The mellon of Nervous Nelly. I will have to change my name at some point because I am now educated and not so nervous. The biggest issue for me is the nervousness of the time off and if people will notice when I go back to work. An issue we all face though...

Gentlemen,

As I have now fully educated myself and feel confident about going ahead with the procedure, I am narrowing down a time to schedule. I still am up in the air about the doc but it will be either Dr. Ron Shapiro or Dr. Rahal. I am looking at August as it will be a good time for a little time off (no I won't bungy jump or anything crazy--for those that know me) and things will be looking ok for Christmas and by summer I'll be styling like Falc.

Anyways, I do still have a couple of questions about the plan and would like some feedback. Thanks in advance.


1. Primary goal is to cover old work as the plugginess is starting to become evident. Crown never really concerns me as much.

2. Can't shave right down as I can't get enough time off work or wear hat when I return due to my profession.

3. Really don't like idea of small session when I need a larger session.

4. As you can see I have diffuse thinning (but have been this way for years so hair might be viable) so I want to limit shockloss--especially permanent --to native hair.

5. Keep in mind that I would guess that I have approx. 1200-1500 fu in frontal region from old work.

6. Heavily prefer the idea of "stand alone HT"--meaning that if I never get another HT and I lose some native hair it doesn't look strange.

7. Will probably want another HT but don't want to HAVE TO HAVE ONE.



**This is my plan so keep in mind the above statements and tell me what you think.**

I would like to get approx. 3000 Fu and I will cut hair quite short to approx a 3/4 inch at top. I will leave it up to physician descretion keeping in mind above points, but would think that they could do approx. 2000 fu in frontal area and satisfy my wants. The remaining 1000 I would have him sprinkle in the crown area.
If they think that 2000 might increase odds of shock to native hair I would certainly be ok with less as long as old plugginess is hidden.

I would plan on taking 2-3 weeks off of work and would assume with the above plan that I should be able to return to work with no issues.

Feedback much appreciated. Thanks guys.

Hi Nervous,
I think your plan sounds very good. It shouldn't be a problem planting 2000 FU in front around existing hair. That is enough to fill in nicely and camouflage any plugginess while at the same time respecting your native hair. You will experience some shock loss, but hopefully most of it it will be temporary. 1000 in the crown, assuming they are fully qualified FU's, i.e. no splitting, will make a significant difference.

Good luck,
Gorp

Nervous,

Wow, you are finally taking the plunge...I was wondering if/when that would happen .

First of all...it's nice to see you back on the forum...even if it is only temporary...but we are glad to have you.

I think your plan of attack sounds good...I'll address each point and give you my feedback.

1. Primary goal is to cover old work as the plugginess is starting to become evident. Crown never really concerns me as much.

I think you can do this pretty well with 2000 grafts in the frontal area. I would not recommend an extremely dense packed session due to the amount of native hair you have left, so I'd have the doc spread out the 2000 grafts a bit into the mid section as well. Of course, see also what your doctor recommends.

2. Can't shave right down as I can't get enough time off work or wear hat when I return due to my profession.

I am certain that Dr. Ron Shapiro does not require shaving...not sure about Dr. Rahal. Both, however, are excellent doctors.

3. Really don't like idea of small session when I need a larger session.

There obviously is a time and a place for both...but I think with the amount of native hair you have left, you ought not to overdo the dense packing, however, I think you can still get a pretty decent session size without worrying too much, ESPECIALLY since your hair loss seems to be under control from what you've been saying.

4. As you can see I have diffuse thinning (but have been this way for years so hair might be viable) so I want to limit shockloss--especially permanent --to native hair.

Both of the doctors you've mentioned above will certainly know what to do to minimize the risk of shockloss. The game plan I've mentioned above regarding spreading out the grafts a bit more should help with this as well.

5. Keep in mind that I would guess that I have approx. 1200-1500 fu in frontal region from old work.

I don't see that as a problem. Between the native hair you have left and another 2000 in the frontal to mid region should give you a nice look.

6. Heavily prefer the idea of "stand alone HT"--meaning that if I never get another HT and I lose some native hair it doesn't look strange.

Well we've talked about this in detail. If the grafts are spread out enough, even if you lose the rest of your native hair, you would certainly have a stand alone HT, however, it would be extremely thin all over. So there really is not way to eliminate the possibility that you MIGHT eventually need another one...though planning carefully as you are doing will certainly minmize the need.

7. Will probably want another HT but don't want to HAVE TO HAVE ONE.

That's called hair greed bro...certainly you will want one...even I want another one...just don't need one.

1000 grafts in the crown should definitely help since you don't have too much loss in that area...however, it still won't provide you with a lot of density. Certainly though...if you WANT more, you can go back later.

I should PROBABLY KNOW THIS from all the times we've talked...but I'd definitely consider taking/staying on finasteride to help minimize future native hair loss. I know you know this...but just a reminder

All in all though...your plan sounds good!

Keep us posted on yoru decision my friend.

Falc

Hey guys,

Thanks for the feedback. As both of you are very knowledgeable and well respected members, I appreciate your input and it sounds like we are all on the same page.

Not to downplay your recommendations as they are sound and most likely what I'll pursue, I am striving for approx. 10 or so comments from members so that I get a lot of reassurance and also possibly some enlightenment. I'll probably keep bumping this thread to get a little more exposure.

Much appreciate the valued input.

NN

P.S. Ya Falc I do take Fin but because I started to get some sexual side effects I have gone on my own regimine which is approx. every 2-3 days. From what I can tell it seems to have helped minimize hair loss. Who knows?? And ofcourse I hang upside down 4 times a week for 10 minutes (I know you think I'm nuts) but personally I think it has helped.--maybe placebo but????

quote:

(I know you think I'm nuts)

Actually I KNOW you're nuts but we still love ya bro

Just do me a favor and don't go skiing 2 days post op ok? lol

Falc

Hi NN,

Whatever my humble opinion is worth, your plan of action sounds good. Not to rush you back to work, but you should be able to go back to work after one week without drawing any concerns. You have enough hairs from your previous transplant and your native hairs to cover the work you're talking about. I'll do what I can about sending you or posting some immediate post op pics and 10 days post of pics to illustrate what I'm talking about.

NN,

I think you should choose Dr. Shapiro just so you can meet Janna

Falc

You're funny, Falc. I think NN should choose the doctor he's most comfortable with.

Falc,

You are probably right. She is a sweetheart. There is no doubt that she truly cares about her patients. Very refreshing to see that.

The question of Shapiro vs. Rahal is a unique one. Both do great work. Its a coin toss. I lean towards Shapiro because he's got more experience and nobody questions his hairlines. Rahal is the up and comer and is $2000 cheaper and closer and I feel I'll get the same results for less. Ya the money for me is not an issue, but it is a lot of cash. I could go skiing immediately post op for that money. I am a businessman and do think of this stuff??? I am just giving my honest assessment. Am I crazy?? Don't answer that Falc.

Janna,

I have to let out my sense of humor every once in awhile you know? So much serious discussion recently

NN,

Yes you are Craz.. Oh, you told me not to answer that. Sorry.. *zip*

Whichever doctor you choose, IMO, you will be in great hands with either. The work from both clinics have proven to be superb.

Falc

Hi NN

Welcome back and I happy you are moving forward to correct your Hair loss challenge

Your story was similar to mine when I started ONLY I had a virgin scalp without previous procedures. Specifically:

I could not shave my head
I did not want anyone to know ( nobody does to this day)
I wanted to make an educated decision
I could not afford shock loss
Wasnt sure on how many procedures but hair greed took over!

Anyway, with these factors in mind I chose Dr. True. Yes, he is a bit more conservative so I had three procedures but this was because I couldn't shave my head and have excessive shock loss.
The plan worked!!

Nobody ever knew about my procedure and I returned to work after 7-10 days using Dermatch..I didn't have excessive shock and my results are GREAT ( still at 2 months post op from my last and biggest procedure of 2124. As longas you select one of the top docs on here, you should be fine

Good luck!!!

Hey NN,

Congratulations on taking the serious consideration for a HT. You have done your homework and become popular and well respected in this community.

I experienced the same nervousness in the days leading up to the HT with Rahal because I am a teacher and was worried how I would look when I return to work. I asked if he would do the surgery on me without shaving my existing hairs. He said in my case he will have to shave to get good results. I am not sure how it would work in your case. I know you want to get both the front and a bit in the crown region. Maybe 2000 grafts won't require any shaving with Rahal. I would contact Rahal to express your concerns and see where he goes from there.

Both Shapiro and Rahal are great doctors and whatever decision you make youre in good hands. Everything worked out well for me because I excellent support from this site and Falc was able to advise me to work on the scabs early and I was back to work without a hat 8 days post op. However, I have been wearing the hat lately because the grafts have shed and it looks kind of strange because the pinkness in area is more obvious without the grafts. It is still slowly improving. Everyone is different. It just the bright white lights at work. Do you have office lights directly above you in work? Outside of work I go without the hat most of the time because it not as noticable. The past few weekends I went out with some of my friends at night and no one noticed. I just look like I got a ultra buzzed haircut.

Hey guys,

Thanks for the additional feedback. Sounds to me like all of you are in support of my plan. This gives me added confidence that I should be able to go ahead as I had hoped. Thanks again.

NN,

Congratulations on getting the (Cue) ball rolling!

I like your plan, shockloss scares the crap out of me and luckily
I had none during my HT 4 months ago. Shaving was not an option for me as well. Either of these Dr's will be able to do the job right for you as you have found out thru your research.

Keep us posted, good luck my friend,

"Janna,

I have to let out my sense of humor every once in awhile you know? So much serious discussion recently."

Falc, I appreciate your humor. Being too serious can give the appearance of looking older, don't you think?

Good luck NN with your decision. Trust your own instinct/judgement (don't second guess yourself).

NN-- The extra 2K is money well spent--- you get to spend the entire day with Janna!!!!

You plan is excellent, and shows very good planning, taking into consideration shockloss, available donor and existing work.

2000 grafts spread into your existing hair will do very nicely, but do not expect too much with the 1000 in the crown.

It will give some coverage, but I understand what you are trying to accomplish at this time.

As far as docs go, like Janna said--- go with your gut.... my choice is displayed in my signature, so I want to make sure YOU are doing the deciding.

I am glad your back posting a bit more my brother,

Talk to you soon!
J

NN-

Hey buddy - glad to hear you're finally over the hump and heading that direction! Sounds like you've gotten great advice..........I'm sure either place can deliever what you're looking for. I'm excited for you, my friend!

Guys,

Thanks for all the great advise. Appreciate it much. My wife asked me who the moderator of this site is and I told her about Pat. She then asked which doctor he went to and I mentioned Dr. Ron Shapiro. "You're going to him." Hmmm.

LOL Nervous. Well Dr. Ron Shapiro (and Dr. Paul from what I've seen though minimal) does excellent work!

As I said...you're in great hands with either doctor.

I look forward to sharing your journey with you

Falc