Janna

A local patient extremely happy with his FUE procedure with Dr. Joe a year ago. He got on Propecia shortly after his consultation. As you can see, he responded very well to the meds. The area near the crown did not get addressed with grafts. We were able to do a short video of his donor. You couldn't see any signs of the white dots. I believe he may be coming another time soon for us to shave his donor area to take pics and video. We'll video the recipient too since he wasn't able to wash out the gel product he had on in order to run a comb through his hair. I'll post the donor video when I get a chance. [/font][/size]

The instrumentation and experience in FUE has been improving over the years and this technique has become more popular for many patients. Many physicians today feel that the quality of grafts and the results are similar to those of patients undergoing FUT (AKA strip surgery) procedures. Some of these same physicians only perform FUE in their clinics. Small studies have been done comparing the two techniques but they have not yet been very definitive. It would be very beneficial to the field of hair transplantation and to future patients to have more information regarding the pros and cons of FUT and FUE before making decisions on surgery. Shapiro Medical Group has received a small grant from the ISHRS to study these techniques in a side-by-side study. We anticipate that any differences if there are any to be subtle. At SMG, we have been doing hair transplantation for decades and FUE specifically for over 6 years with excellent results with both techniques. This would be the first full-scale study of its kind and could be very helpful in adding to the body of knowledge of hair transplant surgery. We are looking at studying the difference in graft survival and overall growth with the techniques of FUT vs. FUE. Our goal is to obtain a number of qualified candidates and follow them over a one year period. The study design splits the technique into two halves of the head. On one half of the head the FUE grafts will be taken from the donor area and transplanted into the same side in the recipient area. At the same time, a strip will be taken on the opposite side and the FUT grafts will be again be placed on the same side as they were removed. We will be taking photos and taking measurements in order to compare the two sides over the course of the study. Significant discount for patients participating in this study. Please inquire within for more details by emailing to Janna@shapiromedical.com Qualified patients include: -Males -Norwood 4a or higher (bald frontal third of the scalp) -No prior FUT or FUE surgery -Willing to shave the donor area for FUE and FUT strip (at the time of surgery). Ability to wear a hat for two weeks should be sufficient to cover the donor area noticeability for most patients. -Willing to follow up with SMG for an evaluation 9-12 after surgery -Willing to shave the donor (at 9-12 month follow up) This should not be as challenging as after surgery because both the FUE and FUT sides have had time to heal. -Ability to use photos and data to be shared with other physicians in written studies and lectures. (Eyes and/or face can be blocked out)

I've personally seen many of our patients with FUT Strip procedures go back to work after a 2000--2500 grafts session. Definitely not all but a lot can if the physician is careful about cutting or not cutting hairs in the recipient area. It's partially dependent upon the patient and how much native hairs are present and what density he's trying to achieve. Of course if you do have to shave, I agree that it'll take a month or longer to get back to looking decent.

Thanks Dr. Erdogan for the detailed explanation and for the new pics taken at your clinic. It clarifies better as to why such a big session was recommended. I know you have a beautiful clinic filled with state of the art equipment for evaluating each patient and you're capable of doing mega sessions. I also know you're very forward thinking and willing to share your studies and techniques with other physicians.

Good question. ATP exists in our bodies and the name of the company who makes the Liposomol ATP solution is called Energy Delivery Solutions. The name says a lot about the solution's purpose. However, I thought Dr. Paul would be able to explain better on how Liposomal ATP works. We at Shapiro Medical use the solution in our graft holding solution and in our post op spray. ATP is the source of energy for all cells. Our cells take the simple sugars and lipids (fat) we eat and oxygen to make ATP. After a hair transplant the cells cannot make as much ATP. Until new blood vessels attach to the bulb which takes about 3 days, the only way the cells can get oxygen and nutrients is by diffusion from the fluids surrounding the cell. The Liposomal ATP provides the cells with the ATP they need for healing. After blood vessels have reattached to the hair follicle it then can produce more ATP then we could ever give them with the spray. That is why we have our patients spray the Liposomal ATP every half hour for the first 48 hours and then continue spraying after that but not as aggressively. By the 3rd day blood vessels have attached to the cells and they can make their own ATP.

Wow, huge transformation! You can detect a slight white scarring on her right side but it's very minimal. Really beautiful work!

5000 grafts? Did Dr. Erdogan say how he's distributing the grafts (how many to hairline and crown areas)?

Hi Esrec, Thanks for posting about your experience with Shapiro Medical Group. I'm posting one close up pic that we took to show the healing progress you've made in just 4 days. It's very clean with barely any redness. I believe the Liposomal ATP has a big part in the healing process. The main objective for using the ATP spray if the graft survival, however, you can see that it helps a lot in helping to diminish the redness sooner too. I think that with the number of grafts used for Esrec, the final result should yield exactly what we expect, a beautiful outcome!

You're looking great! Thanks for the update!!

Another vote for holding off on HT surgery. No, I don't see why you couldn't pull off the hair styles you posted above.

Did you have one treatment of PRP + Acell?

Great improvement so early on in the progress!! What's your protocol for the PRP+ACell treatments? Are they given more treatments after their surgery day? Did the patient say if he lost majority of the transplanted hairs shortly after his surgery or did the hairs just continue to grow without shedding?

A big thank you to Sunnycool and our other patients for taking part in the "Live Patient Viewing" at the ISHRS conference in Chicago this past weekend. Shapiro Medical showcased 4 of our patients who also happen to post on the forums. Our patient advisor, Matt Zupan - "Zup", who is at 9 month post op from his 2105 FUE session, "Arrie" who had a strip procedure of 2053 grafts in August of 2007 as well as 2 SMP treatments, "Wings" who had 3 FUE procedures for total of 4603 grafts and Sunnycool. Physicians, Assistants and other clinic personnel get to look closely, even run a comb through patients' hairs and of course converse directly with patients in the Live Patient Viewing segment of the conference. I don't believe there were any negative feedbacks, all very positive. "Wings" flew in from another state but we were fortunate to have Arrie and Sunnycool from the Chicago area. Sunnycool -- IMO, the weakness at the temporal points don't warrant another procedure at this time as it's only slightly weak. The good news is that your donor supply looked great for future procedures. Thanks again and great seeing you!

The ISHRS organization doesn't disclose a list of attendees so I wouldn't be able to say who's all attending. I am on the conference committee since I'm the chair for the Surgical Assistants Program this year. This position has given me access to statistics for the conference attendances. The # of registrations has surpassed budgeted figures already with 2 weeks to go. I believe it was close to 700 attendees consisting of doctors, assistants & office personnel plus 2 weeks and on-site registrations to go. This will be the most attended hair conference ever! I am looking forward to visiting the wonderful city of Chicago, and participating in this year's conference.

Dr. Konior, Beautiful result!!!

Thanks all!! Sadbuttrue, I agree our patients look amazing even just one day post op.

Your result is looking beautiful, congrats!

All good feedback you've been getting on this thread and I echo their comments. If you're not able to wait any longer to get your hair restored, then be sure to go with a physician whom you trust and he/she takes your young age into consideration. How long have you been able to take the 1mg finasteride on a daily basis?

Beautiful result, Garageland!

Wise planning and great result.

The growth rate seems more dependent upon individual's physiology than age, IMO. Another factor may be the clinic's protocol and techniques, such as the type of holding solutions used and how quickly the grafts are planted. Regenerating therapies like ACell to help repair the follicles could also play a part in growth rates.

If you are thinking of another procedure to address your crown, be sure to do scalp laxity exercises starting in 2-3 months from now. There's Vitrase to help with the laxity during surgery but it wouldn't hurt to create some laxity on your own.

Your hairloss is very, very minimal. You have a great head of hair. IMO, you don't need to take care of your temple points at this time either. Even though it may be tough not to count every hair you lose and scrutinize your hair, it's best to try and not worry. Instead, count your blessing.......Many members on here will tell you that you have an enviable head of hair. It what most here would strive to attain. Sorry to sound preachy. As for a substitute for Dermmatch, you may want to try Fill-In Powder. It's something similar to Dermmatch but it has to be shampoo'd out. The cost is much less and it's easier to apply. It comes with a small brush. I've attached a picture of it. Good luck!