Hair cut just prior to surgery?

[Shampoo]

I was curious why so many guys don't shave their hair down quite a bit

right before they go in for their transplant?

 

I see so many pictures of day one post op where you can see the surgeon

shaved down the top and the patient is left with longer hair on the sides

that looks rather ridiculous. Wouldn't a buzz cut of some degree at least

match up somewhat better?

 

What is the primary reason patients wouldn't stop by a barber shop a

day or two prior to the hair transplant surgery and get their hair buzzed

down quite a bit so that the sides dont look so crazy the first few days

after surgery?

 

Wouldnt it be better to not have to fool with getting the sides cut

after surgery?

 

Is it because they want the surgeon to see and get a feel

for how they look with their hair?

 

I am sure there must be a reason and I was just wondering.

 

Thanks guys.

[Dutch]

I grew mine to about a number 4 so Dr. Hasson could see the quality of my hair. Then he shaved it all down but asked me if it's ok. Said he'd be able to extract better quality hair out & I think he said it'd be easier to work with cutting out the strip.

As for leaving the sides post op, that's up to the person, and no it doesn't look too good but may want to hide the scar, staples & shock loss. The latter lasts months

[Shampoo]

Thanks Dutch.

 

To be clear, Dr. Hasson cut your sides down when he shaved the top?

 

Are there guys that are not pre-op slick tops that post-op actually walk around

or go back to work with the sides long to cover the scar and have the top shaved?

 

Also would you say most of the scar would be covered if you could wear a loose fitting baseball cap?

Edited January 16, 2012 by Shampoo

[Dutch]

Maybe if they don't have work to go to or can wear a hat. Personally I had to shave it to match it all up as I work in an office. Very bright lights in there as well. Scar was visible after 3 weeks since I was shaved down to a grade zero.

 

Yeah the entire scar was covered apart from the centre of the scar where there is that hole in the cap. Wore it for 2 weeks

[Shampoo]

Thanks Dutch.

 

I plan on wearing a loose fitting baseball cap when in public for 3 months,

at least I hope I can do that.

[Shampoo]

Yeah the entire scar was covered apart from

the centre of the scar where there is that hole in the cap.

 

Never thought about that.....good point.

 

I have some "fitted" baseball caps that are not adjustable

thus don't have the hole in the back...I wonder if a size

bigger fitted might work well and hide scar 100%?

Edited January 16, 2012 by Shampoo

[Dutch]

Yeah should do if the back of the cap goes down on your head far enough. Ensure that the front rim of the cap doesn't sit on top of the hairline if you're having that area done. So loosely worn & the front brought forward on your forehead not squashing the grafts

[Janna]

I think it's a good idea to cut your hair short but not shaved so that it'll match with the shaved top. The sides and back just needs to be long enough to cover over the staples/sutures. The ideal length will vary from patient to patient depending on their density in the back and sides. We have a hairstylist onsite so many of our patients get a trim to match up the sides to the top a day or two after surgery.

[Shampoo]

Thanks Janna!

[Dutch]

I had surgery on my entire Norwood 5A area so had it all shaved down including the sides so it matches & grows roughly at the same time. I didn't want to look like a tool as short hair suits me better

[Shampoo]

Dutch I checked out your post op pics. Your donor area seems kind of high on the head which would be better for hiding with a cap. How long after the surgery did you get the staples removed from donor area? And how long after was the donor scar covered with hair? I am considering a similar number of graft surgery...maybe even a few more...with Dr. Wong or possibly Dr. Shapiro.

[Dutch]

Exactly 14 days. Shock loss lasted ages but wasn't extreme like I've seen on others.

 

I'd say at least 6 weeks after the staples were removed but even then it was a bit visible. I used concealer on the donor 3 weeks post op as I had to return to work

[hair1978]

It depends on the level of hairloss if you should keep your hair long prior to surgery. I made the mistake of not buzzing my head (Norwood 4). I figured I might have enough long hair to cover the front/hairline. Looking at my head the day after surgery, I knew I looked extremely ackward and was not going to cover it. By around day 9 or 10, I buzzed off the rest of the top to match my new hairs.