The end all to me is this: How did someone's HT turn out and what was their experience like?

That's a rap for me for now! I'd like to hear other perspectives on this. It gets a little tiresome reading posts like this from people who have never got an HT from a doctor.

Bill

Hi all!

Robert...looking absolutely awesome with that new head of hair. You should be proud. I'll keep everyone posted on my progress as well.

A comment about the caps. As of right now, I'm still in megacap mode wearing a cap everywhere I go. Once I have enough hair and density where I feel better about myself, I will feel much more confident and not wear my hat nearly as much. I say nearly as much because even in high school, when I had a full thick head of hair, I never went anywhere without it. This was mostly because I wanted to flatten my hair with the hat and take it off when my hair looked not so fro like, etc. A hat has been a big part of me even before I was going very thin, so even if I had a full head of hair, I'd wear it from time to time. BUT...I will proudly take it off and actually be happy if people are staring, because then I'd know they'd be staring at a good thick healthy head of hair!

Bill

Thanks Robert!

The pimples have seen to have gone away...there was only one, although I think there is one more in the back of my head now...anyway, I didn't pop em...just let em go.

What do you think of the updated pics? And my previous comment as to how much more growth, etc?

Thanks,

Bill

I added some 3 month update pics. I want to know your honest opinions please. I am happy that I am seeing some hairs grow, however, being new to this, I don't really know how much more progress is in store. Can someone help me out? Based on the pics you see, how do you think it will look 3 months or 4 months from now? Please let me know. Thanks

Bill

Joe,

I think your hair looks fine the way it is. The crown is a little thin, but not noticable at all. In fact, if I were you, I would just grow your hair out a bit, and one wouldn't even be able to tell you are thinning there. Just an opinion, but if you are going to keep your hair that short, why worry about having hair at all or going through HTs? If I wanted my hair that short, I would go bald happily and naturally and save my money! But you have a good head of hair on you since your surgery. Grow it out just a little bit and wear it proud!!!

Bill

Question:

Hi all...I do have a question. I am starting to see a good amount of sprouting which is good, even when I compared pics I took from 10 weeks (posted), to 11 weeks (not posted), I noticed a slight difference around the hairline and see more hairs, etc, which is encouraging.

I am noticing that in one spot on the top of my head, I have a little pimple, most likely and ingrown hair? Does that sound right? I heard that this is possible. My question...what do you do for it? Does it go away on it's own, should I pop it (ouch), or should I put something on it? Thanks

Bill

LOL. Thanks Hair! Yeah, my story cracks me up too! But yeah, it's weird...I feel like I have a little tiny buzz cut underneath my hair...as you say, I can't really see too much yet, but even when looking from a distance where it used to look like I was completely bald in the front under certain light, it looks like I just have a small buzz in the front. Of course, not as thick as an actual buzz with a full head of hair, but there's a difference nonetheless!

Bill

Hi all!

I added some pics of 2.5 months because I am starting to feel (not necessarily see too much) several new hairs on the top of my head and hairline as I gently touch it with my fingers. Looking at the pics, I think I can see a little bit of difference. What do you think? Comparing the pics...does it seem to you that there is new growth? Thanks!

Bill

Thanks gillenator,

I understand what you mean. I guess I would have to say I agree as far as the techs professionalism...at least as far as conversation went between themselves, but when it came down to doing the work, especially separating the grafts, they seemed very professional at that point, and they seemed to do a fine thorough job, so I can't complain. Although Dr. Katz in my opinion seemed extremely professional and courteous. What was your impression of Dr. Katz in terms of professionalism when you met him, etc. My wife and I were impressed.

Bill

Thanks guys!

Gillenator,

I appreciate the feedback and that's cool that you that you have met Dr. Katz and staff. I also appreciate hearing that you have seen results on his patients and that they turned out well. Are any of the patients members on this forum? I'd love to see some before and after pics from someone else who has used Dr. Katz. As far as I know, I will be the first on the forum to post before and after shots from Dr. Katz.

His staff seemed ok as far as I could tell. I mean, they certainly weren't doctor's, but they did their best to make me feel comfortable and were very thorough during the procedure. What about his staff didn't impress you specifically? Anyway, thanks again.

Robert,

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I figured I would wait at least a year if not 15 months before going for a second procedure. I want to wait until full maturation before I even think about it. Plus, I want to see what it looks like at that point. I am certain, I will probably want more fullness and go back, but it might just make a big enough difference to make me happy! Thanks again!

Bill

Thanks Hugh and Spock!

I appreciate the encouragement and feedback. Yes, perhaps I do need a "reality" check and not get my hopes up too high for 3 months. I am hoping, but I guess I should recognize that 4 or 5 months would be a better forward point. Thanks for that, because for some reason I had 3 months in my head as the time things would really be sprouting, but I should realize that even as others have shown, it doesn't always happen that way. Spock, you must be one of the lucky ones then if your hair started to sprout that early. That's awesome and encouraging. I do hope that happens to me, but only time will tell. Yes, this is the worst part of the HT it seems. I want something to happen..NOW. Haha. You know what I mean? Oh well. I will post monthly updates with progress. Next update should be around January 1st! Feel free to make anymore comments or suggestions!

By the way, I have read that it's good to wait between 12 and 15 months before considering a 2nd HT...does that sound accurate? Thanks.

Bill

Brando,

Thanks for the comments! Yeah, I am starting to see a few little hairs popping out near the hairline which is kind of cool, but nothing dramatic or anything. Do you have a link to your pics? I'd love to see them!

Bill

Hi all!

Added 2 month update pics! I am hoping by the time I add the 3 month update pics that there will be a big difference. I really don't see any additional hairs yet...maybe a few in the hairline popping through...but nothing to jump out yet! Comments and encouragement would be helpful! Thanks

Bill

Pics look great! how about some bfore shots? How many grafts did you have and where? Thanks!

Bill

Hey Hair!

Thanks for sharing! Well, I have to be honest, hearing some of the disappointments on this forum, it does have me a bit concerned. I feel that my doc was nothing but professional and he even called me on Sunday to see how I am feeling, etc...seemed to really have my interest in mind. I have nothing to compare my job to, so all I can do is wait and see. I hope this surgery you just underwent turns out AWESOME!!!

Bill

Hair,

What were your other 2 experiences like? What about them turned out in a way that you weren't happy with?

I have much less experience at this than even you being that I've only undergone my first procedure, but from the looks of the pics you posted, looks like the doc did a good job...so you and I both are looking forward to the 3 month mark! Only 1 more month for me until I get there! I hope I start seeing results by then...as I hope you do too!

Bill