Got 2500 and some changes grafts today!

[stormlaw]

I bit the bullet and went in today to the Dermatology and Hair Restoration Specialist clinic in Santa Monica to get my hair transplants done.

Many pictures are going to come from the doctor.

I had the procedure beginning at around 8:30am today and it went on until at least 7. My wife and the doctor debated the hair line before the procedure.

They were able to get 2500 and some change grafts from the donor area.

I am not going to go into all of the details right now because the pain is starting to kick in. However, I am pleased with the experience so far.

I think Dr. Behnam is knowledgeable and goes above and beyond what most other doctors in my experience do.

Obviously the proof will be in the healing of the donor strip, and the growth of hair.

When I feel better I will go into detail about the procedure, etc.

I have been talking about doing this for at least 4 years, it is finally done.

Of course the first thing I did when I left the clinic was to bend over to put something in the car! I just hope I do not screw up the implants.

Does anyone have any aftercare advice?

[coolhairstyle002]

No, it did not screw anything up, hehe...

Don't lift anything too heavy until a couple of weeks.

Regarding washing your hair (rinsing with a cup of water/or spaying rather), some doctors say 24 hrs after, some 48. Some says use regular shampoo, some use recommended brand.

I sprayed my hair with drinking water somewhere between 24 and 48 hours after the surgery--WITHOUT any shampoo.

If you can stay home, you should, for a while. If you don't have to wear a cap when going outside, don't.

I read your other post in the "Introduce Yourself" section, my opinion, you might consider Propecia (or Finasteride) seriously.

I'm sure you've enough info about post surgery and from your doctor.

But if you have anything specific, do ask.

[Nebs1962]

Congrats on your surgery! Spex has some really good info for post op. Just look up under the title: Ht info pack. Some really good advice. I am about 5 weeks post op from a 3000 graft surgery. Just rest up and grow well. Good luck!


Nebs

[PayDay]

This should be all the info you need. Keep us posted on your progress.

http://www.baldtruthtalk.com/showthread.php?t=230

[stormlaw]

Thanks guys. I am on day 3 post op. Yesterday I screwed up while watching TV, I inadvertently went to scratch the front top. Once I touched it I realized what I was doing because it is still real sore. I looked in the mirror and it does not look like I pulled any follicles out.

I had my first shower last night. I was very gently just blotting it with a wash cloth and baby shampoo.

The back is sensitive especially after waking up and sleeping on it.

For now I am sleeping on my lazy boy chair. They say you should keep you head elevated for 5 days. I will do it longer. The way I sleep, I will end up rubbing so I don't want to take a chance.

The doc called me yesterday to see how I was doing. He warned me that at around day 3 I might start seeing swelling of the forehead and under the eyes, but not to freak out and it would go away. So far, no swelling. I am taking the prednisone steroids to avoid the swelling. I have two more pills left.

I am going to call the clinic today to make an appointment for staple removal which occurs at day 12, and for laser treatment.

I will get the pics up soon.

One last thing. I am very happy so far that I did the procedure. I still cannot believe I actually went through with it. I am looking forward to having a nice set of hair again!

[stormlaw]

This should be all the info you need. Keep us posted on your progress.
http://www.baldtruthtalk.com/showthread.php?t=230

Wow payday those instructions are excellent. Almost exactly what my doctor gave me. I am going to print them out and give them to him just to see what he says as compared to his sheet.

[dgman21]

Nebs,
Im considering surgery very soon. What doc did u use,how old r u and how bad is your hairloss. My density is not good in the front and Im 32.

[PayDay]

Wow payday those instructions are excellent. Almost exactly what my doctor gave me. I am going to print them out and give them to him just to see what he says as compared to his sheet.

The bottom line is that everybody here wants you to have the end result that will make you happy! Why print it out, just send your doctor the link.

[stormlaw]

Nebs,
Im considering surgery very soon. What doc did u use,how old r u and how bad is your hair-loss. My density is not good in the front and I'm 32.

I am 47 years old. Told that I would eventually lose most if not all of the hair on top. I forgot what Norwood level the doc told me I was. I was receding badly in front with a bald spot on the back.

Anyway I went to Dr. Behnam, www.igethair.com . I got 2600 grafts.

They are running a special until March 1, 2011, for a fixed price of $4,900.00 they will do up to 5000 grafts if you agree to be a part of the laser study, and to be photographed for the study.

I am going back in on Wednesday or Thursday for my next laser treatment, and for the doc to look at everything. I have been bending over when I should be squatting. I am trying not too.

[dgman21]

Is he an IAHRS? How is it soooo cheap? I have never seen such a special!! Thats less than $2/graft.....

[stormlaw]

Go to igethair.com to check him out.

[stormlaw]

Is he an IAHRS? How is it soooo cheap? I have never seen such a special!! Thats less than $2/graft.....

I know, that is why I went with this doctor. I figured why not get a good transplant for about 8 thousand dollars cheaper than some other clinics.

His story is actually kind of amazing. He has an identical twin brother who is also a doctor. His twin brother is a board certified Dermatologist and they work out of the same clinic. They each went to different medical schools.

As a matter of fact Dr. Behnam's brother came in, gave me a free consultation on a dermatological issue that I have, and gave me some free samples, right after my hair transplant.

Dr. Behnam is young compared to some doctors out there, but he got his training in, and exclusively does only hair transplant work. He has some board certifications, but I am not sure if he has the one you mention.

He lectures on Hair transplantation, and has a book on the subject coming out shortly.

I have been to many doctors and clinics in my 47 years. I must say that I have never received such personal and professional attention as in this clinic.

As an attorney, I will sometimes give my cell phone to my clients. Dr. Behnam gave me his cell phone and talked to me on Saturday and Sunday.

I am going to see him again tomorrow.

I know they are real busy, but they are not a hair mill like some of the places that I called. The technicians, and everyone in the clinic were real nice.

Look the bottom line is the proof is in the pudding. I am 3 days post op. Everything looks normal from what I can gather. I will post my pics as soon as I get them. Dr. Behnam seems very competent in what he is doing.

If everything goes well, and the hair grows, and I have no complications, I will be the best and loudest advocate he has. If not, than everyone will know it.

All of his past clients seem very satisfied. I am so far, but only time will tell.

F.Y.I. I am not a paid hack. I am just a guy who went in for a hair transplant!

[stormlaw]

A quick update on day 4 post op. I went back to the clinic today so the doc could look at everything and make sure that healing going to plan which it is.

I then underwent 20 minutes of laser hair therapy. It actually felt a good to be under the laser.

They gave me some gauze to wash/pat my hair with and some more of those disposable funky soft hats to wear in case I need to go into public.

I was told I need to wash the donor strip in small circular motions better, I guess to get rid of some dried blood and the goo they put on after the procedure.

My wife told me tonight that "wow i cannot believe you are growing hair so quickly." I told her that what she sees will shed and I will look like my old self until the new hair grows in. (hopefully sooner with laser hair therapy)

I am still really excited at the anticipation of having my hair back. Pics coming soon!

[stormlaw]

Before and After Pics on day of procedure!

Here are pictures that my doctor just emailed me from the day of the procedure. You can see the before pictures. The pictures of the lines drawn by the doctor, and the bloody after pictures after the marathon procedure!

I am healing well.

I did not realize I was so bald until I actually saw these pictures!

[Mountain Man]

Almost a buck a graft! That's crazy! It does look good. Hairline looks a little aggressive for 47 but looks well placed for your head. You'll definitely look 10 years younger. Curious to see how it turns out. Keep us posted.