Bill - Seemiller

Hi, I am about 2.5 weeks post op from a 1600 FU Strip HT. I have had 800 grafts placed in the front to middle and another 800 placed in the back (bald spot area). If you want to see pictures, check out my post in the photos section. Now the question or concern of mine: I feel that I am experiencing some shock loss in the back area where the bald spot is. Just about all the scabs are gone at this point, but a few still remain and seem more stubborn and don't want to come off. I am only massaging my scalp gently as I don't want to 'force' anything to come off, etc. If you look at the photos, a decent number of grafts were put in the back. Should I be worried about the shock loss in the back? Is the shock loss of the existing hair permanent or is it temporary? I guess I am in 'doubt' mode because of the fact that I am brand new to this. Please share your thoughts and expertise with me. Thanks. Bill

Hi, I am about 2.5 weeks post op from a 1600 FU Strip HT. I have had 800 grafts placed in the front to middle and another 800 placed in the back (bald spot area). If you want to see pictures, check out my post in the photos section. Now the question or concern of mine: I feel that I am experiencing some shock loss in the back area where the bald spot is. Just about all the scabs are gone at this point, but a few still remain and seem more stubborn and don't want to come off. I am only massaging my scalp gently as I don't want to 'force' anything to come off, etc. If you look at the photos, a decent number of grafts were put in the back. Should I be worried about the shock loss in the back? Is the shock loss of the existing hair permanent or is it temporary? I guess I am in 'doubt' mode because of the fact that I am brand new to this. Please share your thoughts and expertise with me. Thanks. Bill

Thanks for responding. I appreciate the feedback and encouragement. I know I am being silly, but I guess even though I know results are far from immediate, I just want to see results as soon as possible. Smoothy, There were 800 placed in the front to middle, and 800 placed in the back in the bald spot. Hairbethere, thanks! Yep, I look forward to getting to the 3 month mark! Hopefully I will begin to see growth by then! Bill

hello? anyone?

Thanks! Got it! I am posting a few pictures of today...this is probably what everyone begins to go through...but since my scabs are disappearing, my head is beginning to look like I didn't even have the surgery again. I know I am told this is normal...but I guess I was hoping for at least a few days of seeing many little tiny hairs on my head. It seems my head is going back to normal before surgery.....should I be worried? I guess I'm just worried that 1600 grafts won't be noticable at all as a difference in my hair. Encouragement would be helpful! Thanks Bill

Ok, now I feel ignorant...but what is libido? Bill

Hairbethere, Thanks for the reply. Yes, perhaps I should start shampooing a little more normal now. It feels so good having the stitches out...the scar is healing very nicely, just a little itchy from time to time. Forum Moderator, I'm in Pennsylvania, it's starting to get a little chillier, but not to worry...I wear a hat most of the time, especially outside, really, all the time when I'm even out (unless at work inside), so it will stay out of the sun. As of now I'm just using Head and Shoulders Shampoo to help relieve some of the itching and I'm using Minoxodil. I will be starting Propecia in about a week or so. Any comments on the pros or cons of Propecia would be helpful as well! Thanks

Yep, I am being "extra careful". I am very gently touching the area when washing my hair, but I wouldn't even call it a massage at this point. Am I being too cautious? Bill

I just added two new pics, one of the sulture line the day of the stitch removal, and a picture of the top! This will be my last update for awhile. I will keep everyone posted, but I really would like replies so I know people are reading this. Without any replies or encouragement, the motivation to post diminishes! Bill

HairbeThere, Thanks for the comments. No, not a lot of redness. See the first previous set of pics...there was some redness on the top of my head where the grafts were placed, but mostly healed by now...still healing though. I get my sultures out on Monday...WOO HOO! I'll post scar line pics Monday or Tuesday! Have a good one! Bill

Very Nice Justin! You have given me hope since I only got 1600 grafts put in! Feel free to look at my photos in this section posted under Bill! I don't think my coverage will be as good as yours though, simply because I covered a larger area. It looks like you didn't have a huge problem on the top of the head like I do. Did you have any of the 1609 grafts put on the top of your head or was it just primarily the hairline etc? Thanks! Bill

Hello everyone. I have added a photo of the top of my head on Day 9 to give you all an update. I really like that shot too, because the scabs are just about healed, but it appears that as the grafts grow in, that it will blend with my current hair nicely. At least that's what it seems. i am new to this and this is my first HT, so if anyone has feedback, please feel free to share! Bill

Brando, Yes, I see what you mean. Although, as long as there is a noticeable difference, I will be happy for now. I am guessing I will go back for OP 2 in about a year, and do another 1600. My doc only does 1600 at a time max for safety, etc. I have noticed that others in here have had Mega Sessions, etc. Would you recommend that? I don't know if I would or not...I only ever had one HT and the discomfort was bad enough from 1600 removed from the back, etc...I don't think I can imagine 3000 at a time. Plus, for healing purposes in the back for a minimal scar etc, I was told it is better not to do mega sessions. What do you think?

Brando, Have you had an HT before? If so, how many grafts did you have put in? I had 1600 put in in an obviously large area. I would assume that I won't have a full thick head of hair after one surgery, but there should be a noticeable difference shouldn't there? Bill

No comments?

Just apply it with the dropper or spray. There is no need to touch it, unless you feel that you missed the area. Sometimes I like to gently pat the area with a finger or two to make sure I hit the target area. I'll tell you though, I've had minor if any at all success with Rogaine. But everyone is different! Bill

Hello all. I actually posted these pictures on another part of the site, but since this is a photos section, I thought I would post them here. I just got an HT and am at 3 days Post OP. The pictures I will post right now are from a month before the surgery and 2 Day Post Op Pics. I'd love to get some feedback from you all, especially those who have had HT before. How does the post op look?

Hello all. I actually posted these pictures on another part of the site, but since this is a photos section, I thought I would post them here. I just got an HT and am at 3 days Post OP. The pictures I will post right now are from a month before the surgery and 2 Day Post Op Pics. I'd love to get some feedback from you all, especially those who have had HT before. How does the post op look?

Thank you all for your comments, and thank you Forum Moderator also for your help and ethical remarks. I also don't think it's fair to speak negatively about a physician without having a personal experience to share. I will certainly keep you all posted. I will attempt to post some more pictures on here, and/or on the photos page, which ever one I find easier =). As you can see according to the pics, I still have some hair on top and still have a pretty steady hairline (although very thin at that). The surgery I had was an all around fill in of 1600 grafts, 800 in the front, and 800 in the back. This is my first time getting an HT, so I will see how the results are, and then consider getting a second (and hopefully last) one as I lose more hair, etc. My experience of Dr. Katz thus far: The surgery day went very well. He and I had some really good talks during the surgery as he really put my mind at ease during the whole process. He was very gentle and took his time to really do a good job. In the process, as he was removing the hair from the back, he was telling me that he deems the back as important as the front in that he does the job in such a way so that there is minimal scarring. Of course, I will let you all know how that is later down the road. Basically, the surgery went very well, and he made the process very easy. As far as the "experience", I would definately go to him again. As far as results, well, I'm a newbie and never experienced HT before, so that's why I am here...to share my results! I am going to attempt to post some pics now! Please feel free to share any more opinions, etc. Oh, by the way, the cost of the HT was 7000 for 1600 Grafts which from what I can see seems comparable. Bill

anyone else here ever have a HT done by Dr. Katz? Does everyone reading this want me to keep you up to date on my progress? Bill

Sorry...could only upload 1 attachment per post...so here is the 2nd pic 2nd day post op:

Ok, for those who want to know more, I will share. I am 27 years old, with pretty much a straight line hair loss, very thin in the front, balding badly in the back. i am going to attempt to post pictures if I can find out how on this site, both of before and 2 day post surgery (that being today). For those interested, I will keep everyone posted as things progress. First Picture is before surgery taken July 2004. Second Picture is today (2 days after surgery) Bill

Are you talking about Dr Theodore Katz near Philadelphia? If so, I've just had an HT with Dr. Katz. Surgery went without a hitch, and I'm on day 2 now. Stitches aren't noticable in the back as my hair covers it nicely (even though my hair is short) and my surgery looks like everyone elses, red and white dots on the top of my head with follicles placed in them. 1600 grafts were placed.