Ok...with some trepidation, I am posting what I suppose are my official "before" photos. Surgery day is just over two weeks away, and I now am more exited than anxious!

The first photo shows me with my hair styled the typical way for me...I'm not using any styling products in this picture (I usually don't anyway). The wavy texture of my hair is usually good at concealing what is going on underneath my bangs.

The second picture shows my hairline (which is my main concern!), and the third and fourth are my left and right temples. All of which will be the chief focus of my upcoming surgery (1800 to 1900 grafts planned), with some additional work done on top, when possible, to add additional fullness there.

You appear to have great characteristics! All the best!!!

You won't have any trouble disguising your HT with your hair styled as in the first picture

Hi T


Your hairloss is very minimal and obviously you have good hair but 1800 is quite a lot of grafts for this area. I am assuming you are a female?
How old are you? Have you lost the hair or have you always had this type of hairline?

Who is your HT doc?

Thanks everyone!

Yes, I am a female. I'm in my early 40's, and my HT doc is Dr. Epstein.

No, I haven't always had this type of hairline....I have a medical condition (PCOS) which is known to cause MPB-like hairloss in women. My husband took these pics and they don't really show that I also have some diffuse thinning on top. The diffuse thinning isn't nearly as dramatic as what is going on at my hairline or the recession at my temples, but there are spaces within the diffuse thinning which I understand can be relatively safely addressed. The sides and back are still thick though.

Tara,

Glad to see you post your photos on the forum. We look forward to seeing your post op pics and your progress!

I've had the priviledge of talking with TaraSilk in PMs regarding her situation. From the pictures it's a little hard to tell, but if you look closely at a couple of them, you can see the diffiuse thinning in the hairline itself, not to mention that it is slightly receeded. I think based on the description and the pics that 1800 grafts should do just nicely, especially since Dr. Epstein recommended as many.

Keep us posted!

Falc

Good luck and prepare to enjoy some great results from Dr. E! He and his entire staff are top notch.

Good luck, Tara! Your hairline recession is similar to how mine looked before my transplant 14 months ago. I received about 1550 FUs in my temples, didn't lower my hairline any. I'm happy with my results. You'll be in good hands with Dr. Epstein. Just be prepared that the first few weeks will be a little tough physically and the first 4 months challenging emotionally while you wait for results to come. But they will come!

I'll tell you a few things that helped me in the first few weeks. I slept in a recliner for almost three weeks, as I sleep on my sides a lot and didn't want to risk yanking out any grafts. I also took Ambien the first few weeks, as sleeping in a recliner wasn't all that comfortable.

I would discuss with your doc about the risks involved in transplanting into areas where there is significant hair already (the thinning spots you mentioned). We girls tend to lose more hair to shockloss, and if you shock out hair that's already weakened, you may end up not netting much gain. I'm sure Dr. E. can guide you in that area.

Again, best of luck to you! Grow well.

Thanks for the good wishes everyone!

Angel...thanks for the information....I did cover the possiblility of shockloss...but it is always good to keep that in mind.

By the way, would you believe that we just bought a new recliner? It wasn't for this purpose of course, but it is so plush and comfy that you almost can't help but fall asleep in it!!!

Photos updated with pics taken 5 days post HT, as well as with a pic which shows my pre-HT diffuse thinning on top. Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be Day 7. Thought it didn't feel like a day at the spa the entire procedure was surprisingly not too uncomfortable, and I slept well that same night (sitting up in a recliner, of course). My donor density turned out to be better than expected, and I ended up with 2337 grafts rather than the estimated 1800-1900. I don't know the exact breakdown though.

I haven't seen anything what I would call shockloss yet...but I also haven't lost a single scab or crust yet either. Today (Day 6) was the first day I let the shower hit the grafts directly. I haven't noticed if any of the hair shafts from the grafts have fallen out.

All of the facial swelling I posted about on another thread is gone...you guys were right. Last night was the first night I slept in a bed rather than a recliner..what a relief!!!

My main issue really is that the donor area is a bit uncomfortable...it feels tight and itchy, especially at the right and left points where the end sutures are. I've been applying pure aloe vera gel there, and it does seem to help somewhat.

I'll try to post more photos as things progress.

Tarasilk,

Congratulations again on your HT. I think the post op photos show more of your hair loss condition than the pre-op photos. I'm sure this is because of the way you style your hair .

Since I've already responded in detail to you privately, I won't say the same things all over again . But...please keep us posted.

I'm sure the other thread about swelling is not gone...but it might be hidden. If you click on your name on the left hand side and choose "View recent posts by Tarasilk", I'm sure you'll find the thread .

I also see you have written me a PM...I will read and respond to you either today or tomorrow


Falc

Tarasilk-

congratulations on what looks to be a nice job by Dr. E. That number of grafts should really fill things in nicely for you. Thanks for sharing the pics.