MORE_HAIR

HEY THERE.

I REALIZE ALOT OF GUYS ON HERE HAVE BEEN THROUGH IF NOT ONE BUT MULTIPLE JOBS.

I'M ABOUT TWO WEEKS OUT FROM MY SURGURY.

ANY PRE-OP AND POST-OP ADVICE WOULD BE A BIG HELP.

MY DOC HAS GIVEN ME THE ALL THE STANDARD PRE-OP RULES TO FOLLOW...BUT I'D FIGURED I'D TOSS IT TO YOU GUYS....ALOT OF KNOWLEDGE HERE I SEE.

--I'M 40YRS OLD...BTEWEEN A NW4/NW5.

--ON PORPECIA FOR A YEAR

--NIZORAL 1% 4 TIMES A WEEK...LAST TWO MONTHS.

AS I MENTIONED ANY PRE/POST OP INFO TO HELP THE SURGURY/HEALING PERIOD.

MY DOC IS DR.EPSTEIN

LOOKING AT 2600+ GRAPHS

THANKS,

MORE_HAIR

HEY THERE.

I REALIZE ALOT OF GUYS ON HERE HAVE BEEN THROUGH IF NOT ONE BUT MULTIPLE JOBS.

I'M ABOUT TWO WEEKS OUT FROM MY SURGURY.

ANY PRE-OP AND POST-OP ADVICE WOULD BE A BIG HELP.

MY DOC HAS GIVEN ME THE ALL THE STANDARD PRE-OP RULES TO FOLLOW...BUT I'D FIGURED I'D TOSS IT TO YOU GUYS....ALOT OF KNOWLEDGE HERE I SEE.

--I'M 40YRS OLD...BTEWEEN A NW4/NW5.

--ON PORPECIA FOR A YEAR

--NIZORAL 1% 4 TIMES A WEEK...LAST TWO MONTHS.

AS I MENTIONED ANY PRE/POST OP INFO TO HELP THE SURGURY/HEALING PERIOD.

MY DOC IS DR.EPSTEIN

LOOKING AT 2600+ GRAPHS

THANKS,

MORE_HAIR

Originally posted by wanthairs:

Hey Guys.....

 

Bill....

 

i juts got my pre-op pics from Epstein today and I will will soon take new ones and do a weblog...Im a bit mentally disabled with technology so it wont be easy..ill do it as soon as I get time...

 

More hair...

 

The actual procedure was far easier than I thought it would be. i had no pain during or after..I had alot of swelling which made me look like a freak for 5 days after. (this is normal) Some of the people dissecting the grafts made me a bit nervous because they were busily engaged in all kinds of personal small talk with each other and a couple of times I thought they may not be concentrating but it was just my paranoia, as they do this same thing day in, day out on probably hundreds of patients per year, so Im sure they have their skills perfected... Dr. Epsetin himself, keeps coming in the room to make sure everything seems to be going to plan and the two girls that placed the grafts seemed very good. (and attractive, which helps)

 

My growth, unlike many, satrted at 7 weeks, but has been quite slow so Epstein thought it best i wait till at least january for procedure number two....

 

Would I recomend Epsetin? Yes I would? Am I happy with my results? Not quite yet, but I still am at only 5.5months, am going to wait patiently before I defect to the wig wearing community...

Hey wanthairs...thanks for the help/info.

Did you know going into the first procedure that you would need/want a second ??

Also 5.5 months is not enough time to get discouraged.

From what i've heard and also read on this site some guys growth could explode at 6/7 months.

Thanks for the input,

more_hair

Originally posted by Jotronic:

If your doing 5000+graphs the docs have to speed it up,hence shave, otherwise it would be a 10 hour job...if not muliple days.

Correction; when shaved it will take about ten to twelve hours depending on several details. Unshaved it would take twice as long. Of course, there are other issues to justify shaving but that is for, and has been the subject of, other threads.

Thanks jotronic for the info,

You lend even more to my point.

Can you imagine these Docs that due MEGA sessions not shaving ???

They would only have the time to do half the amount of jobs vs. shaving....not good for business.

The important person in my view is the patient.

I've seen some transplants in my research where the docs didn't shave...the work was awesome!!

I'm really curious if the work really suffers when not shaving....on jobs that aren't MEGA sessions.

Thanks guys

Originally posted by Bill - Moderator:

wanthairs,

 

Have you considered creating a hair loss weblog to display your photos and experience?

 

More_Hair,

 

You have received some excellent advice from many of our forum members.

 

Looking normal after a hair transplant will depend on a number of factors.

 

See the following hair loss Q&A Blog: When will I look normal after a hair transplant?

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill

Hey Bill,

About the looking "normal" thing.

If the head is shaved all the way down (bald)

of course it would take longer to look like your old self again.

I read the piece you suggested that Dr.Hasson wrote about shaving.

When the docs shave do they mean always shaving you bald or can the docs just cut it REAL short to help them with the process/result ????

My understanding is Docs like Hasson shave BALD because they are known for mega mega sessions and it speeds it up for them.

If your doing 5000+graphs the docs have to speed it up,hence shave, otherwise it would be a 10 hour job...if not muliple days.

Thanks

Originally posted by Bill - Moderator:

LOL Youngguy....not exactly the same as what i said...but funny nonetheless.

 

Bill

Thanks..Bill..youngGuy..bspot

I've seen alot of post-op pics where guys look just about the same as pre-op...in roughly three weeks....hope that happens for me.

Of course if guys are having massive jobs/shaving head ect...i'm sure it's a longer process to be "normal" again...common sense.

My concern is having to walk around with a hat for three months.

I'm not having my head shaved plus alot of the work is "inside" my existing hairline.

Thanks again guys

Originally posted by wanthairs:

Hey More hair....

 

I was in your position about 7 months ago. I met Dr. Epstein for a consult and he spoke conservatively, there was no hype of any kind whatsoever and he refused to tell me what I wanted to hear.

 

So I went ahead and had a procedure with him......

 

I was nervous as hell on the day, but he calmed me down....

 

My growth so far is definately noticable to all around me, maybe not as much as some others are at 5.5 months, but I was very bald to begin with so maybe thats why. In any case I am having another consult with him tommorrow to talk about procedure number two.....

 

I think that you are hedging a safe bet by going with Dr. Epstein...

 

We all here, wish you the best of luck with it all....

Hi wanthairs,

Thanks for the feedback.

You're going back for a 2nd procedure so I can only assume your pretty happy with Dr.Epstein.

How long after the procedure until you looked totally normal again ??

How was the actual procedure ??

Anthing else you can tell me would be great.

Alot of real good docs here...maybe it's gut but Epstein just seems right.

Thanks again,

more_hair

Hello all.

I'm real close to making the move and setting a surgery date.

Met with four of the "top" docs talked about on this forum.

I just hung up the phone with Dr. Epstein who I met with two weeks ago in the NY office.

I not only met him but spoke with on the phone last week and again 20 min. ago.

Some of the docs are really "talked up" by certain regulars but I feel Epstein is just doing what he's supposed to do...no hype,just quality work....i was also surprised he spent 25 min. on the phone with me !!!

I was pretty at ease with him because he totally didn't sell me on a BIG job..just one that would yield solid results...isn't that what we're all after.

His photo gallery also looked awesome.

I'll keep everyone posted when this thing happens for me.

Anyone have any feedback on Epstein would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

MORE_HAIR

Hello all.

I'm real close to making the move and setting a surgery date.

Met with four of the "top" docs talked about on this forum.

I just hung up the phone with Dr. Epstein who I met with two weeks ago in the NY office.

I not only met him but spoke with on the phone last week and again 20 min. ago.

Some of the docs are really "talked up" by certain regulars but I feel Epstein is just doing what he's supposed to do...no hype,just quality work....i was also surprised he spent 25 min. on the phone with me !!!

I was pretty at ease with him because he totally didn't sell me on a BIG job..just one that would yield solid results...isn't that what we're all after.

His photo gallery also looked awesome.

I'll keep everyone posted when this thing happens for me.

Anyone have any feedback on Epstein would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

MORE_HAIR

Originally posted by Michaellovesnyc:

Book em Damo !

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvbIGDWQvCk

Michaellovesnyc,

Gotta tell ya buddy....your a funny bastard.

I found myself watching Barry White walking on stage and then you hit me with Jack Lord/hawaii five-o..that was it...i lost it !!

Originally posted by EmuSteve:

So, for those of you who don't know me, Ive been posting on the boards for about a year now. I've researched and researched, and after several virtual and live consults, I've finally set a date (Nov 30th) with Dr. Shapiro here in Minneapolis.

 

To say I'm nervous is an understatement, but I flew in yesterday morning and had a 4 hour long meeting with Matt Zupan, Dr. Shapiro, and Janna. Matt introduced me to a former patient who was just under a year post op, and his results looked great.

 

His scar was about 1 - 2mm, which I was hoping would be a little smaller. That said, that was the only negative I could see about this guy. His hair looked amazing. I asked him if he was happy, and he said without a doubt "yes".

 

Matt then introduced me to one of their patients that was 1 day post op. His procedure looked very clean, and we got to chat a little. He also said he was happy so far, and thought things had gone great.

 

Then I got to go see a patient that was actually having surgery that day. He said he had had 2 procedures from Bosley, and that he was much happier with Dr. Shapiro. Dr. Shapiro took me over and showed me some grafts (1's, 2's, 3's, and 4's), and I got to talk to the patient (who says he posts on here sometimes, so I asked him to PM me and keep me updated on his progress. Hopefully he will. =) ). He said he was very happy with his choice to do with Dr. Shapiro.

 

Janna is just as sweet in person. On the boards I imagined her as one of those people who just radiates niceness, and that was definitely her to a tee. =)

 

Dr. Shapiro and I got to talk for a bit, and we discussed a plan for about 3000 grafts... 2500 in the front 1/3rd, and the rest venturing back into the crown.

 

I am most likely going to have to shave the recipient site, which I'm not thrilled about, but it'll be worth it when I'm done if I can get the results I am hoping for.

 

I am planning on doing scalp exercises regularly to increase laxity till the 20th, even though Matt said he didn't think it would be necessary.

 

Anyway, kinda surreal to have finally made a choice and put down a deposit after thinking about it so long. SO nervous, especially about the scar. Hope I am making the right choice!

Hey Steve.

Sounds great !!

I'm also about to make the move and set up a time to have the surgery done.

What is roughly your Norwood scale # ??

I basically need the same amount of graphs in frontal 1/3...some spread over the crown.

Good luck.

Hear great things about Shapiro like the other great Docs here.

MORE_HAIR

Originally posted by Dr. Nakatsui:

Hi More_hair,

 

Just a point of clarification as I think you may have misunderstood what is on my website. I believe that it states on the website that I *avoid* using larger grafts such as slot grafts and believe that follicular units are the way to go.

 

Chack out the text carefully. http://www.drnakatsui.com/home.html

 

If it is still unclear, perhaps I need to change the way the text is worded so there is no further confusion. Let me know.

 

Dr. Nakatsui

www.drnakatsui.com

Hi doctor.

My MISTAKE.....sorry...

I guess i was reading too quickly when looking over your website....that was silly of me.

Trying to learn as much as I can before making the plunge into the "hair world"....maybe reading to much and need a break...lol

Your results look great and thanks for the correction.

Also thanks Bill for the info.

MORE_HAIR

Does anyone know why some of the top rated coalition Docs shave prior to doing the procedure and some don't ??

I spoke with someone about this and they said some docs shave because it makes the surgery easier for them....is that true ??

If it is true who the heck would want to get shaved ??

I figure not shaving would help hide the fact you had surgery.

Does anyone know why some of the top rated coalition Docs shave prior to doing the procedure and some don't ??

I spoke with someone about this and they said some docs shave because it makes the surgery easier for them....is that true ??

If it is true who the heck would want to get shaved ??

I figure not shaving would help hide the fact you had surgery.

Can anyone answer this ??

I read on Dr.nakatsui's website that he only uses "Multi-follicular graphs" or "slot graphs" and also uses "100% follicular units".

I read that Nakatsui was trained by Dr. Wong who i understand does great work.

If you look at Nakatsui website the results look awesome.

Do all the top docs that are mentioned on this forum use these techniques ???

The reason I'm asking is Nakatsui's pics results pretty darn natural....maybe there just good pictures....lol

Maybe all the docs use these techniques(slot graphs,multi-follicular graphs)and i'm just asking a silly question.

Anybody have any thoughts ??

THANKS

Can anyone answer this ??

I read on Dr.nakatsui's website that he only uses "Multi-follicular graphs" or "slot graphs" and also uses "100% follicular units".

I read that Nakatsui was trained by Dr. Wong who i understand does great work.

If you look at Nakatsui website the results look awesome.

Do all the top docs that are mentioned on this forum use these techniques ???

The reason I'm asking is Nakatsui's pics results pretty darn natural....maybe there just good pictures....lol

Maybe all the docs use these techniques(slot graphs,multi-follicular graphs)and i'm just asking a silly question.

Anybody have any thoughts ??

THANKS

Originally posted by Michaellovesnyc:

You can try to cover it up a little but I don't think you can completely hide it. Also, some doctors (mine did) will shave the entire area to overlap the grafts so there is not a "line" beween the two. Personally, I have stopped caring about what other people think about what I do because it doesnt matter.

I have heard that some docs shave no matter what.

Why do some docs shave and others don't ??

Does anyone know if there is a difference ??

Someone told me that that docs that shave only do because it makes the procedure easier for them..........is that true ???

Originally posted by jddidt:

MORE HAIR

I hear you... I'd have much preferred if Dr E was in the New England area, as opposed to having to fly in and out of Miami (Mon-Wed). But I would never allow a plane trip and hotel sway me either way.

 

In the end, however, I did enjoy the mini trip on my own. I have a wife and children so they didn't have to experience my nervousness the evening before, or the morning of the surgery, or even see me immediately following.

 

I arrived in Miami at 3pm, checked into the hotel at 4pm, and even got lucky as the NE Pats were on Monday Night Football. I ordered some delivery and watched the Pats roll on towards Super Bowl #4!

 

So when I arrived back in Boston the next evening I was cleaned up, refreshed wearing a hat. My kids have no idea.

 

Good luck. And feel free to contact me. I'll be creating a web page soon.

I'm not a parent but it's really great how you factor in the people around you in your decision...refreshing.

I'm also going to send you a private message...not anything i'm hiding...just a little back and forth about your experience/Epstein

Thanks again

Originally posted by jddidt:

Hi MORE HAIR

I did look into Feller. The only thing taht scared me was his "lunchtime procedure." This seemed to me a little disingenuous, a little snake-oil salesmanship. No procedure, even at 200 grafts, is simple, and should not be marketed as such. It is surgery.

 

My considerations were Rose, Epstein, & Hasson/Wong. I felt like all were superb pros. I knocked off H&W because of shaving head.

 

But Epstein and his staff just seemed more personal, not to mention that Dr E is a plastic surgeon which undeniably includes an eye for artistry, especially relative to end results and healing aspects.

 

But more than anything it was a gut feeling.

 

Good luck.

Jddidt,

I know where your coming from.

Alot of this stuff is gut feeling....it's like any other decision in life....the gut feeling makes you lean one way....sometimes.

I've met Bernstein/Epstein/Dorin.

Bernstein and Epstein are real close in my opinion...difference being personality only.

Not that either guy has a bad personality....just different.

Next up and last is Feller.

I've also heard awesome things about Feller...and for me he's local.

I realize geography shouldn't sway anyone....but when a coin toss is involved...do you want to be on a plane/hotel....or home ??

Keep healing my man.

If you don't mind i'm going to bother you a little in the near future...lol....to see how your doing.

Thanks

Originally posted by jddidt:

hi more hair

I just got back from Dr E's office for my followup from yesterday and a wash.

 

For the record, I had 2,350 grafts packed in frontal and mid, leaving back mostly untouched to use propecia and masking (toppik) until (if) I decide for sedonc for back. My back is (was) much fuller than front.

Hey jddidt,

Thanks for the reply.

The shaving issue is also a big concern for me.

How long was your hair on top?

I figured having hair on top would make the process alot tougher for the Doc....but easier for us patients afterwards.

I could be wrong but i hear Dr. Feller shaves all patients.

Maybe someone else hear knows if that's true or not.

I hear great things about Epstein...but Feller is also considered one of the Docs that do great work.

Did you look into Feller ?

Thanks again

Hey jddidt,

Did Dr.Epstein have to shave the top of your head at all ??

I met the Doc last week for a consult but didn't ask.

I've seen pics from other docs(Feller) and they shave the top of the head...looks real strange even a month after surgery.

I'm between a nw4 and nw5 and have some coverage...would hate to lose that.

I'm not worried about losing the hair thinking it wont grow back...just that having most of my original hair will disquise surgery soon after the redness is gone.

Thanks...also best of luck

Originally posted by Bill:

sabravo,

 

Choosing between elite surgeons that perform state of the art hair transplantation is like choosing between two beautiful paintings performed by 2 extremely talented artists. Selecting between them will be a subjective process. Use the "find" feature of this community to view before/after photos from each of their patients and make the choice that's best for you. I would be comfortable going to any of the surgeons you mentioned knowing that I was in capable hands.

 

Bill

I'm meeting with Dr.Epstein today and understand he is highly rated.

What is confusing me is the price difference between some of these docs.

They all seem to be real close in the results they give yet some are alot more expensive then the others.

Originally posted by Bill:

sabravo,

 

Welcome to our community.

 

The easiest way to upload photos is to create a photo album (instructions here). Additional photos will help the members of this community understand your hair loss condition a bit better. Including a top down picture and a crown picture will be helpful.

 

Dr. Epstein is an excellent physician that provides ultra refined follicular unit transplantation. You will be in terrific hands. He will be able to work with you and develop a hair restoration plan that is in your long term best interest.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to post them on our forum.

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill