I am writing this message as a way to convey my personal experience thus far with a hair transplant. I would like to offer hope to people considering this route. One caveat is that everyone is a different case-regarding donor supply, pain tolerance, how far along the Norwood scale, etc. Without naming physician-I will tell you of my experience. I researched for over 5 years who to go to and kept coming back to the surgeon I chose.
I had tremendous trepidation about whether I should do this-people would tell me I look fine but I knew I was kidding myself with my hairstylist working with me to cover my completely eroded hairline and front as well it made me a 4A on the Norwood scale. I was given 2 valium to relax me. We discussed the hairline that would be age appropriate for now and the future. Then we were ready to get started.
OK-here is the answer everyone wants to know- does it hurt?
Well I can tell you that I have a low pain tolerance and definitely dreaded the needles for the anesthesia and rightfully so-they did hurt especially the forehead-but the good news is you felt nothing after that. None of the cutting/suturing nor placement of grafts into the receptor sites. I was pleasantly surprised. Based on my personal experience the surgeon was able to place 2502 grafts. He even told me that he was sure I would be happy with the results something he refrains from saying. He knows that I am very particular and I believed him. It is all a waiting game. say 6 months to a year before you see real results at least this is what I have been told.
The surgeon used the latest technology-the tricophytic closure a double suture process-to assure a minimal scar provided you do as your told.
We are all adults and clearly must be responsible for our own welfare. Therefore if you follow exactly the direction for maintaining post op procedures I am sure it will minimize infection chances and limit scar size. You must treat these grafts as if they are fragile like glass-they can be destroyed accidentally and through not following directions. I am on day 5-one third of the way through the post op.
I myself am very sad to say that I had a violent reaction to the pain medication with Codeine. Between the antibiotics and the pain meds it really did a number on my stomach. I see that as the worst part for me. Amazing the procedure was easier than the recuperating time-I never would have guessed. I am just getting over this gas pain/vomiting caused by the medication. It was a tough couple of days.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely yes-the small/moderate pain you feel in the few days is nothing compared to a lifetime of happiness. The bottom line is I was unhappy with my appearance-depressed, self-conscious, lack of confidence you name it. Being a 46 year old male who has been told he looks like he is in his late thirties is Great-but for how long can I pull that off what with the way my hair was going south.
My advice is simple-do your research. check out hair transplant on youtube-they show actual surgeries-do not let that put you off. do not shop around for cheap. this is your future. my cost was $10,000 for 2500 grafts from a surgeon rated the top 100 in Manhattan. Do not go cheap-you will pay for it in the end.
Good Luck!
The above letter is a response I received after posting Reader Encourages Others to Send In Their Success Stories.
The experiences outlined above are common and even the response to codeine is not atypical and can easily be managed. Codeine has an impact on the stomach as an irritant. I appreciate that you took the time to write this eloquent history to share with our readers!
Note to everyone out there, please keep sending in those success stories!
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