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Greetings all,
I have been a lurker on this website for some time and have admired the progression photos by those brave enough to both undergo the hair transplant (HT) procedure and then to share with the very interested community at large. These forums give us the evidence and courage we observers need to make a reasoned decision to blow a large sum of money. Well let me rephrase that, to invest a large sum of money in ourselves for a high yield return. As so many others have been generous enough to share their HT adventures on this forum, I feel it is somewhat of a duty for me to do the same in order to pay the kindness forward to those still riding the fence. To that end, I've described my first HT experience below and will be providing updates on my upcoming second HT experience with Dr. Wong.
HT#1 (2006)
When I was about 31, I researched the HT process for the first time, but did not research any doctors as there was not much information available on the web for individual doctors at that point. Not knowing much about the procedure, but a risk-taker at heart, I took a leap of faith with the first doctor I had a consultation with. I admit that I got pretty lucky as not all doctors provide the same results as I have learned.
Although I had thinning to my temple regions and a little to my crown, my coverage was fairly good pre-op across my scalp, with my hairline beginning to break down. The doctor recommended 1700 grafts and I went through with the surgery. In the immediate weeks following the procedure I experienced quite a bit of shock loss to my pre-existing hair which caused me much concern. My doctor did not explain to me I would experience this. However, after three to four months, my hair returned to normal, and then began to thicken a little bit.
Overall I have to say that I benefited from the first HT experience and received a good result. It has been a little over eight years since that experience, and my hair still looks decent. I have posted some current pictures just taken that show I can cover my bald spots with some mild comb-over attempts. However, this becomes rather problematic at times - during sports, showers, windy days, running outside, waking up in the morning, etc. - which causes me great discomfort and keeps me from cutting my hair short.
HT#2 (2014)
Now, in 2014, I have been researching HT doctors again leading up to another procedure. Given the wealth of knowledge and photo journals on these forums, it has made the decision much easier the second time with significantly less risk. Time and again I see solid results coming from Hasson and Wong, and so I have scheduled my next HT with that esteemed office.
In just about three weeks I will again go under the knife, but this time it will be at the hands of Dr. Wong, a surgeon I feel I have vetted and whose quality work I have seen in multiple photo journal posts. When I attended my initial consultation I was told that Dr. Wong should be able to get over 4000 grafts from my donor area, even though I have previously had 1700 grafts removed in 2006. I was encouraged to begin performing laxity exercises at least a month prior to the procedure, and I've been doing those twice a day beginning last month.
I've attached my pre-op pictures showing what my hair looks like with my comb-over and what it looks like with the bald truth revealed. You will notice that there is some plugginess from the initial HT, and I tend to comb the hair forward in order to hide this. My goal is to obtain a bit more coverage in the crown area, and to rebuild my hairline with density, and then with the remaining grafts to improve the mid area between the front and the crown ever so slightly.
After I attend my procedure in three weeks I will post an update with the post-op pictures for your viewing pleasure.
I have been a lurker on this website for some time and have admired the progression photos by those brave enough to both undergo the hair transplant (HT) procedure and then to share with the very interested community at large. These forums give us the evidence and courage we observers need to make a reasoned decision to blow a large sum of money. Well let me rephrase that, to invest a large sum of money in ourselves for a high yield return. As so many others have been generous enough to share their HT adventures on this forum, I feel it is somewhat of a duty for me to do the same in order to pay the kindness forward to those still riding the fence. To that end, I've described my first HT experience below and will be providing updates on my upcoming second HT experience with Dr. Wong.
HT#1 (2006)
When I was about 31, I researched the HT process for the first time, but did not research any doctors as there was not much information available on the web for individual doctors at that point. Not knowing much about the procedure, but a risk-taker at heart, I took a leap of faith with the first doctor I had a consultation with. I admit that I got pretty lucky as not all doctors provide the same results as I have learned.
Although I had thinning to my temple regions and a little to my crown, my coverage was fairly good pre-op across my scalp, with my hairline beginning to break down. The doctor recommended 1700 grafts and I went through with the surgery. In the immediate weeks following the procedure I experienced quite a bit of shock loss to my pre-existing hair which caused me much concern. My doctor did not explain to me I would experience this. However, after three to four months, my hair returned to normal, and then began to thicken a little bit.
Overall I have to say that I benefited from the first HT experience and received a good result. It has been a little over eight years since that experience, and my hair still looks decent. I have posted some current pictures just taken that show I can cover my bald spots with some mild comb-over attempts. However, this becomes rather problematic at times - during sports, showers, windy days, running outside, waking up in the morning, etc. - which causes me great discomfort and keeps me from cutting my hair short.
HT#2 (2014)
Now, in 2014, I have been researching HT doctors again leading up to another procedure. Given the wealth of knowledge and photo journals on these forums, it has made the decision much easier the second time with significantly less risk. Time and again I see solid results coming from Hasson and Wong, and so I have scheduled my next HT with that esteemed office.
In just about three weeks I will again go under the knife, but this time it will be at the hands of Dr. Wong, a surgeon I feel I have vetted and whose quality work I have seen in multiple photo journal posts. When I attended my initial consultation I was told that Dr. Wong should be able to get over 4000 grafts from my donor area, even though I have previously had 1700 grafts removed in 2006. I was encouraged to begin performing laxity exercises at least a month prior to the procedure, and I've been doing those twice a day beginning last month.
I've attached my pre-op pictures showing what my hair looks like with my comb-over and what it looks like with the bald truth revealed. You will notice that there is some plugginess from the initial HT, and I tend to comb the hair forward in order to hide this. My goal is to obtain a bit more coverage in the crown area, and to rebuild my hairline with density, and then with the remaining grafts to improve the mid area between the front and the crown ever so slightly.
After I attend my procedure in three weeks I will post an update with the post-op pictures for your viewing pleasure.
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