LGRANDE

Actually, it's 13 days post HT and tomorrow I hope to get my sutures removed; The HT was in the frontal hairline area only and was a combo of grafs and FU's. The first 3-5 days post HT were brutal because of the swelling which began at my forehead and later moved to my eyes and face. I took advice from members of this forum and slept either upright and/or with 2-3 pillows and also iced the swollen area every chance I could which helped a tremendous amount with reducing the swelling. Showering was a bit nerve wrecking the first 1-3 times, but I was very careful not to allow the shower to directly hit the HT area as instructed. The Dr. gave me a surgical sponge which I utilized approximately 3 times and I disposed of it; I showered every other day after the HT so that the HT area could scab up quicker, in which it did. During the scabbing (healing) period, my head became itchy in the HT area, but I didn't scratch or pick at it. In fact, it still itches, but I guess this is normal. Now it's close to 2 week post HT and I can see hair growing in the HT area which my Dr said would take approximately 30 days to grow. No, it's not like a Chia Pet after adding water to it after a couple of days, but it's definitely growing. My friends ask if the HT was painful and I can honestly say, "no." Other than the annoying swelling, the only discomfort I felt was near the donor area which is currently still a bit tender and sore. I guess now I'm just playing the waiting game. If Anyone is considering HT, I definitely recommed it, but don't forget to research first (ie Dr, location, price). Oh and expect to take 3-5 days off from work to recooperate, which entails plenty of lying around, icying and resting.

Actually, it's 13 days post HT and tomorrow I hope to get my sutures removed; The HT was in the frontal hairline area only and was a combo of grafs and FU's. The first 3-5 days post HT were brutal because of the swelling which began at my forehead and later moved to my eyes and face. I took advice from members of this forum and slept either upright and/or with 2-3 pillows and also iced the swollen area every chance I could which helped a tremendous amount with reducing the swelling. Showering was a bit nerve wrecking the first 1-3 times, but I was very careful not to allow the shower to directly hit the HT area as instructed. The Dr. gave me a surgical sponge which I utilized approximately 3 times and I disposed of it; I showered every other day after the HT so that the HT area could scab up quicker, in which it did. During the scabbing (healing) period, my head became itchy in the HT area, but I didn't scratch or pick at it. In fact, it still itches, but I guess this is normal. Now it's close to 2 week post HT and I can see hair growing in the HT area which my Dr said would take approximately 30 days to grow. No, it's not like a Chia Pet after adding water to it after a couple of days, but it's definitely growing. My friends ask if the HT was painful and I can honestly say, "no." Other than the annoying swelling, the only discomfort I felt was near the donor area which is currently still a bit tender and sore. I guess now I'm just playing the waiting game. If Anyone is considering HT, I definitely recommed it, but don't forget to research first (ie Dr, location, price). Oh and expect to take 3-5 days off from work to recooperate, which entails plenty of lying around, icying and resting.

Robert, Spoon and Zerro, Thanx for the help and advice. Although I feel like Herman Munster looks, it's only a matter of time before great things happen. Up to date the only complaint I have is that darn swelling, which has now moved down to my nose, eyes and cheecks. I showered for the first time since my HT and it was pretty nerve wrecking. I used the surgical sponge provided by my doc (sponge side only) and it wasn't to bad. Is this surgical sponge a one time use thing or can I continue to use it??? It was wrapped in a sealed aluminum type package. The instructions don't say it can or can't be reused. If anyone knows plz let me know....

Day three, in addition to my forehead and temples being swollen, my nose and eyes are also swollen. But it seems as if my forehead has gone down somewhat. I've not bled and I'm just a little sore near the HT area. In fact, the area feels numb. Is this normal? I've been taking Keflex and Toradol (prescribed by Dr) for 3 days now and with my luck, I'm still swollen. As far as the donor area goes, I can feel the sutures, but it doesn't appear to be swollen nor does it feel numb like the HT'd area. Today will be my first day washing my hair and am nervous. I guess I don't want to screw anything up. I was given a surgical brush which I'm supposed to use only the soft side on days 2-6. Anyone have any additional do's and don'ts??? Has anyone heard anything good or bad of Dr Thomas Wentland M.D., S.C.??? His practice is based out of Arlington Heights, IL. Please advise. Thanx.

Spoon, Dr Wentland(Arlington Heights,IL)performed the HT surgery and utilized sutures. I feel like poopies and haven't left the house since the surgery. I think I'll be ok when the swelling goes down. I've been wearing a loose fitting ball cap to hide the swelling. Per the Dr, I've also been taking 800mg of Ibuprofin to help with the sweeling. Any additional advice???

Spanky, I too am 2 days post HT and my forehead, temples and eyes are also swollen; I look like I went several rounds with the champ and lost. I've been icying and trying to sleep in a reclined position, but I too wonder how long the swelling is supposed to last. my doc instructed to take 800mg of Ibuprofin to help with the swelling....I hope it works

Just received my first HT on Wed and am quite excited. I don't know what to expect after reading most of your experiences, but am hoping for the best. Today is day 2 and my face is swollen; I look like I went a couple of rounds with the champ. How long is this supposed to last. My doc said 1-2 days. Is this true? I've been icying my forehead 3-4 times a day for approx.ly 20 min. Is there anything else I should be doing to keep the swelling down?

Just received my first HT on Wed and am quite excited. I don't know what to expect after reading most of your experiences, but am hoping for the best. Today is day 2 and my face is swollen; I look like I went a couple of rounds with the champ. How long is this supposed to last. My doc said 1-2 days. Is this true? I've been icying my forehead 3-4 times a day for approx.ly 20 min. Is there anything else I should be doing to keep the swelling down?