6 months - 2,348 grafts - Dr. Paul Shapiro

[aaron1234]

I have arrived at 6 months from my HT with Paul Shapiro. I had 2,348 grafts / 4,258 hairs transplanted in this procedure. This was my second HT and first with Dr. Paul.

 

Growth

Things are coming along nicely. I've experienced noticeable new growth and a definite cosmetic improvement. The new hairs are thin, short, and wirey but will certainly mature/thicken/lengthen in the coming months. Some have color, others do not. I feel a significant amount of stubble across my head which means I have more to come. I will say that my left temple is somewhat behind my right temple in terms of growth. This was also the case in my first HT. Hopefully, it will catch up in time.

 

Naturalness

One thing I cannot fail to mention is the naturalness of how the new hairs are exiting my scalp. This is in stark contrast to the grafts I received from my first procedure 19 months ago with a different surgeon, as those incisions are still noticeable. Thankfully, they are less detectable now with the new hairs surrounding them.

 

Density

The density has improved. I do not have to use concealer in the hairline or frontal third anymore. However, I hope to see more improvement in density throughout the coming months. Under fluorescent lights or direct sunlight my frontal third is still quite see-through. One thing I noticed is that my frontal tuft holds up much better to harsh lighting than the temples. There are some 3-4 hair grafts in the tuft from my first HT that have fully matured and help with the overall density. I expect that once the grafts from my second HT mature my frontal third will hold up better to extreme light.

 

Scar

The tightness of the donor region went away between the 4th and 5th month. The scar is not detectable with my hair at this length. I could probably shave down to a 4 or 5 guard and it wouldn't be a problem. The area is still pink as expected given my fair complexion.

 

I am definitely pleased with the progress so far and expect a bit more to come the next few months. I have received many compliments about my hair. Some of my female friends have mentioned that it's the best my hair as looked since they've known me. I just tell them about the products I use. One guy friend of mine told me that my hair looked sort of thin. Oh well, can't win 'em all. No one knows about the HT, (except my mom, a stylist I went to a month ago, and you guys!).

 

I have included pictures of freshly washed/air-dryed hair with no products and pictures with my hair styled with loads of products. The products I use in the stylized pics are: Samy Fat Hair (blow dryed) and FX Dirt. For the crown I use DermMatch and a sprinkle of Toppik.

 

Comments mucho appreciated!

 

 

 

[Janna]

Hi Aaron,

 

What a great detailed account of your progress. You've progressed nicely and you should expect more improvement in the next 6+months. Very nice. You get a big star for the day. Thanks a lot for the update!!!

[BigBill1234]

How did you hide the transplant with your head shaved? What did people say?

[youngsuccess]

Great update. Must be a relief not feeling obligated to use Dermatch and Toppik on the hairline anymore, especially at only 6 months.

 

Are you planning to stick with the long-term use of concealer for your crown in conjunction with the frontal transplant, or do you see yourself getting weaned off it when the hairs up front fully mature? Either way, effective use of products there, and you're looking good.

 

Best,

 

Anthony

[aaron1234]

Janna,

 

Thanks for the support! I know SMG prefers in-person updates but hopefully this will make do for now. I plan on visiting SMG for my one year anniversary. Btw, the new SMG website is killer!

 

BigBill (fellow 1234 brother),

 

I was a hermit for the first two weeks. Once I got the sutures out, I used DermMatch on the donor scar(s) but no concealers on top (I even made a thread about it). It wasn't pretty for the first 8-12 weeks. I concocted a story that I made a mistake cutting my own hair, so I just shaved it. Everyone bought it. The ugly duckling period is no cakewalk, especially since I started a new job. However, I'm glad I shaved. I was willing to do whatever necessary to make HT #2 a successful one.

[aaron1234]

Hey Tony! Thanks for the comments. I plan on using concealer for the crown long term, or until I have another procedure addressing the crown and mid-scalp. I think DermMatch is much more effective for the crown than the hairline. Maybe as I get older (later 30's or 40's), I won't mind the bald crown as much. We'll see.

[Severn]

aaron I think the result looks great!

 

As far as your friend mentioning that it looked sorta thin, there is nothing wrong with that. I've seen guys with full heads of hair but whose density is on the thin side. It still looks natural.

[TheEmperor]

aaron,

Looks great for the graft count! :jealous:

 

Hopefully my #2 will grow out and help as much as your second procedure.

 

Keep us posted in the coming months.

[mrkneed]

Looks really good Aaron!!! Just think your only 1/2 way there!!

[aaron1234]

Severn, Emp, mrkneed,

 

Thanks vets! Appreciate the support. I can't tell you how good it is to be out of the doldrums. I'm still self-conscious around the bright lights but I know I still got a ways to go.

 

Severn, you are right. Thin doesn't necessarily mean unnatural. I'm just hoping for some decent coverage to carry me through this next decade.

 

Emp, I have all the confidence that your 2nd procedure will put you over the top... maybe in the earlier months like me. You already got some good coverage behind the hairline.

 

mrkneed. Thanks man. I remember from my prior HT that I saw a significant difference between month 6 and month 9 (even if it wasn't the result I was hoping for in the end)..,, so I know to expect a big difference in the coming months.

[Raphael84]

Arron,

 

All is looking very impressive my man. Real pleased for you. You density looks great. I remember seeing those first HT photos some time back, and the images where you used more concealor. All of those have become things of the past! As you have explained, as further maturation is experienced, things can only get better!

 

Good luck!

[aaron1234]

Thanks Raphael. Yeah, I sometimes still feel the urge to put some concealer up in the front. But I'm restraining myself! It's so nice to just swab some derm on my crown and not try to construct a counterfeit hairline every morning.

[Ian..]

looking good, and its only gonna get better, i too look forward to ditching the concealers

[hrvoje14]

aaron, you look UNRECOGNIZABLE from the before pics! you should be really pleased! well done! (and i see no need for concealer on the hairline, seriously...)

[aaron1234]

Thanks Ian and hrvoje. Ian, you still use concealers? Why?? You've got some good hair there. Hrvoje, yeah I haven't really used any concealer in the hairline since the procedure.. maybe occasionally a tap of Toppik. I think the temptation is more out of habit from before!

[Megatron]

looks fantastic! and it's only been 6m! I positive you're going to have a WOW result when it's fully grown.

[Janna]

Originally posted by aaron1234:

Janna,

 

Thanks for the support! I know SMG prefers in-person updates but hopefully this will make do for now. I plan on visiting SMG for my one year anniversary. Btw, the new SMG website is killer!

 

It more than makes up for not being able to see you in person. We look forward to your 1 yr follow up visit. I like the new website too, thanks!!!

[NewJack]

Looks fantastic

[Bill - Seemiller]

Aaron,

 

I hardly recognized you with that new, thick mop you're wielding on top of your scalp :-).

 

Your hair is looking terrific so far!

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill

[bullitnut]

looks awesome, im so glad for you dude as your a nice helpful guy and an inspiration to others on here .....any updates?

[aaron1234]

Ah ha! Thanks Bill. Thanks Bullit!

 

Things are looking good. I think I peaked at the six month mark as I haven't seen much difference since then. Compare my 9 month photos to my 6 month photos and you'll see. I still have some density issues in very harsh lighting and the sun. But I am very pleased with it in general as it is much improved. I'm starting to get many compliments from people who had no idea I got an HT done. Styling is crucial!

 

I have scheduled my 12 month appointment with SMG in early August and I'll certainly share the details with you guys!

[Sparky]

getting anymore done?

[aaron1234]

I think another procedure in the future is inevitable for me. Though I think I'll be holding off for at least another year. I'll see what the doc says I have left in the donor bank and what my plan of attack should be. But I'm thinking another procedure of about 2,500 grafts to add density throughout, tweak the hairline, boost the crown is in order.