FacelessMan

From what I've read here, tanning and even a mild burn won't prevent a procedure; I remember a post by Dr. Feller about him performing a procedure on someone with a mild sunburn without a problem. That said...having had skin cancer -- granted, the most mild kind of it -- I'm now 100% sold on avoiding burns or even tanning, ever. My dermatologist made the point pretty clearly when she explained that tanning, even without a burn or in any discomfort, is literally the result of the destruction of skin cells. Benjamin

Pat, Bill (Bill), This post has definitely been a reminder to me of the work (and often, stress) that goes more or less unseen behind a site like this, and what it represents. Thanks for all that you've done, and do; this site is pretty much responsible for me finding an excellent surgeon whom I can trust. If nothing else, someone suing this site, unpleasant and counter-productive though it is, is a testament to its reach and to the breadth of its audience... Nil illegitemati carborundum*! Benjamin * "Don't let the bastards grind you down." ** I don't know a damn thing about Latin.

I'd definitely recommend a large, loose-fitting hat/cap. That said, I didn't wear one for either of my procedures...after the first, I had temple-point work that a hat would have harmed, and after the second, I was going straight to my car, and then back home, so I didn't worry about it. Good luck! Benjamin

Hussain, I emphatically agree with others' advice to keep geography as far out of the equation as possible. Dr. Feller, for instance, who did both of my procedures, has a large clientele who fly in from the UK, as do I believe several other physicians in the States. A HT is a long-lasting decision...and worth budgeting in even a thousand more for travel. That said, your being in the DC area (which I assume you are) puts you in a good position: 1) Dr. Lindsey has a practice in Tyson's Corner; he has shown some impressive results. 2) There are several excellent surgeons in NYC, where as I mentioned Dr. Feller works his artistry. I took a train to and from DC for my first procedure and got a reasonable hotel (total cost for this was roughly $500, including food); for the second, last summer, I was living in NY. Good luck in your search...this site has a wealth of information, and many people who are more than happy to share ideas and pictures, as well as advice. Benjamin

Kidding...thank you for sharing this; speaking as one layperson, it's interesting to see the technical side of the field from which I've benefited in a considerable way. And it's equally good to see innovation. Well done! Benjamin

Impressive, but where does the laser light shoot out?

Joe, Amazing. Not just a massive improvement, but phenomenally natural. Thanks, also, for all your generosity and contributions to this forum... Benjamin

"unfortunateHT," Glad that you and Dr. Feller worked things out. Good luck to you. Benjamin

An actual doctor can of course offer more enlightenment on this, but pimples in the recipient area are simply a sign of growth, and of newly moved hair poking through the surface of the scalp. For what it's worth, I've gotten medical advice *not* to pop pimples of any kind, because doing so can in effect push the infectious material into the bloodstream....but again, your doctor can fill you in. I believe the ideal treatment is warm cloth until they subside on their own. Benjamin

"SpaceBetween," I'd echo the question about why you're concerned -- is it your appearance, or discomfort? Appearance-wise, it definitely depends on how much shaving was done. Two weeks will not make a noticeable difference here. In my case, after HT #1 I was able to wear a hat for, actually, the first three months; with #2 I had enough left unshaved that it wasn't glaringly obvious, at least from a distance, that something was different up there. Comfort-wise, for me the big difference, after both procedures, was getting the staples out, but after roughly night #3, that was only especially noticeable when I was sleeping/trying to rest my head on something. Good luck... Benjamin

Actually, I wrote nothing insulting about Christians whatsoever. Which I share here, only because you've opted to broadcast a private message while mis-quoting it.

I deleted the message because I sent it in haste without adequately weighing my words. I had assumed that deleting it meant it was completely gone. My apologies. That said, if this thread is not the place to discuss this issue, why are you discussing my PM in it? I have nothing more to say on the topic. Benjamin

That's an interesting perspective. So who gets to decide who's "too sensitive?" Flippant comments about "going off meds" don't make YOU "run to the bathroom crying," or the equivalent, perhaps because YOU may not have any idea what it's actually like to live with someone who's depressed, or live with it yourself. For others, it's not that fucking funny. As for me, a friend of mine would have been killed had he not been arrested after an incredibly scary "going off his meds." The point wasn't that one internet comment is going to wound someone, it's about an attitude. The whole "moderation" of boards like this is supposedly about creating a "community" of respect and openness....so being highly sensitive to others' feelings about their bald and balding heads, and being cavalier about "meds," is bullshit. My $.02, nothing more. Benjamin

Not to digress and prolong the thread, but, comments like this are completely offensive, especially coming from someone who's supposed to be the moderator. Being "on medication" (as for all anyone knows some of us here may be) is part of getting healthy and, in many cases, taking ballsy steps to do so. Taking steps toward self-improvement and finding support from others is part of what this forum is about, no? Benjamin

I think that dr. Konior makes a valid point; Dr. Feller's expressed hope that this patient contact him directly was entirely in line. A forum like this is a valuable resource for research and accountability, but open communication between patient and doctor is key. For my part, after two procedures, I've found Dr. Feller to be as straightforward as I could have hoped, and have been happy with the results -- in part because I felt that he helped me to set expectations that were realistic and reasonable. With that, my having my procedures in my late 30's, when by all evidence my own hair loss had stabilized, quite likely had a significant effect. Had I gotten a procedure done at 23, there would undeniably have been loss around it in the meantime, as there seems to have been with the patient who started the thread. And as the thread has covered, everyone's situation is unique, which makes estimation of future loss an integral part, I'd think, of the consultation process. I'm sure that Dr. Feller will be honest and fair. I've never found him to be any less. I wish this guy the best. Benjamin

Interesting...definitely drives home the effect of different hair textures and colors, AND lighting, and, as you say, physiology, in looking at results. Clean and precise work, as always! Benjamin

Irish, Congratulations; hope you're recovering well. My wife and I were in the Dublin part of your home country, two weekends ago; I loved every minute of it, and left a trail of empty pint glasses behind me... Benjamin

Crown Royal, Looks superb...a huge difference; congratulations! I'm not surprised that your HT has been undetectable; after two procedures (I'm 5 months into my second) I've been amazed at how natural the hair looks even in the early stages -- aside from the weird shaving pattern, that is. A definite sign of skillful hair-tistry... I suggest having a triple of actual Crown Royal to celebrate. Or Jameson's, if you take your drinking seriously Benjamin

Sudhu, I also found that 6 months was still early; between then and the one-year mark, I saw a big difference as more hairs sprouted, others grew longer, and all of them thickened...check out my blog if you like. Benjamin

Thanks for the clarity...!

NYC seems home to several talented surgeons; mine was Dr. Feller in Great Neck, Queens. I've been highly satisfied with both of the procedures he has done for me. Benjamin

Dr. Cole apparently requires the full payment in advance, but I don't know offhand of other physicians who do: http://www.forhair.com/Financial_Information_form.htm I'd be suspicious. For one, I don't pretend any knowledge of contract law, but is this even legally enforceable? And in what other profession do you pay for services completely BEFORE they're rendered? Asking for a deposit seems more the norm... Benjamin

I've perceived my second one (which is nearing the 5-month mark) growing more quickly, but I'm convinced that this is about 100% psychological. That, and based on my having gone into my second HT with more hair on the hairline and top to begin with. Benjamin

Dr. Feller -- the comparison photos make a huge difference; it's infinitely easier to see results when comparing shots taken at the same angle, and covering the same region. I'll make it a point to be more precise with my own photos, as well. Repo_Man -- for what it's worth, there's a big difference between your "before" and "after" shots. It does look as if a side-parted style is the best option for coverage. But there is indeed still thickening to come! Sending good follicular wishes... Benjamin

DevilDog, In a word, I would say "no:" based at least on perusing posts on this site, most people have results that they deem good, if not great. I've had two procedures myself, and am happy with both -- as of this moment, I am about 4.5 months into my second procedure's growth. That said, I think that much of the outcome depends on thorough research...and to that end, I don't have any knowledge of Dr. Rahal, but am sure you'll find answers here. I've found this forum to be extremely helpful. Benjamin