Senior Member Taken4Granted Posted August 8, 2020 Senior Member Share Posted August 8, 2020 (edited) Folks, This day’s been coming for many years. I finally got my first HT, and I went to the best. I’ll reveal the name of the clinic later when I’ve had time to judge the content. I’m excited about where I went and have full confidence in the quality of the work, just want to be absolutely sure this thread is fair and accurate before I drop names. I’ll skip the novel (that’s coming) and just post the pre-op (looked even more bald when I grew it out) and post-op. Currently day 6: Pre-op right: Left: Looking to restore this with fair density (just enough to style a bit) and a mature hair line: Immediately post-op: Post-op hair line close-up: This morning (day 6), dry: After a shower (not on the recipient, obv.) and some saline, definitely noticing some bloody spots of concern: Looks like the left side (this is a mirror) is acting up: Edited August 8, 2020 by Taken4Granted “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not...” - John Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Taken4Granted Posted August 8, 2020 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 8, 2020 (edited) They kept the recipient zone very clean for the first few days, but I popped some bloody spots after my flight home and woke up looking messier today. I figure all the facial/head motion and changing blood pressure kicked off some minor bleeding, but there’s one spot that worries me near the front. Maybe you guys can comment on this. Here it is from several angles in different light and moisture. I think most of it is fine, but it looks like maybe a long double got dislodged. Notice the long two hairs lying flat between the bloodiest spots: A little drier w/ flash: Other side looking good: Edited August 8, 2020 by Taken4Granted “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not...” - John Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Taken4Granted Posted August 8, 2020 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 8, 2020 Also noticed another thread about the yellow discharge, so I’m happy to share this. Just hours after a thorough cleaning on day 2-3 post-op, this stuff starts piling up: “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not...” - John Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member home1212 Posted August 9, 2020 Senior Member Share Posted August 9, 2020 (edited) love the conservative hairline design and restoration which will serve you well into the future, work looks prestine, if I were to guess it looks like Dr. Bloxham? Edited August 9, 2020 by home1212 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Taken4Granted Posted August 9, 2020 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 9, 2020 (edited) Nope, sorry for the suspense @home1212. I hope you understand my withholding the name until I feel this thread represents him fairly. I wouldn’t want ppl searching his name and finding my thread where someone starts a debate about the work or the hair line or something. He’s a top-notch guy who has done well by me. Thanks for the kudos on the hair line. If there’s anything wrong with it, that’s my fault bc I had a lot of influence on it. I drew an awful rendition of what I had in mind, and then he did his best to fix it so it looked as natural as possible. But you’re right, it’s all about the future. I wanted to do something like the line below because I need to conserve donor. I wanted good enough density to style, so I didn’t want to blow a ton of grafts pulling the temples out to connect to a lower hair line. My thinning and family history tell me this is where I’m headed: Unfortunately, some folks back home are puzzled that I didn’t come back with Zack Efron’s hairline. I’ve spent a lot of time explaining about density of grafts and how the hair around the corners will cover up those high arches on the temples a good bit, but oh well. Edited August 9, 2020 by Taken4Granted 1 “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not...” - John Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member home1212 Posted August 9, 2020 Senior Member Share Posted August 9, 2020 I have a very limited donor as well as was probably already at a Norwood 5A going to 6, so I had to be very conservative as well... do I have full coverage? absolutely not, but I'm happy where I am, my appearance looks 100% natural and most importantly, I don't waste an hour in the morning trying to do a comb-over to hide my balding, using hairspray to keep every hair exactly in place, worried about the wind, weather, etc. For me, my HT gave me back a sense of normalcy and better confidence. Your end result should shape up to be great! continued luck healing and growing 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Taken4Granted Posted August 9, 2020 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 9, 2020 @home1212 Yes, not spending an hour every damn day on concealer and buzzing techniques to stay presentable is going to be my absolute favorite part of all this. Just shower and go! 2 “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not...” - John Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member yesplease Posted August 10, 2020 Senior Member Share Posted August 10, 2020 22 hours ago, Taken4Granted said: @home1212 Yes, not spending an hour every damn day on concealer and buzzing techniques to stay presentable is going to be my absolute favorite part of all this. Just shower and go! Looks very promising. Please keep us posted! what’s your age? Are you using fin/min? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member yesplease Posted August 10, 2020 Senior Member Share Posted August 10, 2020 On 8/8/2020 at 3:02 PM, Taken4Granted said: Folks, This day’s been coming for many years. I finally got my first HT, and I went to the best. I’ll reveal the name of the clinic later when I’ve had time to judge the content. I’m excited about where I went and have full confidence in the quality of the work, just want to be absolutely sure this thread is fair and accurate before I drop names. I’ll skip the novel (that’s coming) and just post the pre-op (looked even more bald when I grew it out) and post-op. Currently day 6: Pre-op right: Left: Looking to restore this with fair density (just enough to style a bit) and a mature hair line: Immediately post-op: Post-op hair line close-up: This morning (day 6), dry: After a shower (not on the recipient, obv.) and some saline, definitely noticing some bloody spots of concern: Looks like the left side (this is a mirror) is acting up: Any photos of the donor area/scar? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Taken4Granted Posted August 10, 2020 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 10, 2020 (edited) @yesplease Oh, of course, totally forgot about the donor incision. I’m 34 and was on fin for 6-8 years, ditched it maybe 5 years ago. Tough sides for me. Going back on min next month. From the top last night: Tried to wet down my hair and press it away to show the incision: But it’s not that apparent even with wet hair and minimal effort to cover it up: It’s cleaner and tighter than I expected. Gotta look really close to even see it. I can only make out the stitches usually. Edited August 10, 2020 by Taken4Granted “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not...” - John Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member yesplease Posted August 10, 2020 Senior Member Share Posted August 10, 2020 20 minutes ago, Taken4Granted said: @yesplease Oh, of course, totally forgot about the donor incision. I’m 34 and was on fin for 6-8 years, ditched it maybe 5 years ago. Tough sides for me. Going back on min next month. From the top last night: Tried to wet down my hair and press it away to show the incision: But it’s not that apparent even with wet hair and minimal effort to cover it up: It’s cleaner and tighter than I expected. Gotta look really close to even see it. I can only make out the stitches usually. Looks very clean can you expand bit on why you chose FUT over FUE? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Taken4Granted Posted August 11, 2020 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 11, 2020 (edited) @yesplease Sure thing. Me, I know I’m gonna lose a lot more on the top and crown, so my surgical work is just beginning. I chose FUT because the long-term yield is better when you start with virgin strip. The other thing is you get more grafts for the money with FUT. I wanted good density in the front, which meant more grafts than I can afford using FUE. That said, my surgeon did mention FUE was a viable option in my case and told me he could deliver great results with fewer grafts (~2k) without the linear scar, but I was greedy for denser hair. We did have a long talk about the options and risks, esp. with the long-term in mind. What’s appropriate for me could be wrong for someone else. Edited August 11, 2020 by Taken4Granted “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not...” - John Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member BDK081522 Posted August 12, 2020 Senior Member Share Posted August 12, 2020 The work looks pristine. I think you'll be very happy with the outcome. Post-op pictures look as clean as you can achieve. Based on your description of the discussion, the graft implantation angles and density achieved, I'm fairly certain I know who you went to. He's more impressive in person then the forum can convey. Great choice. Look forward to following your journey. 1 Bosley 11-2016 FUE - 1,407 grafts Dr. Diep 09-2017 FUE - 2,024 grafts Dr. Konior 03-2020 FUE - 2,076 grafts Dr. Konior 09-2021 FUE - 697 scalp to scalp, FUE - 716 beard to beard Total scalp FUE - 6,204 grafts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Taken4Granted Posted August 12, 2020 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 12, 2020 (edited) Thanks, @ruca2. From what I’ve seen, it does appear to be immaculate work. Dunno what set off that bleed, but it’s looking better now. But I can already tell the wait is gonna kill me. I’m at 1 week and it’s already getting to me. I can’t even stand to see some of these transplanted shafts come out. I’m hoping to see some early sprouts by Halloween, but I know that would be lucky. Edited August 12, 2020 by Taken4Granted “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not...” - John Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member BDK081522 Posted August 12, 2020 Senior Member Share Posted August 12, 2020 @Taken4Granted I wouldn't worry about the one red area. Probably just a bit of excess blood/coagulation factors that accumulated after you left the office. Worse case one graft may have become dislodged but will not have any effect on final appearance of the restoration. It's a very emotional journey and there will be times you get discouraged, especially during the ugly duckling phase. Just remember you chose a great surgeon and the end result will be worth the wait. Halloween would be a bit optimistic in my opinion. You may have a few random sprouts but don't get your hopes up. Since this is your first transplant you may experience slightly faster growth but don't get discouraged if you don't. Our individual physiology is unique and will progress at its' own pace. Hell, I'm 5 months post op and figured I'd have much more density by now based on my previous experiences. But, low and behold I'm probably only at 50% growth. After my second transplant I had what seemed like full density by 5 months. I'm not worried at all but just goes to show the variation that is present within one's own physiology. Set your expectations to start seeing adequate coverage by 6-8 months and you shouldn't be disappointed. 1 Bosley 11-2016 FUE - 1,407 grafts Dr. Diep 09-2017 FUE - 2,024 grafts Dr. Konior 03-2020 FUE - 2,076 grafts Dr. Konior 09-2021 FUE - 697 scalp to scalp, FUE - 716 beard to beard Total scalp FUE - 6,204 grafts Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Taken4Granted Posted August 13, 2020 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 13, 2020 @ruca2 Post-op month 5, eh? Congratulations, man. That’s the corner, right? Thanks for the encouraging words. I’ve been worried about messing it up with too much moisture, not enough moisture, washing too aggressively, accidentally turning on my side at night in bed, scratching an itch too close to the recipient, and on and on. Everything is yield. Gotta make sure these seeds sprout. I thought I’d be able to just forget about it and be surprised at 4-6 months by the growth, like “oh, that transplant I got back in August!”. I thought getting the surgery would be this turning point that ensured a great outcome x months down the line, and that this knowledge would be a comfort. Funny how I went to the best doc I could find to have that peace of mind, yet here I am stressing about these little things. Yeah, man. It is an emotional journey for sure. 1 “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not...” - John Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member giegnosiganoe Posted August 26, 2020 Senior Member Share Posted August 26, 2020 How's it looking, Taken? Did those red spots clear up? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Kaya Posted August 26, 2020 Senior Member Share Posted August 26, 2020 Beautiful work from Dr. Konior. 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Taken4Granted Posted August 26, 2020 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 26, 2020 (edited) Hey there. I was gonna wait another week for a 1-month update (it’s ~3 wks), but what the heck. So far, so good. That problem area cleared up and turned out to be strangely thick. I’m shedding a little but I guess the worst is yet to come. Not looking forward to losing this hair. Still so weird seeing it in the mirror. The incision is healing nicely. Even after I (carefully) buzzed the hair (not the recipient), it’s hard to see. So things are good! Edited August 26, 2020 by Taken4Granted “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not...” - John Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Regular Member FoxtrotChi Posted August 26, 2020 Regular Member Share Posted August 26, 2020 Looks great, don’t be too depressed if you shed a ton in the next two weeks. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Taken4Granted Posted August 26, 2020 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 26, 2020 (edited) @FoxtrotChi Yeah, def NOT looking forward to that. It’s been shedding and looking patchier, but I know better than to hope I’ve seen the worst. It’s actually annoying bc the longer it takes to shed, the later it’ll be when it finally comes out of the dormant phase. Edited August 26, 2020 by Taken4Granted “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not...” - John Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Taken4Granted Posted August 26, 2020 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 26, 2020 The only thing I’ve experienced that no one has mentioned: the nerves in my scalp. As the cut heals, they start coming back, and for me this was the most painful time after the first couple days when I forgot to take my pain pills here and there. “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not...” - John Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member giegnosiganoe Posted August 26, 2020 Senior Member Share Posted August 26, 2020 Do you know how many microns your hair is, and how many singles/doubles/triples you got? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Taken4Granted Posted August 26, 2020 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 26, 2020 @giegnosiganoe Nope, no idea. I’ll e-mail the clinic to see if they have any record of that. The doc convinced me early on to forget about the graft count because it has little meaning for comparison between patients and surgeons. That said, there’s little else to go by in a forum type of situation, and it sounds like you’re actually looking for some of that information that distinguishes my ~3k grafts from someone else’s ~3k grafts. So yeah, I’ll send them a note and see what I get. You know the surgeon from our PM, so this will complete the picture. “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not...” - John Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Senior Member Taken4Granted Posted August 26, 2020 Author Senior Member Share Posted August 26, 2020 Just got the lady to photo the cut with flash and fresh neosporin. God d*n, that is clean work. I didn’t expect to be able to buzz it after strip, but I think I will. I can hardly find it even with the redness and incipient shock loss. “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not...” - John Lennon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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