Senior Member aaron1234 Posted November 19, 2009 Senior Member Share Posted November 19, 2009 Today marks the three month anniversary of my second HT procedure, this one being with Dr. Paul Shapiro. The numbers are 2,348 grafts / 4258 hairs. I've updated my blog and have decided to put together a photo album for the forum. The first three months, justifiably referred to as the 'ugly duckling' and 'doldrums' stage, are definitely the most difficult period post-op. However, I believe I'm on the cusp of the growth stage. A couple of weeks ago, I felt some stubble and the amount has certainly increased since then. The hairs are very fine and barely visible to the naked eye and have not made a cosmetic impact yet, nor do I expect them to. Nonetheless, it is nice to know that growth is on the way. Regarding healing, I have also made significant progress. The only time the recipient region redness appears is when I take off a hat after a few hours or when I just get out of the shower. The donor area is still pink but the train-track marks from the sutures have all but subsided. I'm still waiting for the return of the shocked hair-patch behind my right ear. I do occasionally still feel slight tightness in the donor region, and I suspect the scar might have stretched in some parts (mostly in the center, right above the neck), though it is nothing alarming or horrific. Any comments or thoughts welcome. This period has not been a cakewalk, especially since I ditched concealer for the recipient region (aside from three evenings over the past 90 days). But thankfully, I believe I'm beginning to see the last days of the doldrums. The thread regarding my first procedure can be found here: http://hair-restoration-info.c...=835107792#835107792 The initial post-op thread with Dr. Paul can be found here: http://hair-restoration-info.c...=122109973#122109973 Dr. G: 1,000 grafts (FUT) 2008 Dr. Paul Shapiro: 2,348 grafts (FUT) 2009 ~ 1,999 grafts (FUT) 2011 ~ 300 grafts (Scar Reduction) 2013 Dr. Konior: 771 grafts (FUT) 2015 ~ 558 grafts (FUT) 2017 ~ 1,124 grafts (FUE) 2020 My Hair Transplant Journey with Shapiro Medical Group Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member aaron1234 Posted November 19, 2009 Author Senior Member Share Posted November 19, 2009 Thanks spex. Am def glad that those three months are behind me! Dr. G: 1,000 grafts (FUT) 2008 Dr. Paul Shapiro: 2,348 grafts (FUT) 2009 ~ 1,999 grafts (FUT) 2011 ~ 300 grafts (Scar Reduction) 2013 Dr. Konior: 771 grafts (FUT) 2015 ~ 558 grafts (FUT) 2017 ~ 1,124 grafts (FUE) 2020 My Hair Transplant Journey with Shapiro Medical Group Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Sparse Posted November 19, 2009 Senior Member Share Posted November 19, 2009 Aaron, That's a great job of documenting your progress, and it's nice to see the new growth picking up steam. Good luck in the months ahead! My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Hasson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill - Seemiller Posted November 20, 2009 Share Posted November 20, 2009 You're looking right on track so far Aaron. New growth is dawning over the horizon. As you know, growth is progressive and takes time. So give it time to heal and grow. All the Best, Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member Am0986 Posted November 20, 2009 Regular Member Share Posted November 20, 2009 Looking good. I cant wait to see your progress, as we are almost around the same timeline. The first 3 months are the worst. Iam gald you feel some stuble, thats a great sign.. I just hope when all this is said and done we will be a couple of amazing results for this site. Goodluck bro. Check out My Hair Loss Web Blog Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member lost my swagger Posted December 15, 2009 Senior Member Share Posted December 15, 2009 hey Aaron, any chance your 4 month updates are on the way!! sorry if im pushy but im extremely interested in your case man... our loss is similar, our HT history is similar also... im dying to see what SMG does for you... plus your real, and have always given honest assessments.......... k, now that im done kissin your..... ... let me ask you a couple questions if i may..... 1.. how many grafts did you use up in your 1st, less than stellar, procedure?.. 2.. has dr S informed you about your laxity.. how is it after your latest strip? 3..how is your SMG scar overall at this point, would you say you are able to buzz to atleast a 4guard? 4.. did dr S comment on how approx how many grafts he believes you still have via strip method.... thanks man, im glad the first 3 months are done, im truly hoping the next 6 or so are great growing months for you *** RESULTS WILL 100%, without a DOUBT, VARY*** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member aaron1234 Posted December 15, 2009 Author Senior Member Share Posted December 15, 2009 Hey Swagger. 4 month updates will be up on my webblog this weekend (sunday at the latest). 1.. how many grafts did you use up in your 1st, less than stellar, procedure?.. Still not sure. I kept the documents from my first procedure and showed them Dr. Paul on the day of my surgery. The numbers weren't quite adding up, so I don't have an exact number. My first surgeon told me 1,000 grafts would lead to about 2,000 Follicular units. I was confused as I thought FU's & grafts were the same thing. So I assume I had 1,000 grafts with about 2100 hairs for my first procedure. 2.. has dr S informed you about your laxity.. how is it after your latest strip? During the day of surgery, he mentioned that my donor closed fairly easily. I still occasionally feel a slight pull, usually happens after I tilt my forward while looking at something. I resumed my workouts around 3 months post op and typically don't feel any pull in donor during them. 3..how is your SMG scar overall at this point, would you say you are able to buzz to atleast a 4guard? The scar is generally very good. It's very thin behind both of my ears. There has been some stretching in the lower portion behind my right ear. The wideness sort of reminds me of some of Bill's scar before his fourth procedure. So while not perfect, it is certainly coverable with a 4 guard right now. The scar is still red, as expected, so I continue to cover it with dermmatch. 4.. did dr S comment on how approx how many grafts he believes you still have via strip method.... I don't recall a specific number floated about, but he mentioned that he wanted to make sure I had enough for another session for the middle portion of my scalp and in case my lateral humps receded. I remember that when Dr. Ron and Dr. Paul were looking over my head, they were both implying another run years down the road, followed by FUE for the worst-case scenario. For my 12 month result, I am planning on making another trip up to Bloomington, MN for pictures and an assessment for the future. So LMS, behave buddy!! I want you around here for my 12 month pics! Dr. G: 1,000 grafts (FUT) 2008 Dr. Paul Shapiro: 2,348 grafts (FUT) 2009 ~ 1,999 grafts (FUT) 2011 ~ 300 grafts (Scar Reduction) 2013 Dr. Konior: 771 grafts (FUT) 2015 ~ 558 grafts (FUT) 2017 ~ 1,124 grafts (FUE) 2020 My Hair Transplant Journey with Shapiro Medical Group Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member bullitnut Posted December 15, 2009 Senior Member Share Posted December 15, 2009 right where you should be dude its going to start getting exciting soon i for one cant wait to see this grown out as it looks a great hairline!! keep us updated bro 2 poor very poor UK ht's 2 world class repairs with Shapiro Medical Group original thread http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.co...d.php?t=134995 Dr Paul's procedure http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/blog/home-page.asp?WebID=1710 Dr Ron's procedure http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/blog/home-page.asp?WebID=1128 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raphael84 Posted December 15, 2009 Share Posted December 15, 2009 Things are looking good for you! It looks like 2010 will be your year my man! Im wishing you the best of luck. Your a great asset to this forum and I always appreciate your input. Patient Advisor for Dr. Bisanga - BHR Clinic ian@bhrclinic.com - BHR YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcH4PY1OxoYFwSDKzAkZRww I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions and views shared are my own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member aaron1234 Posted December 16, 2009 Author Senior Member Share Posted December 16, 2009 Thanks BN and Raphael for the kind words. I haven't really cut my hair in the past few weeks, so the 4 month pics will at least look longer! Dr. G: 1,000 grafts (FUT) 2008 Dr. Paul Shapiro: 2,348 grafts (FUT) 2009 ~ 1,999 grafts (FUT) 2011 ~ 300 grafts (Scar Reduction) 2013 Dr. Konior: 771 grafts (FUT) 2015 ~ 558 grafts (FUT) 2017 ~ 1,124 grafts (FUE) 2020 My Hair Transplant Journey with Shapiro Medical Group Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member hair_me_out Posted December 16, 2009 Senior Member Share Posted December 16, 2009 Looking good, Bro. Can't wait to see the growth kick into high gear. Should be exciting times for you. My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Hasson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member SharpTooth Posted December 16, 2009 Regular Member Share Posted December 16, 2009 Hey Aaron --- congrats on getting the hairline back. And congrats on getting out of that ugly duckling phase. Not get ready for the beach/pool this summer b/c you'll have a mop on top of your head. My Hair Loss Website Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member lost my swagger Posted December 19, 2009 Senior Member Share Posted December 19, 2009 thanks for the reply aaron, id give one of my nuts to be able to pull of a 4 guard in back.... *** RESULTS WILL 100%, without a DOUBT, VARY*** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member aaron1234 Posted December 19, 2009 Author Senior Member Share Posted December 19, 2009 NP, I'll get 4 month pics up today! Dr. G: 1,000 grafts (FUT) 2008 Dr. Paul Shapiro: 2,348 grafts (FUT) 2009 ~ 1,999 grafts (FUT) 2011 ~ 300 grafts (Scar Reduction) 2013 Dr. Konior: 771 grafts (FUT) 2015 ~ 558 grafts (FUT) 2017 ~ 1,124 grafts (FUE) 2020 My Hair Transplant Journey with Shapiro Medical Group Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member aaron1234 Posted December 19, 2009 Author Senior Member Share Posted December 19, 2009 Ok, the 4 month pics are up on my blog. Some harsh lighting pics especially made for you lms. Lemme know what you think! Dr. G: 1,000 grafts (FUT) 2008 Dr. Paul Shapiro: 2,348 grafts (FUT) 2009 ~ 1,999 grafts (FUT) 2011 ~ 300 grafts (Scar Reduction) 2013 Dr. Konior: 771 grafts (FUT) 2015 ~ 558 grafts (FUT) 2017 ~ 1,124 grafts (FUE) 2020 My Hair Transplant Journey with Shapiro Medical Group Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Leeson Posted December 19, 2009 Senior Member Share Posted December 19, 2009 Hey Aaron, the first thing I noticed right of the bat in the first pic with the profile shot of the hairline is the naturalness (sp?) now. It's starting to fill in, but at 4 months is still too early to comb, when I had my head shaved in January, it was nearing the 5 months mark before I could start to have enough actual length to style. But your hair is coming in nicely and looks TOTALLY natural and in a few months you will have those styling options to choose from. P.S. I hate harsh lighting as well TTYL. Leeson My Hair Loss Website - Dr. Hasson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member aaron1234 Posted December 19, 2009 Author Senior Member Share Posted December 19, 2009 Right on Leeson. I'm def still confined to the comb forward look w/toppik. It'll do for now. But in a few months, I'd like to start spiking it up w/out concealer in the front. thx for the feedback. Dr. G: 1,000 grafts (FUT) 2008 Dr. Paul Shapiro: 2,348 grafts (FUT) 2009 ~ 1,999 grafts (FUT) 2011 ~ 300 grafts (Scar Reduction) 2013 Dr. Konior: 771 grafts (FUT) 2015 ~ 558 grafts (FUT) 2017 ~ 1,124 grafts (FUE) 2020 My Hair Transplant Journey with Shapiro Medical Group Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member bighosedragger Posted December 20, 2009 Regular Member Share Posted December 20, 2009 aaron....looks like your healing well and you can see the growth in your 4 month pics! i was wondering two things. first did you choose to shave down or did dr. paul require you to? also how did workin out effect you? i ask both because i work out daily? i guess im also lucky in the fact that im am just now at 38 years old having a problem covering my receeding temples. which is why i dont really want to shave down....it seems to take forever even for your non trasplanted hair to regrow....which i do not want to deal with. I believe dr. pual is giving me the option of shaving or not. I am lucky enough to have a month off work to recover. p.s. im scheduled with dr. paul shapiro jan 4th 2010! My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Paul Shapiro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member HaiRisWhere Posted December 21, 2009 Regular Member Share Posted December 21, 2009 looking good..How many grafts get you get in the crown area?i too need to cover that much amount of area in the crown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member aaron1234 Posted December 21, 2009 Author Senior Member Share Posted December 21, 2009 bighose, Thanks for the words man. Dr. Paul recommended that I shaved down for the procedure. I knew it was going to be a tough first few weeks/months, but I was willing to do anything to make sure the procedure was as easy for them as possible. I would also strongly recommend shaving down. If any clinic can do a great HT without shaving, it's SMG. Nonetheless, you usually can get more grafts if you shave down. Especially since you are taking a month off from work! I started a new job 3 weeks post op. I'd totally shave down if I were you. Either way, you are in great hands. Start a thread/webblog and keep us posted! Hairiswhere, I don't have an exact number for the amount of grafts I received in the crown. Not too many though. Probably between 100-200 if I had to guess. Dr. Paul wanted to focus mostly on the front/mid portions of the scalp. Just wanted to have something to blend in with the concealers down the road. Dr. G: 1,000 grafts (FUT) 2008 Dr. Paul Shapiro: 2,348 grafts (FUT) 2009 ~ 1,999 grafts (FUT) 2011 ~ 300 grafts (Scar Reduction) 2013 Dr. Konior: 771 grafts (FUT) 2015 ~ 558 grafts (FUT) 2017 ~ 1,124 grafts (FUE) 2020 My Hair Transplant Journey with Shapiro Medical Group Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member lost my swagger Posted December 21, 2009 Senior Member Share Posted December 21, 2009 hey aaron.. it looks to me like the growth is just starting, which is of course to be expected... i really like the wet spiked up pic man, things are looking good and to me it looks like your already SLIGHTLY fuller than you were pre op.. i believe if you get the kind of growth that we all expect from SMG you just might come out the victor in this hair loss battle we are all in..... your front will hopefully be done for a good long time, if not for good after this... and if your lucky enough to pull 1.5 to 2 k later in life it seems you will be able to tackle the potential of further crown loss... bottom line is I WANT TIME TO FLY cause i already cant wait for your 5 and 6 month progress... as for your scar(s).. i think they both look good honestly... id kill for a scar situation like that... my scar is plain as day stretched and wide, jagged, bumpy and not a single hair growing thru.. thats at a 6 guard too... in your scar pic looking downward they are visible but not overly noticable at all IMO... i would think in everyday situations the typical person wouldnt think twice looking at you..... thanks for the updates man.. your an asset here plain and simple *** RESULTS WILL 100%, without a DOUBT, VARY*** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member aaron1234 Posted December 21, 2009 Author Senior Member Share Posted December 21, 2009 lms, Thanks for the feedback and kind words. Truly appreciate it. I'll keep the updates coming. If you don't see a 5th or 6th month update, it means I'm dead! Dr. G: 1,000 grafts (FUT) 2008 Dr. Paul Shapiro: 2,348 grafts (FUT) 2009 ~ 1,999 grafts (FUT) 2011 ~ 300 grafts (Scar Reduction) 2013 Dr. Konior: 771 grafts (FUT) 2015 ~ 558 grafts (FUT) 2017 ~ 1,124 grafts (FUE) 2020 My Hair Transplant Journey with Shapiro Medical Group Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member aaron1234 Posted January 20, 2010 Author Senior Member Share Posted January 20, 2010 Waddup everyone. Just posted a 5 month update on my blog. Things are starting to pick up. I also put up some pics with Thana's Regimen. Let me know what you think! Dr. G: 1,000 grafts (FUT) 2008 Dr. Paul Shapiro: 2,348 grafts (FUT) 2009 ~ 1,999 grafts (FUT) 2011 ~ 300 grafts (Scar Reduction) 2013 Dr. Konior: 771 grafts (FUT) 2015 ~ 558 grafts (FUT) 2017 ~ 1,124 grafts (FUE) 2020 My Hair Transplant Journey with Shapiro Medical Group Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member hair_me_out Posted January 20, 2010 Senior Member Share Posted January 20, 2010 Looking muuuuch better, Aaron. Congrats to you! My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Hasson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member bighosedragger Posted January 20, 2010 Regular Member Share Posted January 20, 2010 aaron, looking good and I'm sure looks even better in person! I'm looking forward to your 6 month updates...you should be even thicker! My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Paul Shapiro Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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