Bill,

It's the issue of vanity. We all want people to believe that we are strong, confident individuals with no weaknesses. The last thing we want is for those around us to percieve us as weak and that we are not comfortable with the way we look.

I don't get it though. There is the obvious double standard. Women can get the most blatant boob job and the vast majority look in awe and amazement. A guy walks down the street with a bad HT or nondiscreet rug and people snicker behind his back.--What gives??

I for one have made the decision that if my next Ht has me looking like I hope, I will tell people that I had the procedure. Not that I will wear a flashing t-shirt, but I hope to eliminate the stigma of HT's. If I am in a room and the conversation comes up about HT's or whatever, I will point mine out and see what the response is. Personally if I have the results that I expect, I will be kind of proud to display for the shock factor.

So many of us have our insecurities and are afraid to talk about them, but for the most part people are understanding and want to discuss their own issues but might not have the proper setting or are nervous to be open with others.

Once again just my opinion as I ramble.

NN

First off the guy on the street is not responding to a thread on a public forum, he is probably just walking....as for scar length most people come to forums seeking help and support so it is only natural to have a post like such...hence your example -the guy walking down the street with burns confidently does not carrier over. On to the meat and potatoes....if one wants to optimize styling options and keeping short hair on the sides is pivotal or ultra important cosmetically speaking, then they should look into shorter strips it’s really that simple. HT are give and take arrangement you got to get to give it…more grafts you need the more you got to get (longer strip). The key is to find a balance that you are comfortable with personally (like your burn patient example he was comfortable in his own skin so it didn’t matter to him).

Some people are more concerned than others about the scar. This has to do mostly with what we expect and value as important. Clearly those considering an HT are trying to improve their appearance. Whereas some focus so much on the fact that they have new hair, they don't care about the scar, there are others who look at the scar as the deal breaker.

It's a matter of what we value and find important.

Personally I don't think a shorter strip scar verses a longer one really matters as long as the existing hair conceals a thin scar that lies underneath (regardless of length). Personally, I'm more concerned about the width (or really the height) of the scar.

Just my thoughts...

Falc

quote:

Originally posted by falceros:

Personally I don't think a shorter strip scar verses a longer one really matters as long as the existing hair conceals a thin scar that lies underneath (regardless of length). Personally, I'm more concerned about the width (or really the height) of the scar.

Just my thoughts...

Falc

Exactly, Falc.

With tricho closure and a Doc who knows how to close, a thin scar with hair growing through it should be able to be covered by 1/2" of hair. That's pretty short. How many of us have gotten an HT and have the desire to wear our hair that short? I sure don't.

BTB made a good point about scar-phobia. How many of your average Joes (no offense, Jotronic) really know much about HT's?? Even most balding guys probably still think of the plug days. Face it, we hair geeks (I say that respectfully as I'm one ) are much more educated about HT's.....tons......than the average person.

The only time I believe the scar issue is more prevalent is for a NW 6/7 with thinning or poor donor area who wants to "try" a HT...........and maybe he shouldn't be trying. However, they may want the ability to clip down if it doesn' work. To me, if it's that much of a gamble I just wouldnt' go there.

I did an accidental experiment this morning which relates to this. I've cut my own hair for years, noticed I thought I needed to trim my bangs...........pulled some hair up with a comb........ran the clippers across it.........looked in the mirror and OH SH!T!!!, I clipped it way to short. So, I gave myself and early morning haircut..........cut the top down to 1" using a guard............cut the upper part of the sides to 1/2" and the lower part feathered into it at 1/4". IF I bend my head down looking "up" into the back of my head I can faintly see the scar..........looking at it straight from the sides or back you can't.

I've been wanting to start clipping down anyway for HT #3 so this was just the first step and actually forced me into it. Now.......I have decent donor hair with average to above average density which may be in my favor. One negative is the the hair on the sides is really gray so when I clip that close it's even that much more see-through but the scar was still a non-issue.

At the end of the day I suppose it's just personal choice but I'd rather have a plentiful harvest knowing I can grow my hair long enough to cover the scar verus multiple HT's with a shorter one.

Alright hairbank...we want pictures of the new do! Or did you already post them?

I've been cutting my own hair for the last 2 years with clippers, however, now that I have been growing the top of my hair longer, I actually needed to use scissors this time. It took a bit more time, but was still manage to cut it myself and think I did a pretty good job .

Back to the topic...I agree...cutting the hair down short enough will inevitably reveal a scar whether in the back or sides of the head...it's just the nature of it. But with the trichophytic closure technique by a skilled physician, scars are getting thinner and thinner and less noticable than ever before. Finding the right hairstyle, however, will be vital in determining our best look, including keeping the scar completely concealed.

Falc