HarryLemon

Before: Front

After: Left Side

Before: Left Side

After: Right Side

Okay, I've found the pictures Matt took of me immediately prior to the HT (my first). It was Nov.8, 2002, just over 6 months ago. Needless to say, they paint the best picture I've found yet as to how much I've reaped from the 2350+ grafts I received that day by Dr Shapiro. Also worth noting, for my second HT (for which we're currently looking at this December), Dr Shapiro is going to be doing FUE for my right temple, in combination with a strip for the rest of my head. You can see, when looking at my frontal photo, how my right temple is actually quite thinner than my left (especially along the "jaw-clench bulge"). This is actually hereditary, so I know it will not be mirrored by my left side at any stage down the road, hence I'm taking the initiative to even things out somewhat. The exact number of grafts will be between 100 to 200 cherry picked, "temple worthy" hairs, with ultra thin ones backing them up, if necessary, from the strip itself. The extracted FU's will be pulled from my substantially thicker left side. The strip itself will be for about 1500+ grafts on the second pass (for the rest of my head). On the topic of FUE, Dr Shapiro said that he is all for it when it comes to situations such as this, or when it is a comparatively smaller session which is being sought. I don't want to start anything here, but it's also worth noting, I think, that Dr Shapiro is being so "conservative" only because of consultations he's had with many of the more well-known names in FUE that he's discussed the matter with. By his account, from those who were being honest with him, FUE still yields, on average, as much as a 20% transection rate due the fact that it's such a blind extraction process, as it stands now. That's not to say there aren't some doctors out there who haven't reduced that average ??“ even substantially, only to say that according to many of the ones most anyone here would recognize immediately as quite pre-eminent in the field of FUE (here in the US at least), the above statement still holds true (and no, I'm NOT naming names). Personally, I think this may lend credence as to why Dr Cole was so adamant concerning the COMPLETE transference of one's attention towards the one method as opposed to the other, but even he still does large sessions by strip, unless I'm mistaken ??“ perhaps for this very reason; when dealing out grafts by the thousands, surely ANY percentile increase in transection deserves pause. Looking at it from Dr Shapiro's standpoint, this view (however you deem it may've been arrived at) fits-in with his views on density as well, IMO. We've been witness, to paraphrase Matt Zupan, to a real "pissing contest" between doctors (and consequently, patients) in regards to density, and how much density Dr X can give you vs. Dr Y. This is all very good and well for those lucky individuals with the scalp laxity to afford such sessions, but for those (I suspect such as myself) for whom care SHOULD be taken with regard to potential scar stretch, bigger is not necessarily better. I, for one, am very keen on keeping as unbelievably thin a scar as I now possess from session #1, once session #2 has passed. Sure, if I had the scalp laxity of some of the more prominent examples of high density HT patients, I'm sure such super-high density sessions would return equally amenable results, scar-wise, but that's NOT the only reason I happen to agree with the 20-25 FU per cm2 per session approach. Survival of the grafts plays an important role as well for many, if not all, HT patients, and said survival is in no small part dependant on the blood supply transplanted grafts ARE in competition for once transplanted. The greater the scarcity of blood supply through overly-abundant competition, the lower one's graft survival rate becomes. Dr Shapiro doesn't do 20-25 FU per cm2 sessions because he's ??unable' to do 45+, he does it because he's not yet convinced of the efficacy such higher-density sessions yield in terms of graft survival. Sometimes it's hard to see the norm in light of the brightest stars, but THAT's what he continues to base his practices on, pissing contests aside. The fact that this further ensures the best possible results scar-wise doesn't hurt either (But please, before anyone thinks I'm "attacking" anybody/thing here ??“ I am NOT saying that practitioners of higher density HT's lack the integrity to field-out those who would not best benefit from such approaches either. Obviously, if their experience has informed them, safely, otherwise ??“ more power to them!). In any case, here are my 6 month post-op pics... Let me know what you think!

Okay, I've found the pictures Matt took of me immediately prior to the HT (my first). It was Nov.8, 2002, just over 6 months ago. Needless to say, they paint the best picture I've found yet as to how much I've reaped from the 2350+ grafts I received that day by Dr Shapiro. Also worth noting, for my second HT (for which we're currently looking at this December), Dr Shapiro is going to be doing FUE for my right temple, in combination with a strip for the rest of my head. You can see, when looking at my frontal photo, how my right temple is actually quite thinner than my left (especially along the "jaw-clench bulge"). This is actually hereditary, so I know it will not be mirrored by my left side at any stage down the road, hence I'm taking the initiative to even things out somewhat. The exact number of grafts will be between 100 to 200 cherry picked, "temple worthy" hairs, with ultra thin ones backing them up, if necessary, from the strip itself. The extracted FU's will be pulled from my substantially thicker left side. The strip itself will be for about 1500+ grafts on the second pass (for the rest of my head). On the topic of FUE, Dr Shapiro said that he is all for it when it comes to situations such as this, or when it is a comparatively smaller session which is being sought. I don't want to start anything here, but it's also worth noting, I think, that Dr Shapiro is being so "conservative" only because of consultations he's had with many of the more well-known names in FUE that he's discussed the matter with. By his account, from those who were being honest with him, FUE still yields, on average, as much as a 20% transection rate due the fact that it's such a blind extraction process, as it stands now. That's not to say there aren't some doctors out there who haven't reduced that average ??“ even substantially, only to say that according to many of the ones most anyone here would recognize immediately as quite pre-eminent in the field of FUE (here in the US at least), the above statement still holds true (and no, I'm NOT naming names). Personally, I think this may lend credence as to why Dr Cole was so adamant concerning the COMPLETE transference of one's attention towards the one method as opposed to the other, but even he still does large sessions by strip, unless I'm mistaken ??“ perhaps for this very reason; when dealing out grafts by the thousands, surely ANY percentile increase in transection deserves pause. Looking at it from Dr Shapiro's standpoint, this view (however you deem it may've been arrived at) fits-in with his views on density as well, IMO. We've been witness, to paraphrase Matt Zupan, to a real "pissing contest" between doctors (and consequently, patients) in regards to density, and how much density Dr X can give you vs. Dr Y. This is all very good and well for those lucky individuals with the scalp laxity to afford such sessions, but for those (I suspect such as myself) for whom care SHOULD be taken with regard to potential scar stretch, bigger is not necessarily better. I, for one, am very keen on keeping as unbelievably thin a scar as I now possess from session #1, once session #2 has passed. Sure, if I had the scalp laxity of some of the more prominent examples of high density HT patients, I'm sure such super-high density sessions would return equally amenable results, scar-wise, but that's NOT the only reason I happen to agree with the 20-25 FU per cm2 per session approach. Survival of the grafts plays an important role as well for many, if not all, HT patients, and said survival is in no small part dependant on the blood supply transplanted grafts ARE in competition for once transplanted. The greater the scarcity of blood supply through overly-abundant competition, the lower one's graft survival rate becomes. Dr Shapiro doesn't do 20-25 FU per cm2 sessions because he's ??unable' to do 45+, he does it because he's not yet convinced of the efficacy such higher-density sessions yield in terms of graft survival. Sometimes it's hard to see the norm in light of the brightest stars, but THAT's what he continues to base his practices on, pissing contests aside. The fact that this further ensures the best possible results scar-wise doesn't hurt either (But please, before anyone thinks I'm "attacking" anybody/thing here ??“ I am NOT saying that practitioners of higher density HT's lack the integrity to field-out those who would not best benefit from such approaches either. Obviously, if their experience has informed them, safely, otherwise ??“ more power to them!). In any case, here are my 6 month post-op pics... Let me know what you think!

Very nice results that you realized there, Vocor1. Pretty identical to my regrowth from Propecia as well! Congrats! HarryLemon

I read that Spiro has the reverse effect on hairs that DEPEND on testosterone, like body hairs, so I began to wonder: Do the hairs on the back and sides of our heads also owe their growth to testosterone? Would Spiro be a detriment to their growth when they are relocated to the front, where we are trying to treat the native hairs that fade away otherwise? Just curious... While I'm at it - riddle me this: You know how roughly 10% of our hairs, at any given time, are in the resting phase, but they do so in a totally random pattern over our entire heads, naturally? Well, what happens to all those thousands of grafts, that've been forced into that slumber period from the surgery, when the time comes for them to take their next, natural "break"? Shouldn't they ALL FALL OUT AT ONCE???!

Stanley, could you take just a couple more pictures but without the flash - it's way better. Also, try and include at least your eyebrows in them, so we can see things in perspective more. Thanks, HarryLemon

I only just got started about 3 weeks ago - for some reason, it took over 50 days for them to arrive. I've placed my second order, and am now worried that it'll arrive in time so as not to break my daily regimen - they're going faster than I thought they would (especially the Lipoxidil). I'll definately let you know more around November though!

I used Folligen Cream for about 3 months post op from my first HT last Nov., and it really calmed down the redness that I had from it. I also have dermatitis on my scalp, and it didn't exacerbate anything at all. Hope this helps, HarryLemon

Not at all. By all means, see as many Doc's as you can. Just hold off on falling for any bedside manner that might appeal; you wanna be looking at their patient book(s)/pictures. THAT's where you'll get the best idea of what that particular doctor is likely to give you for the rest of your life. But I must stress again (even if it means starting a paragraph with a 'but' - but then, look at me!), DO NOT MAKE AN EMOTIONAL MOVE WITH THIS DECISION! You will find that MOST Doctor's have a very pleasing bedside manner, and you may even be offered discounts by some to get you in their chair sooner rather than later (the latter being a big warning sign). What matters most is their proven, past work. Regards, HarryLemon

Ummm, there's no picture there.

Through thorough reading of this site, you will find that, unfortunately, top HT Surgeons are NOT a dime a dozen. With the kind of investment your considering, and the impact it will have on your life (negatively or positively), for the rest of your life, you owe it to yourself to do your own research here and look through this site EXTENSIVELY. Just be thankful you found this site before jumping in "head first", and DO NOT limit yourself geographically. This is too important to get cheap on travel with. I'm a SoCalian myself, and I didn't think twice about traveling for mine. Most of the folks on this site did also. Read and you'll see why... Regards, HarryLemon

Has nobody ever mentioned how genuinely distinctive you must look? I know you're probably rolling your eyes now, but I only say that because your own self image might differ greatly from what others perceive about you? Again, without pictures of you now, it's impossible to do anything other than speculate, let alone sympathize. I just want to make sure that society's media isn't being overly-influential here, image-wise. If there's one thing I'll always lament and ponder upon, it's why it takes SO LONG (if EVER) for most people's sense of self (and ergo self image) to become convex to the world, instead of perpetually caving-in to what's around us and remaining concave to it. How many kids still in school (or out of school) really WANT to be wearing those clothes or talking like that? Can they even differentiate what THEY want from what they think society wants from them?? We all want to please others to a certain extent, my beef lies with when it comes to forsaking your own bleeding backbone, is all (should one even be cognizant of it's existence). Sorry, bit of a ramble... I don't mean to come-off all parental, either. If I do I apologize. It's just that, as far as squared-off vs. NW2 is concerned, I can TOTALLY relate to how you must feel right now. If I can add just one more thing here though, it's that, as a guy, once you hit your mid to late twenties (usually starts at 23 or 24), forget about your hair, YOUR SKIN starts to change. Your peach fuzz completely hikes it, and your body literally morphs out of the "I'm still beating death" phase and into the "still very young but mature phase". I'm totally talking physically now! Once that transition is over, BELIEVE ME, often times you WILL PREFER a slight recession at the corners. You know why? Because it looks distinctive! Maybe your time is yet to come, where you really start to come into yourself. God knows it took a while for me (physically). Physical boyhood dies a death for physical manhood to appear. Mine didn't fully materialize until my late twenties (we're all living longer and longer you know), and I'm only 31 now. I'll shut up now. HarryLemon

I am a fair-skinned, blond man who had 2300+ grafts transplanted 5 and a half months ago now (Dr Shapiro), and I can tell you, for me, I had quite noticeable redness/pinkness stretch out well into the 3rd month. On occasion it would be there - slightly - in the fourth, but now is completely gone (thank GOD!). Luckily, wearing a cap isn't out of place with my work, plus I get to work from home most days as well, so this didn't force any unwanted explanations with anyone. I just never left the house without my cap! Home was the only place I was able to "be pink", and not have a care about it. My wife was a great help through that! If you are fair-skinned, my advice to you would to be to get a nice tan before surgery (no sun-burn!), and keep that tan going with Clinique's self tanning solution, afterwards, as you mustn't sit in the sun for at least 3 months post-op (preferably a little longer). Tanned skin will hide most, if not all, of this redness, so you CAN avoid it. I know what to do now should I go back for more. Hope this helps... as much of a PAIN IN THE ASS as all that WAS, it was still very, very much worth it! HarryLemon

Man, I hope your projections prove accurate, for your sake, Microprose. To not even be NW2 and draw a line in the sand like that... Please keep us posted on your progress. Would you be willing to post some pictures of you as you are right now, so we can compare them down the road? Thanks, HarryLemon

PRGuy - you may want to try Folligen (www.folligen.com). It really helped my skin calm down - as it'd stayed red for a good 3 months post-op. Now, at 5 months & 10 days, it is normal again. Paul148 - I'd like to recommend Emu Oil to you for your scar, especially now that it hasn't stretched (yet?). Emu Oil is LOADED with collagen, which is essential for connective tissue strength, plus it's unique molecular weight allows it to penetrate deep into the skin immediately. It should help you keep from stretching. What is the skin medicine you mention using? I don't know if I have rosecea, but my skin is certainly very sensitive as well... just curios. Thanks, HarryLemon

Paul148, how's your scar now that you've had a 2nd HT and over 4 months have passed? How wide would you say it is in mm's (at the widest point)? Thanks, HarryLemon

I get my generic Proscar from http://www.generics-online-pharmacy.com/ProductList.htm . The cost used to be $39.40, but now it's that in Euro's, which, as of today's exchange rate, equals $42.97, FOR 60 5mg TABLETS! That's still a huge savings compared to elsewhere. I've been quartering it, so maybe the 1.25mg would do you good, as opposed to the 1mg, in your case... In any case, it currently amounts to only 18 cents a day with this provider. If you find anyone cheaper I'd like to know, please. As far as quality is concerned, let me just say that I was on Propecia for over 3 years prior to starting this generic alternative 4 months ago. Propecia reversed the loss I'd begun having at that time at about the three month mark. Now that I'm 4 months into this alternative, I've had zero loss from my crown, which would have been the case by now if this wasn't good stuff. You can read about the pharmaceutical manufacturer from links on their main page if you want - they seem totally legit (and are even floated on the stock market). Hope this helps... Sincerely, HarryLemon

I'm no doc, but you look like a good candidate to me. Kinda on the same scale as Wassup and Futzyhead was at prior to getting a HT. Have you visited any doc's yet for consultations, or sent them pictures for review??

Have you been under any particular stress for this period? Change in diet or eating habits?? Started any new drugs/prescriptions???

Same here... Did you go for FUE? If so, how many grafts did you get?? Thanks, HarryLemon

Your picture didn't load, can you try it again, please? Ah, never mind (I see your second, new post).

The fact that it is shedding like crazy shows that you are RESPONDING like crazy. That's a crazy, crazy, GOOD THING BABY!!! Do yourself a favor, and don't scare yourself off of it if you're responding in such a strong fashion. That really is good news! Don't stop. Give it 3 months AT THE LEAST. Be sure to let us know how you shape up! Regards, HarryLemon