I'm continuing this post from an old one since I feel the topic has shifted now that I'm close-

I've since met with and/or had phone consults with a wide array of doctors (total of 9!)

Many great doc's but I had to narrow it down. I feel I've got that list down to 3 great ones. Reed, Shapiro and Epstein. I'm leaning toward Shapiro but I'm waiting to speak in person with a few people and see more pics (they're still updating their 8 year old website...)

I'd love to hear from you. Especially if you have FISTHAND experience. Details are appreciated and links to photos or blogs are great. Please try to keep comments tactful. If you want you can email me personally.

Getting excited...

Ive got firsthand info on Shapiro .
Theres NO clinic better ,maybe equal.
The others you mention are good but cant hang.
This obviously is my opinion, but one I feel strongly about. From Dr to Janna and Matt they are all the best even over a year later.

Yep! Shapiro is GREAT!

I am repeating my same post from your other thread:

9 consults, that's impressive!! You are making an excellent case for HT candidates and their decision making process. I would love to hear about how you perceived the differences to be between the Dr's.

To follow up again HK500. Quite a few of the docs I met/consulted with were fantastic. So the decision comes down to a lot of other factors, some are simply personal. First and foremost - I need tom maintain my 'look' as much as possible so I'm looking at doctors who have most of their experience doing HT's with hair in place (no shaving). Other thoughts were density and # of grafts in relation to danger of 'shock loss' and having a very clear plan. (On this note it seems two HTs are inevitable for me.) Also considered: experience/training, respect in industry (docs that use THEM, seminars they've done, etc.) amount/quality and availability of before/after shots as well as peoples blogs. I'm sure I'm forgetting things but you get the idea.

I started with a list of ten questions for docs, that's grown to 24...

Cheers, J (from la la land)

Hi J, La La Land,
Great to hear how thorough you are. I also did not want to shave which was easier to achieve due to my low transplant count and it's correct that it limits somewhat the density that the surgeon feels is safe to reach without compromising too much the existing hairs. It looks like I'll be getting a final touch up which should get me to the density I am looking for, then it should be over, no more HT for me. Let me know when and who you decide on, for my part I'll be going back to Dr Siporin for this final touch. It's nice to see how well you are using the resources available on the Forum to make your decision, you will get great results.
All the best,
HK

I've made my choice and booked with Ron Shapiro for this summer. Very excited. Will post lots of pics after/during surgery and recovery.

You won't regret it, trust me..... Congrats

I knew you would see the light
Your choice is an excellent one young grasshoper
You will not regret it .
Glad to see you searched the US coast to coast instead of staying local .
Thats the 3rd commandment

Hi LaLa-- Glad to see you made your choice and I look forward to seeing your transformation.

Please feel free to contact me if you need anything.

Take Care,
Jason

i did not go to shapiro but i will say i am very impressed by his work and he was in my top 5 choices. best of luck to you!

You'll be in good hands.

quote:

First and foremost - I need to maintain my 'look' as much as possible so I'm looking at doctors who have most of their experience doing HT's with hair in place (no shaving).

I recently had a great experience with Dr. Bernstein in which he did not shave my recipient area.

See my blog; I was able to look 'normal' within two weeks (once I could comb the recipient area). My remaining hair stayed and acted as very god camoflauge. No one (even my kids) has noticed my HT.

I'm now almost 6 weeks post-HT and still have most of my original hair. I understand that shock loss might still occur, but for now I am mane-taming

Best of luck.

Yogi's Dad - I agree I think it looks great especially considering that it was 1 month post. I'm sure you'll be loving the next years 'grow in' period.