Hello my name is Eddie. I am new to this discussion forum and have enjoyed reading the posts that all of you seasoned members have had to say. As a hair loss sufferer myself (about 13 years now), I have dabbled with the idea of getting hair transplantation. I am 38 years old and first lost vital hair when I was about 25, mostly thinning on the top. That was very devastating to me. I still have enough hair on the top to style but it is sparse in certain areas. I would best describe it as frontal thinning from the front to the back (crown area). I have thick hair on the sides and back. I tried using minoxidal for a time but didn't achieve the results that I was hoping for. So, I gave it up; plus the daily regimen got to me. And I am reluctant to even approach using Propecia because of all the hormonal and side effects that can be caused by it's use. So, the only option I felt that was left was hair transplantation. I like the fact that it is a permanent solution. I am told that I'll need one session and about 800 to 1000 grafts. My surgery is set for August 7th, 2003. My question is about what to expect after surgery. Is there anyone out there that has undergone the procedure and had ample time to report back to me about what they went through and what to expect. I've heard about shock hair fall out, but how common is it? What was the total time to notice full results and healing time. Any and all replies are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Mate....this is your answer
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HT is a partial solution and not permanent per se. Without continuing drug treatment, you will continue to lose hair, likely behind the HT sites. That will make you look very very foolishi indeed. (I saw someone like that yesterday and almost burst out laughing!).
I recommend using finasteride and minoxidil for at least 18 months and then get your HT. Then you should continue using the drugs.
That is the path! Tread carefully!
Good luck
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Eddie,
I had my last HT this past October. Front and back. I was really thinning, but had previouos HT that didnt give good results. But I was 28 yrs old then. I had this last one at 36 yrs old. Big difference. Results are so much better. Really good coverage and no scars or marks.
I'd say the only uncomfortable thing for me was the donar area stitches. Sore for a few days. But once those stitches were taken out it was such a relief.
I did have shock fall out to some degree after a couple weeks which bothered me, but it all grew back along with transplants in a few months. I'm 8 months in and I'm very happy with the results. I do use proscar as well.
The procedure is easy, the healing is easy, but the hard part is waiting for the hair to start growing. It does though so feel good about that.
Good luck. You'll be happy about your choice.
sal1
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eddie,
i just had the surgery yesterday. 1600 grafts. So far no problems. Just some scabs that will go away in time...and I have enough hair on top that you cannot really see most of them..except where i was really thin in front and temples. I took the plunge at 29. My hair loss picked up after the death of my father, but stablized about 4 months ago..so i thought i was ready. I am taking propecia now as well..to keep what i have to avoid a second surgery if possible. Its only the second day, but i have a hopeful atttitude...i will report back in a few months.
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Thank you all for your helpful replies. I think I get more nervous as my surgery date approaches but I want to do this because I have lived long enough with my dilemma. Roak, I especially want to know how things are going for you being that you just had your HT. It sounds like your in the same boat as I, having enough hair but just wanting to fill in the spots that are not so full. The hair count on the top of my head has stayed the same for years now so hopefully I'll have that full look again. Can you post a pic of yourself? I'd like to but I don't know how (help anyone?). What other regimens are you doing right at this moment post HT? I wish you the best of luck.
Once again,
Thanks to all who replied,
Eddie
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I'd also like to add that a lot of transplant patients I've met suggest having it done in the cooler, autumn or winter months. Many have told me that having the stiches in during a sweltering summer can nearly drive you mad....
Can some of the other people here confirm or deny this? I'd think it would make no difference.
Further, have you looked into the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure? I think it's much better option than strip surgery, and please understand I am not trying to steer you away from any of your plans! I just want to make sure you know of all your options.
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Eddie,
the only other thing i am doing now..is taking propecia. Just started that, in hopes of avoiding a second surgery. If i can figure out how to post pictures I will.
Day three after the surgery. Doing the graphcyte soaks, washing the hair 3 times a day with the special shampoo and conditioner, taking prednizone, an antibiotic, but no longer need the tylenol. I am doing aok. No scabs fallen off yet. But its only visible in the front area anyway. I went outside shopping to the grocery store..no hat...and no problem.
I will keep you updated.
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Here is something that happened to me about day 4 after my last HT--I started to swell in the forehead area and that swelling progressed downward until it almost shut my eyes and such.
If you see that coming, get out the ice packs BEFORE it gets to you lower forehead. Kind of uncomfortable but the real issue is that it looks like you had a serious ass whipping!
Good luck.
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Thanks, I will keep an eye out for that.
Well, today was the first day I woke up uncomfortable. Lots of itching(that is a good sign though...healing I think). My suture line is driving me a little crazy. Sleep in my recliner again so my head was elevated, but I must admit woke up feeling like I had been hit by a truck.
A little graphcyte spray helped soothe things down. I am down to my last graphcyte soak now, which worries me a little. All scabs still present, but otherwise I am doing aok.
What is cool to see is that the scabs are in the very places were I really needed some hair, and that has me pretty hopeful. Time for breakfast, so i can take my morning pills...3 prednizone, 1 antibiotic, may try a tylenol this morning, and propecia.
So far everything is aok.