Senior Member Dr. Scott Alexander MD Posted April 25, 2017 Senior Member Share Posted April 25, 2017 Be patient as the process takes time. Dr Scott Alexander - Please feel free to visit our website : Dr. Scott Alexander website and online consultation form Dr. Alexander is an elite member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member LSUTiger Posted April 28, 2017 Regular Member Share Posted April 28, 2017 Dr. Alexander and Slush: I Just noticed this thread again this morning and actually just got a haircut this afternoon. These pictures are from today. As you can see, the first pic shows how nice the donor strip healed, and just barely any mark. Like I said, truly remarkable job by Dr. Alexander,and basically it's undetectable. The 2nd pic is before the haircut, hair grown out. 3rd picture was taken after the haircut, shorter hair, where you still can't see it. Here is the link where you can see my updates. http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/180167-outstanding-experience-dr-scott-alexander-phoenix-az.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Slush Posted May 19, 2017 Author Senior Member Share Posted May 19, 2017 3-Month Update (Wow time flies!!) We're told that HT won't grow until months 4-6 or later. It looks like it's mostly true, but I have a good 100+ transplanted hairs growing already. In fact a couple friends mentioned to me. They knew about the HT so they've been monitoring. So save these few pieces, I'm patiently waiting for growth. When my hair was longer and needed a cut, the donor scar was disguised big time. No sign of it. I went to my hair guy and he tried a blend for me. A #1.5-2 below the scar, and a hand trim above it. I liked the idea, but my head just wasn't ready for it. It's resulted in a little odd haircut, but nobody really cares. Once the scar fades more and the shock loss returns, this option may work. Unfortunately I think it made the scar more noticable. Pic 1: hair before transplant and now. You can see the minor growth in HT. Pic 2: Donor Area after Haircut Pic 3: messy donor area before haircut My HT Journey The FUT surgery experience and results Disguising my FUT Scar Medications and Supplements Supplements: Biotin, MSM 5% Minoxidil Foam Regenepure Shampoo (re-starting 1mo after HT) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Slush Posted May 19, 2017 Author Senior Member Share Posted May 19, 2017 (edited) I forgot to mention that my experiment with finasteride has finished. I lasted a month or so on M/W/F doses of 0.25mg. I didn't experience side effects. I went to my Optometrist and we got on the discussion of hair. I forgot that last year I told him about minoxidil. He started using it with success. Our conversation eventually went to finasteride. He said he was on 1mg a day for nearly a year. After about 6 months he noticed that his libido was non-existent. He said when he looked at attractive women he just felt numb, immune to caring. (This probably doesn't seem so bad since he is married with a baby.) He eventually stopped finasteride. I asked when he felt he returned to normal, his response was, "I haven't. Maybe it's because I'm in my 40's now, but it coincided with my finasteride use." We've all read the studies, internet horror stories, the FDA data (2% etc), but hearing this story directly was impactful. He didn't seem emotionally harmed by it, but stated his experience as matter of fact. He tried it, had a reaction, and is living with the result. While I was leaning this direction anyway, hearing a first hand unfortunate story gave me the final push to make up my mind, the risk just isn't worth the reward. I want my hair badly enough that I'll undergo the knife, spend 5-figures to see a wonderful surgeon, but I will not proceed with any medication that may (but likely not) have serious side effects. For those that take finasteride, rock it, the data is in your favor. The benefits of more hair on your head and less body hair are extremely attractive. I understand, but it's not for me. Edited May 19, 2017 by Slush My HT Journey The FUT surgery experience and results Disguising my FUT Scar Medications and Supplements Supplements: Biotin, MSM 5% Minoxidil Foam Regenepure Shampoo (re-starting 1mo after HT) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Slush Posted June 16, 2017 Author Senior Member Share Posted June 16, 2017 (edited) 16-week Status Under varying light. So far so good! Edited June 16, 2017 by Slush My HT Journey The FUT surgery experience and results Disguising my FUT Scar Medications and Supplements Supplements: Biotin, MSM 5% Minoxidil Foam Regenepure Shampoo (re-starting 1mo after HT) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Mick50 Posted June 16, 2017 Senior Member Share Posted June 16, 2017 Yep looks bang on target to me, as you have been told 16 weeks is just the beginning, keep the updates coming ,scar looks great too . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Triple7 Posted June 16, 2017 Senior Member Share Posted June 16, 2017 Things are starting to happen already. Enjoy the next several weeks. Congrats Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Dr. Scott Alexander MD Posted June 30, 2017 Senior Member Share Posted June 30, 2017 Thank you for the update. I very much appreciate it when my patient keep their topics updated as it enables everyone to see the progress. Please continue to keep us all informed here. Dr Scott Alexander - Please feel free to visit our website : Dr. Scott Alexander website and online consultation form Dr. Alexander is an elite member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member PSJohnny Posted July 24, 2017 Regular Member Share Posted July 24, 2017 Wow looks amazing! In the 16 week pictures you can't even tell there's a scar! I just started reading your whole HT experience and now I'm really considering Dr. Alexander for my HT. I work in the same environment as you which has kinda scared me but your story is very encouraging. I was thinking of taking like 3 weeks of vacation time to heal. Thanks again for your updates; I am really excited to see month 5. Happy growing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Slush Posted July 26, 2017 Author Senior Member Share Posted July 26, 2017 Thanks everyone. I have got a couple PM requests for an update. I'm at 5 months. I am noticing that light is everything. In the right light (not direct), my hair looks pretty full. I'll occasionally glance in the rear view mirror and get that accidental look and think, "oh yeah, I like seeing hair there!" Then, as you'll see in the direct light pics,it can look very thin and sparse. It's still early and I'm optimistic. Lastly, finding the right person to cut your hair and work with the scar is big. I just noticed taking these pics that my scar was visible today. I need to take more effort to comb the hair on the side of my head to cover. Lesson learned. I'm told the scar is lightening. Let me know your thoughts! Remember, some are in flattering lighting, others are not. My HT Journey The FUT surgery experience and results Disguising my FUT Scar Medications and Supplements Supplements: Biotin, MSM 5% Minoxidil Foam Regenepure Shampoo (re-starting 1mo after HT) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Speegs Posted July 26, 2017 Senior Member Share Posted July 26, 2017 Thanks everyone. I have got a couple PM requests for an update. I'm at 5 months. I am noticing that light is everything. In the right light (not direct), my hair looks pretty full. I'll occasionally glance in the rear view mirror and get that accidental look and think, "oh yeah, I like seeing hair there!" Then, as you'll see in the direct light pics,it can look very thin and sparse. It's still early and I'm optimistic. Lastly, finding the right person to cut your hair and work with the scar is big. I just noticed taking these pics that my scar was visible today. I need to take more effort to comb the hair on the side of my head to cover. Lesson learned. I'm told the scar is lightening. Let me know your thoughts! Remember, some are in flattering lighting, others are not. Most people won't notice that scar, only HT veterans will even have a clue. It looks like a ruffle from hat hair. Hair loss patient and transplant veteran. Once a Norwood 3A. Received 2,700 grafts with coalition doctor on 8/13/2010 Received 2,380 grafts with Dr. Steven Gabel on 9/30/2011 Received 1,820 grafts with Dr. Steven Gabel on 7/28/2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Speegs Posted July 26, 2017 Senior Member Share Posted July 26, 2017 Also you're now in the frustrating part, the ugly duckling phase for the next 3 to 6 months. But you will likely look much improved in another three months and beyond. Hair loss patient and transplant veteran. Once a Norwood 3A. Received 2,700 grafts with coalition doctor on 8/13/2010 Received 2,380 grafts with Dr. Steven Gabel on 9/30/2011 Received 1,820 grafts with Dr. Steven Gabel on 7/28/2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Slush Posted August 14, 2017 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 14, 2017 I'm a week early of the 6-month mark but I had time tonight to take pics and post. I tried something a little different, I combed my hair before taking pictures, and I took them in the bathroom which has a little more forgiving light. I didn't snap any of the donor area because I want to wait on that until my next haircut. You guys can judge, but it's coming in. Looking at my pictures I see I definitely still have a large forehead (or five head as my dad called it), but I think that just shows that Dr. Alexander matched my original hairline well. A couple things to note: 1) my mentor through my 20s saw me on Friday. (I'm 35.) We had lost touch when I switched companies and went through a divorce. He came out and said, "man, you haven't aged at all!" He also commented that he liked my beard, which was hilarious because I've had it for years now. I think he noticed something was different, but couldn't peg it. I last worked for him at 29. 2) a woman at the brewery was trying to guess my age and that of a buddy. While she may have been simply nice, but perhaps not, she guessed no older than 30. I do credit a huge amount of looking younger to less stress these days, but I have ALWAYS looked older, and I have ALWAYS been balding. For the first time in my life I have hair that looks more in tune with my age. I think this is part of what I'm experiencing. My HT Journey The FUT surgery experience and results Disguising my FUT Scar Medications and Supplements Supplements: Biotin, MSM 5% Minoxidil Foam Regenepure Shampoo (re-starting 1mo after HT) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Triple7 Posted August 15, 2017 Senior Member Share Posted August 15, 2017 That is a nice improvement from a month ago. Everything is looking really good. You have came a long way from where you started already. Congratulations! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Slush Posted August 17, 2017 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 17, 2017 6-month comparison My HT Journey The FUT surgery experience and results Disguising my FUT Scar Medications and Supplements Supplements: Biotin, MSM 5% Minoxidil Foam Regenepure Shampoo (re-starting 1mo after HT) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Slush Posted October 16, 2017 Author Senior Member Share Posted October 16, 2017 Hey guys! I'm nearly to month 8! I got a haircut today so my hair looks it's best. Keep that in mind for those considering a HT. It's combed and cut short, so it looks fuller. It still looks very thin/spotty when I don't comb it frequently. It's part of the illusion, at least at this point. I'm finally at a "normal" haircut. It is at a #3 with a fade to the top. The lady who cuts my hair can only spot a few pink parts on the scar. She says #2 will definitely happen soon. Most on this forum have said #2 isn't possible, so that's telling of Dr. Alexander's work. My HT Journey The FUT surgery experience and results Disguising my FUT Scar Medications and Supplements Supplements: Biotin, MSM 5% Minoxidil Foam Regenepure Shampoo (re-starting 1mo after HT) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Speegs Posted October 16, 2017 Senior Member Share Posted October 16, 2017 You're making headway, the next four months will be kind of fun as it fills in gradually, then you'll be able to gauge if you want more density or not. Hair loss patient and transplant veteran. Once a Norwood 3A. Received 2,700 grafts with coalition doctor on 8/13/2010 Received 2,380 grafts with Dr. Steven Gabel on 9/30/2011 Received 1,820 grafts with Dr. Steven Gabel on 7/28/2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Triple7 Posted October 16, 2017 Senior Member Share Posted October 16, 2017 Everything appears very natural and that is a great scar. You have came a long way from where you started and look much younger. Going to a top notch doctor really helps. Congratulations! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Slush Posted October 28, 2017 Author Senior Member Share Posted October 28, 2017 Thank you! Just passed Month 8. Still time for improvement! My HT Journey The FUT surgery experience and results Disguising my FUT Scar Medications and Supplements Supplements: Biotin, MSM 5% Minoxidil Foam Regenepure Shampoo (re-starting 1mo after HT) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member PSJohnny Posted January 22, 2018 Regular Member Share Posted January 22, 2018 Thank you! Just passed Month 8. Still time for improvement! Hey Slush, any update on this? I've been following this thread since the start and I'm really looking forward to some pictures and the one year mark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Slush Posted January 31, 2018 Author Senior Member Share Posted January 31, 2018 I'll post pics after my next haircut. It's when it looks best. My HT Journey The FUT surgery experience and results Disguising my FUT Scar Medications and Supplements Supplements: Biotin, MSM 5% Minoxidil Foam Regenepure Shampoo (re-starting 1mo after HT) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldguy111284 Posted April 8, 2018 Share Posted April 8, 2018 Are there any updates to report? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Slush Posted April 30, 2018 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 30, 2018 Hi everyone, there pics were after my last haircut. It's about 3weeks old. My career has taken off in major ways, so much apologies on the delay. I'm at 14 months. Here are my thoughts: - When I look in the mirror I absolutely feel happy with my decision. Real life seems to look better than pictures. Perhaps it's perception, angle, or being more judgemental? - Knowing that the density I have is probably all I'll get, I am wishing for more. I feel the transplant area looks quite "thin", but absolutely better than before HT. I am wondering what options I have going forward. - i did opt to not take Propecia, and perhaps that's why my hair doesn't have me fully satisfied. I accepted thinner hair without hormone alternation. Personal choice that was the lesser of two evils for me. - I don regret FUT. The scar is basically undetectable. Dr Alexander did great. With that being said, any future HT, if I go that route, will not be FUT. I don't want to go through that again, and I think I have lucked out on the minimal scar. Repeating the process would mean tighter scalp skin and potential a worse scar. - I do plan to meet with the doctor virtually soon to discuss progress and status. My HT Journey The FUT surgery experience and results Disguising my FUT Scar Medications and Supplements Supplements: Biotin, MSM 5% Minoxidil Foam Regenepure Shampoo (re-starting 1mo after HT) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Slush Posted April 30, 2018 Author Senior Member Share Posted April 30, 2018 The above pictures were with wet hair. I found some dry hair pictures with a little longer hair. This was March 20, so 2-3 weeks before the haircut pics in the previous pics. It shows how much lighting, dry hair, and more recent styling helps (it's kind of an illusion). My HT Journey The FUT surgery experience and results Disguising my FUT Scar Medications and Supplements Supplements: Biotin, MSM 5% Minoxidil Foam Regenepure Shampoo (re-starting 1mo after HT) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Melvin- Admin Posted April 30, 2018 Administrators Share Posted April 30, 2018 The results look good, especially considering where you were before. Your feelings are shared by virtually every guy that’s ever had an HT. We all want more density, this is why hair greed is real. In your case however, I don’t believe it’s hair greed. For your level of hair loss you’ll need more than one surgery. I would focus the second surgery on strengthening the hairline and midscalp. I would leave the crown as is, a little toppik goes a long way. Congrats on a successful surgery. Thanks for keeping us posted, wish you the best on whatever route you decide to go. Take your time, at least now you’ve got a good head of hair cheers- Melvin I’m a paid admin for Hair Transplant Network. I do not receive any compensation from any clinic. My comments are not medical advice. Check out my final hair transplant and topical dutasteride journey: View my thread Topical dutasteride journey Melvin- Managing Publisher and Forum Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q&A Blog. Follow our Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and YouTube. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now