M&M - Post Op with Dr. Shapiro - 11.5 Month Update

[M&M]

After suffering from the after-effects of a few Bosley transplants (of which I only noticed how bad they were once my native hair began to fall out around them), I decided once and for all to do something about it.

 

My goal with my Hair Transplant from Dr. Shapiro was (1) to improve hair line density and (2) to make it much more natural in appearance.

 

I'm optimistic that it will continue to thicken and believe that my pluggy hairline is a thing of the past!

 

 

 

[TooThin]

M&M:

 

It looks very natural. I am scheduled for a consultation with Dr. Shapiro next week. I hope they can set me up with results as good as yours. Too Thin

[hairbank]

M&M,

 

Looks good and I'm sure you'll see some thickening yet being at only 6 months. How many grafts did you get? I'm sure you've posted it before but I don't remember??

[Bill - Seemiller]

M&M,

 

It's looking great so far. Things should thicken up nicely for you over the next several months! happy growing!

 

Bill

[the B spot]

M&M, do not fret my man!!!!!!

 

I can see a drastic softening in your hairline already.

 

At 6 months you might be at 50-60% at best, not to mention that the transplanted hair needs time to soften as well.

 

Dr. Shapiro is a world leader in hairline design, placement, artistry and his methods are copied by many HT docs around the world.

(Gee, I don't sound like a cheerleader here do I? LOL)

 

Anyway, RELAX, you have more hair on your head than I ever will so enjoy it!!!!!!!!!!

Cheers!!!!!

[M&M]

Thanks everyone! It's always encouraging to get positive feedback on one's progress!

 

TooThin: I think you will be very impressed with 'Dr. Ron' and Matt. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Hairbank: I got 1662 grafts, all (as you can likely tell) in the frontal hairline zone. That should be enough to create a very noticeable thickening!

 

Bill: Thanks! And all the best on your HT #3! It's looking great so far as well. I can't wait to see that in about 6 months.

 

B Spot: Thanks for the encouragement! It's good to know that I'm about half way to my final result, as I was actually wondering about the percent of final accomplishment that one should be at in 6 months. I was hoping 6 months might be 50-60% since most say it takes about 10-12 months to see the final result.

[John_in_NC]

Originally posted by M&M:

I got 1662 grafts, all (as you can likely tell) in the frontal hairline zone. That should be enough to create a very noticeable thickening!

 

 

 

Yp, 1600 will be really nice. No one will ever know that a Bosley masterpiece is somewhere there . Congrats

[M&M]

I am now at month 9 and thought that it was about time I updated my progress, especially considering that Bill finds the time to post new photos every 2 weeks. Shame on me for taking two months between updates.

 

I've noticed that my hairdresser is still styling my hair in a manner that covers up my hairline. This got me thinking that it's still rather thin and she is doing her best to help me out from showing off my thinning. Plus, I read Jotronic's posts about how one should take photos in natural light.

 

I'm not sure if my expectations were too high, but since I started from a pretty decent spot, 1662 graphs seemed like a reasonable amount to thicken things up and cover up the old Bosley Mini & Micros. It's been a long time getting to this spot and now I'm concerned that I will need another HT before I can truly style my hair in the front in almost any manner desired.

 

You can definitely see the 'thinness' in some of the photos still. Can anyone guess as to the hairs per cm2 I have? Thoughts on how many more grafts I may need?

 

Thanks as always!!

 

Edited: Yes, I know I am only at month 9 and following discussions with Dr. Shapiro directly, I've been advised that I am likely a late bloomer, meaning that my results more closely resemble month 7. (Please see page two for further feedback on my discussions with Matt and Dr. Shapiro directly).

[NervousNelly]

Firstly,

 

You are not at full completion of growth and there is still approx. 7 months or so that the hairline can thicken so I still wouldn't worry about it.

 

It all comes down to personal preference and it is quite possible that your expectations were higher than what realistically can be achieved. I know that Dr. Shapiro is one of the best in the business, but he is also leans on the conservative side and it is possible that the density will be less. I would rather doubt that he was planning to give you a "wall of hair" like you might have gotten with Armani. Even though you do have a lot of native hair, he still has to consider future native hairloss. It is hard to guess as to what the density is with the photos but I would say 25 FU/cm2? Difficult to estimate with photos.

 

You do look great though. It is a very quality hairline and there is no evidence of the mini grafts from prior surgery. I would think that things will thicken up and you will be fully satisfied. Keep us posted.

 

What exactly were you told would be achieved?

[Dizzy]

Hi m&m

 

I think you and I have the same problem. If you look at my pictures posted you can see similarities. Im also waiting for more grow but im starting to realise this aint gonne look good. You see I was promesed great density, to style my hair as I want and so on.... Yee right......I cant even have my hair line up as i had before the surgery. Just realise, how fun can it be going around with an early 90?‚?? style....You know before I just loved going out to some tight club, meeting some chiks...well you know what I mean....Since the operation I been out just a couple of times (I really had to force my self). My frends are starting to wonder what the hell is wrong me (only my closest family know about HT)

So of you find a solution for youre (mine) problem please let me know.

 

Take care hopefully next time we post the situation will be totaly different........

[John_in_NC]

Your 9 month picture seems a bit too thin. Let's hope you're a late bloomer.

 

I have now seen at least three cases where repair results (HT on previously butchered area) did not yield the normal results. I hope it all works out in the end, but I doubt it's the second doctor's fault, it seems like the area can be seriously damaged by an incompetent surgeon making further surgeries harder.

 

Good luck,

[Gorpy]

Hi M&M,

I see your concern. First of all, your hair looks much more natural. Obviously you want a level of density that better matches your native hair behind the hairline. I'd say you have about 30 -35 per cm2 on your hairline. Your native hair is quite thick. It would probably take another 25 to 30 per cm2 to even begin to approach that.

[M&M]

Originally posted by NervousNelly:

Firstly,

 

You are not at full completion of growth and there is still approx. 7 months or so that the hairline can thicken so I still wouldn't worry about it.

 

It all comes down to personal preference and it is quite possible that your expectations were higher than what realistically can be achieved. I know that Dr. Shapiro is one of the best in the business, but he is also leans on the conservative side and it is possible that the density will be less. I would rather doubt that he was planning to give you a "wall of hair" like you might have gotten with Armani. Even though you do have a lot of native hair, he still has to consider future native hairloss. It is hard to guess as to what the density is with the photos but I would say 25 FU/cm2? Difficult to estimate with photos.

 

You do look great though. It is a very quality hairline and there is no evidence of the mini grafts from prior surgery. I would think that things will thicken up and you will be fully satisfied. Keep us posted.

 

What exactly were you told would be achieved?

 

Thanks NervousNelly for the feedback. While I would love a 'wall of hair' similar to what Armani achieves, I am also conservative enough to know that I would not want to place 4,000+ grafts in my hairline at the risk of having no future grafts available for my top & crown. Thus far, Propecia and Rogaine Extra Strength are reinforcing it, but I'd still like to have something in reserve given my family's genetics. Dr. Shapiro and Matt specifically asked if I would want to risk not having enough for my crown at a later date. Naturally, I said I would not, but my expectation for my hairline was that this would be my final HT for my hairline (or at least for 10+ years).

 

I am very pleased with the naturalness of the hairline as I feel I can now at least let the wind blow without fear of looking like I have had a transplant. Instead, I just look like I am thinning. It's a step in the right direction...

[M&M]

Originally posted by Dizzy:

Hi m&m

 

I think you and I have the same problem. If you look at my pictures posted you can see similarities. Im also waiting for more grow but im starting to realise this aint gonne look good. You see I was promesed great density, to style my hair as I want and so on.... Yee right......I cant even have my hair line up as i had before the surgery. Just realise, how fun can it be going around with an early 90?‚?? style....You know before I just loved going out to some tight club, meeting some chiks...well you know what I mean....Since the operation I been out just a couple of times (I really had to force my self). My frends are starting to wonder what the hell is wrong me (only my closest family know about HT)

So of you find a solution for youre (mine) problem please let me know.

 

Take care hopefully next time we post the situation will be totaly different........

 

Hi Dizzy,

 

Thankfully, I do believe that my hair is better than pre-Shapiro as it was very 'pluggy' looking before, but it really isn't any thicker, which was part two of my goal. I'll be calling Dr. Shapiro's office to gain a better insight and see what their thoughts are.

 

All the best in your growth!

[M&M]

Originally posted by John_in_NC:

Your 9 month picture seems a bit too thin. Let's hope you're a late bloomer.

 

I have now seen at least three cases where repair results (HT on previously butchered area) did not yield the normal results. I hope it all works out in the end, but I doubt it's the second doctor's fault, it seems like the area can be seriously damaged by an incompetent surgeon making further surgeries harder.

 

Good luck,

 

John,

 

I hadn't really thought about this as having an impact, and I truly hope that if this was to possibly negatively impact the results, Dr. Shapiro would have advised me, which I believe he would have as he truly came across as a knowledgeable, caring and skilled doctor. This is a great question for me to ask when I follow up with SMG this week. I'll keep you posted!

[M&M]

Originally posted by Gorpy:

Hi M&M,

I see your concern. First of all, your hair looks much more natural. Obviously you want a level of density that better matches your native hair behind the hairline. I'd say you have about 30 -35 per cm2 on your hairline. Your native hair is quite thick. It would probably take another 25 to 30 per cm2 to even begin to approach that.

 

Hi Gorpy,

 

Thanks for taking the time to provide your thoughts.

 

I do agree, the hairline looks considerably more natural, which was a key goal. But as you wisely state, I need a fair bit more to add the desired thickness. If I'm not mistaken, it takes about 45-50 per cm2 to achieve the appearance of fullness, doesn't it?

 

Thanks again and all the best on your recent 2nd HT!

 

PS - I posted some additional photos which were taken this morning.

[Gorpy]

M&M,

I think saying 45-50 per cm2 achieves the appearance of fullness is a very general statement. I think in your case, you are trying to better match you native hair behind the hairline, so it might take more. But, any increase to your hairline density would take you in the right direction. Much of it depends on your particular characteristics and goals. It also depends on if you want a blended hairline or a harder hairline. I think in my case, with a lighter finer hair, I look good with a blended hairline. With guys like you with darker hair, I'm not sure it looks as good.

 

Gorp

[the B spot]

M-- I am sorry your not happy brother!!!!

 

Of course, I think you look great, but only YOU can decide what makes you happy. The great part about this is you have chosen one of the best clinics for patient care, so I am confident that you will reach your goals.

 

I don't have much to add, but a few thoughts:

 

At 9 months, you still have some growth to expect, in addition to the hair softening.

 

The individual hair shaft diameter will continue to increase as well.

 

It is POSSIBLE that you thinned just a bit right in the area of transplantation (probably not the case, but it could happen)

 

I think it is a mistake to judge the results of a HT before 1 year, but that is just my personal opinion, not a hard and fast rule.

 

Anyway, I think you look great... and I think I speak for many of us bald bastards who wish we had the hair you do!!!!!!!

 

Please let us know how things go for you at SMG and what the plan is.

 

Chin Up!!!!!

J

[Eman]

M&M,

 

I would agree with B, I'll take your hair....let's switch (haha).

 

Like I have told others, I think that we are our own worst critics. Talk to someone who can give you an unbiased opinion, someone who will "tell you like it is" and see if you are just being too critical.

 

You do have some more time for the HT to mature fully. Let us know what Dr. S says.

 

Eman

[nobuzz4me]

M&M

 

I think you look great, but of course, you see your self under your own microscope. You have great hair and a lot left if you need to thicken up the hairline.

 

M&M is for Minis and Micros, or Muscular and Manly??? LOL - Just kidding my friend, most all of us here would trade mops with you in a second. woops - MAN LAW states: thou shalt not covet thy neighbors hair!

 

As all have said earlier, you still have some maturing of the HT left, hope it thickens up to your desire.

[M&M]

You guys are so supportive - it's great!

 

B-Spot - Good to hear from you and a fellow SMG patient! I can't say I am truly 'unhappy' as one of my major goals has been attained - a non-pluggy hairline which definitely affords me more freedom. But I still desire more thickness. I will definitely wait the full 12-months before making any further decisions.

 

Janna has been in contact with me already and Dr. Shapiro even provided his personal cell phone number. He truly is a class act. Unfortunately, I got home rather late, so I will call tomorrow and will pass on the outcome.

 

Eman - Thanks! I totally agree that we set high expectations and constantly critique our own hair. I wish I had someone who was near me who could offer an unbiased opinion ... but I haven't told anyone near me what I have done... It's nice to have a secret!

 

NoBuzz - haha - truly Mini & Micro but I do like to think of myself as 'the other' M&M! lol

[hairbank]

M&M-

 

Been following your thread after the recent updates. I know what you mean...........pics can be deceiving. From the looks of yours, it really looks great, but I understand what you mean about density.

 

I do believe you still have some thickening to do so maybe the end result will meet your expectations?? I'll be anxious to hear how things turn out for you!

[Bill - Seemiller]

M&M,

 

Sorry for the late reply my friend. I've been more "in and out" in recent days simply because my days have been filled with various tasks that prevents me from coming to the hairloss forums as much as I'd like...plus I admit, that even when I have had time later in the evening, I've been so tired from the day's work that I simply couldn't muster the energy to think and reply.

 

That being said, I did want to chime in and offer my support as well. I agree that the hairline does still look a bit thin, however, from what i can see, it does look nice and natural. As others have said, it's good to hold off a final evaluation until at least a year (though I understand the temptation...heck, I'm tempted to evaluate my HT now at 3.5 months...though I know it would be ridiculous). Give it some more time to thicken up before final evaluation. If then you decide that it didn't produce enough density for you, consider then another HT to add to it.

 

Keep us posted my friend.

 

Bill

[M&M]

Hairbank - Thanks for the compliments. I'm hopeful that I will continue to thicken up over the next several months.

 

Bill - I was wondering if you didn't like me as it took so long for a response! Just kidding! Even you are allowed to take some time for yourself!

 

I feel really fortunate being able to receive the input of the members of this forum and also to be getting such strong support from SMG. Everyone hears of the horror stories of some HT clinics that fade away the moment the surgery (and money transfer) has been completed. But SMG (and the other recommended clinics on this site, I would presume) truly stand behind customer satisfaction.

 

Dr. Shapiro has already sent me an email and we are going to talk later this week/weekend and Matt is calling me from his home number to talk to me also!

 

I'll keep everyone posted.

[Bill - Seemiller]

M&M,

 

Bill - I was wondering if you didn't like me as it took so long for a response! Just kidding! Even you are allowed to take some time for yourself!

 

 

Not at all buddy...lol. Time off is a good thing though .

 

I'm glad to hear that SMG as well as the members of this forum have been here to support you through this...it really does help doesn't it? I know it would be a lot harder if I didn't have my fellow brothers here supporting me through my journey.

 

Bill