What is a realistic post-op recovery?

[Joey G]

Among other hesitations I have about a HT, I am not sure I'd be a good candidate because of the necessary post-op recovery process. Many of the post-op comments indicate that the scar is still visible for many weeks afterwards and that they have to wear a hat for up to 2 months (!).

 

I am in a professional line of work with lots of in-person contact with my own employees and various clients, etc. I cannot afford to a) be out of work for weeks on end or b) have anything look "off" about my appearance when I do go back to work (I certainly can't wear a hat).

 

Is this realistic? I am a NW 6 and had an earlier recomendation from Dr. Bernstein for 2,800 grafts. Thanks! (This is a great resource and thanks to Bill and all the great posters!)

[Joey G]

Among other hesitations I have about a HT, I am not sure I'd be a good candidate because of the necessary post-op recovery process. Many of the post-op comments indicate that the scar is still visible for many weeks afterwards and that they have to wear a hat for up to 2 months (!).

 

I am in a professional line of work with lots of in-person contact with my own employees and various clients, etc. I cannot afford to a) be out of work for weeks on end or b) have anything look "off" about my appearance when I do go back to work (I certainly can't wear a hat).

 

Is this realistic? I am a NW 6 and had an earlier recomendation from Dr. Bernstein for 2,800 grafts. Thanks! (This is a great resource and thanks to Bill and all the great posters!)

[Eman]

Being a higher norwood patient and doing a larger session will make it more difficult to hide even after two weeks.

 

I am (heopfully at some point I will be able to say "was") a NW4+ and had a little over 4200 grafts and even after one month there was some pinkness in the recipient area and since I cut my hair down the scar was visible. For the most part, now I am back to pre-HT with a little shockloss in the donor. You will need more time off/away than you anticipate, as very few of the people I have tracked here and other sites can get away with looking "normal" again in a short period of time. With Bernstein, I don't believe he shaves the recipient area...not that it is needed in a NW6 case (no offense ). Talk to new2thissite as he went to Bernstein and he is a NW4 or so.

 

Keep in mind, a rule of thumb is to take your norwood level and multiply it by 1000 to get the number of grafts needed. You being a NW6 means 2800 will be one of at least two sessions you will need.

[imissthebarber]

I agree that it usually takes longer than people expect. There are a lot of variables. The main risks are I guess

1) the scar is visible

2) swelling

3) redness in recipient zone

4) redness in the donor zone

5) shock loss in the recipient zone

6) shock loss in the donor zone

7) length of transplanted hair is shorter than other hair when it does start to grow

 

Swelling should go in a few days so no need to worry about the 2 months. For a nw 6 I would suggest that you grow the hair as long as possible in the donor area. This should mitigate risks 1, 4 and 6. Again no offence but it doesn't sound like 5 applies to you. So 3 and 7 are the main ones to think about in your case.

3 - there will be redness, it might be slightly noticeable, more likely to be noticeable if you have fair skin. It could be explained as an irritation, sunburn etc. On it's own no-one will think it is that weird once the first few days mean the worst is past.

7 - once the transplanted hair starts to grow three-five months post-op you could shave to a 4 or so all over, then within a few weeks you could have a fairly even hair length. Some guys find the transplanted hair that starts to grow is colourless at first so this could also help as it will only show colour when it already has some length.

 

I guess a lot of your question about recovery is not to do with the final outcome but when you can be seen again in public. In addition to the factors above and your nw level this is also a matter of personal preference and comfort.