DJF

Darkman, Like you the concept of the shave made me pause on a HT and I read many posts about the subject to try and determine what I should do. I had a HT with Dr. Ron Shapiro earlier this month without a shave. We talked about it on the morning of the HT and I expressed a preference to not shave the recipient area. That said I also left it to Dr. Shapiro to make the call. The feedback I received from Dr. Shapiro was that it makes it a little easier with the shave but in my case it wasn't absolutely necessary. So as Janna points out it seems to be something that is determined on a case by case basis. Best of luck to you.

Well it's the day after my HT with Dr. Ron Shapiro and I can say that all the positive things I've read on this site about Shapiro Medical Group are true. It was a long day (8 to 6) but everyone at SMG made me feel at ease and they were always checking on my comfort level. As I said in my post the night before last, I was getting a little anxious but once things started I knew I had nothing to worry about. Dr. Shapiro was outstanding, Matt (the Patient Educator) was very informative and helpful and the entire crew of ladies that I spent most of the day with were fantastic. Professional and enjoyable to talk with all day long. I agree with EmuSteve that the anesthesia injections were less than pleasant but the discomfort was brief and the injections were always administered with care. I only took one dose of Valium (first thing) as there was no need to take any more and in retrospect I probably didn't even need that. I told Dr. Shapiro that I had mixed feelings about getting shaved since I'm a business executive with a lot of people contact. We discussed it and I left the decision to him. I didn't want to spend all this time and money and not get the results I was looking for, but I also didn't want the shave if it wasn't absolutely necessary. In the end Dr. Shapiro said that based on my needs a shave wasn't necessary and all he did was trim some areas. That means I'll be back in the game in no time once the redness and swelling disappears. I'm not big on taking pain medication but I was pretty sore last night when I got back to my hotel room and decided to pop a Vicodan. Took another a few hours ago and they help immensely. Sleeping was a little difficult, primarily based on the discomfort in the donor area. My forehead is swollen a bit from the injections but the discomfort is definitely manageable with the meds. Went in this morning and had my hair washed (which felt great) and had pics taken. Talked with Matt a bit more and saw Dr. Shapiro once again for a check on things. One note that is worthy to make is that Dr. Shapiro was extremely focused and particular about things as they were progressing. He made certain that the FUs were going in exactly where they needed to and on more than one occasion he directed the staff about areas on my head that needed particular attention. He was extra attentive to the hairline and did that work directly. He also did a number of the other placements. I know it's been said dozens of times here but I want to reiterate that Dr. Shapiro and his team are outstanding. I lead a business with numerous high caliber employees with specialized skills and highly demanding clients. I have very high standards and expectations and frankly I'm not easily impressed. This team is top shelf! I had a tough time choosing between Hassan and Shapiro and I'm sure I would have been very happy either way. I eventually went with Shapiro because I saw more positive posts about his hairline work and having the HT look natural was my #1 concern. Once I have photos I will share and continue to stay involved in this great community. Guys like Bill, NervousNelly, and the B spot, (just to name a few) really helped me think through things and prepare myself and of course Pat and Bill keep this whole thing rolling. My hat is off to you guys (for good once my hair grows)! Stats for the day: Total Grafts/Hairs - 2556/5296 1s - 516/516 2s - 1415/2830 3s - 550/1650 4s - 75/300 Now time to grow, grow, grow!!

Well it's the day after my HT with Dr. Ron Shapiro and I can say that all the positive things I've read on this site about Shapiro Medical Group are true. It was a long day (8 to 6) but everyone at SMG made me feel at ease and they were always checking on my comfort level. As I said in my post the night before last, I was getting a little anxious but once things started I knew I had nothing to worry about. Dr. Shapiro was outstanding, Matt (the Patient Educator) was very informative and helpful and the entire crew of ladies that I spent most of the day with were fantastic. Professional and enjoyable to talk with all day long. I agree with EmuSteve that the anesthesia injections were less than pleasant but the discomfort was brief and the injections were always administered with care. I only took one dose of Valium (first thing) as there was no need to take any more and in retrospect I probably didn't even need that. I told Dr. Shapiro that I had mixed feelings about getting shaved since I'm a business executive with a lot of people contact. We discussed it and I left the decision to him. I didn't want to spend all this time and money and not get the results I was looking for, but I also didn't want the shave if it wasn't absolutely necessary. In the end Dr. Shapiro said that based on my needs a shave wasn't necessary and all he did was trim some areas. That means I'll be back in the game in no time once the redness and swelling disappears. I'm not big on taking pain medication but I was pretty sore last night when I got back to my hotel room and decided to pop a Vicodan. Took another a few hours ago and they help immensely. Sleeping was a little difficult, primarily based on the discomfort in the donor area. My forehead is swollen a bit from the injections but the discomfort is definitely manageable with the meds. Went in this morning and had my hair washed (which felt great) and had pics taken. Talked with Matt a bit more and saw Dr. Shapiro once again for a check on things. One note that is worthy to make is that Dr. Shapiro was extremely focused and particular about things as they were progressing. He made certain that the FUs were going in exactly where they needed to and on more than one occasion he directed the staff about areas on my head that needed particular attention. He was extra attentive to the hairline and did that work directly. He also did a number of the other placements. I know it's been said dozens of times here but I want to reiterate that Dr. Shapiro and his team are outstanding. I lead a business with numerous high caliber employees with specialized skills and highly demanding clients. I have very high standards and expectations and frankly I'm not easily impressed. This team is top shelf! I had a tough time choosing between Hassan and Shapiro and I'm sure I would have been very happy either way. I eventually went with Shapiro because I saw more positive posts about his hairline work and having the HT look natural was my #1 concern. Once I have photos I will share and continue to stay involved in this great community. Guys like Bill, NervousNelly, and the B spot, (just to name a few) really helped me think through things and prepare myself and of course Pat and Bill keep this whole thing rolling. My hat is off to you guys (for good once my hair grows)! Stats for the day: Total Grafts/Hairs - 2556/5296 1s - 516/516 2s - 1415/2830 3s - 550/1650 4s - 75/300 Now time to grow, grow, grow!!

Will do Jason...thx

I'm going with Ron Shapiro. I will certainly share my experience and (over time) results.

Well after months of research and anticipation tomorrow is the day with Dr. Shapiro. I traveled from the East coast for this and sitting in the hotel room reading recent posts helps ease a little bit of the anxiety. From all I've read I'm going to be in good hands tomorrow. Thanks to all who have provided words of wisdom!

Well after months of research and anticipation tomorrow is the day with Dr. Shapiro. I traveled from the East coast for this and sitting in the hotel room reading recent posts helps ease a little bit of the anxiety. From all I've read I'm going to be in good hands tomorrow. Thanks to all who have provided words of wisdom!

Thanks for the information and insight. Very appreciative. When I called MHR back and cancelled they tried to discredit the feedback from this site and said there are bad reports out there about numerous surgeons. They said they can counter anything negative from the postings here with dozens of satisfied customers. I don't know if that is true or not but the way I see it where there's smoke there's fire and there are simply too many people on this site with consistent negative views of MHR. I'd be an idiot to not pay attention and I will complete the necessary due diligence before going forward. I've already contacted a few of the surgeons recommended here. There is too much at stake to go about it any other way. Man I'm glad I found this site!

I didn't know about this site or Forum before going for my consultation at MHR. So many negative comments here about MHR (Leavitt) that I have to believe this over the advertising and as a result looking elsewhere. I'll travel anywhere in the US to work with a top surgeon. I would appreciate any advice on those considered the best.

I didn't know about this site or Forum before going for my consultation at MHR. So many negative comments here about MHR (Leavitt) that I have to believe this over the advertising and as a result looking elsewhere. I'll travel anywhere in the US to work with a top surgeon. I would appreciate any advice on those considered the best.