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!!