2 days post op...I'm concerned

[scotty]

I just had a HT on the 15th. The doc assures me the outcome will be great. I have no reason to believe him, and not a lot of reason to believe him either. I spoke with 2 of his patients (1 referred and 1 by word of mouth). Both were very satisfied.

I've posted 4 pictures (2 before and 2 postop). I know its too early to tell anything. But my concern is the loss of hair "before" due to being cut during the recipient transplants. I've read about shock loss.

So at this point, I am not very satisfied - or rather, I am afraid the outcome will not be as good as I hope.

Anyone have any word of encouragement? I NEED IT!

[Dr James DeYarman]

I just had a HT on the 15th. The doc assures me the outcome will be great. I have no reason to believe him, and not a lot of reason to believe him either. I spoke with 2 of his patients (1 referred and 1 by word of mouth). Both were very satisfied.

I've posted 4 pictures (2 before and 2 postop). I know its too early to tell anything. But my concern is the loss of hair "before" due to being cut during the recipient transplants. I've read about shock loss.

So at this point, I am not very satisfied - or rather, I am afraid the outcome will not be as good as I hope.

Anyone have any word of encouragement? I NEED IT

You should do fine. The only disappointment might be density but you will look natural and your hair will grow in fine. Tell us how many grafts you got and if you are on any meds. It will take at least 6 months to get any idea of the result so hang in there and post your photos at 3 months. Good luck
Dr DeYarman

[scotty]

Thanks for your reply.

I am taking:
1 500mg Cephalexin twice per day
2 20mg Prednisone once per day
2 500mg Tylenol Extra Strengh every 4-6 hours for pain

I had ~3000 grafts.

I'm concerned that I have a LOT of numbness...is that normal?

[gillenator]

Thanks for your reply.

I am taking:
1 500mg Cephalexin twice per day
2 20mg Prednisone once per day
2 500mg Tylenol Extra Strengh every 4-6 hours for pain

I had ~3000 grafts.

I'm concerned that I have a LOT of numbness...is that normal?

Scotty,

Yes the numbness is normal and can last for up to one year which is typical.

The shockloss should not really be an issue for you because from your before pics, there was not much exisitng hair left in the recipient area where the grafts were placed.

Keep us in the loop as to your progress and best wishes to you on your yield. Waiting for the regrowth can be the toughest part.

[1ainslie]

Thanks for your reply.

I am taking:
1 500mg Cephalexin twice per day
2 20mg Prednisone once per day
2 500mg Tylenol Extra Strengh every 4-6 hours for pain

I had ~3000 grafts.

I'm concerned that I have a LOT of numbness...is that normal?

did your doc put you on these meds after the transplant?, how long do you have to take them

[scotty]

did your doc put you on these meds after the transplant?, how long do you have to take them

Yes...he prescribed them. I also asked for a pain prescription and he gave me Vicodin. Which for me, is like M&Ms. Vicodin doesn't do anything for me.

[scotty]

Scotty,

Yes the numbness is normal and can last for up to one year which is typical.

The shockloss should not really be an issue for you because from your before pics, there was not much exisitng hair left in the recipient area where the grafts were placed.

Keep us in the loop as to your progress and best wishes to you on your yield. Waiting for the regrowth can be the toughest part.

Click here to see my "5-day progress". It not very impressive yet. BUT...I am glad that the top of my scalp isn't flaming red! It has lightened some, but is still very noticeable.

[1ainslie]

Click here to see my "5-day progress". It not very impressive yet. BUT...I am glad that the top of my scalp isn't flaming red! It has lightened some, but is still very noticeable.

Its looking good, I am surprised how the scar is not too noticable, is the scar/stitches soar. Who did your op.

[scotty]

Its looking good, I am surprised how the scar is not too noticable, is the scar/stitches soar. Who did your op.

The scar is sore. It isn't really a "pain"...but more of a "discomfort". I am quite surprised that the scar isn't showing. If you look straight-on at the scar, you can't see it, but if you are looking slightly up (or if I bend over), then you can detect a difference.

Dr Grant Koher did the surgery (Raleigh/High Point, NC). He was very compassionate and sensitive to my comfort during the procedure. I'll withhold a recommendation until I see the results!!! But so far, I have been very happy with his work.

[gillenator]

Click here to see my "5-day progress". It not very impressive yet. BUT...I am glad that the top of my scalp isn't flaming red! It has lightened some, but is still very noticeable.

It can linger for awhile but will lighten with time. How much time? It really varies between patients. If it does not seem to improve over the next 4-6 weeks, then you want to call your doctor back for additional advice.

[Dr. Glenn Charles]

Take a good look at the top view before photo and you have to admit you did not have much hair left in the thinning areas. I see you stated that you had 3000 grafts, so I am sure that you will have a significant net gain when this all
grows in. You will probably lose some of those very thin weak hairs that were still hanging in there from post-op shock, but if they do not grow back then they would not have been there much longer anyways. You could think of it as losing a few weak unhealthy hairs and gaining a lot of healthy strong hairs in return. you just have to be patient and wait a little while to get there. Good luck.

[scotty]

Take a good look at the top view before photo and you have to admit you did not have much hair left in the thinning areas. I see you stated that you had 3000 grafts, so I am sure that you will have a significant net gain when this all
grows in. You will probably lose some of those very thin weak hairs that were still hanging in there from post-op shock, but if they do not grow back then they would not have been there much longer anyways. You could think of it as losing a few weak unhealthy hairs and gaining a lot of healthy strong hairs in return. you just have to be patient and wait a little while to get there. Good luck.

Thats a good way of looking at it! Thank you for the encouragement!!