Mike1651

Bill: I had similiar symtoms, in the donor area, after my HT...my doctor explained that the deep sutures, used internally, are dissolvable & sometimes react with our system creating the bumps your descriping...in my case, after a number of months the bumps disappeared permanetly...as Robert said, I've heard/read numerous times from the surgeons & patients that the crown grafts grow at a slower pace that the hairline...regarding your progress, it looks good--congrats! Mike

I understand your concern & your fortunate to have found this forum which has helped many, many people including myself deal with this issue...you've already been given great advice, but, I would like to add Dr. Michael Beehner's name to the aforementioned list--his practice is located in Saratoga Springs, N. Y....check out Dr. Beehner's website--he has had excellent success treating female MPB & presents numerous before/after photos on his site...you'll be in good hands...good luck!

I would classify myself as a HT veteran & an active reader/participant on this forum...I've had a total of 4 procedures beginning in 1975 when I was very young & naive--I had another plug procedure in 1985 & have had (2) recent FUT procedures...my original plugs are still growing, after all these years, although they aren't very pleasing to the eye--they are now hidden by approximately 3500 FUT's...I believe that today's procedures, performed by a reputable surgeon, can closely emulate our natural hair patterns & give the illusion of a healthy head of hair...IMO, if you have realistic expectations, it can be a satisfying experience--of course, the experience is different for everyone!

Hi Hairbank: Many HT surgeons prefer to utilize the dense pack method, so, IMO 1200 grafts should be placed along the hairline...in my experience, I had 1500 FU's spread out on the front 2/3rds of my scalp & the coverage was thin at best--I had another 2000 FU's to increase the density, over the same area...most doctors advise that the crown should not be included in this session because of the number of grafts required...did your surgeon discuss these issues with you during your consultation?...it's in your best interest to have realistic expectations, so, you know what to expect during/after your surgery...I'm sure other posters will give you additional sound advice...good luck with your procedure!

Hi All: I have used Toppik successfully for a couple of years, but, it can get expensive...I recently tried Dermmatch & while it does a good job at covering the bald/thinning areas, I noticed that makes the hair very hard to comb/brush...it seems to restrict the brush from going freely through the hair & consequently pulls hair out which is certainly not what we're trying to do...please note that I haven't used much of the product to get this result...if anyone has any advice on this problem, I'd be interested in hearing it...thanks!

EastCoast: I also use Toppik successfully every day & consider it to be an excellent product...like yourself, I visit with clients & find myself in many business related events...I used Toppik after my last HT (2000 grafts) & didn't notice any eyes diverting to my hairline...I know from experience that all eyes would be focused on a toupee...you'll be fine with the Toppik after some initial practice using it! Mike

Eastcoast: I understand your anger--I was also butchered by a doctor who was truly "practicing" medicine when I was young & naive...I've had (3) procedures since that experience--before my last (2) HT's I consulted with Dr. Gallagher because he was local & because of his local radio infomercial that made him appear credible...I came away from the consultation with Dr. Gallagher with a "gut" feeling that he did not measure up to my expectations...it was about that time that I discovered this forum & learned that there were many other capable surgeons that I could consult with...I was surprised when Dr. Gallagher became a recommended surgeon based on my experience...I would hope that Pat's recommendation's are based on his sound research & not the money generated by the fees paid by the doctors...have you consulted with any other doctor's on your current condition?

During my original research to find a recognized HT surgeon, I consulted with Dr. Beehner & Dr. Bernstein. I was impressed by both, but, decided on Dr. Beehner for his practical approach to my particular case. I had an all FU procedure (1500 grafts) & I'm still impressed with how well the procedure went. I would highly recommend him to anyone interested in the procedure. However, I suggest that one should consider other higly recommended surgeons before making their final decision.

Hi Jenn: I mentioned in an earlier post that Dr. Pistone is a board certified dermatologist in addition to being a HT surgeon, so, his overall expertise is well rounded....I consulted with him, in addition to many other surgeons before making my decision--at that time, Dr. Pistone was not on the recommended list....as many have advised, do as much research as possible before making your decision....take a look at Dr. Beehner's website also (Saratogahair.com)--he devotes part of his website to women's HT's & has some interesting info....from what I've read, women's results are more unpredictable than men's, so, it's best to be educated on the subject before you make your decison....good luck in your search!

It's been my experience that Toppik is an excellent product. There are also competitive products like Dermamatch, Hair So Real, & Magic Hair that are very similiar. Once you begin using these products, you'll have a tough time doing without them because of the nice job they do concealing your hairloss. I would recommend them to anyone with thinning hair.

Shady: You've learned alot this week about a HT...you should postpone your Monday appointment until you have more time to digest the information you've been confronted with...everyone's correct in their assessment of your situation--we all know your obsession with hairloss, but, it's in your best interest to listen to the experience of others who have walked in your shoes...ask alot of questions tomorrow at the NHI open house...good luck!

Like many non-recommended doctors, he performs a combination procedure which includes mini-grafts & FU's...it's a procedure which was very popular in the 80's & early 90's...most of the doctor's recommended here utilize a 100% FU procedure which produces the most natural results...check out the NHI website, it's full information which will give you better insight into current HT procedures...take care!

You've discovered a great place to get information about a HT...listen to members like Arfy & Jotronic if they reply to your post--they have great experience & insight...you'll find out quickly that most of the replies will advise you to wait to have a procedure because of your age--I agree with that also...you'll also get advice to take Propecia to slow down your hairloss before considering a transplant...to answer your original question, seek out a few doctors recommended by this site--Dr. Bernstein in North Jersey, Dr. Beehner in New York State among others...don't be afraid to travel to have a consultation...I consulted with Dr. Pistone, but had several other consultations before deciding on a physician...Dr. Pistone doesn't perform an all FU HT & isn't recommended by this site...lastly, take time to read as much information posted here to get the full understanding of what's involved before moving forward...good luck!

Wiz: I'm another satisfied patient of Dr. Beehner's. I had my surgery (1500 FU's) about 8 months ago & believe that Dr. Beehner's work is 1st class. I think your research will find that he's one of the most qualified surgeons performing HT's. It was my experience that every phase of the procedure exceeded my expectations.

From numerous posts on the same subject, I've noted that patients & doctors seemed to agree that the use of Toppik, post-op, did not pose a risk to the new grafts. In my case, I began to use Toppik 10 days after surgery & didn't encounter any problems. However, I was careful to wash my scalp carefully, after each work day, to satisfy any doubts that I had. The Toppik worked great in concealing the HT & I recommend it to all potential HT patients.

Hi Shearak: My final choice of a surgeon was Dr. Beehner in Upstate NY...please review his website & you'll get a good feel for his expertise & fees...he responds promptly to e-mails directed to him, so, any lingering questions can be addressed...you can e-mail me direct if you would like to discuss other details of my procedure (mfh1651@msn.com)...good luck with your decision!

Gary: I appreciate your comments...after my doctor drew the new hairline, it was obvious that the plugs in the center were placed ok, but, four to five on each side needed to be removed...they were removed via punch extraction & cut into FU's under the microscope...each site was closed via suture...after a few weeks it was difficult to see the original sites & after 3 plus months I have a difficult time finding them...I didn't like the idea of a strip excision for that area because of the visible scar that would obviously be difficult to hide...like I said in my earlier post, I'm pleased with the choice I've made.

I also had this dilemma before proceeding with my last transplant in April...you've consulted with two top surgeons, but, you might want to seek the advice of Dr. Bernstein in NY/NJ & Dr. Beehner in NY...they are both very experienced in doing hairline repair involving older plugs...in my case, I resisted having all of my plugs removed...my doctor's suggestion was to sketch a hairline as if I didn't have any prior work performed & see how the old plugs fit--any plugs interferring with the new hairline would be removed...that seemed to make the most sense to me & I'm pleased that I made that decision...I'm still in the waiting/growing stage so it's difficult to predict the final outcome--in any case, it's going to take another session to complete the work...the bottom line for me was that I had multiple consultations & chose the recommendation that made me most comfortable...good luck with your decision, I know from experience that it's a difficult one to make.

In reference to your question, published documentation that I've read indicates that lasers aren't developed, to the degree, where they won't adversely affect the recepient sites. Apparently, the success rate utilizing laser assisted sites is poor. Most of the renown HT surgeons have studied the pros & cons, and, have decided to wait for further improvements in the technology. The subject also piqued my interest when I was considering my HT a few months ago. Maybe Arfy, or, another informed poster can shed some more light on the subject.

Nat: Your're right, we did start a great dialogue on the FU/Minigraft subject, which made for great reading...after passing the two-week post-op mark, I've gotten past the crusting/scabbing phase...itching is definitely a symtom I'm experiencing now, in the donor area but, it's gradually disappearing...in general, the tenderness of the donor area is also subsiding (sleeping on the incision doesn't help)...I had a local dermatologist remove the stiches, and, he was very impressed with Dr. Beehner's work...compared to pictures I've seen posted, the redness I've experienced isn't as great--right now, the redness in the recepient area is very slight...I have some existing coverage, which helps me conceal the HT--I don't believe anyone, in work, is aware that I've had a HT procedure...my prior HT (80 plugs)in the anterior scalp obscures my ability to take good pictures of the recepient area, so I haven't posted my results...so far, all is going well...I'm going to try to stay patient as I wait for the dorment phase of the HT to pass...all in all, my recent HT experience went extremely well, and, I'm definitely having a second procedure when the waiting period passes...compared to the methods of 1985, transplants as performed by surgeons, like Dr. Beehner, are very tolerable, and, an "art form". Mike

As a frequent reader of this forum, and a recent HT patient, I wanted to comment on how much I've enjoyed reading the current dialogue between Dr. Beehner & Arfy. Sometimes, on these forums, things tend to get confrontational instead of educational & constructive, as this thread has been for the past two days. I'd like to thank Dr. Beehner & Arfy for making the positive contributions that potential patients are looking for. I look forward to reading more on this extremely interesting subject. Mike

Nat: I understand your feelings when it comes to making this decision--(it took me years)...although I was aware that Dr. Beehner uses mini-grafts in his practice, I was extremely confident in his overall artistic ability--as he states, all doctors have a "procedural bias"...since he'll perform the HT whichever way the patient wants, it was a "no brainer" for me, especially in light of his credentials...four days post-op now, and, healing is on-going...I should have the donor area stiches removed by the weekend...then it's a matter of waiting for nature to take it's course...good luck when your procedure date rolls around--you'll be in great hands!! Mike

After reading comments, for months, from informed posters, I wanted to report on my HT on Friday, April 5th. After much deliberation, and, research I decided on having a 100% FU procedure performed by Dr. Beehner in Saratoga Springs, NY. The procedure went exactly as Dr. Beehner had described to me. As you know choosing a Dr. for this procedure is difficult, but, I left Dr. Beehner's office,knowing that I made the correct decision. Dr. Beehner was conservative in the yield he sought--1508 FU's. He also had to perform some repair work from a previous transplant from 1985. All aspects of the procedure went well, and, without discompfort. In fact, I was amazed at how well it all went. He, & his staff work extremely well together, and, in an coordinated manner. Of course, like everyone else, the waiting game now begins. I have no doubt that I'll have a natural, and, greatly improved hairline. I'm already thinking about session #2 which I hope to have in 8-12 months. As soon as possible, I'd like to post a few pictures as others have done. I'd like to thank the regular posters who have, in their own way, have helped me make the correct choice. Again, for those contemplating a HT procedure, please take a look at Dr. Beehner's website. I think you will be quite impressed with his approach to HT surgery. I felt he performed as well as Pat Hennessey recommmened that he would. Thanks for reading my thoughts!

After reading comments, for months, from informed posters, I wanted to report on my HT on Friday, April 5th. After much deliberation, and, research I decided on having a 100% FU procedure performed by Dr. Beehner in Saratoga Springs, NY. The procedure went exactly as Dr. Beehner had described to me. As you know choosing a Dr. for this procedure is difficult, but, I left Dr. Beehner's office,knowing that I made the correct decision. Dr. Beehner was conservative in the yield he sought--1508 FU's. He also had to perform some repair work from a previous transplant from 1985. All aspects of the procedure went well, and, without discompfort. In fact, I was amazed at how well it all went. He, & his staff work extremely well together, and, in an coordinated manner. Of course, like everyone else, the waiting game now begins. I have no doubt that I'll have a natural, and, greatly improved hairline. I'm already thinking about session #2 which I hope to have in 8-12 months. As soon as possible, I'd like to post a few pictures as others have done. I'd like to thank the regular posters who have, in their own way, have helped me make the correct choice. Again, for those contemplating a HT procedure, please take a look at Dr. Beehner's website. I think you will be quite impressed with his approach to HT surgery. I felt he performed as well as Pat Hennessey recommmened that he would. Thanks for reading my thoughts!

I'm looking for some educated advice...I'm a former HT patient, and I've had 5 recent HT consultations, as I attempt to choose the right surgeon to perform an FU procedure...4 of the 5 surgeons believe they can work with my existing hairline (2 rows--40 plugs)and have a reasonably good end result...however, the 5th surgeon has recommended that the first row of plugs be removed...he feels this will result in the cosmetically best result...obviously, there is more cost plus waiting time to go this route...has anyone had this experience before?...each surgeon is respected in the HT field, although the surgeon recommending the removal may have the best reputation...it all adds up to a tough decision for me...I would appreciate any/all advice...thanks!