Joecifus

What do you think about adding a new section to this site? One that focuses solely on what to do and not do prior to and after surgery to optimize results and prevent problems. It would be patient and doctor driven, and would cover and rate (through the current star rating system) specific treatments, procedures, doctor evaluations, etc. Each person would have a chance to toss in their experiences, good or bad regarding very specific topics. This, as opposed to searching through the whole site for particular info. In a nutshell, categories would be a running collection of things that different people experienced that they felt worked well for them. It would have ratings, descriptions and comments - for instance: ------------ MAIN TOPIC == PRE-OPERATION ------------ DESIRED RESULT == LESS SWELLING ------------ SUB-TOPIC == WEAR GYM-HEADBAND FOR 4-DAYS AFTER SURGERY RATINGS COMMENTS ------------- OTHER 'LESS-SWELLING' SUB-TOPICS MIGHT BE -Vitamin C regularly up to and through the surgery -Bromalin (a pineapple extract at any GNC) for a few days before -Prednezone (for 3 days after -A diuretic tablet --------- OTHER DESIRED RESULTS MIGHT BE PAIN CONTROL - The "wand" - a special numbing tool that delivers Novocain. - Types of meds. - Valium and Ambien just prior to surgery HEALING - Graft Cyte topical spray hourly for 5 days - Second Skin - No smoking or drinking QUICK HAIR GROWTH - Rogaine for 2 months CAMOUFLAGE - Toppik hair fibers to conceal CHOOSING A DOCTOR - Recommended credentials - Who to stay away from... - Great results from... ------------- If everyone were to contribute their success/horror stories, readers of the posts could drive a lot of information right to their doctors. Just like Pat's done already with this awesome site, we could act as a strong catalyst for the whole industry. This new section would make it easier on newbies to get all of the pertinent information in one place, instead of wading through many, many posts just to round up pointers on, say, pre-op recommendations. By getting the information so easily, they and we could then disburse information and techniques to docs possibly faster than they are getting it themselves (how many posts have you read where a doc didn't know what lateral slits were, or they didn't warn women about the near certainty of significant shock-loss). Maybe this is already out there, or tried and failed, but I thought it worth a try. Thanks.

What do you think about adding a new section to this site? One that focuses solely on what to do and not do prior to and after surgery to optimize results and prevent problems. It would be patient and doctor driven, and would cover and rate (through the current star rating system) specific treatments, procedures, doctor evaluations, etc. Each person would have a chance to toss in their experiences, good or bad regarding very specific topics. This, as opposed to searching through the whole site for particular info. In a nutshell, categories would be a running collection of things that different people experienced that they felt worked well for them. It would have ratings, descriptions and comments - for instance: ------------ MAIN TOPIC == PRE-OPERATION ------------ DESIRED RESULT == LESS SWELLING ------------ SUB-TOPIC == WEAR GYM-HEADBAND FOR 4-DAYS AFTER SURGERY RATINGS COMMENTS ------------- OTHER 'LESS-SWELLING' SUB-TOPICS MIGHT BE -Vitamin C regularly up to and through the surgery -Bromalin (a pineapple extract at any GNC) for a few days before -Prednezone (for 3 days after -A diuretic tablet --------- OTHER DESIRED RESULTS MIGHT BE PAIN CONTROL - The "wand" - a special numbing tool that delivers Novocain. - Types of meds. - Valium and Ambien just prior to surgery HEALING - Graft Cyte topical spray hourly for 5 days - Second Skin - No smoking or drinking QUICK HAIR GROWTH - Rogaine for 2 months CAMOUFLAGE - Toppik hair fibers to conceal CHOOSING A DOCTOR - Recommended credentials - Who to stay away from... - Great results from... ------------- If everyone were to contribute their success/horror stories, readers of the posts could drive a lot of information right to their doctors. Just like Pat's done already with this awesome site, we could act as a strong catalyst for the whole industry. This new section would make it easier on newbies to get all of the pertinent information in one place, instead of wading through many, many posts just to round up pointers on, say, pre-op recommendations. By getting the information so easily, they and we could then disburse information and techniques to docs possibly faster than they are getting it themselves (how many posts have you read where a doc didn't know what lateral slits were, or they didn't warn women about the near certainty of significant shock-loss). Maybe this is already out there, or tried and failed, but I thought it worth a try. Thanks.

Thought y'all might want to start a thread covering things that worked for you. I had a great experience regarding swelling, I know some others haven't, so I thought I'd share the things my Doc did that kept swelling away. Please feel free to comment or add your own advice to help others. On my first procedure, I had absolutely no swelling at all. On the second procedure, I had some for 1-2 days in the front of my right ear. The difference, I believe, was that I did not wear the headband the second time (on doctor's advice for that particular time since he did most of the work on the top and crown). Here's what he advised, and what worked for me: - I took heavy doses of Vitamin C regularly for 10 days up to and through the surgery. - Bromalin (a pineapple extract at any GNC) for 6-7 days before surgery was recommended (I couldn't take it due to medication I was on already). - No caffeine, alchohol or smokes as far prior to the surgery as you can stand it. - Post-op, wear a gym-type headband around the forehead for 4 days. - Prednezone tablets (sp?) for 3 days afterward - an anti-swelling agent I believe. - He also gave me diuretic tablets (forces fluid from the body) if I noticed any swelling. I did take one of these about 4 days post-op due to the swelling by my ear. It went away at the end of the day. That's it. Hope it helps someone.

Thought y'all might want to start a thread covering things that worked for you. I had a great experience regarding swelling, I know some others haven't, so I thought I'd share the things my Doc did that kept swelling away. Please feel free to comment or add your own advice to help others. On my first procedure, I had absolutely no swelling at all. On the second procedure, I had some for 1-2 days in the front of my right ear. The difference, I believe, was that I did not wear the headband the second time (on doctor's advice for that particular time since he did most of the work on the top and crown). Here's what he advised, and what worked for me: - I took heavy doses of Vitamin C regularly for 10 days up to and through the surgery. - Bromalin (a pineapple extract at any GNC) for 6-7 days before surgery was recommended (I couldn't take it due to medication I was on already). - No caffeine, alchohol or smokes as far prior to the surgery as you can stand it. - Post-op, wear a gym-type headband around the forehead for 4 days. - Prednezone tablets (sp?) for 3 days afterward - an anti-swelling agent I believe. - He also gave me diuretic tablets (forces fluid from the body) if I noticed any swelling. I did take one of these about 4 days post-op due to the swelling by my ear. It went away at the end of the day. That's it. Hope it helps someone.

Hairseeker is 100% right. Never get trapped in a piece - you'll never get out of it. They suck! And no matter how much you convince yourself otherwise - people definitely know it.

I agree - talk to a doc about Proscar. Rogaine can help keep your hair too, and the generic form is pretty cheap.

For the Rogaine, my Doc said wait til the 10 days post op after the stitches are out. My second surgery (aug 7) seems tighter than my first too, and I have a bit of swelling on the side. This has peaked and is starting to subside on aug 12. I had no swelling at all the first time. The things my doc gave me to reduce and prevent swelling were: Bromaline tablets for a week prior Vitamin C a week prior and continuing Prednezone(sp?) for 3 days post A gym-type headband to wear for 4 days post op (he said it wasn't necessary on this second one cause most work was in the back of the head). Graft-Cyte to promote healing. And, if the swelling got bad he gave me 3 diuretic (sp?) tablets which would release moisture from your whole body - but only if needed (I haven't taken yet).

I have a bottle sitting on my desk from my second op last thursday. I can't imagine a doc not giving you a bottle as part of the procedure. Hopefully, you're not going to one of the hair mills. If it's not too late, I'd recommend my Dr. (Epstein out of Miami - foundhair.com). His charges included travel, graftcyte(sp?) medication and everything else needed. He's top notch and my surgery was about $7500 for 2,500 FU after the travel discount.

You can just do a reply at the bottom of the subject page, then right below the text box and the Greamlins is an 'Option' feature. Click on "Post Attachment". Then, when you click 'post now' it will allow you to browse your PC for the pic you want to put up. The pic will appear immediately with your message. No goofing around with Yahoo.

I've done a tremendous amount of reading on this. From the general consensus - do NOT use a hair mill. Go to a qualified MD. Please see my profile in the Mentor section for complete details as to what I've found to look for and for pix of my progress. By the way - mine cost 1/2 what you show above - and done by probably by one of the top 3 surgeons in the hemisphere.

Sorry - it's really late and has been a super long day. The reason for the difference in the before hair was that I used to wear a hairpiece. I HATED it. But I used adhesive to the scalp to hold it in place for many years so as not to harm any potential donor hair when the time finally came. I was completely bald in the front and crown - a solid Norwood 6. The hair high above the ears, in tha kind of peak was what I had to shave to adhear the hairpiece. BTW - if any of you guys are looking to have anything done, I could not possily recommend Dr. Epstein and his staff strongly enough. PS- I burned that %#^&&^% wig about a month ago - YAHOOOOOO

Sorry - The profile is in the "Mentor Section", and my original HT was done on Feb 3, 2003 with about 2,200 units.

Thanks guys and sorry for the delay. I just got back from my second procedure. I wanted 2,500, but he felt that there was only enough elasticity for 2000-2200 without the risk of the donor scar spreading. I used Dr. Epstein out of FL - and couldn; tbegin to recommend him enough. My whole story is on the Mento pages under Dr. Epstein. I think you'd like some of the unique methods he uses for swelling healingg and growth. Joecifus

I had about 2,200 FU grafts done on Feb. 3 2003 by Dr. Jeffrey Epstein. I can't recommend his office enough. I did a great deal of research to find him, and I believe his facial plastic surgery background along with a long list of credentials made him the right choice for me. I'm heading in tomorrow for 2,500 more grafts.

I'm glad I read your note. I'm heading in for my second operation with Dr. Epstein tomorrow. I would highly recommend him. I did a massive amount of research before deciding upon him, and am very pleased with the results. If you'd like, I just posted photos and my story under 'new topics' ' mentors' and 'post your images'.

Had my first FU transplant Feb 3, 2003. These last pix are from August 1. I had 2,200 folicular units implanted by Dr. Jeffrey Epstein out of Miami (I highly recommend him, and would only have used him along with maybe 10 other doctors in the country). I'm scheduled for 2,500 more units tomorrow.

Had my first FU transplant Feb 3, 2003. These last pix are from August 1. I had 2,200 folicular units implanted by Dr. Jeffrey Epstein out of Miami (I highly recommend him, and would only have used him along with maybe 10 other doctors in the country). I'm scheduled for 2,500 more units tomorrow.

0-4-6 Month Side

0-4-6 Month Side

0-4-6 Month Front Pix

0-4-6 Month Front Pix

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