Regular Member Earmuffs Posted January 22, 2013 Regular Member Share Posted January 22, 2013 Not to bore anyone to tears, but I thought I would just mention my journey leading up to the day last week when I visited Dr. Glenn Charles' Office in Boca Raton for my 1st FUT procedure and certainly to get peoples feedback based on the pics attached. It goes back to 1997 when I was a junior in college, having just turned 20 and one of my roommates noticed that my hair had somewhat thinned out. At the time I didn't think much of it, but as time progressed the thinning, especially in the frontal portion of my scalp had progressed, I became a bit more conscious of this issue. So around 2001, I went to see a specialist in NYC and he started me on Propecia, which I have taken ever since, although at times not religiously. I have never taken any other hair loss substance. Since then my hair loss somewhat stabilized that is up until a few months ago when I (and my wife) noticed some significant thinning. Some pre operation pics are attached. At that time I decided to begin researching the possibility of hair transplants. I had never really delved into the topic and the only thing I remember is seeing those doll-looking grafts of old. So I was definitely stunned with the level as to which the techniques had advanced and the results looked absolutely astonishing. I went to visit four different specialists, including Dr. Charles. Two providers I was less than impressed with, this included a small boutique dermatological laser clinic that used the Neograft machine, but otherwise did not do enough of these procedures to make me comfortable, and the other was Bosley. The people there were friendly enough but the reviews were less than stellar and their prices were simply illogical. I selected Dr. Charles because of the many positive reviews and results I was able to access through the Net and this site in particular, as well as the feeling I got from meeting him in person. Dr. Charles is just wonderful - extremely down to earth, knowledgable, frank, and patient in answering all of my questions. I had a tough time deciding between Dr. Charles and another provider where I live and for whom I have the utmost respect. Aside from what I just wrote, I selected Dr. Charles because I thought his pricing was fair in comparison to the level of expertise he brings to table, his staff was extremely nice and has worked with him for many years, and he did not expect me to shave the top of my scalp where he was implanting the grafts. My procedure was on Thursday Jan. 11th. Prior to that, Dr. Charles was kind enough to answer the myriad of questions that came to mind, and certainly as my nerves increased closer to the day of the procedure. He began by giving my something to calm me down and discussed the places in which he intended to implant the grafts. As you can see from the after photos, we selected the frontal third of my scalp. As for the procedure itself, the staff tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible. There are no two ways around it, the anesthetic shots in the sides and back of the head hurt like hell. It was not a fun 5 minutes and I quickly realized that I would not be a good hostage . The staff was very gracious and made sure to give my plenty of fluids. My recommendation to anyone is that the morning of your procedure you drink some OJ. Once that was over I didn't feel a thing. I just sat there watching Netflix. They ordered me lunch and by 2:30 I was out the door. Dr. Charles makes sure you leave his office with not only post-op instructions, but also antibiotics, painkillers, a bottle of saline spray and a bottle of copper peptide solution. Mind you, I didn't have to pay extra for any of these items. He also gave me his cell phone number and called me that night to make sure I was okay. The first night is a bit uncomfortable. Its tough to sleep and the stitches pull. But I have to say that its not really painful per se, just annoying. I took one painkiller that first night and, thereafter, I was fine with 2-3 Advil taken at night. At this point, the crusts are falling out and, unfortunately I am also experiencing some shedding of the hair I currently have. I know it was to be expected, but its annoying nonetheless. My hope is that this hair will eventually grow back along with the grafts. In my opinion, Dr. Charles did an amazing job with creating a densely packed hair line. He was able to get just below 1700 grafts in the session. It truly is an art form and I believe it is key to go to a surgeon who has done these procedures for a long time. Without an ounce of reservation, I would recommend Dr. Charles to anyone looking to have a hair transplant. Even though the tiny holes where the grafts are located look awkward, coupled with the pain and discomfort of at least the first 5 minutes of the procedure, you really have to look at the longer and bigger picture. And now the unbearable waiting game. I will try and keep this blog updated from time to time with new pics. It was also recommended that I start using Rogaine, at least for the first few months. I also decided to take Saw Palmetto and see if that does anything. Please feel free to contact me should you want to chat about the procedure. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member 1978matt Posted January 22, 2013 Senior Member Share Posted January 22, 2013 Nice write up. Dr Charles is a real pro.. Just curious as to what your 'game plan' is as my hair loss is quite similar to yours (I maybe still have a bit more hair). Did you go for 1700 grafts to keep a bit in reserve for future ops? 4,312 FUT grafts (7,676 hairs) with Ray Konior, MD - August 2013 1,145 FUE grafts (3,152 hairs) with Ray Konior, MD - August 2018 763 FUE grafts (2,094 hairs) with Ray Konior, MD - January 2020 Proscar 1.25mg every 3rd day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Earmuffs Posted January 22, 2013 Author Regular Member Share Posted January 22, 2013 Matt - The 1700 was really a result of donor hair. I assume he would have done more if there was that possibility. I guess he could have cut out a larger strip, which would have yielded more grafts but likely would have resulted in a larger scar. I know people like to do the mega sessions but I'm not sure it would have worked in my situation. As for my game plan, I'm gonna see how this HT works out and then consider doing another session with Dr. Charles. I spoke with him already and he indicated that I definitely have plenty of donor hair to do at a minimum 3 more sessions. Who knows, perhaps in a couple of years we will be looking at stem cell options. Hope this helps. Spex - Thanks so much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member 1978matt Posted January 22, 2013 Senior Member Share Posted January 22, 2013 Matt - The 1700 was really a result of donor hair. I assume he would have done more if there was that possibility. I guess he could have cut out a larger strip, which would have yielded more grafts but likely would have resulted in a larger scar. I know people like to do the mega sessions but I'm not sure it would have worked in my situation. As for my game plan, I'm gonna see how this HT works out and then consider doing another session with Dr. Charles. I spoke with him already and he indicated that I definitely have plenty of donor hair to do at a minimum 3 more sessions. Who knows, perhaps in a couple of years we will be looking at stem cell options. Hope this helps. Spex - Thanks so much. Thanks for the info. I thought that might be the case. Even if not the thickest result, I'm sure it will turn out well and look natural 4,312 FUT grafts (7,676 hairs) with Ray Konior, MD - August 2013 1,145 FUE grafts (3,152 hairs) with Ray Konior, MD - August 2018 763 FUE grafts (2,094 hairs) with Ray Konior, MD - January 2020 Proscar 1.25mg every 3rd day Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Blake Bloxham Posted January 23, 2013 Senior Member Share Posted January 23, 2013 Congratulations! "Doc" Blake Bloxham - formerly "Future_HT_Doc" Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum All opinions are my own and my advice does not constitute as medical advice. All medical questions and concerns should be addressed by a personal physician. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deviansaliva Posted January 23, 2013 Share Posted January 23, 2013 Hi, how come they didn't shave your head for surgery? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member tacolinowest Posted January 23, 2013 Senior Member Share Posted January 23, 2013 hey man congrats i think you will be very happy, one thing tho i also was told i have bad donor hair, can you please post a pic of your donor area so i can compare it to mine, thanks so much Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Earmuffs Posted January 23, 2013 Author Regular Member Share Posted January 23, 2013 Hi Devian. Dr. Charles does not require that you shave your head. It's one of the reasons I chose him in the first place. It's a bit more work for him in that he needs to see and make the inscisions around the existing hair and could (in my case, did) lead to hairs getting nicked. But i was ready for the shock loss, even though it sucks and am hopeful that those hairs will grow back in the next month or so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Earmuffs Posted January 23, 2013 Author Regular Member Share Posted January 23, 2013 Thanks Blake. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Earmuffs Posted January 23, 2013 Author Regular Member Share Posted January 23, 2013 Hey Taco. Here are a couple of pics of my donor hair. Not the best in the world but apparently enough for a few procedures. This is what I was told my multiple surgeons including Dr. Charles. Hope this helps. Sorry you got the bad news. Hopefully its just one opinion. Maybe FUE would work for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Earmuffs Posted January 23, 2013 Author Regular Member Share Posted January 23, 2013 I just responded with some pics. Hope it helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member tacolinowest Posted January 24, 2013 Senior Member Share Posted January 24, 2013 thanks for the pics, maybe its just in my head but yours dosent seem bad,, mine is more see threw Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member TakingThePlunge Posted January 24, 2013 Senior Member Share Posted January 24, 2013 Earmuffs, Congrats and thanks for taking the time to share your experience with Dr. Charles. He's top notch! I hope you'll continue to share your progress. 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...
Regular Member Earmuffs Posted January 24, 2013 Author Regular Member Share Posted January 24, 2013 Thanks David. I will definitely continue to share pics of my progress. Right now I am just dealing with shock loss, although that seems to have tappered off a bit, coupled with the paranoia that the grafts didn't take. I am trying to avoid becoming neurotic about the procedure and let nature take its course, but I assume that its normal for us to get anxious especially after your first procedure. Did you feel that way as well? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Earmuffs Posted February 26, 2013 Author Regular Member Share Posted February 26, 2013 So I wanted to give a brief update on my procedure. Its been about 7 weeks since I went to see Dr. Charles for my 1st ever FUT. Everything seems to be coming along as it should. I am slowly getting feeling back in my scalp and I can see some small hairs coming in. I assume that this is the hair that was shock lost. Does anyone know how long it normally takes for shocked hair to grow back? I am now off the Graftcyte shampoo and condition and am alternating with Regenpure and Revita. As most have said, the wait is the worst part of this procedure. I recognize that I will need to be patient until sometime in September to begin seeing the results...and that seems like a long time from now. I have uploaded a few updated pics. As you can see, the hair lost during the procedure has not completely grown back in, which is frustrating. On the positive side, the scar is barely visible and you really need to look for it in order to see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member GreatPelo Posted March 9, 2013 Senior Member Share Posted March 9, 2013 If a doctor recommends to shave the area that is being transplanted...it's only to his benefit of not wanting to take the time to go between hairs...at the patient's expense of having to shave his/her head. A patient should not have to shave the transplanted area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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