Tips for getting the best possible results pre and post surgery?

[sr0d]

Hi all...long time lurker first time poster. After years of contemplation I am finally going to get it done next week.

 

I am going to Dr. Keene for an FUT procedure that will invollve about 1800.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations on what things to do that will help me:

1) maximize growth (what can i do to give each and everyone one of those grafts a chance?)

2) minimize scarring (is there something i can take to heal up the scaring quickly?)

 

Thanks in advance for your help.

S

[aaron1234]

For growth there is nothing you can really do except go to a great doc. Applying Rogaine to the area has been said to speed up the growth but not necessarily maximize it. To minimize scarring I would do a lot of scalp exercises pre-op and don't do any heavy lifting post-op for awhile. But sometimes a patient will scar poorly just becuz of his own physiology.

[sr0d]

Thanks for the reply. I wonder is something containing retinol (ie. revitol) would be helpful in healing the scar. The only thing is that it might be tricky to apply under the hair.

 

Isn't there also something a doctor created that contains rogain and a few other things for post op?

[Capelli11]

I agree with Aaron. Def do your scalp exercises however if your only getting 1,800 and are a virgin scalp you should be fine. You should heavily consider taking Propecia before the HT to help strengthen your hairs so this could limit any shockloss. You can also use Rogaine on the recipient area as it tends to increase growth time. In regards to post op...follow your doctor's instructions. You should be spraying the grafts every few hours with Saline solution to keep them moist. Also putting Vitamin E oil on the grafts for the first week also. These should all be in your Dr's post op instructions. In regards to the scar...I have been putting Polysporin on it...once the sutures came out I continued to put it on...this helps with any infection and helps in the healing process to lower the redness too. After that time period though, you just have to let the magic happen...the waiting game begins and you go about your daily life. After around 4 months you should start seeing some growth...remember it takes around a year to see the full results...maybe even longer.

[sr0d]

I have been doing some scalp exercises...maybe only about 2mins/day of rubbing and stretching the area. I'll note the vitamin E and ask my doctor about it if she doesn't mention it. I've been taking fin for the last few years and will continue to take it. I believe my doctor said to stop for a couple of weeks after surgery...I'll have to confirm that.

[Capelli11]

I did the Vitamin E for the first 7 days. I wouldn't stop taking Fin after the HT...haven't heard of that before. I did hear though you can't use Rogaine right after though. To wait like 2 weeks minimum. Def do the saline spray every few hours and Polysporin on the scar twice a day for 2 weeks too...then once a day for the next week give or take. Hope this helps...! Let me know if you have any other questions/concerns!

[SugarHighs]

I have read that some patients used aloe vera (alcohol free) on the recipient area after finishing the Vitamin E oil. Check with your doctor of course first, though.

[MyNameIsRich]

Good luck and please post pictures of your progress

[sr0d]

Thanks for the responses guys. I will post some before and after pics. I am going with Dr. Keene as I have seen some good results and feedback about her work.