1500 grafts by Paul Shapiro 6/16/06

[csofrank]

Just did 1500 grafts by Paul Shapiro today. Like all of the other patients who have posted on this site, the experience was wonderful (well, since this is my first HT, I have no one experience to compare to)

 

Anyway, the surgery was smooth and the only pain was when they injected the anesthesia at both the donor and the transplanted area.

 

Because what I needed was merely lower my hairline, Paul was able to increase the density to somewhere close to 40 grafts per sq/cm.

 

Before the procedure, Ron came in and also added his input on what the approach is. And even thruout the day he popped in and either commented on the procedure and towards the end he even took over the predure himself which I was extremely grateful.

 

Even though Paul hadn't been in the HT business for long, but his skills and approach I would say are not much different from Ron. I feel very comfortable with the eventual result.

 

so this is the first night after the HT. My scalp still feels numb. And even that, i can start to feel the tightness of both donar and transplanted area. Hopefully the next fews days all these will ease and I can get back to work.

 

Using two mirrors, my donor area is completely covered by my hair and even I cannot tell something was done to it. As for the front, the transplanted hair sticks out about 1/3 cm from the scalp. No swelling or bleeding so far so that is good sign. Again my concern is how do i conceal these transplanted hair a week later when I am supposed to return to work. Even though my hair is long but ppl can easily see thru if they stand close enough, especially if the scabs has not fall out yet.

 

Since i work in an office environment where shirts and tie are a requirement, I will certainly draw some curious looks if I put a hat on. But if i can't hide it with my hair, i will just have put the hat and and lie about the reason.......

 

Believe me, the fews days leading up to the HT, I couldn't help but asking myself am I crazy?

Am I going to commit the stupest thing to myself? To have some stranger operate on your head if the outcome is back, it is I who have to deal with the consequence for the rest of my life, not to mention the impact to my self confidence.

 

But anyway, I stuck it out and there is no turning back. I just can't wait for the new hair to shed so I can start my life new.

 

Photos will come in the next few days.

 

CSO

[csofrank]

Just did 1500 grafts by Paul Shapiro today. Like all of the other patients who have posted on this site, the experience was wonderful (well, since this is my first HT, I have no one experience to compare to)

 

Anyway, the surgery was smooth and the only pain was when they injected the anesthesia at both the donor and the transplanted area.

 

Because what I needed was merely lower my hairline, Paul was able to increase the density to somewhere close to 40 grafts per sq/cm.

 

Before the procedure, Ron came in and also added his input on what the approach is. And even thruout the day he popped in and either commented on the procedure and towards the end he even took over the predure himself which I was extremely grateful.

 

Even though Paul hadn't been in the HT business for long, but his skills and approach I would say are not much different from Ron. I feel very comfortable with the eventual result.

 

so this is the first night after the HT. My scalp still feels numb. And even that, i can start to feel the tightness of both donar and transplanted area. Hopefully the next fews days all these will ease and I can get back to work.

 

Using two mirrors, my donor area is completely covered by my hair and even I cannot tell something was done to it. As for the front, the transplanted hair sticks out about 1/3 cm from the scalp. No swelling or bleeding so far so that is good sign. Again my concern is how do i conceal these transplanted hair a week later when I am supposed to return to work. Even though my hair is long but ppl can easily see thru if they stand close enough, especially if the scabs has not fall out yet.

 

Since i work in an office environment where shirts and tie are a requirement, I will certainly draw some curious looks if I put a hat on. But if i can't hide it with my hair, i will just have put the hat and and lie about the reason.......

 

Believe me, the fews days leading up to the HT, I couldn't help but asking myself am I crazy?

Am I going to commit the stupest thing to myself? To have some stranger operate on your head if the outcome is back, it is I who have to deal with the consequence for the rest of my life, not to mention the impact to my self confidence.

 

But anyway, I stuck it out and there is no turning back. I just can't wait for the new hair to shed so I can start my life new.

 

Photos will come in the next few days.

 

CSO

[L'Anonyme]

Thanks for your post. I had nearly 1200 grafts a few weeks ago and was thinking much the same thing in the days leading up to my transplant. Look forward to your photos....

[troy]

I went through the same emotions as you. I didnt want to start dating untill i was 4 months post op. I will say the anxioty was big leading upto the ht, but for me once it was done it was down hill from there, yes it was discomfort sleeping and spraying my head, but for me the hardest part was going into the unknown and following through with it. Now I am approaching 7 months post op and if i go back would have no concerns. sit back and be prepared for an emotional ride for the next 4-5 months

[hairbank]

cso-

 

Congrats to you on the HT with Dr. Paul Shapiro. I've heard many good things about him and the skill set is definitely in the gene pool! I'll be anxious to see your pics.

 

Since you didn't have to shave down for the HT, even thought you had frontal work, I wouldn't worry so much about the grafts. If you're able to take around 10-12 days off work, all scabbing should be gone so the only evidence will be the grafts. Maybe you could have someone help you clip the rest of your hair shorter (1/2" to 1") so it's not so different from the grafts yet strategically go around the scar (just a thought).

 

Another thing, at the 2-4 week mark you'll likely loose the grafts anyway so it'll stop being an issue. Just IMO but I wouldn't wear the hat. I doubt anyone will ask you about your hair but, if they do, just blow it off or reply with something like "botched hair job"........whatever. We care about how we look way more than others do. After my 2nd HT when I did shave down for dense packing, I clipped the rest to match. I work in a professional environment....suit/tie....client meetings everyday....pulled it off no problem. Be confident.....don't let it bother you.

[csofrank]

Yeah, thanks alot guys for the encouragement and suggestions. Unfortunately due to my work I have to be back at around 6 days after surgery.

 

I have no idea what I will like then. It's either hair combover or hat........

 

I went in for shampoo this morning and both paul and ron commented how good my HT looked as well as the stylist there.

 

This morning I found some blood stain on the pillow. I had no idea that I had bled sometime during the night. Oh well, hopefully the cleaning lady is used to HT customer like me. LOL.....

 

cso

[csofrank]

ok, I have just uploaded my pics on the site. Not sure if this is the right way to post it though.

 

http://hair-restoration-info.com/eve/forums?a=albumtopi...1050642&f=2566060861

[Island Girl]

csofrank,

I feel for you regarding the delimma you have of 'covering up' at work. I had a 2000 HT done in Philadelphia on January 13. After 5+ months of ups and downs, my hair is finally actually THICK ontop! Being a woman, I had another option that you probably dont have...I went out and bought a very good wig that closely resembled my own hairstyle before the HT. I told people at work that I had a "cyst" removed from the back of my head and since they had to shave the area, I had to wear the wig till it grew out. My "fib" got me through the last several months till my scalp healed, till the new transplanted hairs came in and till the pre-existing hair that I had on top came back after falling out due to a temporary shock loss. Hang in there...it's well worth it in the end!

[kamin]

csofrank,

 

Looks good!! Thanks for the update!

[csofrank]

I have come across other ppl said their transplanted hair did not completely fall out. I am wondering what is the chance of that?

 

I am also wondering if the newly transplanted hairs grow at all before they fall out. I don't know if it is my imagination, but these transplanted hair seemed to have grown longer already after one week. Anyone?

 

cso

[JakeVig]

csofrank, I had my HT on the 14/6. I would say that I was getting my hair washed when you were having your HT done. I think I may have even seen you at the reception.

 

Yeah sleeping on the donor scar is a little uncomfortable, though I'm more worried about trying to conceal it when I get back to work. It doesnt look like you will have that problem with your long hair as you will easily be able to conceal your HT.

 

How are your scabs coming along? You looked like you healed up nicely, I think I did as well though I only really notice it when I wet the recipient area, the skin kind of bubbles - Are you getting that as well?

 

Also are you doing putting anything on the donor scar?

[csofrank]

Hey Jakevig,

Yeah I think I recall seeing someone on the morning of 6/15 coming in and getting a shampoo. That's probably you. :-)

 

I am already back to work today without a hat and no one said anything obviously. I think my scabs have just started to shed. As for healing, I think it went really well too. I had no bleeding and no swelling. Redness is not visible with all the grafts still in place. In fact, if someone looks closely, he/she would just think these new hairs are part of my receding hairline.

 

After shampoo though, that's when all the fatty tissue become apparent. They look more like zit (or flakes) and I had to fight the urge to finger pick them clean. As soon as they are dry, they become invisible again. I have not started rubbing them to get rid the scab during shower. I will start doing that after day 10 just to be safe.

 

NOthing on the donor scar, I only sprayed graphcyte on it the first 3 days and now just trying to ignore the discomfort.

 

How about numbness? I still have about 1/3 of top scalp feeling numb. Also the transplanted area is a little numb too. How about you?

 

Cso

[JakeVig]

Hi csofrank

 

Yeah there is a good chance that still very much drugged, dazed and confused guy getting his hair washed was me

 

Well its good to hear that I got a SMG buddy with similar no of grafts on the forums so we can compare our experiences with.

 

Although I think with your thick hair and dark skin characteristics I have a feeling that your going to have a very dramatic cosmetic effect with your HT.

 

Back at work already - thats insane man!!! Im no where near ready, my scar is still very obvious and I only got 1 1/2 more weeks to go. I think I left my hair too short and Ron may have shaved too much around the donor area. Im going to wait till I get my stitches out and pray that dermatch can mask it as best as it can. The only visible bit is above the ear. Im suprised that my scar is only on the right side of my head and not symmetrical, is this the same for you?

 

Yeah same the fatty flakes only really become obvious with the shampoo. I have been massaging very carefully in the last day or 2 and been using a comb to collect the loose ones.

 

Your transplanted hair seems much longer than mine, is that the length it was transplanted or have your got some growth?

 

Im started applying some cream on the donor scar but it makes my surrounding hair sticky and harder to wash. So im going to wait till after the stiches are out and my hair before I start again.

 

I've only got a little numbness left in my scalp and some around the donor area.

 

Anyway keep us posted on your progress.

[csofrank]

JakeVig,

Yes, we can certainly compare each other's development in the coming months/years. It will like looking at a mirror, LOL.

 

As for work, prior to returning, I purposely shampooed my hair, blow dry with cool air and really checked my self in the mirror as to how well my front hair can cover the HT. To my delight, it really did hide it well. If someone were to look up from beneath, he/she would see the a little big of the short HT hair but not much else. There is no way anyone can tell I just had HT done 5 days ago. (at least that's what I tell myself LOL) Also, my hair grows forward so letting my existing hair cover my entire forhead was quite normal. I started with this look a week before I had the HT so ppl around should not notice any suddent change.

It's been three days and I am less neverous everyday now.

 

As for the length of the HT hair, yeah I asked that question a couple of posts earlier. I really felt they grew longer in the last week. And I still have the hope of them never fall off coz they seem to be sitting in there very well. Every morning I check my pillow to see if I find any of the HT hair on the pillow, but no. They are in there fine. :-)

 

I am really tempted to cut my hair real short to match the HT hair after I get my suture off. And if those HT hair don't fall off like I hoped, then I am golden!

 

The numbness continues. The bad part is the numb part does not apply to the donar area so it hurts everytime it comes into contact with anything.

 

Did Ron explain why he used sutures instead of staples? Or why he didn't use suture that resolved on its own?

 

cso

[JakeVig]

csofrank,

 

It seems like your having an easy ride over there. Unfortunately im going to have to buzz down and apply some dermatch/toppik magic on the donor scar for a little while as it is quite obvious with short hair since the hair around the scar is shaved.

 

If your hairs are growing than thats half your luck. It looks like mine is still there as well, although I dont think they are growing in length. I havent noticed any falling out but at the moment its looking quite thin and I should have 50cm2 coverage - so I guess Im hoping some have gone.

 

You might be one of the lucky ones with the survival rate though. They say you should expect 80-90% to fall out within the first few weeks - though it appears that other people on this forum are experiencing survival beyond 5-6 weeks.

 

As for the sutures, Ron approaches it on a case by case basis. It seems like the bigger the session and the poorer the laxity the more chance he will use staples. From what I've heard from other members staples hurt like hell and if they could they would opt for sutures only. He didnt mention disolveable sutures, though they seem like a convenience for the patient. Personally I would rather go through some discomfort for the sake of a smaller scar.

 

The next step for us is suture removal. It looks like we should expect a little pain here. Apparently if you wash your hair in warm water before removal it will come out easier. I also haven't had to use any Tylenol yet so I will have a couple to spare before I go in

[johnnie69]

Jake,

 

Have whomever is removing the staples get a washcloth and a tub of warm/hot water, as warm as you can stand, moisten the towel and apply it to the staples that are gonna be removed....I did it this time and it helped alot, the removal stings like a bitch.....she ended up having to reapply the cloth 4-5 times, but when she didnt, I felt the difference....

 

good luck...