The Official Hair Transplant Thread

[LostInAdream]

I'm so sorry that I missed your mention. I've been on vacations and in the ET forum mostly but I got my biopsy results. I do not have CCCA and have traction alopecia on my edges. I was very happy to hear that. I'm still undecided with regards to a doctor. I've had quotes from the 2 docs I mentioned and a Dr. Epstein who wants to do it in his Miami office. Dr. Tutu is black so I want to give her a play but she has only performed a handful of procedures. She's also in the same price bracket as the others. Any insight or feedback will be appreciated because I want it done in the fall.

If you don't me asking, how much did Dr. Frank and Dr. Tutu quote you?

Last month, I had a biopsy done and I have scarring (traction) alopecia and some inflammation. Current getting the steroid shots for the inflammation. My dermatologist says I may see some growth.

 

[nycutiepie]

If you don't me asking, how much did Dr. Frank and Dr. Tutu quote you?

Last month, I had a biopsy done and I have scarring (traction) alopecia and some inflammation. Current getting the steroid shots for the inflammation. My dermatologist says I may see some growth.

Your situation sounds like mine and the good news is that traction alopecia doesn't spread like the CCCA type.

Dr. Frank was over $9000, Dr. Tutu was $8600. My mother is a retired RN and Tutu coincidentally used to be her dermatologist. Here are my thoughts on both docs:

Dr. Tutu
I wanted to give Tutu a play because she's a sister but she had only performed about 12 hair transplants at that time. Her practice is picking up but she's still not as experienced. If her price was drastically cheaper I might have scheduled with her, but she's quoting prices more than docs that have done thousands and have better credentials. She is only a dermatologist and Frank and Epstein are transplant specialists with way more board certifications.

Dr. Frank
We had several telephone consultations and FaceTime and he was initially patient and informative. Once I told him I was getting a biopsy (both Tutu and Epstein required it and I had Tutu perform it), he flipped and started saying I didn't need it and that it isn't going to change anything, yadda yadda yadda. I explained the purpose and piece of mind it would offer me and he was like "fine". He became too damn thirsty after he knew I was consulting with others and he basically turned me off.

 

[LostInAdream]

Your situation sounds like mine and the good news is that traction alopecia doesn't spread like the CCCA type.

Dr. Frank was over $9000, Dr. Tutu was $8600. My mother is a retired RN and Tutu coincidentally used to be her dermatologist. Here are my thoughts on both docs:

Dr. Tutu
I wanted to give Tutu a play because she's a sister but she had only performed about 12 hair transplants at that time. Her practice is picking up but she's still not as experienced. If her price was drastically cheaper I might have scheduled with her, but she's quoting prices more than docs that have done thousands and have better credentials. She is only a dermatologist and Frank and Epstein are transplant specialists with way more board certifications.

Dr. Frank
We had several telephone consultations and FaceTime and he was initially patient and informative. Once I told him I was getting a biopsy (both Tutu and Epstein required it and I had Tutu perform it), he flipped and started saying I didn't need it and that it isn't going to change anything, yadda yadda yadda. I explained the purpose and piece of mind it would offer me and he was like "fine". He became too damn thirsty after he knew I was consulting with others and he basically turned me off.

The bolded is the same reasons I had. She was my sisters dermatologist. I was expecting her pricing to be much cheaper. Jasmine Rose on YouTube said she paid $4800. My edges aren't as bad as hers so I thought I would pay a little less than hers.

Thank you for the info. I should be ready within the next 6 months. Please let me know how your procedure goes. I'm excited for you

 

[nycutiepie]

The bolded is the same reasons I had. She was my sisters dermatologist. I was expecting her pricing to be much cheaper. Jasmine Rose on YouTube said she paid $4800. My edges aren't as bad as hers so I thought I would pay a little less than hers.

Thank you for the info. I should be ready within the next 6 months. Please let me know how your procedure goes. I'm excited for you

Thank you. Tutu probably knows she's the only black woman doc that does it. Some women are more comfortable with women docs so she's probably trying to cash in on that factor. I could care less and I'd rather go with someone with more experience and a cheaper price. I will report back once I get it done.

 

[LostInAdream]

Hasson & Wong are offering Free Hair Restoration Consultations, with a patient advisor, in the following areas:

San Francisco: Sept 7-9, 2016
Dallas: Sept. 9-11, 2016
New York : Sept 27-30, 2016 .

Call 1-800-859-2266 to schedule an appointment and for additional info.

Check out their section on Female Pattern Hair Loss:
https://hassonandwong.com/hair-loss/female-pattern-hair-loss/

I just called they say you have to submit a request and they will respond within 48 hrs to let you know if you are approved.

 

[ilong]

@Ms.Lyons Excellent. Thank you for the information, it's good to know for anyone else considering having a consultation. I hope you are given an appointment. Please keep us posted.

 

[ilong]

************ We Now have Our Very Own Hair Loss Forum/Board************

It's located right under Hair Care Tips and Product Review Discussion forum on the home page. @beverly is moving as many threads as she can locate to the new forum and this thread will eventually move there, along with other threads related to Hair Transplants. It's taking time, so please be patient. If you access the new "HAIR LOSS" forum, you will notice she has already moved quite a bit of content to the board.

 

[nycutiepie]

************ We Now have Our Very Own Hair Loss Forum/Board************

It's located right under Hair Care Tips and Product Review Discussion forum on the home page. @beverly is moving as many threads as she can locate to the new forum and this thread will eventually move there, along with other threads related to Hair Transplants. It's taking time, so please be patient. If you access the new "HAIR LOSS" forum, you will notice she has already moved quite a bit of content to the board.

Awesome!

 

[ilong]

@nycutiepie - how are things going with you? You had your procedure, correct? Any updates, you'd like to share?

 

[LostInAdream]

@Ms.Lyons Excellent. Thank you for the information, it's good to know for anyone else considering having a consultation. I hope you are given an appointment. Please keep us posted.

I did get a call back from Dr. Hasson but it was 2 days before they were to be in the area and I wasn't available the time they had available. I'm seeing a little growth from the injections. Hopefully I see a lot more!

 

[nycutiepie]

@nycutiepie - how are things going with you? You had your procedure, correct? Any updates, you'd like to share?

Hi @ilong ...yep I did it. I'm gonna post pics because I've been documenting since the day of.

My hair is fine and my density is low and my edges were practically bald, so I started from the bottom. He ended up having to do some FUE as well because the strip wasn't enough. It didn't hurt since I was numb from the anesthesia but the needles pinched some. My mom is a retired registered nurse and she said his sutures in my donor area are one of the neatest she's seen. I didn't take any pain meds after the first 2 nights so it wasn't really that painful. He said that I will probably need another procedure to get the density I desire but I will see in a year.

I had to wash with a cup of water opposed to under a stream of water for the first 5 days. Tomorrow I will wash under the shower. The crusts are supposed to form and fall off within the first 7-10 days. They told me to rub them off if they don't come off on their own. That's it for now but feel free to ask me any questions I didn't cover.

 

[ilong]

@nycutiepie

Thank you for responding to the post and providing an update. I'm sure everyone will be extremely anxious and happy to hear about your Hair Transplant journey.

Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[ilong]

Updates?

 

[LostInAdream]

Hi ladies, I finally took the plunge and had my procedure done on 4/28/17!!

DOCTOR

My doctor was Dr. Tom Huebner of Natural Transplants in Bethesda, MD. He is extremely friendly, knowledgeable and reassured me every step of the way. He even carried my bags and escorted me to my car where my grandfather and daughter were waiting for me.

CONSULTATION

I had a FaceTime interview his brother Dr. Matthew Huebner out of their Ft.Lauderdale, FL location initially as I was going to have it done there at first. He answered any questions I had, asked about my hair loss journey, all the things I've tried to combat loss and ran through the procedure and expectations. He was friendly, warm and knowledgeable on African American women's issues with traction alopecia. The consultation was free as they offer them for everyone via FaceTime, Skype or in person. The consultation required you send in hair selfies of your problem areas so they can gauge your damage. You are assigned a patient advisor who can answer all of your questions, schedule your consultation, schedule your procedure and provide you your quote which never changes nor fluctuates unless they are offering special. I've read if you book within a month of consultation they offer a discount.



PRICE

$9,000 for Dr. Matthew Huebner
$7,000 for Dr. Thomas Huebner
$6,000 for Dr. Harold Siegel

TRAVELERS

They offer a $1,000 discount to anyone traveling to their locations.
I traveled from NJ to Maryland. I drove 3.5 hrs and staying in a hotel for 2 nights.

FINANCING

They require a cash/debit/credit card deposit of $1,000. When you book your procedure day.

You are able to pay the remaining balance with your personal credit card. A care credit line which once approved for the surgery balance amount with a same as cash interest free for 6 months. A 12,24, & 48 month of 14.9% interest and 60 month 16.9% interest. You are able to pay off ahead of time in order to pay less interest with no fee. They also offer special in house financing but you have to contact them regarding that.

PRE PROCEDURE

Patient advisor called to check on me Monday and ensure I was ready for my procedure. He called in a prescription for pain meds (Tramadol) which I picked up in NJ prior to heading down. He called again the day before to ensure I didn't have any questions, if he could help in anyway and offered advice on traffic.

I washed and deep conditioned my hair the night before. You have to come with clean hair without styling products, oil etc. I am natural so I just sectioned and detangled my hair in the shower. I stretched my hair using the banding method with pony tail holders and air dried.

PROCEDURE

Appointment was @ 930am. I arrived at 9am and was greeted by the patient advisor and Dr. Tom Huebner. I had to fill out paperwork regarding health, waivers, and pay remaining balance. Their office was very clean with snacks, water and TV in the waiting room for patients guests. They have Netflix and Amazon Tv for them to enjoy in the waiting room as well as in the procedure room. My grandfather only stayed to check me in. They also validated our parking.

The Dr. went over my paperwork and asked if I wanted to do a video for future patients and to document my progress. At first I was a bit apprehensive but obliged because I figured it would help someone. I know I chose them because of previous patients testimonies and videos. I'll post those here once they're posted on their site or YouTube channel. I did an initial interview highlighting my hair loss journey and my expected results.

I met the rest of the team 2 gentlemen who would be splitting my follicles and placing them. They were really friendly. We proceeded to a room with a large mirror where he assessed my scalp damage and sectioned off my hair for the donor area. He said I had great density in my non traction spots. We discussed my new hairline, he drew it out and made minor corrections. I was given a Valium because I have anxiety also he says they give it to patients to relax them and to keep blood pressure low. He then asked if I wanted to shave the surrounding areas as it helps with recovery and placement. I obliged, he shaved away the hair of the donor and along my hairline. He took pictures and video.

Finally it was time to start. I had to take off my shirt(buttoned or zip shirts are required) and put on a gown. My blood pressure was taken and they started cleaninen my hairline and donor site. The Dr gave me local anesthesia which hurt a bit sort of like a bee sting to the donor and hairline. He also injected a fluid that ensures they don't cut and vessels and makes it easier to remove the donor area and place the grafts. He then proceeded to cut my scalp at the donor location. I didn't feel anything I could just hear the cutting. He stitched it back together beautifully. They 2 guys started separating the grafts turns out my follicles weren't curly at the roots as most AAs is so it was an easier process for them.
The Dr began making the cuts for the grafts placement. He made about 800 cuts in my scalp. The grafts contained anywhere from 1-4 at the edges and 4-8 everywhere else. I'll have to ask how many grafts in total were Transplanted as they don't count per graft. The process was about 6.5 hours from start to finish. I took a few bathroom breaks and a lunch break while they were splitting the grafts. I had a pillow placed behind my lower back to alleviate any pain from sitting so long. I watched documentaries on Netflix and had awesome conversations with the doctor and staff. They were all so friendly and chill. They took frequent pictures both on my phone and with their cameras along the different stages. They were able to fill in all balding areas and thinning areas I had behind my ear on the right side.

POST PROCEDURE

I was cleaned up and recorded a final video discussing the procedure and my pain. They but a gauze bridge around my donor site, forehead and a blue bonnet like thing. I was given a bag with antibiotics, Motrin, a script for Vicodin, ziplock bag for ice, post op care and a airline neck pillow which I'll have to sleep with for 3 days at a 45 degree angle. We discussed post op care, was given the Dr. Cell number for any issues and he walked me down stairs.


All in all it is as great experience and I'm so glad I did it. I'll keep you ladies updated. I'm extremely tired and the donor site is a bit tight but doesn't hurt. Ive been icing my forehead and sleeping upright. I have blood dripping in some areas but not major and was told to apply pressure for a few minutes and it stopped.

I'll upload more pics tomorrow. If I missed anything let me know.

ETA: I received 1191 grafts +- 10, 891 were 3-4 hairs, about 200 2 hairs & about 100 1 hair for along the hair line.

 

[ilong]

@LostInAdream - had to stop reading to say a quick thank you for the detailed update. I'll finish reading your post now.


.

 

[ilong]

@LostInAdream - great post!

Hoping for a speedy healing and hair growth!

 

[LostInAdream]

@LostInAdream - great post!

Hoping for a speedy healing and hair growth!

Thank you! I'm positive my results will be stellar. They truly did an amazing job!

 

[LostInAdream]

It's day 4 since my procedure and I have less swelling at the graft area it's draining down. Under my eyes are swollen more so on the left side. I decided to stop the Vicodin as the pain isn't bad but still taking Motrin for inflammation. I rinsed the grafts with a cup of water yesterday and will do my first wash tonight. I'm excited to wash my hair and moisturize it as it's very dry.

I added more pics to my first post and here are pics of my hair line the day before the surgery.

 

[ilong]

I know you're going to be so excited when the recipient area starts to grow in.

 

[Tibbar]

@LostInAdream
Thank you for such a detailed post about your experience. I hope you have a very speedy recovery. Wishing you great growth!!

 

[nycutiepie]

Hi Ladies. Here are some before and after pics. I'm now at 7.5 months post op.

Before



After

 

[ilong]

@nycutiepie - your hair is filling in very nicely. From the point you actually see hair strands, it seems that growth seems to accelerate quickly. You should be sooooo excited. Thank you for sharing your pictures and including us on your hair transplant journey. Happy growing!

 

[ilong]

It's day 4 since my procedure and I have less swelling at the graft area it's draining down. Under my eyes are swollen more so on the left side. I decided to stop the Vicodin as the pain isn't bad but still taking Motrin for inflammation. I rinsed the grafts with a cup of water yesterday and will do my first wash tonight. I'm excited to wash my hair and moisturize it as it's very dry.

I added more pics to my first post and here are pics of my hair line the day before the surgery.

@LostInAdream - I can't wait to see your after pictures. It's exciting to see so many of us "getting our edges back". Thank you also for sharing and taking us on your hair transplant journey. Happy growing!

 

[nycutiepie]

@nycutiepie - your hair is filling in very nicely. From the point you actually see hair strands, it seems that growth seems to accelerate quickly. You should be sooooo excited. Thank you for sharing your pictures and including us on your hair transplant journey. Happy growing!

Thank you. I am satisfied and glad I had the procedure.

 

[LostInAdream]

Hey Ladies,

Here's the video of my transplant.

Update:

All of the scabs fell off. I'm patiently waiting for growth in the transplant area, there a few sprouts but I'm only 2.5 months out. The hair they shaved is growing, donor site is healed and barely visible as the hair has filled in covering it.

 

[ilong]

@LostInAdream - thank you sharing your video. Your hair looks soooo thick and dense. When your transplanted hair grows in, I can imagine how gorgeous your head of hair will be. Happy growing!

 

[LostInAdream]

@LostInAdream - thank you sharing your video. Your hair looks soooo thick and dense. When your transplanted hair grows in, I can imagine how gorgeous your head of hair will be. Happy growing!

Thanks doll! I'm grateful for you starting this thread and forum for us.

 

[LostInAdream]

I am 4 months post and wanted to share my progress.



I haven't been doing massages at all because it felt weird and I would get sharp pains here and there. It has gone away the last month so I'm trying to do scalp massages daily.

 

[nycutiepie]

I am 4 months post and wanted to share my progress.
View attachment 409675
View attachment 409679 View attachment 409675

I haven't been doing massages at all because it felt weird and I would get sharp pains here and there. It has gone away the last month so I'm trying to do scalp massages daily.

You are gonna have an EXCELLENT final result. Your progress is awesome girl. Cheers to edges.

 

[LostInAdream]

You are gonna have an EXCELLENT final result. Your progress is awesome girl. Cheers to edges.

Thanks girl.