Regular Member steelblue7 Posted August 11, 2012 Regular Member Share Posted August 11, 2012 (edited) New poster here, long time lurker. Thanks to all of your threads and posts I finally took the plunge to better my hairline with the well recommended Dr. Steven Gabel. I just had my transplant yesterday with Dr. Gabel. Thanks to many posters on this board, I had a pretty good idea of what to expect and wasn't too nervous about the procedure. When I first arrived, I was greeted by a super nice assistant named Stacy. She was warm and inviting, answered all my questions and gave me a clear picture of what the day entailed. I had my own lounging area with comfy slippers and plenty of snacks. When Dr. Gabel arrived his enthusiasm got me excited right away. I could feel his passion for his work when he began outlining the new hairline. It wasn't an easy task since my head isn't the most symmetrical. It took a few adjustments, but due to Dr. Gabel's perfectionistic personality, we found the perfect plan to make my hairline young again, and looking natural. Once in the surgical suite, all the staff, Dr. Gabel, Cassie, Stacy, Ailleen, and others were diligently working like a well-oiled machine. The strip was easily removed, much quicker than I anticipated with minimal discomfort. Dr. Gabel's comedic presence really kept me at ease and the Valium also helped. Then the holes were placed in my temples and front hairline. I barely felt a thing other than the anesthetic injections, which weren't that bad. The process took probably just over an hour. So far I was amazed at how easy this was. Then we broke for lunch and I had a great meal, stir-fried beef, rice, and vegetables in my personal lounging area. I made a few phone calls and soon we were back at it, this time inserting the extracted grafts. Over the next 5 hours or so, with intermittent breaks, the staff, including Dr. Gabel, carefully inserted almost 2700 grafts, filling in my temple regions and slightly extending my center frontal area. I enjoyed three movies in the process, often times forgetting I was having a surgical procedure. Time flew by, and before I knew it, it was time for cleaning and more pictures, then prep for going home. Dr. Gabel gave a full, detailed outline of treating my surgical sites over the coming weeks. I couldn't believe how great my new hairline is looking and I couldn't help but be thrilled about the months of growth to come over the next year. I'm in my hotel right now, a super pleased patient with excitement about the future, and sincerely grateful for the wonderful, expert work performed by Dr. Gabel and his entire staff. I couldn't believe what a class act he was, including the staff. I am extremely grateful for the encouragement I got from this forum and the knowledge I gained in helping me choose the best doctor. I am planning to post pictures of the pre-op, post-op, and future growth pics over the next many months. I am looking forward to the months ahead when I can joyfully look in the mirror, unlike in the past when I would avoid it. Thank you all and stay tuned! Edited August 21, 2012 by steelblue7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member steelblue7 Posted August 12, 2012 Author Regular Member Share Posted August 12, 2012 First pic is pre-op, second pic is 1 hour post-op Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Mickey85 Posted August 12, 2012 Senior Member Share Posted August 12, 2012 Wow, 700 grafts for no extra charge? That is amazing and very generous of the good Doctor. The work looks very clean, now the waiting game! The only 2 threads you will ever need: Revamped Advantages/Disadvantages of FUE. Myths dispelled. Educate yourself Everything FUE. Manual, motorized, ARTAS, NeoGraft, physician details and more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member fugly Posted August 12, 2012 Regular Member Share Posted August 12, 2012 Congrats on the new procedure, now patience is in order for a few months...what was the cost per graft before the 700 extra? 700 WOW!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member TakingThePlunge Posted August 13, 2012 Senior Member Share Posted August 13, 2012 steelblue7, Congratulations on your recent hair transplant with Dr. Gabel! I've never heard a bad word spoken about him or his staff and his results always impress. Hope you'll keep us posted! David - Former Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant I am not a medical professional. All opinions are my own and my advice should not constitute as medical advice. View my Hair Loss Website Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member chrisdav Posted August 13, 2012 Senior Member Share Posted August 13, 2012 I have always liked the work Dr Gabel presents and he is an excellent surgeon. Keep everyone posted Steelblue with your progress 2 poor unsatisfactory hair transplants performed in the UK. Based on vast research and meeting patients, I travelled to see Dr Feller in New York to get repaired. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member irishsailor Posted August 13, 2012 Senior Member Share Posted August 13, 2012 You went with a fantastic surgeon, im sure you will get a gret result :cool: Hair Transplant Dr Feller Oct 2011 Hair Transplant Dr Lorenzo June 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member steelblue7 Posted August 18, 2012 Author Regular Member Share Posted August 18, 2012 Here are my pics of day 7 after my transplant w/Dr. Gabel. So far, less redness and scabbing than I expected, no loss of grafts that I'm aware of, and no pain, just a little tightness in the sutures and a little numbness on the top of my head. My face swelled up pretty good (especially around the eyes and bridge of my nose) on day 3 and subsided after day 5. I am feeling like the worst is behind me, which really wasn't bad at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member BadBeat Posted August 18, 2012 Senior Member Share Posted August 18, 2012 That's going to be one sweet hairline. Happy growing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member steelblue7 Posted November 5, 2012 Author Regular Member Share Posted November 5, 2012 Here are my 3-month pics. It's difficult to see the new hairs coming in since they are blonde. I'm starting to see progress and I'm hoping I'll get a surge of new growth into month 4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Slickers Posted November 6, 2012 Senior Member Share Posted November 6, 2012 You wont notice anything at 3 months. You'll see some big changes over the next 6 though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member GBU Posted November 7, 2012 Senior Member Share Posted November 7, 2012 It's so good that you chose Dr Gabel . He is one of the top surgeons . Did you have staples or stitches ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member steelblue7 Posted November 18, 2012 Author Regular Member Share Posted November 18, 2012 It's so good that you chose Dr Gabel . He is one of the top surgeons . Did you have staples or stitches ? Yeah, Dr. Gabel and his staff have been tremendous. Although I was unavailable, Dr. Gabel has offered to see me when he has been in the Seattle area a couple times. His office has also called to check-in on my progress. I've been really impressed. I had stitches in my donor area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member steelblue7 Posted February 25, 2013 Author Regular Member Share Posted February 25, 2013 Here are my 6-month pics. Took a few months off from taking photos because I just wanted to forget about it and stop watching the grass grow... or better yet, as Spex once stated... "a watched pot never boils"... or something like that. As you'll see in the pics I've made some good progress. I'm getting good growth and from time to time I can still feel my scalp tingling. I hope that's the sign of continued growth activity. The scar photo is angled at the exact spot where you can see the scar. You'd never notice it in everyday life. The length of my hair is a #4 in the back. The new hair is kind of wiry, unruly, wavy, etc... It can be difficult to style but a good problem to have. I expect this will get better over time. Not shown in the photos, but I am using Toppik daily to make the new hairs look a little thicker, helps fill in some gaps, and overall just gives my hairline a thicker look. Oh, and the new Toppik applicator is a must have IMHO. I have a follow up consultation with Dr. Gabel next month. I am planning to discuss using either Rogaine foam or Propecia to help slow the progression of further loss. I'll admit, I'm hesitant to take a pill everyday for the rest of my life. But we'll see. Lastly, I've started telling friends about my procedure. It's become less of a big deal in my mind so I've been letting it out. They are shocked. Never knew! Everyone has been impressed with the outcome so far. So I now look forward to more improvement in the months to come. I've heard from a lot of you that the later months can show even further gains. So here goes... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member steelblue7 Posted February 25, 2013 Author Regular Member Share Posted February 25, 2013 Oh, sorry for the sideways pics, not sure why they downloaded like that... oh well, have to flip the laptop clockwise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Slickers Posted February 25, 2013 Senior Member Share Posted February 25, 2013 What a transformation between 3 and 6 months. Your hair looks great now with plenty more to come. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Biz Posted March 1, 2013 Senior Member Share Posted March 1, 2013 Great results!! Just completed a procedure myself with Dr. Gabel and his team earlier this week. My experience mirrored yours in terms of the quality of care and professionalism. Looking forward to seeing your continued progress. Happy growing! View my Hair Loss Website Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peeter997 Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 waaw information about hair loss problem Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill - Seemiller Posted March 1, 2013 Share Posted March 1, 2013 Steelblue, Thanks for keeping this community updated on your progress. You've chosen an excellent surgeon and your results to date certainly prove it :-). Congratulations also for feeling more confident in sharing your procedure and results with others. I genuinely believe there's absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, everyone I've told about my procedures have been fascinated by the procedure and impressed that today's results can look so natural. Best wishes, Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Eman Posted March 1, 2013 Senior Member Share Posted March 1, 2013 Steel- Looking great at the six month mark and more growth to come. Being blonde like you, I had an issue with the color difference for a while as the newly grafted hair was darker than the original hair (albeit not much) in that area. I seem to see it in your pics a little bit. Just know that it will begin to soften and mature, making it more manageable for styling and the color will blend as well. Again, looking good! My initial HT thread: done and done!! Check it out... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member OtherSyde Posted March 22, 2013 Senior Member Share Posted March 22, 2013 (edited) Looking awesome! You literally look a decade younger in your latest pics than you did in the pics on page 1 (post #10)! I'm another walking example of Dr. Gabel's artistry, having had my first HT a little over 2 years ago (see my blog link below) - and your 6-month scar pic looks almost just like mine! My next HT is once again with Dr. Gabel in... only 5 days! I'm really optimistic and also happy for you - your results look awesome. Keep us in the loop! Edited March 22, 2013 by OtherSyde Blog: Dr. Gabel Thrice (2010, 2013, 2016) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s320 Posted March 26, 2013 Share Posted March 26, 2013 So, it's been some time, any updates? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member OtherSyde Posted March 26, 2013 Senior Member Share Posted March 26, 2013 Yeah - updates! Don't let me beat you to it; only 14 hours as of this post until my second HT with Dr. Gabel How's it coming along? Blog: Dr. Gabel Thrice (2010, 2013, 2016) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member steelblue7 Posted December 4, 2013 Author Regular Member Share Posted December 4, 2013 Just had a follow up appointment w/Dr. Gabel last week in Seattle. This is my 14-month mark. My hairline has come in very nicely. Dr. Gabel will post pics to this thread soon. It was great seeing the doc again since he's such a cool cat. I've been extremely happy with my results. I've been to several different hairstylists in the past several months (I'm on the road a lot so I stop wherever is convenient - dangerous, I know:)) and I've told each one about my transplant, and each time they are dumbfounded. Every single one of them have said it's the best they've ever seen, almost in disbelief that I've had one, and several have asked for Dr. Gabel's name for their clients. You know ya done right when a hairstylist can't get over how great your transplant looks! Pics coming soon!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member irishsailor Posted December 4, 2013 Senior Member Share Posted December 4, 2013 Congrats man. Look forward to seeing the 14 month pics. Glad your happy with the outcome. Hair Transplant Dr Feller Oct 2011 Hair Transplant Dr Lorenzo June 2014 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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