Gossamer

Hairless, I would like to reiterate the comments above and suggest taking enough time to visit a number of doctors, develop some realistic expectations, and determine if hair transplantation is really right for you. Personally, I had a transplant with Dr. Bernstein last week. The procedure and recovery has been virtually painless, without any swelling, discomfort, or heavy crusting. While I was provided with medication/painkillers, I haven't taken any since the day after the surgery. As for the results, we'll have to wait and see. While I am "now" comfortable going bald, I had the hair transplant because I already had a small procedure of 600 grafts when I was 22. This will not be enough to look normal and natural when I lose the rest of my hair and I can't shave or cut my hair really short with the donor scar, so I decided that I needed to finish what I started. I felt comfortable with Dr. Bernstein because of his reputation as one of the pioneers in the field, positive feedback, and the fact that he was the only hair transplant physician to be selected as one of New York Magazine's Best Doctors for seven consecutive years. He is very knowledgeable, professional, meticulous, and on the conservative side. While some view his conservative approach and reluctancy to recommend larger procedures/megasessions as a negative, this aspect actually happened to be a positive for me. With lower donor density and scalp laxity, I was primarily concerned with establishing a natural frontal hairline with some coverage, and decreasing the probability of the donor scar becoming visible in the future. Looking at some of his past patients gave me the impression that he may be more capable of doing more with less. However, I should also mention that he is probably a little bit more expensive on a per graft basis. Regardless of what you choose to do and who you potentially go with, I would pay Dr. Bernstein a visit. He will give you an honest assessment, realistic expectations, and will not consider recommending something that is not in your best interests.

Andrew, I really wish that I could take one more day to take advantage of the weekend, but my vacation days are extremely limited. I'm hoping that I can get into the office early, keep myself preoccupied with work that I missed, and avoid people as much as possible. As for the post op instructions, it says to resume my normal shampoo after the first week or when the GraftCyte shampoo runs out. My doctor did not seem to have any reservations regarding the shampoo or hairspray, but I'm still hesitant about the Nioxin regiment (Cleanser, Scalp Therapy, & Scalp Treatment/Cytogen) for fear of compromising the healing process. When it comes to the transplanted area, perhaps I can apply it just to the ends of the longer existing hair. As for the Toppik, I was given some by one of the doctors I visited, but have not really experimented with it. Is it best to apply to the bald spot and comb the hair over or sprinkle after the hair has been combed over? How much would you apply and is it okay with hairspray? Thanks!

Bill, thanks for your response. As for the ointment, Dr. Bernstein's office provided me with a Bacitracin Zinc Ointment that may be applied lightly after showering or if the donor scar feels like it is drying out. Unless anyone expresses serious concerns or reservations, I may decrease the frequency or stop my usage since the hair around there now feels a little greasy. So far my experience has been great. The procedure and recovery have gone smoothly with virtually no pain, discomfort, or swelling. The only concern that I have right now is anxiety over how I will be able to style my hair this Friday (the one week mark) and next week. While I am still quite nervous, your comments regarding the shampoo, hair spray, and ointment have reassured me that I can do some things without harming the grafts and donor scar. When I have some more time, I plan on describing my own experience and future plans in more detail. I feel like its the least I can do, since I have been reading these boards for a few months and gained some really valuable insight and peace of mind prior to the procedure.

After completing my hair transplant last Friday, I have one week to recover at home and figure out how to conceal the staples and grafts. The problem facing me is that I comb my hair from the back of my head over my bald spot and on the upper side across the receding hairline area. Despite the description, it doesn't look too abnormal. However, the hair is somewhat thin, frizzy, and unmanageable and I won't be able to keep it together without my usual shampoo and hairspray. Does anyone think that I can use my usual shampoo (Nioxin Cleanser & Scalp Therapy) and apply a light layer of hairspray, exactly one week after the procedure? Can I get away with this and lay off the ointment for just eight hours to obtain my usual appearance before the weekend? Thanks!

After completing my hair transplant last Friday, I have one week to recover at home and figure out how to conceal the staples and grafts. The problem facing me is that I comb my hair from the back of my head over my bald spot and on the upper side across the receding hairline area. Despite the description, it doesn't look too abnormal. However, the hair is somewhat thin, frizzy, and unmanageable and I won't be able to keep it together without my usual shampoo and hairspray. Does anyone think that I can use my usual shampoo (Nioxin Cleanser & Scalp Therapy) and apply a light layer of hairspray, exactly one week after the procedure? Can I get away with this and lay off the ointment for just eight hours to obtain my usual appearance before the weekend? Thanks!

What about Nioxin (Cleanser & Scalp Therapy)? I had a hair transplant last Friday, have been using GraftCyte, and would like to style my hair as normal as possible when I return to work this Friday.