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.