Dr. Ron Shapiro: 2100 grafts Strip Method.

[MartyMcfly]

Yes it feels better with the staples out yet still some what tender. I think another few days and the tenderness should be very minimal. I'm counting down the days to where my hair covers the rear scar and I can do away with having to wear a hat. Short hair on me is for the birds.

Janna, let me ask, if a graph doesn't shed, is that necessarily a bad thing? I look at other transplant journals and I see a lot of patients who's graphs seem to have fallen out rather quickly (first week) where as the majority of mine still remain (75%).

Is there an explanation on different shed rates?

 

[janna]

The shedding phase has barely begun for you. It typically takes a month to month and half for the noticeable shedding. If someone is shedding a great deal in the first week, I'd say there is a cause for concern. It takes the first 5 days for the grafts to adhere so you're saying the shedding is taking place in the next two days. I haven't heard of this before.

I can't say if it's good or bad to shed quickly (within first month post op). It all comes down to the end result so we'll just have to wait and see.

 

[Nervousnelly]

Things look great which I would expect from SMG. I love the blend into the native hair. Sounds like another great experience. Just a matter of time my friend and you will be dynamite. Keep us all posted.

NN

 

[MartyMcfly]

Here is my 1 month update: I apologize for advance not having anything better then a phone camera to take pictures with.

So far, this has been a cake walk. Other then the initial uncomfortableness of the staples, I am now almost completely back to 100%. My native hair has grown back without any apparent shockloss and the scar in the back is fading nicely. Matter of fact, the scar is hidden nicely with about 3/4" length hair. Its still red, but I have little, to no discomfort with the scar 1 month post surgery. Id say I've lost roughly 80-85% of the graphs. A few have grown quite long, longer then my native hair and some look like a 5 o clock shadow, just poking through the surface, where I initially lost the transplanted hair (surely that cant be growth this early in the ballgame, but I see quite a few of these).

Im still very careful with the transplanted area. I still pat wash it, and wear very loose hats. I am almost to the stage where I can walk around without a hat and not feel conscience. At work I got to the point where I started walking around without a hat, red temples and all, and other then the slightly awkward look at my pinkish hairline, no on has said anything. It makes things better that my work crew is bald

The redness has faded substantially and the numbness near the scar has drastically reduced. Id say I have upwards of 90% sensation back. Well with further ado, onto the pics:



EDIT: On a side note, Ive been using Rogaine Foam on the tranplanted hairs 2 weeks post surgery, 2x's a day, with no redness or discomfort.

 

[dodger1]

1 month post-op pic's are looking good bro! I know that losing your transplanted hair sucks, but no worries, they'll be back! Even your scar appears as though its healing well, i'm sure the scar will be a non-issue too. continue to heal well my friend!

 

[MartyMcfly]

Thanks Dodger,
Unfortunately I am unable to take good, clear pictures, which is ashame. I really should try and get my 12meg cam when I run home next week so I can take better pics for my updates.

The scar is a complete non issue now. The hair covers it completely. I buzzed down to a 3 guard today and it is completely unnoticeable. Its still pink mind you, but not near as revealing as I thought it would be at this stage. Im not exactly sure why people make donor scars out to be a big deal (that is unless the surgeon isnt skilled in suturing a wound).

Its been 6 weeks today since my surgery. Wow! Its going by fast. I have what seems to be about 10-15% graphs hanging in there, and are continuing to grow right along my hair line and in my receded temple area, which is an added bonus.

I am extremely anxious to see your 6 month update Dodger. Whats funny is when I originally talked to you on the phone, I had set my appointment for the 23rd of this month, which would be the day after tomorrow. I am so so so glad I now almost have a month and a half under my belt!

By the summer time I hope my hair will be an after thought.

 

[Bigmac]

Hi Marty,thanks for the update.

At one month it all looks as it should be and your donor area looks excellent.

Now you just got to try and be patient.

Cheers bm.

 

[MartyMcfly]

Sorry guys, Heres my late 2 month update. I took the pics on the 12th, but havnt had a computer to Upload them. Im also including my 2.5 month Propecia and Rogaine results. Ive noticed great results with the combination of these 2, and my hair feels "thicker" as you can see. Sorry about the inconsistent lighting.

Scar:

Rogaine & Finasteride before & after

 

[Bigmac]

Looking good Marty,i`m pleased you feel the meds are working for you.

Thanks for the update.

bm.

 

[dodger1]

Looking good Marty! you can't even see your scar at all even with the short haircut. At 2 months it looks like your right on track! Glad to see the meds working so well. def see the difference in the crown on the top down shots! see ya next update...

 

[janna]

Looking good MartyM. There is great difference in your crown - ¬b`. I have a feeling you'll be a fast grower too. Thanks for the update!!!

 

[MartyMcfly]

Hey Guys,
Sorry Ive been pretty busy with a move and switching job positions, so I havent been able to keep up with the forums and everyones progress as much as Id like. By the Way Janna, Im aware I owe one more payment. I will call or email you shortly yo set this up.

About my HT. This is my 3 month update I have had no complications whatsoever. The whole procedure has been a breeze other then the occasional awkward stare in the beginning months. I have absolutely no discomfort and all feeling and sensation has returned completely, 100%.

I feel im either right on schedule or maybe ahead of the curve. I noticed hairs coming in rather quickly at 2.5 months post OP and continue to do so where I previously had no hair. Let me apologize in advance for my crappy cell phone camera. I have a brand new laptop provided by work, yet it doesnt accept my digital cameras SDS card. GAH, so annoying. All I want to do is provide decent pictures!

Anyway, on to the pics."

WET:

(NOTE: I didnt have any hair in this temple area pre surgery)

Heres a PRE OP photo under the same harsh lighting for reference. The combination of rogaine, finasteride and a HT have done wonders for my hair.

Thanks.

 

[dodger1]

dude it looks like you've got a head of hair already and only at 3 months!! (Especially the 1st shot) awesome results bro! Keep updating and I hope you see continued growth!

 

[janna]

MartyMcfly wrote:

By the Way Janna, Im aware I owe one more payment. I will call or email you shortly yo set this up.

Oh, we just hired a debt collector to get the payment. He's instructed to get payment by any means - including knocking out a knee cap or two >C>::. No Problem - contact me when you can.

 

[MartyMcfly]

Janna, Hah, Ill get that $32 bucks to you guys ASAP. hahaha)(_:: Really though, Im in between paychecks, Ill get my final payment out to you asap. Appreciate that.

Dodger, Thanks bud. Yeah, the meds are doing wonders for my hair, and the HT is making it that much better! I cant imagine what my hair will be like at the 6 month mark. Im trying my darndest to get the same results as yourself! Till month 4.

 

[hdude46]

any updates?

 

[richfrog]

Yeah updates, this guys looked liked it was going really well !

 

[Stingray76]

Yeah, he didn't pay his bill so Janna made sure he is sleeping with the fishes.

'''h;h;;h

 

[janna]

hahahaha.....

To be fair, don't you think he was given ample notice to pay up?! '''ss''

 

[bullitnut]

lol i can just picture Janna chasing him down the street with an FUE punch trying to extract the grafted hairs as they run::}{:........would be great to see an update marty dude....i really liked this result.