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I'm glad you're happy because it looks great!

After re-reading my post on my HT with Dr. Epstein I realized that I screwed up on what I was attempting to say in words. What I wanted to say is...... stay only with the best doctors. Ask as many questions as you see fit. Talk to former patients for feedback and tips. Any when it's finally over have patience in the process. And be thankful we have a web site like this one.

Bill The swelling has already started to go down. I did spend more time in a reclined postion during the day and night which may have helped too. Right now I'm looking forward to washing my hair. I want to really clean the donor area knowing I must still be careful everywhere else. I have not lost any new little guys yet but I'm sure they'll be falling out soon.

Neptune: Everything feels great. Sure, I feel a slight tight feeling but no pain. The only problem I'm having is that I swelled up around my eyes. I called Dr. E and he said not to worry. Everyone reacts differently. It should be gone in a couple days. And yes I will post more photos, maybe even later today. And as for your question about Dr. E's technique, I never got that deep with him. I just know from what I can see thru the mirror my donor scar is nothing more than a VERY FINE line.

Neptune, Dr E. and I never really talked about shock loss. I just figure if it's gonna happen I should just deal with it. My main goal was not to change who I am but rather just improve. I never had thick, almost solid type hair, so that was not my goal. Plus down the road if I run into someone that I have not seen in a long time I want them thinking what looks different about me without having this massive hair jump at them. Sometimes less is better. One thing that has come up is the swelling. I woke up and my eyes and bridge of my nose are REALLY swollen. I was not expecting that. My wife said I look like I was in a fight or got stung by a bee. I'm sure I'll be fine. Just part of the process.

I've posted pictures under "My Photos"

My Journey

As I stated earlier I had my Ht with Dr. Epstein on Wed. the 17th. After previously reviewing my photos and then discussing my goals, Dr. Epstein figured that 2100 grafts should do the trick. Being that I'm forty five I did not want to try to look 18 again. I'd rather have a slightly receding hair line that would look natural then attempt to get back my youth with a hairline from the 70's. Dr. Epstein drew a few guide lines on my head with a Sharpie and I was off to the procedure room. His terrific staff but me at ease as the prepped me. During the numbing process one of the techs (females) even rubbed my arm just to let me know everything was gonna be okay. I can't say enough about their detail to calming and reassuring you, all the while knowing what must be going thru your head. The numbing was virtually pain free and before I knew it my strip was removed. After a few hours that seemed to fly by I was given a lunch and bathroom break. Then back to work and before I knew it I was done. I was given meds for pain which I only took (1) pill, just in case. When I got back to my hotel room I spent more time trying to get the mounted mirror off the wall (without breaking it) so I could get a better top and side view. As a side note, I would recommend bring a handheld mirror if you travel. I had some slight bleeding but again no real pain. I will say sleeping was a little rough. I was afraid to lie down so I slept in a chair. The next morning I went back to Dr. E's office. They was washed my head. Dr. E checked out his work and I was good to go. I did get to spend some time with a few potential clients showing them first hand how it will look. God were they surprised and impressed. I am very happy with how I look post-op. I was really expecting to look kind of freakish. I am experiencing some swelling on my forehead, but I'm really not that pink or red on top. The scabbing is not that bad either. As a matter of fact when I got home I had a conversation with my daughter (22) and she didn't even notice. I was going to tell her about what I had done but why bother. I went to work today wearing a hat but come Monday I'm going back to work without it. My head does feel tight. It's like wearing a hat that's too small. But nothing I can't live with for now. My goal is to hopefully see results sometime in July. That will be the six month mark. I know everyone on this great site says to be patient. And like I did in the past, I'm going to take your collective advice. My best advice is to gain knowledge. Ask questions. Stay with only the best of the best doctors. Have patiences. Be realistic. And with that....... you can't go wrong.

I did it and I must say it was a "piece of cake". Dr. Epstein and his great crew are the best. I had no worries. No pain. I was treated great. Like you are part of their family. And he worked around my existing hair. I'll give out more details and post my pre and post-op photos later once I get settled in (I flew down to Miami from Philly). I can't beleive it's over.

Gorpy, I'm sorry I think you look great. Looking at your timeline photos has been a real deciding factor for me. It looks natural.

No Hair Sux.....Hey, everyone here has gone thru the same emotional roller coaster. Should I or shouldn't I? How will it look? Will anyone notice that I had a HT? Even, will I look worse than before? Or even worse, not natural........For me it was deciding I am not happy with my current hair and I am willing to do something about it. Next it was get educated? Learn as much as possible. Get feedback. Find the best of the best doctors. And then go with your gut feeling. If you do all that then you should be put at ease. There's a reason that these Doctors are paid such large sums of money. They do great work.

Neptune, I'm on for Wed, 17th. I've booked my flight and hotel. And for you other newbies, please take the advise of the others, DO NOT make location you deciding factor. And to NervousNelly, yes it was like doing homework for me. It was easier buying houses and cars compared to this.

Neptune, I'll keep you posted to put you at ease. To everyone else, thanks again and I will post photos.

I've made up my mind and I have selected Dr. Epstein. I feel so confident about my selection. Not worried at all. I met some great Doctors.... Feller (whatta cool guy), Bernstein, Katz and also spent time with Gallagher and DiPistone. But I'm going with Epstein. In two weeks I get to join the ranks. I would like to thank all of you for helping newbie's like me. Your wisdom, support and honesty has made this process so much easier especially knowing someone else has been down this road too.

I've made up my mind and I have selected Dr. Epstein. I feel so confident about my selection. Not worried at all. I met some great Doctors.... Feller (whatta cool guy), Bernstein, Katz and also spent time with Gallagher and DiPistone. But I'm going with Epstein. In two weeks I get to join the ranks. I would like to thank all of you for helping newbie's like me. Your wisdom, support and honesty has made this process so much easier especially knowing someone else has been down this road too.

EastCoast, I never met with a Tom when I went to his office.. I met with Gallagher and Michelle and liked them both. I later called and asked for referrals. I was given four or five numbers. I called and spoke to three different clients. All are very happy. But my gut feeling was I should keep onl ooking and getting more info. I am very glad I did.

Can anyone tell me if over the years that this web site has been around has any doctor or big hair factory responded on this site to defend his or her work? For instance I had questioned Dr. Gallagher in Phila and was surprised at the negative feedback. Why wouldn't he come on and defend his work?

Can anyone tell me if over the years that this web site has been around has any doctor or big hair factory responded on this site to defend his or her work? For instance I had questioned Dr. Gallagher in Phila and was surprised at the negative feedback. Why wouldn't he come on and defend his work?

Pat, thank you for supply this great explanation. Still not too thrilled at the idea.......but enough whinnng from me on this subject.

Just realized that I misspelled recipient...hey it was early

Plugvet, I'm just starting my new quest and being from Philly these two fine doctors were my best choice to interview. Both are listed on this site and come very highly recommended. I met with Feller today and liked what he said. Honest and straight forward. I was shown the differences between just Ok and truly great work. Seeing is believing.

How important is it to shave the hair I have (NW4) before a HT? I deal with the public and I would be trying to hide as much as possible. But from most of the posted photos some doctors have shaved the recepeint area. This could be a problem for me.

How important is it to shave the hair I have (NW4) before a HT? I deal with the public and I would be trying to hide as much as possible. But from most of the posted photos some doctors have shaved the recepeint area. This could be a problem for me.

Great question. I coach ice hockey and I am required to wear a helmet. I was not sure how much time until I can take to the ice following a HT.

GuitarPlayer, Thanks...I did not realize that Dr. Epstein had a office in the New York area. I will have to add him to my list along with Dr. Rose.