WILL THE HEALING AND RECOVERY BE EASIER THAN MY FIRST HT EXPERIENCE? ANY DIFFERENCES?

Don't know if the healing is any better on No2 but the whole process was easier as i knew what to expect and have a lot more reserch done between HTs. Aloe vera hav made a big differance this time around.
IH

As I have yet to get #2 underway, I might not be the best to answer this, but being more educated and knowing what to expect has certainly put my mind at ease. As stated, aloe vera is a great product to try as well as graftcyte from what I have been told.

Also, depending on when your 1st HT was, the technology has come a long way where both the recipient and donor areas tend to heal better because they are somewhat less invasive and more refined.

If you don't require as many FU this time around it might make a difference also.

Good luck.

yes, i guess since i know what to expect it will seem easier.

did you use aloe on the graphs or the donar scar?

i used it on both, used one with no alcohol in it just in case, it really cools the area and helps with the redness.
IH

Bro,

Use aloe on the grafts, ice packs on the donor area.

NN, New technology is less invasive with the recipient sites but not the donor, they are still taking out of strip of tissue and in these mega sessions LARGER strips which is still very invasive. It still takes a lot of time to heal with a lot of discomort unless you stay on the painkillers. The recipient area was not a problem either now or years ago when I had my first strip done. The sensation is more numbness than painful,

I am healing right now from my second strip procedure. It is easier in that you know what is coming, but the body basically heals the same way. It takes time, there is pain, swelling, tightness and the wait for results are still there. Anyone who tells you there is no discomfort is full of it. Don't listen to that crap like: "Its like going to the dentist" or "I was back to work the next day". You will not be feeling normal for about two weeks. I knew that going in and as they say "no pain, no gain". All that being said, the procedure is very worth it too me and can really change your outlook on life!

thanks, i did'nt have too much pain from the first HT, just a little uncomfortable, the pills really helped, i was back to work the next week. im looking forward to getting it done and over, had 1500 graphs, and getting 1500 or less this time, i will have about 6 days off to recover.

Sounds like a plan! Good luck and stay on the strong pills a few days! I had 1000 grafts done 6 years ago, and 1625 grafts done 3 days ago. Very excited about the outcome.

NoBuzz,
I stand corrected. You are right about the donor area. I guess I wasn't thinking while writing the post. I truly don't remember all the details from 1st HT except for the discomfort from the donor area. The only way I could describe it to people is that it felt kind of like opening a sardine can...You know how you roll back the metal lid and it starts to get tighter and tighter? I'll stop as I don't want to scare you bro66.

i remember that tightness and stretching feeling, thats the only discomfort i am expecting.

It's interesting, because your body will physically heal the same way...but depending on how you view it, the second one will either be easier or harder. Personally, because I knew what was coming, I found it easier...but I suppose some may dread it more if they felt it was a negative experience for them the first time around.

Falc

Mine as been a heck of alot better than #1.
Less swelling, less scabs, etc.

yes, that's what im hearing mostly, and the same thing the doc said. tomorrow's the big day.

Bro66
best of luck tomorrow,sure it will go well for you.
IH

I think knowing what to expect helps greatly but healing in general will be the same.

Factors like type of surgery, size of surgey etc play a part.

Aloe vera, MSM, lots of water and rest!!!! These will all help - All the best!!!!

Had my 2nd HT yesterday, everything went okay, except it seemed much longer this time, esp. the numbing process, got there at 9 left around 6. i got about 1600 graphs, now i have a total of about 3100 graphs the front and crown areas. Havent had much swelling, they gave me a shot and meds for that, im just having a little pain and tightness around the donar area, and my neck is a little stiff from sitting all day. I've only been taking tylenol for the pain, dont think i need anything stronger at this point, but i did fill the Rx just in case.

Congrats Bro,

The donor will be the worst part and will bother you most trying to slep. Sleep upright and stay with the ice packs on the donor and forehead areas. Swelling will be worst on days 3-6 if you get any.

I am one week post with 1625 grafts and I didn't take any chances with the pain medication. Take the strong stuff the first day and night. Yeah, my neck was so stiff, I went into the procedure with a stiff neck prior to the surgery, should have had a massage or aseen my chiropractor before, my mistake! I did not take a valium during the procedure only locals, this way I drove myself home, no problem. I feel real good now, one week makes a huge difference. Did you doc do sutures or staples or both? Mine did disolvable sutures and they are very comfortable.

Take it easy and keep your head elevated.
Heal well,

thanks. my doc did sutures, the Trichophytic closure this time. been following the doc's instructions, iceing, and keeping my head elevated, i slept okay, i usually sleep on my side, but i proped a pillow under my neck to keep it elevated. yes, i remember how much the swelling was on the 3rd day, esp. my forehead. im just taking it easy and looking forward to monday when most of the recovery will be over.

Congratulations. I'm sure the next couple of days will be the worst and before you know it you'll be back to your regular routine. Take note of the advise that NoBuzz gave as it will certainly help. Best of luck.

well done Bro, hope the swelling and pain stay away, happy growing,
IH