My Journey so far: Strip Ht With Dr Feller, New York, Some thoughts and pics

[pianoman99]

Hi,

 

 

http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/blog/home-page.asp?WebID=1253

 

 

I'm from the UK, and have just had a 2600 graft strip HT with Dr Feller. These forums have been a life saver for me, and this decision has been 2 years in the making. I'd like to share some thoughts on my journey:

 

1) Obsessively research on these forums.

 

There is a mine of information, and (rarely) mis-information here. Most posters are helpful, sensible and realistic.

 

2) A Hair Transplant is not normal.

I mean this as a truism, not a criticism. As you get into the forums and blogs, there is a lot of support, encouragement, and congratulations of results- most of which is deserved. However - friends/family/work colleagues may see a HT as extreme/bizarre or laughable. Can you consider buzzing your hair short? You may have no hair, but you can buy a new BMW with the money you save! (I obviously didnt want to consider buzzing by hair - I have the same shaped head as John Cleese - which is why he had a HT as well)

 

3) If you are in the UK- MEET SPEX!!

 

Spex was the first guy I met who has a HT - after 15 years of it being my secret, to meet him was great. He is unbiassed, straight talking, and very sensible. And- he will let you rummage about if hair like a monkey looking for grubs! - so make use of him. IF you decide to go with Dr Feller, he also goes out of his way to make it easy, and cheap.

 

 

So, I bit the bullet, and have just had a HT from Dr Feller. As expected, the guy is really cool. He is obsessive about what he does. I also discovered we have 2 shared interests: Playing piano, and Electronics. Check out the books in his office. Now, I know the sort of people who build their own radios, and that exactly the sort of person I want fixing my hair!

After examining my hair, he said the best donor areas had be left by the UK clinic (The Hair Clinic in London). This is the area just above the lump at the top of your neck. All 4 previous strips had been done very low (why?? because they should be chopping up pigs, not doing HTs). He also confirmed that I have "plugs" in the middle of my head- whopping great 10 hair grafts. Now - The Hair Clinic in London (did I say to not use them? well dont) never told be this, when they schpealed on about min-grafts, and showed me their fraudulent hairline photo collection.

 

So, after a pathetic plea to not shave my head down to grade 0 - they shaved my head down to grade 0 I know they cant work any other way. Not shaving is how crap clinic (like The Hair Clinic, in London - did I mention them?) used to hide their pluggy botch jobs. I ended up with 2600 grafts - instead of 2000. Dr Feller didnt charge me for the full difference, since he knew I came all the way from UK. I really believe the Spex and Dr Feller are altruistic, in an industry full of sharks and con-men!

 

After the initial numbing jabs, the procedure was not bad at all. The incisions were done by Dr Feller, and the grafts placed by the nurse/technicians - 2 or 3 of them working at a time. For the important bits then work in silence, and you can feel the concentration! I see where the cost of a HT goes - there were maybe 5 or 6 skilled people there, all working on my hair, for the entire day. Im surprised it doest cost more actually.

 

what else?... some tips if you are travelling from UK to Dr Fellers Clinic:

 

1) Prior to departure you need to fill out a VISA waver form on line, as well as the green form (which you get at check-in). Go to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov I didnt do this, so had to mess about with my laptop at the checkin desk for 30 minutes!

 

2) Arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure. Security is a lot stricter than is was last time I flew to the US. When entering JFK, they take your finger prints, and photo.

 

3) Avoid American Airlines - there is no leg room, and all the flight attendants have faces like slapped arses and attitudes to match.

 

4) Print out the directions to the Hotel form JFK - from the hotel web site. The cabbie I used didnt know the way. Cab cost $40

 

5) Checkout the area on google maps before leaving. You can even do a virtual walk between the hotel and Dr Feller's office. This helped in knowing where I was.

 

6) On the evening before, take a walk over the the supermarket, and stock up on fruit, water, drink, sandwiches etc.... (Dont touch the mini-bar, unless you have lots of cash left over after flight hotel and HT costs!).

 

7) Wear non white T shirt for the procedure - you may want to bin it after wards!

 

8) Dont watch Fox news for 6 hours. There is only so much "war of terror" one man can take.

 

 

Im attaching 4 pics:

 

Outside of Dr Feller's office

Inside of Dr Feller's Office

The inside of my booze filled mini-bar (dont touch it!)

The top of my head, post op. (Im finding this surreal to look at - maybe its just the pain killers)

 

This was therapeutic to write - hope it helps.

 

(right, start growing you little bu**ers!)

[PanamaJimmy]

Pianoman99,

 

Thanks for sharing some great thoughts, along with some good pointers.

 

While you may be right that from someone else's viewpoint an HT may not be "normal", the only normal that matters is in your own head. Just wait until about a year goes by and you see people you haven't seen for a year. Even if you care about what they think, they won't be thinking anything other than, "damn, that dude looks a lot better than last time I saw him!"

 

A Hair Transplant, aside from the obvious physical change, is about EMPOWERMENT. Anyone that goes through this odyssey has balls my friend, and has taken matters into their own hands.

 

Looking forward to seeing photos a few months out!

 

Panama Jimmy

[Bill - Seemiller]

PianoMan,

 

It sounds like you've had an excellent procedure and have learned a lot. Thanks for creating a patient website and sharing your experience (including what you've learned) with our community. I look forward to following along with your progress and hope you'll add photos monthly to your new website

 

Best wishes and happy growing!

 

Bill

[TakingThePlunge]

pianoman,

 

Congratulations on your wonderful experience. I wish you all the best!

 

I would like to address one comment though. There are many fine doctors in the coalition (including my own) that do not require patients to shave their heads. I'm sure each doctor has his or her own reasons for why they do things but I assure you that quality results can be had in either case.

 

I look forward to following your progress!

 

TTP

[1966kph]

pianoman...looks as though your going to end up with a nice result once grown out,it just goe's to show that some dr's are'nt just in it for the money but are honest kind sincere people that put patiants needs first...all the best grow well and have a nice day....

[pianoman99]

Hi Panama Jimmy

Thanks for the reply. My wife says the same thing - Its about empowerment, and taking you life into your own hands.

I liked your web site - your result look excellent. I guess you are open about your HT with your friends/family?

What has your experience been of others' reactions? In the UK this is still rare (which is why most UK clinics dont seem to be up to the same standard as US), and so I keep it quite. If my work colleagues knew about my HT, I would be ribbed mercilessly, and people would come from miles just to look at me, like a circus show

I did this, so my hair would not be and issue or talking point in my life - so I keep it "under my hat".

Wondered what the difference is for you?

Thanks.

 

Pianoman99,

 

A Hair Transplant, aside from the obvious physical change, is about EMPOWERMENT. Anyone that goes through this odyssey has balls my friend, and has taken matters into their own hands.

 

Looking forward to seeing photos a few months out!

 

Panama Jimmy

[PanamaJimmy]

pianoman99,

 

I was definitely lucky because I was not too advanced on the Norwood scale, but still, comparing before and after photos, there is a clear difference. I got a lot of comments once my hair grew in and people wondered if I'd lost weight, been working out, etc. Still, not one single person ever guessed why I looked different! Obviously, the more advanced the hair loss and the more dramatic the change, the harder it is to explain away! I myself had to show my parents before and after pics before they actually believed me!!

 

The hardest part of an HT, the waiting, is actually in your favor. First of all, almost nobody, aside from those of us who have faced this, have any idea what a Hair Transplant is. People still think, "Oh, big noticeable plugs!" So, the last thing people will guess a year from now is that you've actually had thousands of incisions in your head, invisible to the naked eye, that have produced a totally natural head of hair even a stylist can't call out!

 

When people ask, and they will, why you look so much different or better, or perhaps even why you have a fuller head of hair, they'll buy almost any story, because, remember, in their heads, if you had actually gotten a Hair Transplant they would believe they could spot it, plugs and all. Rogaine is more socially acceptable, so use that if you want. Or, tell them your blood circulation has improved after working out.

 

The hardest part is hiding all this in the beginning. Even if you don't care if others know, like myself, it's best to hide it in the beginning because not only is it a bit ugly, but then you're a walking science experiment for the next few months! LOL

 

I still believe that even if everyone in your office found out tomorrow, you may get a rough time in the beginning, but the last laugh is on them when the results show. Whatever negative comment some insecure wanker might have, there is no doubt that you end up esteemed and respected by the great majority. Who doesn't want to look better?? Only a loser, that's who! What argument do they have a year from now??

 

Office person #1: "Hey, can you believe that guy got an actual hair transplant?!"

 

Office person #2: "No way, that's BS, you'd be able to tell!"

 

Office person #1: "Seriously, he has way more hair now! Don't you remember?"

 

Office person #2: "Um, whatever, looks really good at any rate. Hey, can I bum a smoke?"

 

Remember, it's mostly in your own head :-)

 

Panama Jimmy

Edited May 10, 2010 by PanamaJimmy

[Blake Bloxham]

Pianoman99,

 

Excellent writeup! I think you did a great job covering all aspects of your hair transplant journey, and this review will definitely be helpful for prospective patients. Well done.

[HairyAgainUK]

Hey Piano... great write up...many of the things I can relate to wish I was back in NYC.. next time I'll have a few drinks and party a bit. But great to hear you had a very good experience and look forward to seeing your progress! All the best mate

[Blake Bloxham]

Spex,

 

Thank you for the update! The work looks great.

[pianoman99]

Thanks All, for replys.

Ill keep posted with pics (having trouble posting the this web site, but will keep my blog updated

http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/blog/home-page.asp?WebID=1253

 

almost a week on now, and to be honest, I dont look much different. My morning routine is waking up with a headache (the back is still sore, and numb), and looking in the mirror and thinking "what the hell do I look like!" :-)

Taking MSM (1000 -2000mg day) to try to increase growth (although it looks like it is not proven to work- only anecdotal evidence ?).

[pianoman99]

Hi Spex,

 

Plane home was ok, thanks. No hassle in JFK. Inflatable Travel pillow is a MUST. It helps your neck take most of the weight , rather than the new scar.

Really strange to see those pics - Ive always hidden behind what hair I have on top. You can really see the big "plugs" when its short.

 

Yep - a watched kettle never boils!

[hairthere]

piano, MSM will possibly only increase the growth of your native hair, not your transplanted hair. take care, it will get better but takes 3 months for growth to start and at least 5-6 for any cosmetic change.

[pianoman99]

Hi,

 

12 Day Update: Ive just taken all the staples out. I did it myself ! I read on a forum, (by a surgeon) that he recommended taking every other staple out first, then all of them.

 

I found it quite easy - I used a bottle of Jack Daniels, a plank to chew on, and a claw hammer.

It took a while to set up 2 mirrors (one was a shaving mirror, with a x2 magnification) and to get the light right. Really, I would not recommend it - quicker to go to your GP clinic.

pretty pain free, and strangely satisfying - like picking glue off you hands when you were a kid.

The advantage it, then if you snag a hair, or scab, you can immediately back off and get another grip.

 

TIP: never accidentally use the staple remover took UPSIDE DOWN! It will bend the staple the wrong way, further into your head!

 

Attached our some pics. Would appreciate your comments. On one side I think you can see a lot of shock loss (either that, or that is the scar from the previous HT. You can see the terraced effect of all the other HTs Ive had, underneath the donor scar). Am worried about buzzing that area down.

 

Had no swelling or spots. All the graft hairs are still in. Am using Minox twice a day - read that this will give a 30% chance that the grafts will not actually fall out - which would be nice.

From the pic of the top, you can also see where the single hairs were placed on the hair line.

Can also see, in the middle, the dirty great f*ck* off orrible punch grafts.

 

Am going on holiday with the out-laws in weeks time. NIGHTMARE. will have to buzz the hair down, and just use a cap the whole time.

[Dr. Alan Feller]

Thanks for posting your experience Pianoman. The area under your incision is NOT shockloss. It's just an area where a couple of the scars from your prior surgeon coalesed into one large one. Had your skin been more flexible or your donor area thick enough I would have excized those old scars, but in that area it was impossilbe without risking a lower yield. You might want to do a small FUE into that area sometime up the road if it really bothers you.

 

I've also included some close up pictures of the repair work we did for you. We packed in single hair grafts in front of the plugs and then packed in 2-3 hair FUs between the plugs and extended it down toward the hairline where you had few or no grafts.

 

Grow well and enjoy your vaction. Look forward to your follow up pictures in teh coming months. Once again, thank you for taking the time to participate online.

 

Dr. Feller

[Tsakalos]

It's just an area where a couple of the scars from your prior surgeon coalesed into one large one. Had your skin been more flexible or your donor area thick enough I would have excized those old scars, but in that area it was impossilbe without risking a lower yield.

 

Dr. Feller what do u mean by that ?

 

what does the yield of the hair transplant has to do with the scars, do u think that when high tension is caused it can lead to poor yield ? and if yes, what is the explanation for this ? cause i am might be experiencing just that and need to know the connection , if any...

[pianoman99]

I guess that means that to take a strip than includes the scar, then some skin that would normally contain follicles is just scar tissue - so less yield?

Bit of a shame for me, cos I'm looking pretty sparse back there. After 4 previous strips, I guess something has got to give.

 

Thank you for responding, Dr Feller. I will keep updating my blog with the progress. Yes- I would consider FUE into these scars as a next move. I presume, cosmetically, this procedure is easier - not as much shaving down required?

Ive seen Spex's result from FUE into the scar, and its really good.

Other than that, the only other issue is the remaining peak hair.

Hope Ive got enough donor left :eek:

 

Dr. Feller what do u mean by that ?

 

what does the yield of the hair transplant has to do with the scars, do u think that when high tension is caused it can lead to poor yield ? and if yes, what is the explanation for this ? cause i am might be experiencing just that and need to know the connection , if any...

[Garageland]

Hi Pianoman, thanks for your informative and entertaining write up on your surgery I wish you all the best with the final result.

 

After 4 previous strip surgeries your laxity was not going to be good so Dr Feller would have been unable to get you that number of grafts if he removed the scar tissue aswell, I had the same choice the first time round for me, it won't affect the yield as in the number of hairs that will grow in the recipient just the number of grafts that the doc was able to get. Once the final results grows in you may find that having to wear you hair a little longer is not a problem now you have more hair on top again.

[pianoman99]

Thanks Garage,

 

Your hair loss pattern, and HT story looks similar to mine. (which gives me hope). - I feel totally gutted sometimes that I went back to the same clinic 4 time, and used up a lot of scalp laxity - and giving me big scars at the back.

How are your scars? Do you have it longer at the back, or can you buzz it with clippers?

Pre H&W, did anyone guess you had a HT?

 

Im 2 weeks post op - and Dr Feller should have stapled my cap onto my head as well! doldrums!

[Garageland]

Piano, btw big respect to you for taking out the staples on your own I just operate two mirrors and try to take staples out I would have the staple remover upside down.

 

I have always had to wear my hair slightly longer, you can see from my recent post my 4 year update pics it is probably as long as I have it, i can go alot shorter, but I started going to a hairdresser that would scissor cut it rather than use clippers a few years back, they always knew not to go too short hence you stick with the same barber for as long as you can!

 

No-one ever asked me outright if I had a ht but I am sure some people guessed, still I never had to answer the question thankfully I think I would have crumbled on the spot.

 

Chin up re the doldrums, the first few months are tough things look worse before they get better that is for sure but things will soon get much much better for you.

[M&M]

I'm so happy that you are on the road to recovery. As a victim of a bad HT in the past (Bosley), I can relate. Here's to some fast growing!

[pianoman99]

Hi,

Thanks Garage/M&M for words of encouragement.

 

16 days post op - went for a hair cut. Feel much better now. I chose my barber wisely I think - a guy who was involved in HTs and now does Hair Systems (god forbid)- so knows how to be discreet. (not like the Italian maniac with number 3 clippers, that I used last time)

He managed to even it out - while still leaving it long enough at the back to almost cover the 5 strip scars. Yes thats 5. Do I win the prize for "Most HTs with bugger all to show for it?" Hopefully that will change.

I feel vaguely normal now. the ironic thing is, this is the first time in my life Ive been out in public with very short hair, and exposed thinning crown, and it was great! Felt like I had nothing to hide - didnt care if the wind blew by hair.

 

I am using Couvre to cover the scars that show through. The graft hairs are still hanging in there. And Im quite attached to them. They are my friends, and I talk to them every night. (Im kidding). (no Im not).

 

anyway... the guy that cut my hair was quite old, and was telling me a lot about the history of HTs and some of the horror stories he has seen. Invented by Dr Orentreich (new York) in the 50s, using 4mm plugs - can you imaging looking like this:

http://www.surviving-hairloss.com/images/history_3.jpg

 

He was also telling me about "Flap Surgery" - he has met a few people who have had this done. OMFG. A 4cm stip harvested from the side is implanted on the hairline - skin and all. This must have been utter HELL for the people that had it done. Can anyone reading this shed any more light?

 

All this did make me think: HTs are still only 40 years old. Will we look back in 100years time and view FUE/strip surgery with the same disbelief? What will the technique be at that time? (or, as Gene Roddenberry once said, when commenting on jean Luc Picard's baldness, in 2233 we wont need a cure, because we wont care about make Pattern Baldness)

[pianoman99]

Hi,

 

4 Weeks post op.

Attached some pics. All the graft hairs have gone - shame, because all that is left on top is the pluggy old grafts. My native hair on the peak is still there, which unfortunately shows the difference between natural hair, and a early 90's micro-mini graft job.

I am returning to work tomorrow, and will have to keep my head held high (literally, and metaphorically!)

Am still using Couvre at the back (on the old HT scars - the new one seems to be very small - great!)

 

I still have a lot of numbness above the HT scar, going all the way up the the crown. Im hoping that will decrease? Anyone else had this ?

 

Waiting for these new grafts to come in is going to be REALLY HARD!

[BadHairUK]

Hey Piano.. mate your looking in great shape! I remember everything your asking is very much the same as my concerns when I had my 1st. Its perfectly normal to worry, there's no way anyone can not have concerns after there 1st ht as your entering into a whole new experience of uncertainty. Your in great shape at this stage, everything is normal and your going to look great by the end of the year... take care mate and try not to worry I know thats easier said than done, but I have had 4 HT's and know how your mind goes all over the place as you have so much time to over think everything rather than just remembering your only at the very start, the end results are why they are called end results because they are at the end not at the start listen to Spex.

 

Looking good, All the best mate and heal and grow well :cool:

[pianoman99]

Thank GoodHairUk,

 

I read with interest all your posts, and pictures.

- its not my first HT - I actually have had 4 previous procedures, but like you, they were bad early 90's ones, leaving me feeling very down and self conscious about myself. Hopefully things will get better.

Some differences (in my opinion) between crap UK Strip, and Dr Feller strip procedure:

 

1) With recent HT, I had no swelling. With "The Hair Clinic, 1991-1992 I turned into the Elephant man. Probably because putting in plugs and mini graft is more traumatic, needed more fluids pumped into my head.

 

2) With recent HT Ive experience a lot more numbness - maybe because my previous HTs donor strips were all (way too) low,

 

3) The Hair Clinic bandaged my up like a mummy when I left. Little did I know, then actually removed chunks of skin, to make way for the plugs

 

4) The Hair Clinic (UK) used a Dodgy ex second hand car salesman to hard sell me a HT, with fraudulent pictures, promising me the same results. Dr Feller has Spex, who is definitely not a salesman - no comparison!

 

I could think of others, but I just start ranting!

 

 

Hey Piano.. mate your looking in great shape! I remember everything your asking is very much the same as my concerns when I had my 1st. Its perfectly normal to worry, there's no way anyone can not have concerns after there 1st ht as your entering into a whole new experience of uncertainty. Your in great shape at this stage, everything is normal and your going to look great by the end of the year... take care mate and try not to worry I know thats easier said than done, but I have had 4 HT's and know how your mind goes all over the place as you have so much time to over think everything rather than just remembering your only at the very start, the end results are why they are called end results because they are at the end not at the start listen to Spex.

 

Looking good, All the best mate and heal and grow well :cool: