finnari

I share a lot of same experiences with you Bill. Although I have a very nice facial profile and stand 6 foot 4 with an athletic body I have always had issues with confidence due to first having acne in high school and then losing my hair in my late twenties. In college I always wore a hat simply because I loved to. Women would take my hat off in bars and say "wow" I thought you wore a hat because you were bald. It was pretty cool. Then I started to lose the hair a bit into my late twenties. The funny thing is chicks didnt care that much but I sure did. It wasnt until my skin cleared and i had that first tranplant that things really started coming togeather for me. This included a lot of work on the inside. I started a meditation and yoga practise and just started to feel really good about myself. My point is everything matters to me including how I look. Before I knew it I had as many women to date as I wanted and ended up marrying a beautiful woman 10 years younger. I never did manage the comb over thing but did do a lot to potentiate what hair I did have.

Bill to answer your question the MT Anne told me they placed closer to 2000 grafts. How am supposed to actually know this? I was so buzzed on valium they could have placed 500 grafts and I would not have noticed the difference. In terms of the dr. placing the grafts herself I guess if she wants her work to relect in how the pt. looks I think its a good idea. You state its more important how the incisions are made. I take your word for it because you seem to know a lot more then I do about the whole process. But I wonder if tech's really care as much as the dr. in terms how the work turns out. Placing the grafts to me just seems like a very important part of the process.

Now that I had my surgery I have an opinion on this matter. I had 1500 grafts placed and it took from 0830-5 p.m. That is a long time. Someone like Dr. Keene who works in a smaller town may have trouble having a large amount of tech's available to work in limited situations. If she needs these tech's infrequently why would they be available to work sporatically? They need to make a living too. So she has a rather small staff that she can consistantly give a living to. Do they suddenly want to work a 18 hour day to do a mega-session? As we know the longer you work doing fine work like transplants the sloppier potentially the work could be. I may be wrong about this but it is my feeling. As for returning the next day for another session. Wow. That would take guts I would not want to go through all that numbing and cutting on an already sore head. But if I was a baldie type guy mabe I would gut it out.

LOL....glad I can help someone. Use it or lose it.

Exactly. I was impressed that Dr. Keene was placing the frontal grafts herself. As a surgeon your skills are in your hands and the artistic abilities that you have. The result of the surgery will be reflected much more clearly if the surgeon actually placed the grafts. After all is this not the most important aspect of the procedure. The rest is up to mother nature and the care you do post operatively.

I've always wondered about guys who do the "comb over". When were in a group and see a guy with it we really get a group kick out of it. It really makes me wonder if the person has a distorted image of himself. As long as some hair covers his head does he feel he doesnt look bald? Now here is the question: how many of you guys have or have had a comb over and what the hell are you or were you thinking?

I've always wondered about guys who do the "comb over". When were in a group and see a guy with it we really get a group kick out of it. It really makes me wonder if the person has a distorted image of himself. As long as some hair covers his head does he feel he doesnt look bald? Now here is the question: how many of you guys have or have had a comb over and what the hell are you or were you thinking?

Its interesting how people blame their problems with any medicine they might be taking. I see it all the time in the hospital. When we get older our units shrink a little bit. Using it helps a lot to prevent this.

I just put a long post in surgeons reviews and experiences!!

I look much better with my blonde hair vs. having a shaved head. With a shaved head I look like a cancer survivor. I have a long skull and having hair helps balance things out. so Mr.Bald: good for you but to each his own. The chicks dig my hair.

I had a 1500 graft HT done with Dr. Keene is Tuscon AZ yesterday. Initially in the process we did have some bad feelings exchanged in terms of payment (paying for my transplant completely 2 weeks before hand). For that see the question and answer segment. I did go in with some trepedation considering the previous bad feelings but I am a positive person and brought good energy in that morning. This was my second transplant I had one with Dr. Hitzig 10 years previous. The most important thing about HT is the result so dont take everything I say about the surgical experience as the complete picture. It is only reflecting the actual experience. The way the hair grows in will be the ultimate judgement on Dr. Keene and I will keep everyone posted. Upon arrival I was brought back to meet the two tech's one who I remember as Ann. They were both very enthusiastic and particularily Ann was great. She apparently is Dr. Keene's first assistant. My hair was washed in a very antiquated chair with no head rest and I must say it was very awkward for both of us trying to get it done. My neck got really sore from trying to hold it in place. Next I was brought into the operating room where I finally for the first time met Dr. Keene. She didnt have a whole lot to say and made outlines where she was going to be placing the grafts and then explained what types she was going to fill in. In all she probably spoke a couple of hundred words during the entire procedure. Not a criticism but Dr. Hitzig definatly was more gabby and enthusiastic. The numbing of the back of my skull was done by a male tech I cant remember his name but he did an outstanding job. Compared to the previous transplant it was night and day. Full marks for the lad for sure. Next they took the graft site and went to work splitting it up. I noticed I believe up to five tech's in the room behind a curtain. They offered my a small t.v. with a somewhat poor selection of video's. I choose Seinfeld. Next Ann the MT numbed the top of my head and full marks to her too. She was by far the most enthusiastic member of the team and made the experience very good. I should note some valium was given to me before the first numbing but it would have been more feasable to give it too me a half hour before so it kicks in. The valium during the procedure is very helpful overall. ONce the grafts were seperated Dr. Keene and her assistant went to work on me. I must admit I felt more comfortable with Dr. Keene working on my hairline. The question begs: if the Dr. doesnt place the grafts or do the numbing what the hell is the point of the Dr. during the procedure except to supervise. Where is the skill of the surgeon being utilized? I must also note the chair she had me in was substandard. It fit a guy around 5 foot 10. At 6 foot 4 like I am their was no support for my lower back. Being on all that valium helped but I wish she had a top of the line chair that would adjust to taller people. The surgery took until 5 p.m. so for 1500 grafts I thought that was very impressive. I was given some post op instructions and off to the hotel I went. Dr. Keene stated its important to take the pain meds to minimize a rise in blood pressure which could cause excessive bleeding. But her Darvocet order was for one pill every 6 hours. Now I am an ICU nurse and I can tell you we give little old ladies 2 darvocets every 4 hours. That proves she is a bit too gun shy about pain narcotics which some doctors are notorious for. So what did I do. I took 2 a soon as I got to the hotel and 2 more 4 hours later when I went to bed. I got a wonderful nights rest propped up on my pillows. The next morning I went in and got spray bottled over the grafts and off I went. I did not see Dr. Keene the next day which also would have been nice. overall a pretty good experience but more importantly here: What will I look like in 8-12 months?

I had a 1500 graft HT done with Dr. Keene is Tuscon AZ yesterday. Initially in the process we did have some bad feelings exchanged in terms of payment (paying for my transplant completely 2 weeks before hand). For that see the question and answer segment. I did go in with some trepedation considering the previous bad feelings but I am a positive person and brought good energy in that morning. This was my second transplant I had one with Dr. Hitzig 10 years previous. The most important thing about HT is the result so dont take everything I say about the surgical experience as the complete picture. It is only reflecting the actual experience. The way the hair grows in will be the ultimate judgement on Dr. Keene and I will keep everyone posted. Upon arrival I was brought back to meet the two tech's one who I remember as Ann. They were both very enthusiastic and particularily Ann was great. She apparently is Dr. Keene's first assistant. My hair was washed in a very antiquated chair with no head rest and I must say it was very awkward for both of us trying to get it done. My neck got really sore from trying to hold it in place. Next I was brought into the operating room where I finally for the first time met Dr. Keene. She didnt have a whole lot to say and made outlines where she was going to be placing the grafts and then explained what types she was going to fill in. In all she probably spoke a couple of hundred words during the entire procedure. Not a criticism but Dr. Hitzig definatly was more gabby and enthusiastic. The numbing of the back of my skull was done by a male tech I cant remember his name but he did an outstanding job. Compared to the previous transplant it was night and day. Full marks for the lad for sure. Next they took the graft site and went to work splitting it up. I noticed I believe up to five tech's in the room behind a curtain. They offered my a small t.v. with a somewhat poor selection of video's. I choose Seinfeld. Next Ann the MT numbed the top of my head and full marks to her too. She was by far the most enthusiastic member of the team and made the experience very good. I should note some valium was given to me before the first numbing but it would have been more feasable to give it too me a half hour before so it kicks in. The valium during the procedure is very helpful overall. ONce the grafts were seperated Dr. Keene and her assistant went to work on me. I must admit I felt more comfortable with Dr. Keene working on my hairline. The question begs: if the Dr. doesnt place the grafts or do the numbing what the hell is the point of the Dr. during the procedure except to supervise. Where is the skill of the surgeon being utilized? I must also note the chair she had me in was substandard. It fit a guy around 5 foot 10. At 6 foot 4 like I am their was no support for my lower back. Being on all that valium helped but I wish she had a top of the line chair that would adjust to taller people. The surgery took until 5 p.m. so for 1500 grafts I thought that was very impressive. I was given some post op instructions and off to the hotel I went. Dr. Keene stated its important to take the pain meds to minimize a rise in blood pressure which could cause excessive bleeding. But her Darvocet order was for one pill every 6 hours. Now I am an ICU nurse and I can tell you we give little old ladies 2 darvocets every 4 hours. That proves she is a bit too gun shy about pain narcotics which some doctors are notorious for. So what did I do. I took 2 a soon as I got to the hotel and 2 more 4 hours later when I went to bed. I got a wonderful nights rest propped up on my pillows. The next morning I went in and got spray bottled over the grafts and off I went. I did not see Dr. Keene the next day which also would have been nice. overall a pretty good experience but more importantly here: What will I look like in 8-12 months?

Just had the surgery yesterday with Dr. Keene I will post a complete anaylsis shortly of the entire procedure but in terms of activity she said no golf for 7 days. I asked if 6 days was okay. She said no. I do think she is conservative which is I am cool with.

Yes if you are going to have surgery with Dr. Keene stay at the La Quinta Inn on broadway. Which is one block from her office. I was woozy from all the valium after surgery. No way could I drive. A taxi took me to the hotel for 5 dollars after. Once I came to my senses I walked back to the office and drove my car to the hotel.

Tommorow is the big day with Dr.Keene. I will have 1500 grafts. Any suggestions that might be helpful that you wish you would have done pre or post surgery. I am enclosing a pre op picture. Thanks.

Tommorow is the big day with Dr.Keene. I will have 1500 grafts. Any suggestions that might be helpful that you wish you would have done pre or post surgery. I am enclosing a pre op picture. Thanks.

Are you kidding about putting off golf for a couple of months? "The swinging action could strain the neck". Sex strains the neck. Would you put that off for a couple of months?

I was fully active about 6 days after my HT. Per Dr. Epstein's post-op instructions, ""?? Avoid any strenuous physical activity the first 2 days to prevent loss of grafts or increased swelling. After 5 days, weight lifting, heavy exercise, etc may be resumed, with swimming able to be resumed at 10 days." THis is what I was looking for. I dont want to sit around for nothing. Getting the blood flowing is important. I am a nurse and the first thing we do after a pt. has big surgery is get them moving!!!! I think people want to do the right thing but waiting a month seems ridiculous and may actually delay healing from not getting your circulation going.

How long after the HT can you do activities. I have a salt water pool that I enjoy swimming in and wonder if it might help in the healing. I also am an avid work out guy. And golf is pretty lame but you do sweat a lot in this arizona heat. Any ideas hair gurus?

How long after the HT can you do activities. I have a salt water pool that I enjoy swimming in and wonder if it might help in the healing. I also am an avid work out guy. And golf is pretty lame but you do sweat a lot in this arizona heat. Any ideas hair gurus?

Actually her office staff told me it was okay to send the check when my debit card was rejected by the bank (I had a 3000 limit on it which I was not aware of). they recieved my check within a day of it being requested. Suddenly the check wasnt good enough which I agree was in their initial policy but I thought they made an exception for me. It was a mix up of commmunication by the office staff not being on the same page. The point was their reaction was off the wall. Calling me with threats and my wife was completly inappropriate. The bottom line is I am going in with expectations this Thursday of getting a great HT. I hope they learn from their dealing of the situation.

Boy things have changed. With my HT with Dr. Hitzig 10 years ago he told me to go out in the sun. That it would promote faster growth. Either way I had no problems. I dont do much sunbathing anyway. AS for exercise in general I did it when my head healed over. Sex? I had that the night of the transplant.

That was pretty funny and you got me laughing. I love the part about the mistress.

I hear where you are coming from with the disrespect but the most important thing for me is the procedure itself. I'm a little uncomfortable going to meet her for the first time and then have her operate but I have to look at the big picture here. I took the time off work. I payed her. I really want the procedure done. She is a good surgeon. (from what others have said on here). This was a good discussion though. This is what these forums are all about. By itself it has been somewhat cathartic.

That was really the part that got to me. Having the doctor call both me and my wife with threats of cancelling my surgey was completly uneccesary. My wife actually wasnt even sure what it was all about. Dr. Keene was very vague with her just telling her that "an appointment" will be cancelled by a "doctor" unless full payment was made immediatly.