Day two, and a few questions

[gillenator]

It’s difficult to tell at only three months but you should start to see some noticeable growth in the next couple of months. It’s cool that your girlfriend and barber can already see a change. That’s a good sign and your scalp looks very good with no signs of having surgery.

Take it to the bank if you are having regrowth at three months post-op, and especially in the crown! For many HT patients, regrowth in the crown goes slower.

[J_B_Davis]

It’s difficult to tell at only three months but you should start to see some noticeable growth in the next couple of months. It’s cool that your girlfriend and barber can already see a change. That’s a good sign and your scalp looks very good with no signs of having surgery.

[crown exposed]

Okay, its three months post. I don't know how much is visible without looking [I]really[I] close, but I can certainly feel the difference. My girlfriend and hairstylist both say you can see it, it's just very gradual so I suppose most wouldn't notice...which is a good thing. No pain at all, only very slight if any sensitivity when I push on donor area. Overall, things are going well!

[crown exposed]

Okay, update time.

It is now Sept 22, two months post op. I've included a picture. You can see I have less hair than prior to the procedure, but I believe it to be normal shock loss. I think things are coming along nicely. I can feel (unless it's my imagination) new growth...or at least I think I do. It feels like real fine and soft bristles. I can't see anything though so maybe its just wishful thinking? Anyhow, the suture scar is healing nicely and I have almost no numbness left. Let's see how month three goes!

[John P. Cole, MD]

It all sounds super cool, man. I'm happy for you.

Now go grow some hair. It will take time, but it will happen.

The grafts are all in by now and sound. You can do anything you want at this point. Congrats!

[crown exposed]

Sorry. My doc is Dr. Ken Buchwach in the Kansas City metro area. He came highly recommended by another plastic surgeon and he's a top notch guy. I'm not looking any different yet but I thought I would add my other commitment. I also decided to go on a low carb diet (of sorts...I still drink my beer ) and have lost appr. 25 lbs since just before my procedure!

[Mr. 4000]

thats cool crown, that you are posting pictures and keeping it real.

The stage you are in can be tough, I mean you pay a decent sum of money and you look worse in the short term just to look better in the long term. I mean it is a gamble. Anything can go wrong, but if you have a good doctor you limit the risk in all stages, and in the end it will be worth it.

did you ever mention what doc you went to?

[crown exposed]

For those considering getting this procedure, I decided to continue my postings here to show what you can expect, what kinds of questions and fears are normal (if you call me normal), and show the progress in pictures. These pics are taken today, Aug 22...my procedure was July 22. As I don't have my before pics, you'll have to compare with day 5 pics, but its apparent that I have less hair now than I did before. As I mentioned earlier, this is apparently normal and I'm not really worried about it. I've found I'm not looking in the mirror as often either so I guess I really am starting to relax

[Mr. 4000]

Thanks Mr. 4000, and thanks for being understanding. Yea, I was pretty panicky...about any and everything! But you know, I really think its gone well. I've been back to work this week and no one knew a thing. Ive read enough to know that it's natural to lose some hair (shedding) initially so I'm just going to try and be patient!

I think its normal to react the way you did, there is nothing wrong with the being uncomfortable with a change that is long term good and short term bad.

YOu have only experienced the bad at this point and that will all change, so I think you are at a good point mentally. Accepting everything as it comes.

Good Job

[crown exposed]

Thanks Mr. 4000, and thanks for being understanding. Yea, I was pretty panicky...about any and everything! But you know, I really think its gone well. I've been back to work this week and no one knew a thing. Ive read enough to know that it's natural to lose some hair (shedding) initially so I'm just going to try and be patient!

[Mr. 4000]

You know...funny enough. I didn't take any pics before. My doc did so I could probably get them from him. But the first pics I took are the 5 day ones I posted.

I understand that initially losing not only the hair you had transplanted, but some surrounding hair is common, so I'm comfortable that its all going well.

wow, it sounds like you really settled in since all the panic at the start, that is good to hear.

[crown exposed]

You know...funny enough. I didn't take any pics before. My doc did so I could probably get them from him. But the first pics I took are the 5 day ones I posted.

I understand that initially losing not only the hair you had transplanted, but some surrounding hair is common, so I'm comfortable that its all going well.

[blowmeup]

I’m sure you’ll look like you have more hair in the end. Any comparison pictures?

[crown exposed]

Just checking in. It's now a little over three weeks. All's well. Most of the transplanted hair has fallen out but a few are still there. In addition it seems like I have a larger bald spot than before but as I understand this is normal too so I'm not really worried. I guess there's nothing to do but wait

[Mr. 4000]

You know what...I think that would explain what I'm seeing. I described it as dimpled, but perhaps that was misleading. So, is that not uncommon?

not when the hair falls out of the follicle, which happens within the first month. Someone correct me if I'm off base here....

its most likely that, or it could be a missed incision by one of the techs that didn't get filled by a graft.

Thats all I can think of, I sure that happens sometimes.

It will heal on its own or a hair will start to grow, so I think you are in good shape either way.