Transplant repair

[SeaRayCapt65]

Hi Everyone, would appreciate some feedback on my situation. I'm a 48 (male) starting losing my hair in my early 20's. Had my first procedure back in 1988 with the methods used at that time. Second was done at 34 in 1999 with much better results. In time I've lost more hair and would like to have the now exposed 20 or so "plug" grafts from 1988 excised. Has anyone here had a repair procedure done and what were the results like? I would like to have a repair procedure done but would like to know if the scarring will be an improvement over the "plug" type scarring around the older grafts. I've been to a few websites of surgeons that do repair procedures and the results look very good and an improvement over the what was there before. I'll travel to find the right doctor. I know there are some very good doctors right here in the New York area. Can I have some thoughts on the above and who would be the best repair specialist out there?

Best Regards,

 

Tom

[tacolinowest]

if yor staying in new york id hit up dr feller in long island

[Dr Ashok]

Can I have some thoughts on the above and who would be the best repair specialist out there?

Best Regards,

 

Tom

my best advice to you is go with the patient's reviews in your geographical location.

[Waterloo]

I don't believe Dr. Feller does excision removal repair work..only additional grafting to hide the plugs. Dr. Bernstein does do this type of repair and describes his technique at length in his website. He has pictures of repair patients who have had plugs removed with suturing. You can zoom in on the photos and decide for yourself what looks better, your existing plugs or the surgical excision end result. Others noted for this type of repair are: Dr. Beehner, Saratoga, NY and Dr. Vogel, Baltimore, MD. Check out their websites as well.

[scar5]

You can take them all out in one go with a linear excision or punch them out individually. If they are big grafts, like the ones I had in 1988, they might need a suture. They will leave a scar, but you can re-plant into the scar a year later. A lot of docs don't wanna touch them and just plant around them, but this does you no good IMO, if you are still losing or have lost hair, it just exasperates the problem making the front top heavy and too behind too weak. Frontal strips usually heal quite well, with minimal stretching but they are drastic and you have to deal with a pretty dramatic transformation. You can trial it by shaving the area they would excise and see if you plus deal with it.

 

Another group of docs like coring, that is, taking a portion of each graft out. It must leave some of the offending hair behind, albeit, less of it. I don't think it is an option either.

 

In my case I've done the first two. My complexion is fair and the scarring in the case of the frontal strip, or lift, as it s sometimes known, was incredibly kind, how ever it does cause the scalp plane to alter, causing a light bulge in the middle, nd some buckling at each temple. As for the individual punched out plugs, the scarring could be characterized as a kind of a mottled pink and white effect. I had SMP and grafts put in over the zone later. It isn't too bad, but it is not great density wise. Most of the offending grafts are gone and the remainder help scaffold the little quiff of hair I can grow that suffices as a decent faux-Mohawk on a good day. When I buzz it all off, the problem is gone, but the hairline becomes the critical factor, so recently I've worked on that part. Fingers crossed.

 

When you replant, if you have removed the nasty plugs, you can start on a fresh slate with flat grafts.

 

Stay away from docs who just wanna plant more around the zone. It not help in the end, just wasting grafts and money nd it's the easy way for he clinic to take your money. They will throw lots of pics at u to try to push you. Be aware. - actually, sounds like you are.

Edited October 27, 2013 by scar5

[fjm96]

If you are in NY Dr Wesley would be a good person to check with . The options available depend on your particular case . It cant hurt to start out doing a few consults before making a move .

[wylie]

For plug removal I would definitely consult with Dr. Vogel of Baltimore, I have always been very impressed with his repairs (and all his work in general)

 

Good luck, removing 20 plugs should not be too difficult, and you will have peace of mind that they are finally gone.

[Bachstrad]

I had the extraction procedure done by Dr Beehner - google Bachstrad Beehner which should bring up some photos but if you only have 20 you could cover them with a HT ?

[SeaRayCapt65]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. Bernstein is close to home and I received a message from someone who will be seeing him for a repair procedure in the coming months so I'm anxious to see the results. I will also research all others recommended here. Excellent feedback.