Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 15, 2014 Senior Member Share Posted April 15, 2014 (edited) This is the week I've been waiting on since February when I made the appointment, I'm scheduled for 3,000 grafts with Dr. Cooley. It will be interesting to see what happens, as I have not seen or talked with Dr. Cooley in person yet, so I don't know if 3,000 is even possible (I had two much smaller procedures in the mid-1990's for a total of about 1,000 grafts). In researching where to go, I started by following the hype on TV with Bosley and visited the center in VA Beach, VA about 45 minutes from my house. Dr. Epstein recommended about 2,500-2,700. I also visited Dr. Lindsay in Northern VA, and his guess was in the same ballpark. The rep from Hasson & Wong, after viewing photos, recommended 4,000. I never heard back from Ron Shapiro's office. And then I spoke with Lollie at Dr. Cooley's office, and sent photos. She believes 3,000 -3,500 is possible. So I scheduled it for 3,000. However, I know I really won't find out for sure until I meet with Dr. Cooley Thursday morning and he gets to see things firsthand. Really glad to have found the forum, and especially the support and participation by all of it's members. There was nothing like this when I had it done back in the 1990's. Thought I'd also share a funny story about the procedure I had done back then. My dad and I did it together, the same day. His objective was to correct the terrible job that was done by Walter Reed hospital (he's an Army vet). He had the dreaded doll-hair looking plugs. Back then, when you're done, they bandaged your head entirely (I have no idea if that is the practice today), wrapping it almost like a turban. Both of our heads were still wrapped the next day, and we were bored so we left the house and drove to a garden center to get a few things he needed. While walking around, a guy walked by and kind of stared at both of us, wondering what was going on. My Dad noticed this and immediately, without hesitation, said that we had been practicing karate, to which the guy responded "You wuz bustin boards with your head, man?????" Obviously we both said yes. We still laugh to this day about the story. Edited April 20, 2014 by KD2020 Update the title to include actual results 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete-from-Farjo Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 :DGreat story All the best with your procedure Pete I am an online representative for Farjo Hair Institute Dr. Bessam Farjo is an esteemed member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions shared are my own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 15, 2014 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 15, 2014 Thanks Pete! 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member djgLXXII Posted April 16, 2014 Regular Member Share Posted April 16, 2014 Was distance a factor in your choice of doctor? Just curious because I live in Virginia too and the impression I get is that the truly talented doctors are more than a few states away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 16, 2014 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 16, 2014 No, there are a number of factors why I chose Dr. Cooley, he just happens to be only a 5.5 hr drive. If you look at the list above, I did speak with Hasson and Wong and sent photos, I also tried to have a similar conversation with Ron Shapiro's office as all of them are very highly respected. I also spoke with Dr. Konior's office, but he requires shaving, and I just can't do that because of my job. I believe I made the right choice for me, anxious to see how it goes. 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KeithJagger Posted April 16, 2014 Senior Member Share Posted April 16, 2014 You made a great choice. I am a little over a month out from my procedure with Dr. Cooley and I could not be more pleased. While I still have to wait to see results, I would give his office an A+ so far. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 16, 2014 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 16, 2014 Thanks! Getting on the road to Charlotte soon. Can't believe tomorrow is the day! 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 18, 2014 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 18, 2014 Well, it's all over, and I'm happy to say it went great. As I mentioned, I planned for 3,000 but said I'd really like 3,500 if possible. After meeting with Dr. Cooley, I signed a form that said if they could get 3,500, I'd be willing to pay for the additional 500 grafts. Well it went even better - I got to 3,840, and was only billed for 3,500. I had not been to the facility before, but it exceeded expectations and was an easy 4 minute drive from the Hilton Garden Inn. The staff Lollie, Ailene, Brandy, everyone I met was extremely helpful. If I hadn't found the forum I would have never learned about Dr. Cooley as an option. Extremely happy on all counts. 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Spanker Posted April 18, 2014 Senior Member Share Posted April 18, 2014 No, there are a number of factors why I chose Dr. Cooley, he just happens to be only a 5.5 hr drive. If you look at the list above, I did speak with Hasson and Wong and sent photos, I also tried to have a similar conversation with Ron Shapiro's office as all of them are very highly respected. I also spoke with Dr. Konior's office, but he requires shaving, and I just can't do that because of my job. I believe I made the right choice for me, anxious to see how it goes. He may require shaving for a case that big but it's not always the case. I've seen him do decent sized cases in person that were no shave. That's great that you are happy. Hope you update with photos. Looking forward to your updates. I am an online representative for Dr. Raymond Konior who is an elite member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians. View Dr. Konior's Website View Spanker's Website I am not a medical professional and my opinions should not be taken as medical advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 18, 2014 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 18, 2014 Thanks Spanker, glad to see your input. You're a valued member of the community, I've read many of your posts, the forum is lucky to have your participation. I am going to meet Dr. Cooley at 9:00am this morning and he's going to give me a CD with photos, will post after I get back to VA and can get on a computer (no cd drive on an iPad ). I can truly say TGIF! 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Since21 Posted April 18, 2014 Senior Member Share Posted April 18, 2014 Congrats, KD! Are you going to post pictures? 3,425 FUT grafts with Dr Raymond Konior - Nov 2013 1,600 FUE grafts with Dr Raymond Konior - Dec 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 19, 2014 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 19, 2014 The first two photo sets are the "before" photos. You can see in one of the photos from the back the two small scars from my surgery in the mid 1990's (I had two HT, about 500 each, by a Dr. in Maryland - I don't recall his name). I wanted this surgery to be the last one, so I went all in and asked for as many as he could, and as I mentioned, Dr. Cooley was able to get 3,840. Dr. Cooley asked me what my goals were, and I said I wanted to strengthen the hairline and fill in where we can going back. He asked me if the back was equally as important as the front, etc., and I said it was half as important. I also told him I part my hair in the middle, so he said he would aim to fill the middle going back, and then branching out near the back (I may not be saying this exactly right). I did the PRP / ACell as well. And, since I make a smoothie every morning in a Vitamix, I'll admit it - I also started on HelpHair this morning. I know some will say it's crap, but after reading the ingredients, I don't think it can hurt to try it. I want to do everything I can to give this effort the best chance to succeed, not just because of the investment, but because of the obvious reason - I want more of my hair back where it should be! I am EXTREMELY GRATEFUL FOR THIS FORUM, as I would have never found Dr. Cooley without it (the only ads I see are those for Bosley). I also am extremely grateful for the participation by everyone, it is so encouraging to all. Thank you all for being such a wonderful and helpful community. 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 19, 2014 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 19, 2014 FYI, a little more about my visit with Dr. Cooley. I met at the Carolina Dermatology office at 7am, and went over expectations with Brandi. I can't say enough good things about EVERYONE on Dr. Cooley's staff - Lollie, Brandi, Amy, and all of the others whose names I don't recall, they're all great! That morning, I picked what I wanted for lunch. They had great choices, including Firehouse subs, and Taste Unlimited. I chose Firehouse. I also was given a folder that contained a large number of titles of DVDs, and I was to pick out a few movies to watch. I chose Gladiator to start with, followed by Bourne Identity. And then for laughs I went with Two and a Half Men. We did not finish until 9:30pm that evening. Attached are a couple of photos of Dr. Cooley's facility. Obviously I won't know until perhaps a year from now what the results will be, but thus far, I'm very happy with the choice I made. 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Since21 Posted April 19, 2014 Senior Member Share Posted April 19, 2014 Great documentation, KD. Looking forward to your updates. Heal and grow well! 3,425 FUT grafts with Dr Raymond Konior - Nov 2013 1,600 FUE grafts with Dr Raymond Konior - Dec 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 19, 2014 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 19, 2014 As for the two previous donor scars, I had two separate procedures, each about 500 grafts. Back then, 500 was a pretty good number of grafts, if I recall correctly. 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 19, 2014 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 19, 2014 A couple of additional photos that show a little more detail of the hairline work. Dr. Cooley was working on me the entire time! Very impressed with everything they did. 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Since21 Posted April 19, 2014 Senior Member Share Posted April 19, 2014 As for the two previous donor scars, I had two separate procedures, each about 500 grafts. Back then, 500 was a pretty good number of grafts, if I recall correctly. I looked at your pics before reading your explanation. Sorry 'bout that. 3,425 FUT grafts with Dr Raymond Konior - Nov 2013 1,600 FUE grafts with Dr Raymond Konior - Dec 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 19, 2014 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 19, 2014 No worries! Have a great weekend and Happy Easter. 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member azura Posted April 19, 2014 Regular Member Share Posted April 19, 2014 Thanks for this good documentation Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member scooter Posted April 19, 2014 Senior Member Share Posted April 19, 2014 Congratulations on your surgery with Dr.Cooly. Now it's time to take it easy for a fews days.Thanks for sharing , and heal well . Scott 1st HT 1973 FUT's with Dr.Robert Mcclellan 6/28/2007 *unfortunately I have no info on hair count on my 1st surgery .. 2nd HT 3026 FUT's with Dr. Bernadino Arocha 1/9/2014 1's - 797 2's - 3700 3's - 246 5634 hairs http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/attachment.php?attachmentid=54945&d=1389315686 3026 FUTs 1 day HT#2 post op frontal picture Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 19, 2014 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 19, 2014 Here's a "selfie" I took while undergoing the surgery. I would have posted it earlier but I waited until Dr. Cooley gave me the ok to do so. 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 19, 2014 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 19, 2014 Thanks Azura, Scooter! 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 20, 2014 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 20, 2014 This is where I am at on Day 3, feels much better today. I washed my hair today, using the shampoo and conditioner provided by Dr. Cooley's office, and used a cup to pour the shampoo and conditioner over my head as they had recommended rather than letting the shower spray hit directly. Feeling some itchiness at times around the sutures and on top of my head, hard trying not to scratch! 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member KD2020 Posted April 20, 2014 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 20, 2014 Just heard back from Dr. Cooley, here are the graft counts of my procedure: 1-1302 2-1652 3 - 815 4 - 71 Total 3840 3840 FUT grafts + Acell/PRP with Dr. Jerry Cooley April 17, 2014 And, I'll admit it - I'm trying the Help Hair Shake in my smoothies http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/174893-3-000-fut-my-visit-thursday-april-17-dr-cooley.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Since21 Posted April 20, 2014 Senior Member Share Posted April 20, 2014 Are you using Neosporin or Bactrin on the suture line? That should help with itching. 3,425 FUT grafts with Dr Raymond Konior - Nov 2013 1,600 FUE grafts with Dr Raymond Konior - Dec 2018 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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