Maximus

Thanks for the comments. I will be following up with him as it grows more to get a better idea of my density and how it all turned out. I left the country shortly after the procedure so I never had a chance before this to follow-up with him. It is hard to know what it is all supposed to look like. It will be interesting to see what coverage and density all this yields. I am happy with everything and Dr. Cooley works hard to create the best transplant.

I heard the Rogaine foam might be better, possibly less irritating? Any thoughts?

Hey everybody, Just finished HT#2. It is hard to believe I will have gone from NW5a to a fuller head of hair. I've been deployed with the Army in the Middle East and just returned. I was happy with the results of HT#1 and almost decided not to do a second one. It would be great to get rid of the bald spot on my crown so decided to go for a second round. The second procedure went even smoother than the first. Dr. Cooley and his staff are awesome in their attention to detail, hard work and passion for their job. More details on procedure #2 are posted on my web log. One of the things that really impresses me about Dr. Cooley is that he is always researching and looking for ways to improve the procedure. He doesn't hesitate to try new techniques that improve results. To aid healing this time around, he used: -Regranex gel for the follicles -Regranex solution spray for the days following post-op -IVIVI Ring Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) -Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment HT#2: 3,094 grafts/7,929 hairs w/Dr. Cooley 1 x 586 =586 2 x 1,513 =3,026 3 x763 =3,389 4 x 232 =928 -33cm long strip by 1-1.5cm wide -Excellent laxity due to scalp exercises -Saggital incisions used, lateral slits on my first HT Updated pictures will be posted on my web blog.

Hey everybody, Just finished HT#2. It is hard to believe I will have gone from NW5a to a fuller head of hair. I've been deployed with the Army in the Middle East and just returned. I was happy with the results of HT#1 and almost decided not to do a second one. It would be great to get rid of the bald spot on my crown so decided to go for a second round. The second procedure went even smoother than the first. Dr. Cooley and his staff are awesome in their attention to detail, hard work and passion for their job. More details on procedure #2 are posted on my web log. One of the things that really impresses me about Dr. Cooley is that he is always researching and looking for ways to improve the procedure. He doesn't hesitate to try new techniques that improve results. To aid healing this time around, he used: -Regranex gel for the follicles -Regranex solution spray for the days following post-op -IVIVI Ring Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) -Topical Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment HT#2: 3,094 grafts/7,929 hairs w/Dr. Cooley 1 x 586 =586 2 x 1,513 =3,026 3 x763 =3,389 4 x 232 =928 -33cm long strip by 1-1.5cm wide -Excellent laxity due to scalp exercises -Saggital incisions used, lateral slits on my first HT Updated pictures will be posted on my web blog.

Definitely add Dr. Cooley to your list. I had two awesome procedures with Dr. Cooley. If shaving is a big deal with you I have no doubt he will work with you. My first procedure there was no shaving, my second procedure he shaved. Before he shaved he asked me and made sure it was it was ok with me. I told him to go for it, I wanted the best results and had plenty of time to grow it all back. Bottom line is that he and his staff are excellent and care about their patients. They will work with you. Just talk to him about your concerns and preferences in the initial consult.

Had a great first transplant with Dr. Cooley and am looking to do #2. Wondering what the next best steps would be? Crown work? how much would be needed to fill the crown? Fill in front more? Any suggestions or tips about a the second procedure? I'm deployed with the Military and can't send any pics right now. That is why my profile hasn't been updated recently. Thanks in advance...Max

Had a great first transplant with Dr. Cooley and am looking to do #2. Wondering what the next best steps would be? Crown work? how much would be needed to fill the crown? Fill in front more? Any suggestions or tips about a the second procedure? I'm deployed with the Military and can't send any pics right now. That is why my profile hasn't been updated recently. Thanks in advance...Max

Hi Everybody, Can't believe 4 months have flown by so quickly. Everything is going well and it is fun to watch the hair fill in. I am happy with my hairline and everything looks good. My understanding is that at about 5 months density is around 50% with more to come between months 7-10 and the full results apparent at 12 months. What do you think? Things are looking good now and if more density is to come, I am really going to be happy. Keep me updated with all that is going on with you. Take care...

Hair Apparent, Thanks for posting, it is encouraging and I am looking forward to hear how things progress. Sounds like several of us are in the hurry-up-and-wait stage. I am almost at one month since the procedure. I've started a new job and it keeps me traveling so much that I still need to post pictures to a photo album. Twelve days after my procedure, I started work and they took my picture for the photo ID. It was cool because all my transplanted hair was still there and it turned out good. Keep us posted.

Hi Rottun, (1/15/2006) The "Best." That is a good question. Because every surgeon and patient are unique, I'm not sure how to answer it. All the surgeons you mention are first class! It kinda reminds me of dating and chemistry. When you go out with several "perfect" women, all are incredible, with some there is "chemistry" and others there just isn't...ok...maybe it is not a great analogy but there are a lot of excellent doctors out there...how do you choose? The good news is, it is easier to weed out the surgeons who are hacks or disingenuous. In the end, time always tells. Here are some thoughts: -The best surgeons tend to do excellent work, consistently over the time. -They hold to high standards and continue learning. -They have a good staff that work well as a team and have low turnover. -They are candid, have integrity and care about their patients. -They pay attention to detail and have a creative, artistic flare. -They are knowledgeable of the science of hair transplantation and are always looking for new ways to improve quality. -They are an artist who continue honing artistic skill...much like a painter. They are painting your scalp with your hair. -If there is an issue, they do what it takes to make it right. -And or course, they have many satisfied patients. What else would anyone add? To narrow down your search, try some of these options with each clinic: -Continue to research the Internet, forums and google the doctors. -Do an online consultation with each clinic -Talk to the main contact person on the phone. -Email the main contact a few questions and correspond back and forth. -See if you can talk with the main doctor briefly. -Visit and consult with a few local surgeons, even if they are not on your list. It never hurts to talk to as many people as possible. It gives you a good feel for what to look for. After making a few inquiries at a local clinic, it helped crystallized what I wanted and didn't want and made my decision easier down the road. -Email or call some of the patients on this forum. -Make a pro/con list comparing the surgeons, prices and what your "gut" says. The key is to ask questions, listen, collect information, take notes and get a good "feel" for what works for you. Even with all the best information it eventually comes down to a leap of faith. And even under ideal circumstances things can happen. After talking, visiting, and emailing you will get good information and a feel for whom you might feel comfortable with. You may even want to visit your top two choices in person. Time is on your side. Keep us posted on your search.

Hi Gator, Sounds like you have done your homework. Good job. I'm the type of person (perfectionist) that wants all the information before making a decision...especially big ones like this. As a result I tend to procrastinate and delay longer than is good for me. In the end, we can never really know all the variables and it eventually it comes down to doing it and adjusting as we go along. For me, I try to get as much good info to give me a 70%-80% good picture then jump in and make adjustments as I move forward. Even under the best of circumstances, things can happen. You have plenty of time, no hurry, time is on your side, just don't let paralysis by analysis and over thinking get you like it gets me sometimes. It is a big decision and a big step of faith. Not to mention $$$$. Especially those weeks after I put down the deposit and committed to the procedure, my mind kept wondering if I did the right thing. I lucked out and met a few comrades-in-arms who had the same procedure done around the same time and it was encouraging to talk with them. It would be great if you could find a couple of guys who used your doc or are having the procedure around the same time to email and talk to. I've always wondered what a hair transplant (HT) would be like and it took me 4+ years to take the leap of faith. I just had my first HT this week and it feels GREAT to be on this side of the decision. Like you, I researched the docs, picked a good one, everything went smoothly, and it is really cool to have hair...still hard to believe. The fun of watching grow it over time is just beginning. Best wishes and keep us posted on your progress.

Hi! Thanks for your encouragement. What NW class are you? Your two-week break sounds good enough and I don't think it will be a problem. Especially if you get your stitches out before you go to school. I will post pictures after a week and after 14 days to give you an idea what to expect. I'm new to this as well. It is going to be fun to watch how all this unfolds. Like you, I'm trying not to draw too much attention to my hair. I start my new job just 10 days after my procedure. From what I have, heard that is enough time. Except it would be really great to have my stitches out as well. During my first week of work, I will still have my stitches in and hopefully they will be invisible. Unfortunately, a week before the procedure I cut my hair pretty short (b/w #2-#3) but with a little Minoxidil and MSM I'm hoping it will grow some...we shall see. They say any scabs and all will fall out from 5-10 days. Stitches are taken out after two weeks. Do you live near Charlotte? Dr. Cooley's staff likes to do 7-day post op exam/cleaning. There is a good chance that the 7 day post op cleaning will remove any remaining scabs. Some people on the forum said scabs were gone after a week. Right now, I have a strong "5 o'clock" shadow that I am hoping will mostly fall out by the time I start work so it is less noticeable. I heard that some people keep ~10% of the hairs while the rest fall out to grow back in 3-6+ months. Of course, with the scabs gone, the new "5 o'clock" shadow looks good and I don't think anyone would really notice it stayed. Good meeting you and take care.

Just had my first hair transplant procedure on my NW5a head with Dr. Cooley for 3,217 grafts. For me, the procedure was very pleasant...easy, relaxing and painless. It lasted from 7am to about 9 pm. I'm still amazed with the staff, Dr. Cooley, and especially seeing HAIR on my head. It is too cool! You can also see my blog: http://www.hairlossweblogs.com/home-page.asp?WebID=29

Hi Everybody, Just had my first hair transplant procedure on my NW5a head on Thursday, (Jan 12,2006) with Dr. Cooley for 3,217 grafts. For me, the procedure was very pleasant...easy, relaxing and painless. It lasted from 7am to about 9 pm. I'm still amazed with the staff, Dr. Cooley, and especially seeing HAIR on my head. It is too cool! See also: Photo Album; Maximus Blog My Story For a while, I wasn't sure I was making the right decision to invest in cosmetic surgery when I could put the money into a house or a great sports car. Now, I am glad I went with the hair procedure and Dr. Cooley. Hair loss never really too bothered me as I aged. My hair started receding and disappearing at age 18. I've always had some sort of hairline and the picture of myself in my mind has always been with hair. I've been blessed with good friends and family. The hardest time for me was in high school when I first realized that baldness ran in my family and my full head of blond hair would disappear one day making me bald. My dad looks good bald but it grieved me none-the-less. I resigned myself to my fate, determined to be the best person I could be, and never looked back. Beauty is on the inside; especially as time takes it toll. Physically, there will always be room for improvement. And most women are very attracted to humor, confidence, and inner strength. You don't hear about too many women breaking up or divorcing a guy because he is "bald." Cherry-On-Top Be comfortable with who you are first. Don't look for a hair transplant to change your life. Change your life, be fulfilled, and then add hair. A hair transplant is the cherry-on-top and it does make life more fun. That being said, one of my greatest wishes was to have hair on my wedding day and in the wedding pictures. Now, that is possible again. And who knows, maybe my wife is just around the corner. Making the Decision For the last 3+ years, I have read the HTN forum learning a little at a time just in case I decided to give a hair transplant a try. The forum is a great resource. And most of all, talk openly and candidly with the doctor and ask a lot of questions (write them down and bring them to the consultation with you). They are the experts who do this every day and see hundreds of clients. Starting out it probably good to talk to a several docs and read the forums on the Internet. Then you will get a good sense of what works for you. And in the long run, the hacks become more apparent and the cream rises to the top. A buddy of mine shaved his head completely and he couldn't believe how many women came up to him to feel his head and tell him how much they loved bald guys. That was going to be my next step. Of course, there were things I didn't like about hair loss. Since I give a lot of presentations in front of groups, I didn't like having a "shiny" head. And I didn't like it when a date or girlfriend talked about her ex's hair or commented how she wished I had hair. Also, when I went out with the guys and we met girls, I didn't like be described as the "bald guy." Still, I considered cosmetic surgery was for only girly-men but two things changed my mind. One was this summer when I went to Columbia, SC and had Lasik/PRK eye surgery to improve my vision for the military reserve. It was one of the best decisions I made. Being able to see the alarm clock at night and to throw away contacts and glasses was awesome. I loved it and got a taste how cool it is to make a significant change to my body. Then I started thinking about what a striking improvement adding hair on my head would be. Secondly, I wouldn't have gone forward if it wasn't for this open forum and the honest information people posted about their experiences. I tend to be skeptical when it comes to infomercials, or the hype of glossy brochures, or testimonials with lots of tremendous claims or excessive glowing praises. In addition to all the good information about the hair transplant process, options and personal experiences, the forum helped me with the hardest part, choosing a doctor. From what I've read, it is hard to go wrong with the top docs recommended here. For me, I decided to drive 4 hours to Charlotte from Atlanta to work with Dr. Cooley. D-Day, January 16, 2006 The morning of the surgery, I arrived at 6:45 a.m. and the staff was bright eyed and ready to go. It was nice being the first patient at the clinic and then later at 9 pm I was the last patient to leave. The Hair Line The hardest thing for me was trying to visualize what the new hairline would look like. I wish I'd taken a hairline picture at the initial consultation so I could refer to it while I waited and wondered if I was doing the right thing. The pictures on this forum are good but it still hard to imagine how it looks on oneself. Then there is the question, do you focus on the hairline and first third or do you spread grafts out as much as you can to the back? I chose to focus on the hairline and density of the frontal third of my head. For me, not being shiny up front is important since I do a lot of public speaking and face-to-face meetings. Of course, balance is important. A too low/full hairline and a bald crown throws the balance off and may cause more attention to baldness. We talked about what I wanted and Dr. Cooley gave me some suggestions. Dr. Cooley has done this so many times and has a good artistic eye, especially with my unique noggin. I relied on his experience and skill. Whatever you decide you want, it is what he will do. I went with his recommendations and trusted his artistic touch. I am really pleased with the hairline he created and the work he did. It is better than I expected. Of course, I'm looking forward to seeing how it unfolds over the year. And as far as "the crown" goes, to me most women who see us from behind will be looking at our "buns of steel" and not the "crown," right?! ;-) Also, I emailed Prospicience who just had the same procedure and he gave me some good input. And the next day I ran into iFloss at my follow visit. Thanks for the encouragement guys. By all means, if you have any questions contact people on this forum. When you think about it, we are living art. For the rest of my life people will see the work of Dr. Cooley's hand and the work of his staff in my visage. When a hottie rubs her fingers through my hair, I (and she) will have Dr. C and his staff to thank. Now, I can't wait for a girl to play with my hair. Since I've been bald forever, it's been a while. The Procedure The 14 hour day didn't seem that long too me. I dozed off a few times. Listened to audio books on my iPod and watched movies. I usually have a hard time sitting still more than 40 minutes at a time. But the procedure was just easy, casual and relaxing. Dr. Cooley and his staff are very personable and easy to talk with...talk a little, watch a movie, listen to an audio book and zoom the day was over. It still amazes me how hard Dr. Cooley, Ailene, Brandi, Christy (sp?), Stacy (sp?) and the rest of the staff work. They pay attention to detail, care about the patient, are highly skilled and diligent. Donor Area Removal Have you seen the picture of the gaping slash Prospicience posted about his strip removal yet? Well, as I laid face down on the massage table that gory image was in my mind and I was waiting for the feel of "Velcro" pull of skin being yanked from my scalp. I was paying careful attention and it was hard to tell what was going on. It seemed like the recipient area was shaved and a blow-dryer/vacuum thing was used to catch the hair. Then I felt a vibrating massage instrument and an occasional pinch of a shot of some sort. Then the next thing I felt was a small pinch and it felt like a stitch...then it was done. Received 100 stitches and didn't feel a thing other than a couple of pinches on head and arm. It is pretty amazing and I can't believe how totally painless it was for me. I had a great lunch and took about 4 bathroom breaks. A couple of times I had one of those "tickles" in your throat from allergies that make you cough and eyes water and they brought me a class of water when I needed it. Most of the staff went home towards the end of the day and for about the last 2 hours or so Dr. Cooley looked at final results and meticulously added the final touches of grafts here and there to perfect his work. Kind of like an artist adding the final touches to a masterpiece. Dr Cooley, and the staff are caring and encouraging. Suture I knew the suture would be long but it is still kind of freaky when you feel the stitches with your hand for the first time. Instead of having a short wide suture, my suture goes from ear to ear...kind of intimidating and scary. The idea of a longer scar is that it will be thinner and less perceptible. Especially, compared to shorter and wider scars. Dr. Cooley uses the "Triphalic (sp?) closure" method that allows hairs to grow through the scar making it hard to discern. I believe Dr. Rose calls this a "Ledge Closer." I went with regular stitches instead of dissolvable ones b/c they seem to provide a less visible scar and better healing. At any rate, I am confident that my scar will be as good as you can get. Often I wear my hair short (#2-#3) for the military reserve weekends every month and I don't expect any noticeable difference in appearance. Bonus You can tell they enjoy their job and the impact their work makes on the patients appearance and life. He also offered to remove a red spot (cherry angioma) off my head, which was thoughtful and appreciated. Plus it saved me the expense of getting it done later. That "cherry spot" used to be way above my hairline. Since 18, I watch my hairline recede above that spot over the years. It had been my measuring stick and I almost wanted to keep it. With the promise of a new hairline, I decided "the spot" is past history as well. It is a new day in the neighborhood. :-) Post Op Afterward, I had no swelling, minimal scabbing, a little tightness and little pain, which Tylenol took care off. When I awoke in the morning there were spots of blood on my pillow when my surgical cap came off as I slept. It kind of freaked me out. I couldn't tell where the blood came from...seemed like from the stitches. Later that day for the follow up appointment, Dr. Cooley said everything looked good. He said he was "blown away" with how many grafts of 3 hairs I had. That is encouraging news to hear. Recovery Regimen My regimen now is spraying the special "green spray" that Dr. Cooley gave me. My head isn't that itchy and I spray the green stuff several times a day. It is a good excuse to admire my hair in the mirror. Also, I put Neosporin on my sutures 2-3 times a day. It seems to lesson the "tightness feel" and from what I read, it is supposed to reduce visible scaring. Then of course I'm taking a "Vitalert" a great multiple vitamin (at WalMart) and also MSM. On day 3, I started 5% Minoxidil and will use it for a month to fertilize the graphs. My crown is so bare I doubt it would help it much. I can't wait to get the stitches out and get back to exercising. Overnight Accommodations The Best Western hotel they arranged was really comfortable and I was surprised how nice it is...a free, modest breakfast buffet of sausage, biscuits, eggs, waffles, cereal, coffee, etc.; in room internet connections (bring your own Cat 5 cable), public computers online and wireless Internet available in the lobby. I ended up paying for an extra night to relax, catch up on reading, work, and do a little goal setting. It felt good to be away from home and in different surroundings. Turned out to be a good break and a "mini vacation." WOW! I still can't believe I finally did this...WOW! It feels like anticipating Christmas day and can't wait to what is in store. Feels great to finally be on this side of the HT decision. It will be a fun adventure to watch develop. When you get a chance, watch "Simpson and Delilah" when Homer grows hair on his head...too funny and so true. With his "executive hair" he gets promoted, a big raise and all kind of perks (second season DVD). Who knows what is in store with my new "executive" hair :-) Going into this I was confident it would be a positive experience, yet I realize that expectations are often premeditated resentments. I knew I was in good hands but not sure how things would work out. I couldn't have asked for a better, more pleasant experience and I am really glad I had the opportunity to do this. It makes me want to do it again and I probably will in a year or so. Even if I don't have a second procedure, I am very happy with what I have. I will keep you posted on my progress at my web blog: Maximus Blog and will post pictures on the blog and photo album as soon as I get my pictures set up.