Midiman

maki, I don't think they're "supposed" to shed. In all likelyhood most of them will, but stay positive and maybe they'll continue to grow normally and mature. It happens to some guys. My advice... If you reach the one month mark and still have most of the grafts left, I wouldn't be too aggressive in getting them to jump ship

Well I hope that Dr. Keene worked some magic on me. My donor density was said to be very good with other doctors . I guess having "thick" hair doesn't always mean your a good HT candidate.

Hi action, That's definitely new hair based on your week 5 pics... congratulations! I think these guys will stick around for a while. At week 4, I'm starting to shed my 2500 w/Keene now. I'm glad to see your progress in that we're only a month apart. Sure is tough at first isn't it?

I had a hair transplant 3 weeks ago with Dr. Keene. Because she was out of state, I had to wait for my "in person" consult until the day before surgery. She of course looked at the donor area but nothing was said about its "possible yield", nor did I ask. After the procedure, she mentioned that she had to "pair up" some grafts in the frontal area. Now looking back, I assume this meant I had a minimal amount of "threes and fours" for her to work with. Therefore at 2500 grafts, I may not achieve the results I'd hope for. Anyone else have a similar situation in which "pairings" were used? If so, did the amount per graft double? Thanks

I had a hair transplant 3 weeks ago with Dr. Keene. Because she was out of state, I had to wait for my "in person" consult until the day before surgery. She of course looked at the donor area but nothing was said about its "possible yield", nor did I ask. After the procedure, she mentioned that she had to "pair up" some grafts in the frontal area. Now looking back, I assume this meant I had a minimal amount of "threes and fours" for her to work with. Therefore at 2500 grafts, I may not achieve the results I'd hope for. Anyone else have a similar situation in which "pairings" were used? If so, did the amount per graft double? Thanks

I think you're a good candidate for this. You have a good attitude, are realistic about the outcome and are asking good questions. From my perspective you should go for as many grafts as possible the first time out. Judging by your pictures, 3500 will probably give you only minimal to semi-moderate coverage. Also, you will need the surgeon to rebuild your hairline to cover your hair system scar. Another thing to remember is that you'll save money in the long run if you go for a large megasession. The cost of grafts over 2000 drops significantly with most companies and is even negotiable in some cases. Look at my weblog. You'll see what 2500 grafts is capable of achieving... and that's basically 25-30cm2 to stem the shockloss of my existing hair. I'll let the professionals chime in now to answer your other questions. I'm relatively new here so my advice is to be taken with a grain of salt. However, I can envision your outcome very easily and you'll look great!

Glock.. Jo is right. Judging from your last photo you look to have a very good donor area. Better to go with a clinic that can handle megasessions (5000+) with ease. Also, if you haven't already, get on Proscar to help curtail any shockloss you may incur following the surgery. Midi

Damn... got any genes you'd like to share with the rest of us! Very nice!

Hey thanks Ben... If I get through the next two and a half months without losing most of it, I may consider a "buzz". Right now I'll stick with the beer type! I see you're almost at two months. A lot of grafts my friend with a very good doctor! No doubt you'll be seeing some real growth very soon. Thanks for the encouragement!

Anant, I take it you've looked at my weblog? Yes, the healing is going well thank you. I'm starting to shed a bit more, which at first was discouraging but now seems like a favorable sign. The rogaine might be inducing that... I hope you're progressing well too.

Anant...you were a great candidate for this and you chose your physician wisely. Good luck with your recovery and regrowth!

Good to know... thanks. When I lightly touch the hair, it literally feels like all the life has been taken out of them. I wasn't expecting it so soon but I guess you're right.. it's a good sign.

At almost three weeks post-op, I'm noticing that my newly transplanted hair is becoming quite brittle and dry, even though I'm using a Nioxin conditioner every day. Is this normal? Maybe a sign that it'll soon be shedding?

At almost three weeks post-op, I'm noticing that my newly transplanted hair is becoming quite brittle and dry, even though I'm using a Nioxin conditioner every day. Is this normal? Maybe a sign that it'll soon be shedding?

Yes, but her instructions say for only three months. After that you have the option of continuing it if you want.

You're right Gorpy. I've started to notice some shockloss from my preexisting hair. Not too bad as of yet. And yes, I'll re-read my post-op Rogaine instructions carefully!... thanks.

Great... good info and advice! I'm at two weeks post-op tomorrow. I'll start a 3-month Rogaine regimen tonight (already on Proscar/1.25mg a day). Hopefully that, and the 25-30 cm2 procedure will help reduce the loss. Dr. Keene spoke very highly of Dr. Shapiro's staff when I "questioned and answered" her during the HT. I can easily see why now... thanks!

Well maybe I'll reconsider Rogaine use? Janna, if I don't end up shedding a lot of the hair that Dr. Keene transplanted soon, what would be a fair amount of time to know whether or not the hair is going to remain in place and not fall out due to shockloss? Thanks for your contributions here!

Good question tkerr22... Briefly back to Nioxin FB. I decided to use some last night... big mistake! Stung like crazy! I'm thinking it'll be better to just let the grafts grow normally without additives.

Janna, thank you for the information... Concerning FB, I started a full-on Nioxin regimen about nine months ago after two hair stylists claimed their husbands were having success with it. Nioxin FB claims to "repair damage caused by free radicals, enhance nutritional uptake by energizing cellular scalp activity up to 200%, and protect against the phototoxic effects of sunlight thereby improving hair density and quality". It does indeed cause redness when applied to all areas of the scalp. Because I color out my grey, I noticed an immediate regrowth of new grey hair to my frontal zone... maybe 15-20 new hairs a day. Nothing to write home about... but a definite improvement. I'm not claiming it'll work for everyone, and this hair was possibly coming out of its telogen phase, but I definitely had more hair after nine months. (obviously not enough to deter a HT )

Thanks everyone. I'll refrain from using saline now. Janna, quick question... Does Dr. Shapiro recommend short-trial Rogaine application to help speed growth of newly transplanted hair? I frankly had better results using Nioxin's "Follicle Booster" prior to the HT and would like to start its regimen soon if it's alright. Thanks...

I'm ten days post-op with Dr. Keene (2500 at 25-30cm2). So far very little shockloss to grafts and surrounding hair. Also, I haven't had much in the way of itching or scabs. However, I have been using a fair amount of saline.. not sure why, maybe to relax the scalp a bit and aid its cleanliness? I'm wondering if there's such a thing as using "too much" saline after a procedure. My concern is that it may be hampering the graft's attachment to the scalp. Any concern in doing so or am I just paranoid? Thanks

I'm ten days post-op with Dr. Keene (2500 at 25-30cm2). So far very little shockloss to grafts and surrounding hair. Also, I haven't had much in the way of itching or scabs. However, I have been using a fair amount of saline.. not sure why, maybe to relax the scalp a bit and aid its cleanliness? I'm wondering if there's such a thing as using "too much" saline after a procedure. My concern is that it may be hampering the graft's attachment to the scalp. Any concern in doing so or am I just paranoid? Thanks

Good of you to offer Janna...

niceguy, You have come to one of the best sources on the Net for hairloss advice. The veterans here know exactly what they're talking about. Pay attention to their advice! No one will steer you wrong here. Good luck! Midi