Dirge

I have a friend who is experiencing hair loss for a number of years which may be a side effect of medication she has been taking. She has scheduled an appointment to have possible hair extensions at a clinic in Toronto that services those suffering hair loss as result of chimotherapy treatments and or have fragile hair. Just wondering if anyone is aware of a more permanent solutions or has anyone else experienced this problem. My partner has recently undergone his own hair transplantation and has had some success and thought that others may have some helpful advice. Thanks Pam

I have a friend who is experiencing hair loss for a number of years which may be a side effect of medication she has been taking. She has scheduled an appointment to have possible hair extensions at a clinic in Toronto that services those suffering hair loss as result of chimotherapy treatments and or have fragile hair. Just wondering if anyone is aware of a more permanent solutions or has anyone else experienced this problem. My partner has recently undergone his own hair transplantation and has had some success and thought that others may have some helpful advice. Thanks Pam

I considered Dr Rosenberg and met with her twice (I am in Toronto)...as you know, she practices with Dr. Walter Unger, one of the pioneers in the field,and who was my Doctor back in 1980. I found her very persobable, candid and honest with regard to the usual questions...I eventually went with Dr. Rahal as he was only 3.5 hours away and had more extensive experience and reputation etc, and price was similar if not a little less. However, based upon my limited contact with her, and a review of her work and philosophy, I would support the recommendation.

Strattman...if you have any questions or want to just touch base, feel free to get my contact info from Adrian, and I would be pleased to share anything that might be helpful... Dirge

Last Friday March 7th I had my surgery with Dr. Rahal, and from beginning to end, it could not hae gone better. From my first in person consultation with him to my surgery date he absolutely confirmed for me that I had chosen wisely, and I must thank this discussion forum for making Dr. Rahal known to me...I live in Toronto and had been researching surgeons here unaware that one of the world's best was only 5 hours away by car...I could have very easily ended up with a less skilled and experienced surgeon and thus an inferior end result if I had not stumbled on to this site. As you may know, and see from the pictures (I believe Adrian will post them shortly)I am a past transplant patient starting in 1981 when I began a series of three plug surgeries, and them some micrograft surgery in 1995...my goal now was to address my hairline so that I could worry less about people's eyes always seeming to land there sooner or later...I also wanted to reduce the scarring from the donor sites from my previous surgery and I think ultimately both these goals will be achieved beyond my expectations. Dr. Rahal from the beginning was frank and honest with me as to what I could expect and what would look natural and normal for a guy at my stage in life...we agreed on 2000 grafts and I ended up with 2079...throughout the surgery he kept me fully informed of everything that was happening as was my request, except during thiose times when I slept through a good part of the pain free process. As has been noted before, Dr. Rahal takes a great personal interest in the welfare of his patients and my case was no exception...a post op call to the hotel the night of my surgery to see how I was doing, changing his schedule on Saturday morning so my girlfriend and I could get a head start on an impending snowstorm, and then a call at home to make sure we made it home ok...a first class act all the way. I also cannot say enough positive remarks about his staff...Adrian has been absolutely terrfic all the way along, answering all my questions and inspiring confidence in my decision to move forward...I tend to obsess and worry and he very politely and patiently made me feel there was nothing too much I could throw at him. The rest of his staff, from the receptionist with the "perfect personality" for the job (Tereasa, I think)to all the technicians and nursing staff...all first rate and just genuinely nice people. Sorry, for the long post...in short, I recommend Dr.Rahal without reservation and consider myself very lucky to be mere hours away. I will continue to post pics as I move along in this process. Regards, Dirge

Last Friday March 7th I had my surgery with Dr. Rahal, and from beginning to end, it could not hae gone better. From my first in person consultation with him to my surgery date he absolutely confirmed for me that I had chosen wisely, and I must thank this discussion forum for making Dr. Rahal known to me...I live in Toronto and had been researching surgeons here unaware that one of the world's best was only 5 hours away by car...I could have very easily ended up with a less skilled and experienced surgeon and thus an inferior end result if I had not stumbled on to this site. As you may know, and see from the pictures (I believe Adrian will post them shortly)I am a past transplant patient starting in 1981 when I began a series of three plug surgeries, and them some micrograft surgery in 1995...my goal now was to address my hairline so that I could worry less about people's eyes always seeming to land there sooner or later...I also wanted to reduce the scarring from the donor sites from my previous surgery and I think ultimately both these goals will be achieved beyond my expectations. Dr. Rahal from the beginning was frank and honest with me as to what I could expect and what would look natural and normal for a guy at my stage in life...we agreed on 2000 grafts and I ended up with 2079...throughout the surgery he kept me fully informed of everything that was happening as was my request, except during thiose times when I slept through a good part of the pain free process. As has been noted before, Dr. Rahal takes a great personal interest in the welfare of his patients and my case was no exception...a post op call to the hotel the night of my surgery to see how I was doing, changing his schedule on Saturday morning so my girlfriend and I could get a head start on an impending snowstorm, and then a call at home to make sure we made it home ok...a first class act all the way. I also cannot say enough positive remarks about his staff...Adrian has been absolutely terrfic all the way along, answering all my questions and inspiring confidence in my decision to move forward...I tend to obsess and worry and he very politely and patiently made me feel there was nothing too much I could throw at him. The rest of his staff, from the receptionist with the "perfect personality" for the job (Tereasa, I think)to all the technicians and nursing staff...all first rate and just genuinely nice people. Sorry, for the long post...in short, I recommend Dr.Rahal without reservation and consider myself very lucky to be mere hours away. I will continue to post pics as I move along in this process. Regards, Dirge

Thanks buddy...your reassurance is much appreciated!

Well, here I am, getting ready to leave for Ottawa for my HT with Dr. Rahal tomorrow morning...approximately 2000 grafts to enhance the hairline and fill in a bit where I have receeded since my earlier HT's in the eighties and mid 90's. Nervous yes, not about the precedure per se, but more the recuperation phase in the few weeks after. I have taken the month of March off from work and can actually delay going back until after the first week of April. My question is this...within this timeframe, can I realistically expect that I can return to work in 3 to 4 weeks and not have anyone staring at my head...I have not told anyone aout this except my recently new girlfriend ("but I love you just the way you are") and my sweet neighbour (female) who has volunteered the first week to implement my post op procedures for me. Can I realistically expect by then to not be showing signs of the HT...I still have coverage but some of the grafts obviously will be in front of my existing hairline...my concern reflects that I just was appointed to a high profile government job which has me travelling around making pulic appearances and presentations, commencing again the first week of April...is it possible that I could be relatively normal by then? Second question...once I get the stitches out I would like to see if we can get a last minute trip south the last week of March...with past HT's, I was told sun exposure was fine and that it would age the new skin (plugs) and help them be less noticable amongst my existing hair, however, I have heard with FUE I should avoid the sun and any potential for burning etc...is this other people's experiences? In fact, the post op instructions (and pre-op for that matter)seem much more strict and stringent than anything I remember from my old style surgeries...is everything really that much more delicate and fragile...in the mid nineties, they washed my hair the first post op day and I think I was washing my hair normally within a week and on a plane to Mexico while still a little black and blue...this time i am fearful of dislodging something just by unconsiously scratching my head. And finally, I do tend to be a bit of a bleeder (bruise easily etc) and in the old days they wrapped your head in a turban bandage which was removed the second day...I believe I will be leaving Rahal's office with just a little surgical cap on and am worried if I start to bleed in the hotel overnight...does anyone still use the turban bandages and would it be reasonable to ask for one the first night just in case. Luckily, my girlfriend is going to Ottawa with me me but I don't want to freak her out, if you know what I mean (and I have followed the pre-op instructions, although prior to two weeks ago I did enjoy my wine and was taking the daily aspirin etc). Ok, my very last question...I would be interested in any tips etc on how to speed up the healing process...is it really a full month before you can take a regular shower,get your colour touched up even longer than that etc...what can I reasonably expect post-op and how can I ensure as much as possible that I can be fit for human consumption by the beginning of April? As always your wisdom is appreciated...I am 24 hours out from a huge and uncertain journey and these are the things waking me up at night. Thanks Dirge

Well, here I am, getting ready to leave for Ottawa for my HT with Dr. Rahal tomorrow morning...approximately 2000 grafts to enhance the hairline and fill in a bit where I have receeded since my earlier HT's in the eighties and mid 90's. Nervous yes, not about the precedure per se, but more the recuperation phase in the few weeks after. I have taken the month of March off from work and can actually delay going back until after the first week of April. My question is this...within this timeframe, can I realistically expect that I can return to work in 3 to 4 weeks and not have anyone staring at my head...I have not told anyone aout this except my recently new girlfriend ("but I love you just the way you are") and my sweet neighbour (female) who has volunteered the first week to implement my post op procedures for me. Can I realistically expect by then to not be showing signs of the HT...I still have coverage but some of the grafts obviously will be in front of my existing hairline...my concern reflects that I just was appointed to a high profile government job which has me travelling around making pulic appearances and presentations, commencing again the first week of April...is it possible that I could be relatively normal by then? Second question...once I get the stitches out I would like to see if we can get a last minute trip south the last week of March...with past HT's, I was told sun exposure was fine and that it would age the new skin (plugs) and help them be less noticable amongst my existing hair, however, I have heard with FUE I should avoid the sun and any potential for burning etc...is this other people's experiences? In fact, the post op instructions (and pre-op for that matter)seem much more strict and stringent than anything I remember from my old style surgeries...is everything really that much more delicate and fragile...in the mid nineties, they washed my hair the first post op day and I think I was washing my hair normally within a week and on a plane to Mexico while still a little black and blue...this time i am fearful of dislodging something just by unconsiously scratching my head. And finally, I do tend to be a bit of a bleeder (bruise easily etc) and in the old days they wrapped your head in a turban bandage which was removed the second day...I believe I will be leaving Rahal's office with just a little surgical cap on and am worried if I start to bleed in the hotel overnight...does anyone still use the turban bandages and would it be reasonable to ask for one the first night just in case. Luckily, my girlfriend is going to Ottawa with me me but I don't want to freak her out, if you know what I mean (and I have followed the pre-op instructions, although prior to two weeks ago I did enjoy my wine and was taking the daily aspirin etc). Ok, my very last question...I would be interested in any tips etc on how to speed up the healing process...is it really a full month before you can take a regular shower,get your colour touched up even longer than that etc...what can I reasonably expect post-op and how can I ensure as much as possible that I can be fit for human consumption by the beginning of April? As always your wisdom is appreciated...I am 24 hours out from a huge and uncertain journey and these are the things waking me up at night. Thanks Dirge

Thanks for the reassurance...the ironic thing for me is that I am now involved in a relationship with someone who "likes me just the way I am" and thinks I should not proceed...however, she will support me nonetheless and go with me to Ottawa and drive me home. I have already had past transplants so I am already in, and this is really to address the hairline issue which reflects the much more primitive technology of the time...and I am still anxious with less than two weeks to go... Dirge

I'm going March 7th, also from Toronto...getting nervous, I have to admit...but take solace in knowing I have chosen wisely. Dirge

...Posts like this are comforting...I am about 5 weeks away from my date with Dr. Rahal...thanks for sharing... Dirge

I interviewed Dr. Cotteril, Dr. Unger (who provided trainng to Dr. Cotteril) and Dr. Rahal...I am scheduled with Dr. Rahal on March 7th...I decided it was worth the 4 hour drive from just outside Toronto. I am correcting past HT's from the early 80's and mid nineties when technology was more primative, to say the least...at this point I want the best most undetectable hairline possible...and I have heard that this is what Dr. Rahal will deliver...enough said.

...being new to to all of this since the mid nineties I have been getting various quotes on an FUT...is $7500.00 for 900 grafts and $10.00 per graft over that withn normal pricing or is that relatively high or low...this would be by someone specializing in this procedure etc...this is the highest quote I have been given... All feedback is appreciated... Thanks, Dirge

"a picture speaks a thousand words" ...so does a "handle"...assuming as a past patient you trust Dr. Shapiro's endorsement, that should hold you over until some pics get posted... Dirge

Thank you for your post which hopefully leads to Dr. Walter Unger being more accurately undertood, reprsented and appreciated for his past and current contributions, on this site and other's that try to steer people in the right direction with such a potentially life altering decision... Dirge

...and based upon my visit there, and to other approved Doctors, I would say his web-site does not accurately reflect his current practice...he did show mw research that showed the significant increase in hair survival rates in the last few years, as cited in his new book with Shapiro...he also showed me other research to explain why FUI is all he does now, and he showed me his work which I would say were undetectable hairlines...the reseach and the results is what he was most anxious to share with me...and then the bad news...he does less patients and costs about twice as much (or close) and that practicing this type of surgery exclusively is why...

...although i have to admit, the extraction process is not something I inquired about in detail...my main point was that much of what comes up re his practice on a search seems outdated and inaccurate based upon my meeting with him...I am new to the new techniques as well as I have not been down this road since 95 and am currently looking for a surgeon to create the most natural hairline possible...that is my objective...Unger is one I have consulted as well as other's who are recommended on this site...my conclusion was that he is doing the same FUI type surgery as the other's, although he admits he was not initially sold on the method exclusively in all cases, but that has since changed as the techniques have improved in the last 5 years or so...in fact I consulted him almost 4 years ago but then did not follow through...he indicated that this was probably a good thing as there has been significant improvements in this method over that time period...

I believe he does harvest them from a narrow strip...sorry for any confusion... Dirge

To clarify, he does grafts of 1-3 hairs, whatever is extracted witin that range... Dirge

Yes, that is exactly what I am saying...exclusively FUT, for the past few years as techniques and survival rates have improved...now that is all they do at his clinic...this is what he told me Monday... Dirge

No...but as a newbie, I see that I am obviously going to have to adjust the complexity of my posts to communicate effectively here...

Not overly concerned, other than trying to correct what I think is an outdated preception. I would not be surprised if Dr. Unger has een asked before to join the co-alition but turned it down as he does not seek exposure that way...my point is, that after my visit, he said everything that we would all want to hear as to how he would approach the procedure...he confirmed that his views changed several years ago as the technology improved and hair survival during the procedure was garunteed...this was not the case, in his opinion several years ago, particularly when it came to acheiving density...but as he said in closing,due to improved results, do here now... this is all we do here now.

I recently had the opportunity to consult with Dr. Unger in Toronto, and contrary to everything I have read on this Board, he basically does nothing but FUI grafts and has been doing this for years. He has been a convert ever since the research has showed a significantly improved survival rate of transplanted hairs, which previously had been a concern...he acknowledges that this is the only way to appropriately do a trnsplant and createan untectable hairline, except in the most exceptional cases. This is in direct contrast to what I have read on this board as to be being a a dinosaur who would not change etc...from the momement I walked in as a formers patient FUI was the only option discussed...no more punches or strip grafts of any sort. I am not surprised that he is not listed as an approved surgeon on this site as he has alaways stayed away from advertising and the internet etc...he, I am sure, if asked, would decline an opportunity to go through the evaluation process, as he does not need this at this stage of his career, and as the "pioneer" in the field before sites like this and the internet existed, no need to subject himself to that process. Bottom line is he does only FUI's, unfortunately he now charges more do to longer sessions, but all this stuff I have read about him still using punches and strips is just not accurate. I was also impressed with his associate Dr. Marla Shapiro, and I had recently visited Dr. Rahal in Ottawa. I am seeking a natural hairline following transplants in the early 80"s and mid nineties which reflected the technology at the time...so now I am needing to make a decision. I am a past patient of Dr. Unger's for all of my past surgeries but this was the first time I have seen him since 95, certainly not an associate or employee in any way. My point is that there is significant misperception re Dr. unger's practice that needs to be corrected, and his web-site needs updating to reflect his current practice...FUI, state of the art microscopes, experienced teams, and the primary and most significant influence on the field when nobdy knew what state of the art would eventually look like. Dr.unger has evolved and is doing everthing this site advocates...hope this clarification is helpful to others.

...I am soon to be a third timer...had my first round of surgeries in 1980/81 and then one session in 95...now researching a new surgeon who is up to date on the latest techniques, particularly when it comes to a natural hairline...Unger was my pevious surgeon...have consulted Dr. Cotteril and was to see Mackenzie but his office cancelled. Any other suggestions?