4\29 SMP at SMG

[HTHELP]

I've been following the forums for well over 10 years. My hair loss began when I was 16 (diffuse). As it got worse I started relying on concealers which were great at first. As my hair loss progressed its gotten harder to not only hide my bald spots but also the concealer itself. Although I've seen some amazing results from h&w, SMG, rahal,Cooley, konior and others I began to realize I didn't have the ideal hair characterstics to get the result I would want via a transplant. So sadly I came to the realization that I would need to shave / buzz down. That left me with the decision to either get a fue session done or go the temp SMP route. Because of my use of concealers to shave down without doing anything would leave a lot of explaining to do.so at the end of the day after a lot of research I've decided to go with temp SMP at SMG. (Leaving open the option to add fue but im hoping this will be a stand aloneprocedure)Although not an easy decision due to the uncertainty of how I will look I have a lot of faith in SMG and their stellar reputation. Knowing that they stand behind this as well as H&W gives me a strong level of comfort that I'll look good (undetectable) afterwards. I'll be sure to post pics and give updates after the procedure. I was fortunate enough to talk to some past patients myself and would love to be able to play it forward to others. Fingers crossed my next post will be a happy one post procedure.

[HTHELP]

Back home after two days at SMG. A BIG thank you to Nicole for doing a fantastic job! She's a great artist and person.

 

That being said, for anyone considering the procedure my initial reaction is that it's fantastic (i know there will be some fading over the next couple of weeks, but I'm hopeful that it will be minimal). The reactions from from my wife, to parents, kids, friends and co-workers (who I sent pics to) the response has been great.

 

Here is a quick recap of the procedure where i'll try to address the questions I had going in.

 

On my first day i was slightly taken aback from my appearance post shave down (I brought my own clipper so Nicole could match the buzz cut to what it produced..as I researched different clippers I realized that some cut closer than others at zero guard so this is something to consider for those of you that proceed. I chose to purchase the wahl peanut based on reviews and the fact that it buzzes really close). After the initial shock i got some meds to calm me and for the pain. I was little nervous based on some feedback and other reviews on what it would feel like but I can honestly say that it wasn't that bad at all. For the most part i'd rate it at 2 or 3 at most on the pain scale out of 10. Some areas up front are more sensitive..for those areas at most i'd say it was a 4 or max 5 at times (even on the second day when it was a little tender).

I know everyone is different but for anyone concerned with the pain I would tell you not to be. For the most part it kinda felt like some scratching at you if that puts it in perspective.

 

Day one is basically a "base coat" so it's lighter then it will be. I decided to venture out and go the mall to shop and see if anyone would notice or stare at me. I was slightly red in some areas but of the most part it looked like nothing was done. While shopping and talking to employees and a bartender not once did anyone look at my head or take a double look. When I got back to the hotel I inspected the results and noticed a couple of things I wanted to address the next day with nicole on the hairline (I forgot to mention that I agreed with the Dr. Joe the day before and he drew the hairline design which looked great).

 

Day 2 was basically the same as day 1 except more "density" was added and the small change to the hairline I wanted was addressed. Nicole didn't like a couple of the "dots" so she addressed that as well. She has the patients self interest at heart for sure.

 

Both days were around 5 or so hours I think including a quick (tasty) lunch.

 

When I go back for my third touch-up secession i'm going to darken it a bit to get a little fuller look, but other then that I think it looks great. Upon real close inspection if someone doesn't know about SMP i'm confident in saying that they would not think that it's not hair. I think this is a real useful tool for anyone on the fence of getting a transplant or wants to go with the buzzed/shaved down look. I'll talk to Nicole and Jenna about posting pics etc. If something wasn't addressed that anyone has questions on let me know.

[NicH0le007]

I took the liberty of helping this patient post his photos. I sincerely thank him for his courage to share his story and help other patients who are considering traveling down the SMP road.

[Spanker]

I'm really interested in seeing how long this lasts you. Hope you keep us updated.

[Blake Bloxham]

Nicely done! Thank you for sharing.