I'm new to the forum, but have been reading off and on for about a year now. I'm in my early 30s and had my first procedure done in CA about 3 years ago. I had a receding hairline (class 1-2). I had a procedure of about 1500 grafts, which in hindsight was far too many because I lost more hair than I gained due to shock loss. Last summer, I went to a different doctor (one who is highly recommended on this website) for a small FUE procedure of about 350 grafts to fill in the gaps that were created on my front hairline. I had a good experience with Dr. #2 and the grafts seemed to be very well placed. But, now 7 months post op...I'm just not really seeing a difference. The reason I'm concerned is because my first procedure was fully grown out at months 7 to 8 and nothing new ever grew after that. So I guess I am expecting the same for procedure #2. What makes this bad is that the transplant is completely noticable....especially when wet or under light when my hair is dry. The best way to describe my scalp is that someone took a blowtorch and singed my scalp and hair. It's scar tissue with pluggy doll looking hair and doesn't look or act natural at all. I blame this on procedure #1, but I was hoping #2 would be able to mask this problem...and it simply hasn't. I just don't see any indication of any reasonable growth from #2. Maybe my expectations were too high. I have put nearly $12,000 into this...all so I wouldn't have to wear a hat anymore. And now, I wear a hat every day. If I figure out how to post a picture, I will do so. Please don't flame me for not naming doctors...it's just not in my nature. I'm setting up an appointment with Dr.#2 fo a checkup. I'm hoping he'll tell me that nothing has just started to grow yet. Any words of advice or encouragement are extremely welcome.

I just had about 50 of my old plugs removed with my new procedure I got last Thursday. Look at some pics on this site under 'Repair Jobs" and see if you find something similar.

It's been said before but it still shocks me that this kind of work still goes down. I know your first HT was three years ago but in the evolution of HT's that was not that long ago.

I'm sure you've seen the concerns of FUE's and their ability or inability to grow properly and then when/if they do, to stay put.

You've already invested a lump of cash and are having to walk around with a cap 24/7. I would HIGHLY recommend getting consultations from the "top" 5ish doctors and not waste your time nor money on anything less.

The encouraging words you are looking for are certainly out there for you. Some of the repair jobs I've seen are undetectable! Don't feel obligated to stay in CA or loyal to doctor number two if you are not 100% confident in his work.

I can identify with you and feel for you brother. I am scheduled one week from now for my second HT which will be the same kinda deal. Would not have even considered it without the support and knowledge from this forum.

Good Luck and keep your chin up!

MbM

master1,

Do you have any before/after pictures from between your first and second surgery?

A few things to consider:

1) 7 months is still early and though your growth seemed almost fully complete by this time after your first surgery, there is no guarantee that this will be the same for your second.

2) 350 grafts is not a lot and depending on the area in which they were transplanted, you may not achieve a significant result.

3) Most first-rate physicians will agree that FUE produces a lower growth yield than strip.

Have you discussed your concerns with your physician? What has he/she said?

Best wishes,

Falc