Hey J020. Wow....I don't know what to say. I'm glad that you stuck around and have been inspired by other people's HTs, and I'm glad you check semi-regularly for picture updates of this particular HT of mine. My first HT was a good one, but not that impressive due to the lower number of grafts transplanted. This one is a slightly higher density transplant, and I would say that my results are starting to get better and better...though as far as I'm concerned, I still have a long way to go. Thanks for your comment though...I appreciate it...and I will be posting more pictures shortly.

I did buy some Dermatch...sorry if I didn't reply to another post...I may not have seen it. Either I really don't know how to use the product well, or it just looks fake in my hair. Perhaps it looks fake because the color doesn't quite match up right, or perhaps it looks fake because I am my own worst critic...I'm not sure. But I only used the stuff twice, and both times I ended up looking in the mirror later and putting a hat on before I went out because I was too sensitive that it looked fake. That being said, I MAY try to use it again at some point....but we will see. It's right now just sitting in my cabinet, not being used. Well, I'm off. Thanks again for writing. DO post again, though I know you said you probably wouldn't. Any feedback if constructive of course, is helpful. Who are you considering?

Falc

Im considering the best. Shapiro. I am trying to save the cash but it is hard to save 10,000. Do you know of a way that I can get financed so i dont have to come in there with strait cash. That would make things a lot easyer.

Hey Jo20,

yes, I have heard Shapiro is very good. Financing is available through some clinics I believe, but the best thing to do is probably, if you have good credit, pay for it on a credit card, and then transfer it to another credit card that offers special financing like 4.9% interest for the life of the balance type things. That's basically what I did. If you don't have such high limits on a credit card, consider a personal loan through your bank, etc. Financing is available for just about everything. Hope that helps.

Falc

Added 4.5 month pics...I figured...what the heck. Let me know what you think. I'd say I see small differences over the last 2 weeks...for one, I let the top of my hair grow every so slightly while I'm still trimming the sides and back...I figure I'd let the top grow in a bit...I'll probalby still shave it down to a 6 clip 7/8 inch instead of a 4 clip 1/2 inch as I've been doing.

Falc

Comments? Questions? Anything!

bump

Hey Falc!


I think it looks a little thicker when it's a little longer in your pics. Could also be your hairs are just starting to thicken up more. You can see a lot of the hairs in your 4.5 month pics but they are appearing fuller in the newer pics! Should just continue to get thicker in the upcoming months! I am letting my hair on top grow longer as well and it is looking much thicker, will post some new pics soon. Congrats and keep them updates coming!

I have to admit...I'm not as happy as I thought I would be by this time...however, I know in the scheme of things, it's early...but it's discouraging because at 4.5 months after my first surgery, comparing pics, I don't see a huge improvement between the pic comparisons. I wish I could say i did...but that has me a little discouraged. I know every surgery is a little different so I don't know what exactly to expect over the next couple months. I did experience significant shockloss from this surgery, so perhaps I lost a lot more native hair which is why there is only a slight improvement between surgeries so far...OR, perhaps there is much more to come that hasn't grown in yet. I don't know. I emailed Dr. True to ask for his evaluation. i'm not unhappy from what I see...but I'm not as happy as I would like to be...but then again...who is? I think my expectations are realistic...I know I will never "restore" a full head of hair...but I was hoping that my next surgery would focus on my crown, whereas, IF it doesn't improve a good amount, I will probably be shooting for a half and half larger session (if my donor hair allows it) focusing on densing up the front and putting a little more hair in the back. Any thoughts?

Falc

to be honest your crown doesn't look to bad in the pics. I told myself that i would do the front half first then see what I thought and maybe do the back later. And I am pretty happy with the front and will be going in next time to do the midscalp area towards the crown for my last HT. I know I need to wait a year to do it though and that gives more time for the front to fill out. Same with you, this is your second and it will take longer to see growth for sure, you're only 4.5 months out, I think you will see continuing improvement on the front, I think your hairs will definitely continue to thicken and will be better at the 6 month mark, then even better at the 9 month mark. Basically am saying is way too early to judge the results. this is your second and it is totally different than the first as far as growth, trust me! maybe at 9 months you can start making options for the future and what ya want to do but you are only half way there! hang in there

Well, 4.5 months post-op is a bit early to start getting discouraged. Remember also that subsequent procedures typically take a bit longer to thicken and mature than the first.

-Robert

Thanks for your reply Robert. I guess comparing the 2 surgeries, by about 4.5 months, I was seeing some real changes, whereas, this one, whereas some real changes occurred, it looks but a hair better than the first one did at this time...but I just have to remain patient I know. Robert...so what do you think of the results this early on?

Falc

Falc,

Just from taking a look at a couple of the pics you have in your gallery, the evidence is there that there is improvement. Check out these two photos of your hairline; one from just before your second procedure and one you posted at 4.5 months post-op:

Before 2nd procedure:





4.5 months post-op 2nd procedure:



Your hairline is already clearly more defined and bolstered in an extremely natural and flattering manner, in my opinion. In the months to come, the grafts will take off a bit more and mature and you will see some more thickening.

I'm not just blowing sunshine your way. I honestly believe that you have some more growth coming your way and you will end up happier than you appear to be at the present.

-Robert



-Robert

What is interesting is the HUGE difference between the 4 month and 4.5 month photos. There's still a lot happing there Falc. Hang in there.

Thanks Robert for your input and displaying the comparison pics. I guess when I do compare the pics like that the difference is noticable indeed. Thanks for your encouragement. I'm sure I will see more activity than I have right now...I'm just impatient sometimes I guess.

Gorpy...I don't think there is a huge difference between the 4 month and 4.5 month shots, but I guess it's a matter of perspective. The pics posted above are the difference between before the 2nd HT and 4.5 months. However, there is some difference...but I guess it's all in the eye of the beholder eh? Thanks for the encouragement Gorpy .

Falc

Added some scar comparisons, both with number 2 clip on sides and back, one from 9 weeks with shockloss, 5 months side shot shockloss gone...and a full face shot 5 months.

Falc:
Thanks for the updated pictures...your scar is invisible & your hairline looks great--congrats!...as you know the grafts/hair will continue to mature, thicken, & give you additional fullness...I'm certain that your pictures & posts have definitely helped many people who are thinking about HT surgery...continued good luck & growth in 2006!

Mike

Thanks for the encouragement Mike. The scar definately is looking good...I was worried at first, because as you can see from the first pic, it wasn't looking so hot...but the scar is fine and hard to see now.

I am looking forward to the coming months...there are still a few new hairs that have popped up but have yet to do any major growing, and of course, I'm looking forward to the thickening and maturing process of the hairs. I've felt a bit more comfortable without a hat, but I still will be looking to do one more surgery in about 8+ months or so.

Falc

6 months pictures added. I'm definately seeing some good progress and thickening. Admittedly, it's not as thick yet as I hope for, but I would definately consider this a success so far! 6 months, and in front of the mirror, it's starting to look better.

Thoughts?

hey man! think it looks thicker than your 5 month pics, is it a little longer too. but from the start to now, much improvement!

Definitely thicker Falc. Hang in there.