Confused about hair transplant aftermath...please advise

[chromedomefear]

I'm considering a hair transplant, and have researched a few docs, and seen videos and pics. One question I have that I'm not sure I'm getting a clear cut answer from the clinics on....what will my head really look like a week or two after the procedure?

The pics I've seen show patients with the frontal region shaved. Is this to provide for a better picture of the results, or will the front half of my head be shaved, red, and swollen for two weeks? Like I obviously just had a hair transplant?

The only reason I ask is because I have sort of a high profile job that I can't wear a hat to, can't look like frankenstein at, and can't get more than 2...maybe 3 weeks off at a time from. I just want to have a realistic idea about my lifestyle following a hair transplant procedure. I know everyone might be slightly different, but in general.....? I'm about a Norwood 3V.

Thanks fellas.

 

[s.a.f]

Unless the hair behind is long enough to comb forward you will not really be able to hide the fact you had a hair transplant in less than 2/3 wks post op. Shaving the recipient area is something that most of the top docs insist upon.
For most people the redness takes a couple of weeks to fade.
Post op downtime is the main reason for people not getting a hair transplant even more so than the cost or fear of the surgery itself.

 

[GeminiX]

I have some pictures on my taken the day after the procedure, it's not pretty

The crusts can usually be gently rinsed away a few days after the procedure, and the little hairs will drop out within the first few weeks (though I had one or two stubborn ones which stayed for a month or two). Then after six months or so, you should see some nice new hairs popping through.

I would advise against wearing anything which touches the transplant areas initially, especially during the first few days after the procedure. There is a risk that you might open up the tiny incisions and cause the transplanted hair unit to fall out or become damaged.

For what it's worth, I was fine going out and about a few days after the procedure and only took the day of the procedure and the following day off work (Thursday and Friday).

 

[chromedomefear]

Thanks for the info. I'm not concerned with what I look like in the following two weeks after the procedure at all. The third week, when I have to return to work, is my concern. If I can comb the other hair over the area to conceal any suturing, or anything that would make people look at me and think "wtf is wrong with that guys head?", I will be fine. Or if it will subside enough at that point to not be too noticeable, then I'm not concerned either

Has anyone had a hair transplant that didn't shave the rest of the area that can give me some feedback?

 

[HT55]

how much work you are having done and how much hair you currently have ?

 

[chromedomefear]

Since I'm fairly new and not extensively educated on the levels of amount of work to be done and how much hair I currently have, I'll just post some pictures. I would like to have somewhat of a hairline back....natural for my age of 34...that doesn't look like I'm "really losing my hair now". I apologize if I screw up posting the pics, I've never done this before.

 

[fromchicago]

Have you tried the big 3, you might be able to delay the process 10 years.

 

[chromedomefear]

Been on the big 3 since 2003. I did switch to avodart about 6 or 8 months ago. It doesn't seem to be any better. I think I might have lost a little more actually. It's so much cheaper tho.

I'm at the point that, even if my loss was to stop right here where I'm at, I want more.....I want a hairline back. Not necc my old hairline, bc I'm not 24 anymore, but a hairline. And the only way to do that from what I read on here, as of right now, is with a hair transplant. I have the cash for it. I'm only going to live once. And my hair loss is the only thing that I'm not satisfied with about myself.

 

[chromedomefear]

Anybody have any info, advice, or other comments before I start doctor consultations?

All are welcomed and appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Matt27]

You're going to require a lot of FU's. I'd guess at least 3,500 to rebuild a hairline. You need to do your own research to determine which doctor(s) you feel the most comfortable with. I'm in the same boat, also 34 but not quite as much loss. I'll probably require close to 2K FU's to achieve the results I'd like. I am 90% sure I'll be going to Dr. Rahal since, from what I have been able to tell, he gets the most consistent and best results when it comes to designing and achieving an excellent hairline. A lot of this is subjective, however, so that's why you really should do your own research.

Good luck!

 

[chromedomefear]

Thanks. I never feel like I've done enough research tho. He is one of the three docs on my list.

 

[DoctorHouse]

Unless the hair behind is long enough to comb forward you will not really be able to hide the fact you had a hair transplant in less than 2/3 wks post op. Shaving the recipient area is something that most of the top docs insist upon.
For most people the redness takes a couple of weeks to fade.
Post op downtime is the main reason for people not getting a hair transplant even more so than the cost or fear of the surgery itself.

Do you know of any outstanding hair transplant doctors that will not shave the recipient area upon request. I notice Dr Rassman has shown cases where he did not require it. The way I style my hair I could cover it up but NOT if it has to be shaved. I saw a case on Rassman's site where he minimally shaved the donor area too. I could live with that. He now is doing a new method for FUE that has caught my interest.

 

[chromedomefear]

He now is doing a new method for FUE that has caught my interest

A new method. Is this explained on his site or did you just see pics somewhere?

 

[s.a.f]

Nearly all the top docs insist on shaving but there are 1 or 2 who dont, cant remember which ones though.

 

[chromedomefear]

are there any resultant differences in shaving and not?

 

[s.a.f]

Drs prefer it because it makes their job easier they say that it helps them get a better result because they can see where to place the grafts more effectivly and theirs less chance of the grafts being damaged during placement so yeilds could be better. Also some say that it reduces the risk of shockloss to the existing hairs.

 

[Petchsky]

Dr Epstein does not shave, can't remember the others

 

[DoctorHouse]

He now is doing a new method for FUE that has caught my interest

A new method. Is this explained on his site or did you just see pics somewhere?

Yes, Dr Rassman goes into great detail about this enhanced way of doing FUE. Read about it on baldingblog.com

 

[ITNEVERRAINS]

the first 7-8 days are the worst. I am a zombie until the 8th day. I don't risk losing or shifting grafts after shelling out that much deniro. after that you'll have some pink, but thats it. Another thing I tell people to consider, the people who know you will know you had a hair transplant anyways. If a girl leaves for vacation with 32A and comes back from vacation with 36DD, everyone notices. So F-ing what. hair transplant's are the men's braces of the 2000's. If it bothers you wear a hat. If people ask why you are wearing a hat, tell them you had a hair transplant and your head is still a little pink. Anyone gives you sh*t, kick them in the face. when you look 10 year younger in 9 months, find the person who gave you sh*t and kick them in the face again.

 

[HT55]

Another thing I tell people to consider, the people who know you will know you had a hair transplant anyways. If a girl leaves for vacation with 32A and comes back from vacation with 36DD, everyone notices

Breast implants have an immediate effect. hair transplant's take about 4 months to show any signs of new hair and gradually fill in up to 18 months so it's a much more gradual process so if you have a decent amount of hair most people won't pick up on it. I started my transplants 8 years ago and have had 2K total grafts over that time and not one person has ever asked me if i had a transplant.