2nd procedure

[zaq]

It's been about 4 months since my first procedure. I had a small procedure of around 700 grafts and if I would've known then what I do now I would've had more. The doc I went to was convincing that 2 small procedures was the way to go. I've got a few questions before I go for the 2nd procedure.

 

1) By doing small procedures am I screwing my donor supply up for later procedures if I need them? I've read things about scalp laxity etc. and it has started to concern me.

 

2) I think another 700 grafts would be all that I would need (1400 total) for awhile to achieve good density. I'm probably a nw2 or nw3. Should I go ahead as planned and have another procedure or just let nature take its course and wait a few years until I need a bigger procedure?

 

3) If I do go ahead with the 2nd procedure, how long should I wait until I schedule my appt? Again, I'm about 4 months out from my first procedure.

 

4) I was told that the scar for the 2nd procedure would go right where the scar for the 1st procedure is located. My scar actually looks pretty good right now, does this make the scar worse? Having had a small procedure, I feel like I could still cut my hair very short and if anyone noticed the scar I could just say I had an accident and they would believe it. This has already worked on my hairdresser.

 

4) I've considered FUE/FIT for the 2nd procedure but since I already have a scar I was wondering if there would be any advantage of going that direction? Any thoughts?

 

5) Is there as much shock loss on 2nd procedures as there is on 1st HT's? This past 3 months has been hard, I experienced quite a bit of loss. Fortunately, I would say I'm about 90% back to normal.

 

Any advice will be appreciated. This site has really helped me over the past few months. I wish I would've spent as much time on here before the procedure as I have been since I had the procedure. IF I had I probably would've just had 1 procedure of around 1400 and would not be contemplating on going back for a 2nd for awhile.

[zaq]

It's been about 4 months since my first procedure. I had a small procedure of around 700 grafts and if I would've known then what I do now I would've had more. The doc I went to was convincing that 2 small procedures was the way to go. I've got a few questions before I go for the 2nd procedure.

 

1) By doing small procedures am I screwing my donor supply up for later procedures if I need them? I've read things about scalp laxity etc. and it has started to concern me.

 

2) I think another 700 grafts would be all that I would need (1400 total) for awhile to achieve good density. I'm probably a nw2 or nw3. Should I go ahead as planned and have another procedure or just let nature take its course and wait a few years until I need a bigger procedure?

 

3) If I do go ahead with the 2nd procedure, how long should I wait until I schedule my appt? Again, I'm about 4 months out from my first procedure.

 

4) I was told that the scar for the 2nd procedure would go right where the scar for the 1st procedure is located. My scar actually looks pretty good right now, does this make the scar worse? Having had a small procedure, I feel like I could still cut my hair very short and if anyone noticed the scar I could just say I had an accident and they would believe it. This has already worked on my hairdresser.

 

4) I've considered FUE/FIT for the 2nd procedure but since I already have a scar I was wondering if there would be any advantage of going that direction? Any thoughts?

 

5) Is there as much shock loss on 2nd procedures as there is on 1st HT's? This past 3 months has been hard, I experienced quite a bit of loss. Fortunately, I would say I'm about 90% back to normal.

 

Any advice will be appreciated. This site has really helped me over the past few months. I wish I would've spent as much time on here before the procedure as I have been since I had the procedure. IF I had I probably would've just had 1 procedure of around 1400 and would not be contemplating on going back for a 2nd for awhile.

[GuitarPlayer]

Zaq,

 

I'll try to address your questions in the order that you listed them.

 

1) There has been a lot of debate regarding smaller sessions versus larger sessions on this board as well as other boards. Read the threads and you'll hear all the pros and cons.

 

2) This question is something you'd personally have to decide, but if you're not happy with the doctor's work I definitely wouldn't go back.

 

3) Rule of thumb is that it takes about twelve months to see the full results of a transplant. I would wait the twelve months and then decide from there.

 

4) Good doctors remove the first scar when they do the second procedure. This way you don't end up with multiple scars.

 

5) If the doctor goes into the same area for the second procedure as he did with the first, I don't think there would be as much shock loss. If he goes into another area, you could very well experience the same amount of shockloss or more.

 

GuitarPlayer

[Mahair]

the quack that stripped you for 700 grafts should be shot.Who was it? I am making a list and checking it twice.