Regular Member HTREGRETS Posted December 20, 2017 Regular Member Share Posted December 20, 2017 (edited) It's been a long time coming....over 13 years to be exact. I'm not going to rehash my previous stories, you can look them up on my previous threads. However, I am happy to say I have FINALLY repaired the Bosley mistake I made when I was only 21! I just got home from a long day at Dr. Cooley's office! I got there at 7AM, and they worked on me diligently until 6:45PM. I'm a little exhausted to say the least, so I'm not going to give drawn out details, just some bullet points: Customer Care: Impeccable. Dr. Cooley and his team were at my side every step of the way. Pain: Basically non-existent. And, I was very lucid for almost the entire procedure. I remember being blacked out when I had my Bosley procedure years ago...no clue what was going on. Atmosphere: Dr. Cooley's office is in a major medical center in Charlotte, NC. It's connected to a hospital. You could not feel more comfortable and confident in the setting. Procedure: Started with the strip removal, then incisions, followed by graft placements. Dr. Cooley was by my side at least 95% of the entire procedure, regardless of what was happening. And I have complete faith in his assistants. His lead assistant Brandi has been with him for 18 years! THE BEST PART!: I paid for 2000 grafts, but was adamant about not elongating my existing scar over a certain length. Dr. Cooley complied, and we fell short of the purchased grafts by roughly 225. Dr. Cooley performed a non-shaven FUE on me for the remainder of the grafts....and did not charge me the extra expense for this type of procedure even though I insisted on it. Overall: As a repair patient and someone EXTREMELY critical of this entire industry, my experience today could not have been any better. Of course, I'm now on to the waiting game. Attached are before pictures from last night, and post-surgery pics from 15 minutes ago. Any feedback is greatly appreciated! PS: Thank you for all of the support from fellow members of these forums, other clinics, and clinic representatives over the years. You know who you are and I can't thank you enough! Edited December 20, 2017 by HTREGRETS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Triple7 Posted December 20, 2017 Senior Member Share Posted December 20, 2017 Congratulations! This is going to be a great result. I am happy for you and wish you good luck with everything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member UKLad81 Posted December 20, 2017 Senior Member Share Posted December 20, 2017 (edited) Congratulations buddy! So glad to hear the procedure went well for you and like me (and others) you had a great experience with Cooley and his wonderful gang! I expected nothing less from him regarding getting those extra grafts. I know the incision was very important to you and am happy to hear that Cooley was able to accommodate. Would love to see how it looks at some point. Anyhow, the work as expected looks very clean! Heal well, keep spraying those grafts and don't be too alarmed if you feel absolutely shattered today! Oh and enjoy the hair wash! Edited December 20, 2017 by UKLad81 Typo's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member HTREGRETS Posted December 20, 2017 Author Regular Member Share Posted December 20, 2017 Thank you Triple7 and UK Lad! Hope you both are healing/growing well! I forgot to mention, I also had PRP and Acell included in my procedure. I just returned from a complimentary wash at the office and Dr. Cooley said everything looks great! I'm continuing to spray the grafts every hour, but the pain is almost non-existent. It just feels very tight where the suture line is, which is probably a good thing. I can't feel anything where the FUE grafts were taken from in the donor. The only awkward thing now is hiding out in my house with Saran wrap on my head haha. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member UKLad81 Posted December 20, 2017 Senior Member Share Posted December 20, 2017 Are you going to be getting your hair washes done regularly from the clinic? I would recommend you do, certainly for the first few days. It makes things so easy them doing it for you. Haha, that's Saran Wrap is a pain in the arse but it seems to do the job and definitely helps keep the grafts moist after you spray. I was walking around down town with it on and the cap on but really didn't care what people thought. Even on the flight home i had some awkward stares. The first few days are annoying especially at night as you got to wake up every two hours but its worth it. I'm still spraying every so often as Cooley said keep doing it until the bottle runs out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Windjammer Posted December 22, 2017 Regular Member Share Posted December 22, 2017 Curious, what made you elect to have a no-shave in the recipient zone? I imagine that was something you and Cooley discussed and chose to do. Work looks clean and I wish you the very best moving forward! Looking forward to future updates and photos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member HTREGRETS Posted December 22, 2017 Author Regular Member Share Posted December 22, 2017 UKLad, I've just been washing the hair myself. It's kind of a pain in the ass, but I'm managing. Just trying to be very careful with the grafts. Windjammer; Dr. Cooley rarely if ever shaves the recipient area. It is a little more time consuming during the procedure, but Dr. Cooley is able to implant the grafts in and around the existing hair without harm. It is much easier as the patient post-op to return to work and normal activities without a shaved recipient area. I've seen great results shaven, and great results unshaven. I guess it's a matter of preference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member HTREGRETS Posted December 23, 2017 Author Regular Member Share Posted December 23, 2017 Day 4 Post Op Update Everything seems to be healing nicely. Attached are some updated pictures. I'd love to hear some feedback from the community. I can finally ditch the Saran wrap, but am still spraying regularly. I really have had basically no pain since the procedure or swelling. The biggest inconvenience is hiding out and avoiding regular work and social activity. I also attached some scar pictures. To get the grafts Dr. Cooley needed, he had to extend the scar a bit further on both sides. I am hopeful that the scar will be thinner than it was before, and the Tricho will let hair grow through the scar. I'm a little concerned that I will not be able to wear my hair as short on the sides due to the scar getting close to my ears and prohibiting a tighter fade. I am 100% planning on getting FUE into the scar during my next pass. I would love to hear from someone who has done this in the past. Very early in the waiting game. Hoping to be enjoying a new head of hair a year from now! And a thinner scar!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member buzzbee Posted December 23, 2017 Senior Member Share Posted December 23, 2017 Very nice! Looking forward to following your results! My Hair Loss Website Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill - Seemiller Posted December 24, 2017 Share Posted December 24, 2017 HTRegrets, When I saw your alias, I was concerned that maybe you were dissatisfied or something but when I saw Dr. Cooley's name, I thought...there's no way that's possible. Well, of course, all doctors have cases of less than optimal results for various reasons. But the probability is low with an excellent physician like Dr. Cooley. And of course, when I read through your experience, I was right. Everything is looking good so far and I look forward to following along. Please post monthly photos and I encourage you also to create a free patient website, which is still the best way to document your progress. You can then share the link to your website on this forum. Best wishes, Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member HTREGRETS Posted December 24, 2017 Author Regular Member Share Posted December 24, 2017 Thank you Bill! This community has been a great resource for me. I actually posted here under the alias "HTNONO" about 9 years ago. It's been a long journey. I will continue to document my progress and will start a website. Happy Holidays to everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member forgotpassword Posted December 26, 2017 Senior Member Share Posted December 26, 2017 Nice clean work. Congrats on making the long awaited decision. I'm sure you must be relieved July 2017 - Dr Cooley - 2575 grafts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member HTREGRETS Posted December 28, 2017 Author Regular Member Share Posted December 28, 2017 Updated pics from Day 9 Post Op. I went to Dr. Cooley's office yesterday and had them thoroughly clean my hair and clean the minimal scabbing at the recipient site. Everything seems to be coming along nicely. The recipient area is a little pink, but nothing too noticeable. I'm hopeful these babies will grow in and thicken up my front and temples! Still concerned about the scar. I believe it's healing very well, and I have a good shot of it being thinner than my previous Bosley scar. I'm just concerned with its length. It was extended from 14.5CM to 19.5CM, a little longer than I wanted. I understand that this length was necessary to get the needed grafts though. I attached a shot of how I was able to wear my hair post this revision. Notice the fading to conceal the old scar, do you think this will be possible again? Also, I know I'm jumping the gun a bit, but I want to cover this scar once and for all. Does anyone have experience/input on grafting into scars and the length that you can cut the hair over the scar?? Everyone says its possible, but there are not many examples online. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member forgotpassword Posted January 7, 2018 Senior Member Share Posted January 7, 2018 Can't give you much info about doing an fue into the scar but what I can say is that the work looks very clean July 2017 - Dr Cooley - 2575 grafts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member HTREGRETS Posted January 9, 2018 Author Regular Member Share Posted January 9, 2018 Day 21 Post HT: I finally got the sutures out today at Dr. Cooley's office, which is a great feeling. Dr. Cooley took time to meet with me and look at the donor & recipient area. He explained that everything is healing nicely! I also got my first haircut in about 3 months (I grew it out before the procedure). My hair was the longest it has been since college. I was very concerned about not being able to cut my hair short on the sides due to the scar getting longer, but it ended up being a non issue! I'm very excited to say the least! Attached are a bunch of pictures. NOTE: The pitting in the recipient area is from my Bosley procedure 13 years ago, NOT Dr. Cooley. The recipient area is still a little pink, but nothing that anyone else notices. I think the scar looks good so far (as good as a scar can look), would love to hear some feedback. I'm still going to continue to put ointment on the scar. Otherwise, I am back to my normal hair routine. I do CrossFit, and have decided to take 3 months off to ensure that the scar doesn't stretch. Dr. Cooley said I can exercise earlier than that, but I don't want to risk it. I haven't done anything since the procedure, but am going to start running again today. I'll update with pics on a monthly basis as I am in the waiting game now. Also, I'd like to change my alias as to not confuse my previous poor HT experience with Dr. Cooley's work. MODs, can you change me to HTREDEMPTION? Here is the graft breakdown: Singles: 569 Doubles: 1039 Triples: 408 2016 grafts 3871 hairs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member UKLad81 Posted January 9, 2018 Senior Member Share Posted January 9, 2018 Did you even have any work done?? Everything looks really good and the hair cut makes it even better. Glad to hear the incision is a non-issue as i know this was of concern for you. Its probably a little too soon but how does the incision area feel now that you have the sutures out? You'll probably feel the difference when you go to sleep tonight. All in all, the incision looks very similar to mine! Looks like you've shed most of the grafts as well? Is the shed over for you? You taking any meds / vitamins? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member HTREGRETS Posted January 23, 2018 Author Regular Member Share Posted January 23, 2018 Day 35 Update Nothing too exciting going on as of yet. Recipient are is still pretty pink. Unfortunately, it looks like the scar has stretched a bit since the sutures were removed. I'm assuming that's pretty normal and is due to my healing characteristics. Pics attached. Will this get better/worse?? UKLad81, I've probably shed all of the grafts. The scar still feels a bit raised and is very red still as you can see in the pics. I've been taking Propecia daily for about 15 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member HTREGRETS Posted January 23, 2018 Author Regular Member Share Posted January 23, 2018 Here are some better pics I took with the help of my GF. It's tough taking pictures of the back of my head alone! I think some of the angles of the previous pics are deceiving and make the scar look worse than it is. The fact that the scar is still very pink/red does not help either. It looks like it varies from 1mm to 2mm throughout the scar. I guess that's about as good as I can hope for. Hopefully, it will not stretch from here. I got the Tricho closure but can't see any hair growing through the scar, does anyone know when I should see growth there? Also, any overall input on the state of the scar at this point is appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member forgotpassword Posted February 16, 2018 Senior Member Share Posted February 16, 2018 How's your progress coming along in the recipient area? Relax about the donor; it takes time. Chin up and stay positive July 2017 - Dr Cooley - 2575 grafts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member hairlossPA Posted February 16, 2018 Senior Member Share Posted February 16, 2018 I think thats about as good as you're gonna get for the scar. it will fade over time, but as far as width of the scarm 1-2mm is average. as long as the back of the head covers the scar you are fine. not sure about the hair growing through the closure/scar though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Sean Posted February 17, 2018 Senior Member Share Posted February 17, 2018 Htregrets, have you talked with the doctor about any of this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member UKLad81 Posted February 18, 2018 Senior Member Share Posted February 18, 2018 I've looked at your incision in your previous posts and most recent and really don't see much difference. I personally don't think it's stretched. As others have suggested give it some more time, I'm positive this when healed over the next few months will look better. Be patient and don't stress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member forgotpassword Posted February 19, 2018 Senior Member Share Posted February 19, 2018 Seconded.. I feel my hair has improved substantially from month 5 to month 7. Dr Cooley knows what he's doing. If you're nervous or unhappy, I'm very confident Lollie or Dr Cooley will give you some insight/advice but they will also say patience. You're still recovering. In 8-9 months you'll ask yourself why did you drive yourself up the wall I've looked at your incision in your previous posts and most recent and really don't see much difference. I personally don't think it's stretched. As others have suggested give it some more time, I'm positive this when healed over the next few months will look better. Be patient and don't stress. July 2017 - Dr Cooley - 2575 grafts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member HTREGRETS Posted February 20, 2018 Author Regular Member Share Posted February 20, 2018 (edited) I sent the same pics to Dr. Cooley's office and they said the donor looks good and will continue to heal. I think once the redness fades, it will be much easier to conceal. Nothing too exciting happening up front. It is still a little pink, but my existing hair hides it. You would not be able to tell I had anything done, which is great. Now I'm just waiting for my new hair to grow! Edited February 27, 2018 by HTREGRETS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member HTREGRETS Posted February 24, 2018 Author Regular Member Share Posted February 24, 2018 (edited) 2 Months and 5 Days Post Up Update Here's where I stand after a little over 2 months post op. Nothing is really happening up front, which is to be expected. It is still a little pink in the recipient area, but it is fading over time. Dr. Cooley used electrolysis to remove some multi-hair grafts in the hairline from my original procedure, so the front already looks better than it did pre-op. Once the hairs grow in, I think it will look great! The scar is pink/red still, and the donor area still feels tight. But this is all part of the healing process. I haven't worked out since the procedure, I've only been running. Dr. Cooley did perform FUE on me during this procedure as well, and I can't see a single spot where the grafts were taken from. Any comments/input/advice is greatly appreciated. Edited February 27, 2018 by HTREGRETS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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