Gorpy

Here is an example of that: click here

No, I don't think that is the consensus. I think your transplant looks OK. Shock loss is normal. Now you'll just have to be patient. There are varying opinions about how dense you should have gone, but your case was difficult so it's hard to say.

Bill, This is an interesting technical discussion. Fuzzy sorry for using your thread for this. 4 hair FU's do occur in nature. I think that is clear. Here is an article by Dr. Bernstein on that. Now, looking at the Shapiro article you provided, there is are some subtle technicalities that define a mini-graft (cut to size). A mini-graft cut to size consists of a cut of two close together FU's that are cut out of the strip so that they remain together and are implanted as such. On the other hand putting two natural occurring two hair FU's together in the same insertion slit would not be classified as a mini-graft. I don't think. In any case, it's all semantics and sometimes high hair count grafts are necessary to achieve desired results - depending on the patients characteristics of course. I'm glad I got some high hair count grafts. It works for me and I think many patients could use some to give a little needed density to that central core. That's why the Shapiro clinic uses DFU's where appropriate now and probably use the combined FU's technique that I received. Good discussion. It's just that some times the way you have presented it, it seems like a bad thing to have a 4 hair FU. Especially to a newbie.

Hi Fuzzy, The 4 to 8 week period is the worst. After about 3 months you'll start to see things grow. Not putting a large number of grafts in an area where you have existing hair is a legitimate strategy. It can and does lessen shock loss. As you can see, there are some varying opinions on this board, but that's what makes it interesting. I hope you did get many 3 and 4 hair grafts like I did in my last procedure. They will give you better coverage when they grow out. They do require slightly larger incisions, which might be what Aquarius is seeing. Naturally occurring Follicular Units (FU's) typically have from 1 to 4 hairs and should be implanted intact. So hopefully you had some 4 hair grafts. Being female, I'm not sure if the Follicular Units tend to be different than those of males. Sometimes doctors will combine FU's to achieve better density. For example, they can combine two 2 hair FU's to form a 4 hair FU. I think as your hair starts to grow out in a couple of months, you'll feel much better. Bill, please don't categorize a 4 hair FU as a mini-graft. Gorp

Ah yes, that sounds more normal now. Some 2's behind the initial hairline is normal. You're right, that'll start to look more normal as all the other hair comes in.

No problem jacking my thread (that didn't come out right). As far as 2 and 3 hair grafts in the hairline - you might get away with a couple of 2's depending on where they are, but the 3's might be noticeable.

Another coded message... Oh, I get it!!! Good one buzz

There goes Pushing talking in code again. Dang, I wish I could figure out what he was saying.

Contratulations Finnari, Yes, Ann is a nice lady. Dr. Keene is all business when she works. She doesn't chat much. Plus she told me that she is doing counts in her head while placing grafts, so she can't chat during the procedure. I'm 6'2" and I thought the surgery chair was fine. Folica, I'm not sure what you mean. I think you misunderstood Finarri. She was making the incisions and placing the grafts. That's what is meant by hands on.

If I'm seeing the picture correctly, it looks like a very narrow strip just in the temple area on both sides. Yes, I think 1400 would do the trick. Epstein is great.

Middlesson, I'm happy for you man. As you probably know, some of us can relate to your excitement. Good luck. There's still more to come. Gorp

Yeah, could you fit some of the hot H&W techs in there somewhere

Yeah, and no poking me in the eye with that pointy hair in front. Gel that up a bit and it could be a lethal weapon.

This does not look good. Can we get an explanation from Dr. Bernstein?

Bill, that's classic! I definitely have the best looking legs.

The strenuousness of sex can be varied. I wouldn't do the wild monkey thing right away. Try the slow groove for a while (the wife might like it). Teeing off with a driver requires a strenuous swing.

I agree Jagdish, You have been a tremendous help to the people of India.

Yes, but there are multiple ways of getting the circulation going, aerobics for one. I think the "cautious" part come in when talking about doing things that could put a strain on the area around the scar. For example: lifting weights could strain the neck area. I agree that getting the blood flowing is important. That's why I was doing my eliptical machine a week after.

Agreed. It is one of those "feel" things. Like I said before - it's nice to have choices.

Good point Joe. I should probably just use the word "employee".

that's pretty funny.

We all have our opinions don't we. I would never go to a doctor who has paid consultants that meet with you instead of the doctor him/herself. That's just an excuse so that the doctor can be doing more patients and bringing in more money. Kind of like an assembly line... or to a doctor that left the room and let the techs place all the grafts. Not acceptable to me. But that's just my opinion.

I understand your point of view Bill. I just don't think a policy of requiring payment 2 weeks prior has much relevance to the other point that NN made. You seem to think it's a big deal, but as Ailene pointed out, it is a standard and an accepted practice and has very little to do with the fact that the doctor could be making much more money by lowering her own personal standard. See what I mean? You don't make more or less money by getting paid two weeks before or two weeks after. So the comparison is invalid.

Bill, I just don't really see the connection there. Of course we all have to get paid. I'm sure your doctor "demands" to get paid also and if you didn't pay a conniption fit would soon follow.

I tend to take a cautious approach. I would avoid golf for a few months. The swinging action could put a strain on your neck. You can do light aerobic activity fairly soon. I was doing my eliptical machine the week after. I've heard salt water can actually aid in healing. Some recommend dipping your head in the ocean. Saline solution is basically just salt water.