OrioleFan

Bald class: 5A

Procedure 1

Three months post 2nd HT A little over three months have elapsed since my second HT by Dr. Bernstein.  The infection I experienced following the first session returned but was not nearly as severe - and hopefully not nearly as damaging to follicle growth.  I am confident that Dr. Bernstein's preemptive prescription of oral antibiotics and topical solutions helped mitigate this concern. Recipient area About 2-3 weeks ago I noticed some new hair shafts breaking through.  These are hard to identify amid the longer hair from the first transplant session.  I think it's way too early to determine how much density the second sessions has added - but I know I am in the "growth" phase and eagerly await the next three months. Donor area The donor area has a touch of scabbing occassionally, but overall feels great (arguably even better than after the first session).  My main question will be whether I have enough donor follicles and scalp laxity to support a meaningful third session if needed/desired in the future.

OrioleFan

Bald class: 5A

Procedure 1

Three weeks post 2nd HT A little over three weeks have elapsed since my second HT by Dr. Bernstein.  The infection I experienced following the first session has returned (Dr Bernstein took a culture - results TBD but likely acne again) as feared.  However, this time both Dr Bernstein and I are prepared and monitoring the situation closely.  I am also taking minocycline (oral antibiotic) and cleocin (topical gel), coupled with the occasional application of mupirocin and use of anti-bacterial soap.  So far the infection appears relatively contained - but it's difficult to say at present given it started sooner this time around. Recipient area Virtually all grafts have shed, taking with them a lot of the transplanted hair from the first session - sad!  Recipient area sensation is still reduced but not entirely numb - maybe 20-30%.  Practically, I can sense pressure upon touch, but no refined sense of feeling.  The infection (see comments above) makes it very delicate. Donor area The donor area remains a little sore when touched and continues makes for difficult sleeping.  Half of the staples were removed after 15 days (one week ago) and half remain.  The removal was a bit unsettling - midway during what seemed like an uneventul removal I fainted in the chair!  The experience started with a feeling of lightheaded-ness, quickly followed by a sweat and then I essentially fell asleep, lowering my head back into the headrest.  The nurse indicated this was fairly common as a reaction to the pain - but oddly I did not think it hurt all that much.  I can conceive of still somewhat damaged/numb nerve endings signaling one part of the brain about trauma, but not the pain signals.  Either way, it was weird, but the Doctor and nurse handled the situation well.

OrioleFan

Bald class: 5A

Procedure 1

5 Days Post 2nd HT Similar to my experience following the first session, five days post transplant the redness has tempered somewhat and left behind a network of scabs and newly implanted hairs.  This time around, however, the native hair very much helps to conceal the scabs/redness (in soft light) and the scabs are much less pronounced.  I still cannot determine if the reduced scabbiness is explained by: * Fewer grafts transplanted * A different (more shallow) implantation technique employed by Dr. Bernstein's staff and/or * A different reaction by my body to the implants Recipient area All is quiet on the Northern Front at the moment; unlike the first session I have maintained most sensation in my scalp, possibly because of the reasons mentioned above (fewer implants set less deep into the tissue).  However, I am not 100% sure of the sensation as I have been gentle with the area. Donor area The donor area remains sore when touched and makes for difficult sleeping.  However, I have more than made-up for the lost sleep with a few extended daytime naps, much to the irritation of my colleagues who are waiting on me to complete various tasks.  Shame on them and their full heads of hair...

OrioleFan

Bald class: 5A

Procedure 1

Before 2nd hair transplant Tomorrow I have my second transplant with Doctor Bernstein, which he offered to perform for free after sub-par results following the first transplant (see prior entries for explanations for this outcome).  I was appreciative of this offer and have confidence in Doctor Bernstein. I will provide updates shortly following the surgery and in the ensuing months.

OrioleFan

Bald class: 5A

Procedure 1

1 Day Post 2nd HT Sleeping: I have had better nights than last night.  The Doctor instructed me to sleep at a 45-degree angle for the first three nights. However, last night I awoke at one point lying flat, and in my haze I barely recollected my procedure earlier in the day.  By morning time the dull ache in my donor area reminded me of the procedure. Pain: The dull ache from the donor area (staples) is about all the discomfort I am experiencing.  I took one Vicodin last night, but none so far today.  I am able to work from home. So far, so good.  Very similar to the first procedure. Recipient area: The recipient area is decidedly less bloody (and less densely populated with new hairs) than after the first session.  Perhaps this is because some of the hair transplanted in the first session provides some concealment; perhaps it is because only half the grafts were implanted.  In any event, so far this recipient area seems to be in better shape than following the first session. First vs. second procedure: The biggest difference between the first and second session was duration; the second session finished much earlier in the day, likely because it required transplantation of only half the graft count as the first session.  Additionally, I find I am much more "chilled out" after this session.  I even walked home from the surgeon's office (only ten minutes) and joined a conference call straightaway.   Additionally, Dr Bernstein indicated that he placed many of the grafts in areas where there was deficiency following the first session.

OrioleFan

Bald class: 5A

Procedure 1

8 months post HT The last three months have seen some additional thickening of the hair, though I imagine this is mostly the "final result" (at least after hair transplant #1).  Overall I am happy with the results and the decision to have a transplant, although of course I wish it were somewhat thicker.   There have been very few side effects to comment on during the past few months.I am curious to get perspectives from others on:1) The degree to which the second transplant was beneficial2) Approximately how long after the first transplant it is advisable to have a second procedure (I used FUT for the first transplant and expect to use it again FUT for the second).  Also note that I am only 31 and am likely to experience at least some additional loss in the future3) Whether there are any rapidly advancing techniques that may be worth waiting a couple of years

OrioleFan

Bald class: 5A

Procedure 1

Five months The last two months have witnessed significant growth, with many of my acquaintances commenting on the change.  I have been happy with the growth although the new hair represents only a wispy covering.  At five months I am not sure how much additional growth to expect, but I am optimistic for additional growth during the summer.  I am due to see Doctor Bernstein in the near future and hope to refine my expectations with his input.Updates below:Hairline: The hairline is clear but somewhat porous (particularly on my left side) and slightly asymmetric.  Density is greatest here, which was Doctor Bernstein's intent.Scalp: The area behind the hairline is noticeably thin, and now the least well covered part of my head.  The consequence is a somewhat bare appearance from a birds-eye view.  While not a significant cosmetic shortcoming, I think a second session (if I have one) would attempt to address this area. Scar: I barely notice the scar anymore; only when I rest my head and apply direct pressure on the scar (and then it doesn't hurt; more of a mild discomfort).Recipient area (acne / folliculitis): Recipient area still has a slightly "pocked" appearance from the graft indentations, and I am still suffering the after effects of the acne breakout on the scalp.  However, overall the scalp condition is improving and is not a major concern.

OrioleFan

Bald class: 5A

Procedure 1

Three months Hairs are starting to break through and become visible, but the density is not yet cosmetically significant.  I seem to be somewhat behind the norm, but am looking forward to the upcoming critical months 4-6 post-transplant to get a better prospective view of the final result.Updates below:Shedding: No more shedding.  Native hair seems to be coming back (though is difficult to distinguish from the new hair)Scar: Healing nicely.  I am still aware of it when "stretching" my neck and when pressure is applied directly to the scalp, but otherwise no issues.  I am able to play baseball and wear a batting helmet without any preoccupation.Scalp sensation: The scalp sensation is pretty much back to normal.Recipient area (acne / folliculitis): Recipient area remains slightly pink.  The folliculitis-driven acne remains an annoyance, but is also beginning to subside.  The number of new "nodules" has slowed dramatically, and the previous reddened nodules are starting to fade (but, as you can see, are still noticeable).  I hope the slowing of nodules reflects more the decline in folliculitis than the slowing of new hair emergence!

OrioleFan

Bald class: 5A

Procedure 1

Week 8 Post HT I am still in the transplant doldrums, and I look more bald than I did pre-transplant, though again I gather this is fairly normal for this stage.  I have noticed a few very small/stubbly hairs; these may be transplants that never shed, but it also looks like new growth.  Either way, I am happy to see the little guys!Note: As you will see below, my scalp became infected.  Dr. Bernstein speculates this may be from wearing an old hat (introduced bacteria).  I advise all of you to wear clean hats and cleanse your head daily.Updates below:Shedding: The transplanted hair shedding has slowed; I probably retained about 10% of the hair, creating a bit of an ungainly appearance.  The native miniaturizing hair shed significantly (so called recipient shock loss) and is cosmetically noticeable.  I hope this hair will come back as the rear area of the scalp (vertex) had a fair amount of hair.Scar: I cut my hair this morning using the #3 length in my razor kit.  The scar is visible to someone who is looking for it but otherwise not obvious.  Additionally, the scar is red only at the staple insertion points.  The hair is very thin/faint over the scar.  I hope the hair over the scar will return.Scalp sensation: The scalp sensation has begun to come back, and is probably 70% at this stage (i.e., I can feel my finger pads pretty well when touching my scalp, but not quite normal).Recipient area (acne / folliculitis): Recipient area remains mildly pink.  Additionally, the pimples I began to see at week 4 turned out to be acne / folliculitis.  They were nodular, i.e. felt like cystic acne and elevated above the skin.  Several had whiteheads.  Dr. Bernstein initially prescribed an oral antibiotic (Duricef), an antibacterial cream (Bactroban) and a cleanser (Hibiclens).  He also took a culture to indicate the cause of the infection.  When the culture came back negative he indicated the infection was simply acne bacteria (I am not 100% sure what this means), he changed the antibiotic to minocycline, a common anti-acne antibiotic.  The switch to minocycline, which was only three days ago, appears to be reducing the acne (and eliminating the "nodules"/cysts).  The area generally looks "irritated" and is very noticeable to others (I'm beyond the self-consciousness, however, so it does not bother me much).  Additionally, Dr. Bernstein indicated I was likely to lose a few grafts to the infection, which was somewhat disheartening.

OrioleFan

Bald class: 5A

Procedure 1

Week 5 Post HT I have enter the transplant doldrums, with the large majority of transplanted hair shed and a fair amount of loss of native, miniaturizing hair in the recipient area.  At this stage I look more bald than I did pre-transplant, though I gather this is fairly normal for this stage.Also, the recipient area now has quite a few pimples, many with unsightly "whiteheads" Updates below:Shedding: Most transplanted hair has shed (maybe 70-90%).  Some transplanted hair came off with the sloughing of the dried skin/scabs, sometimes with small amounts of tissue attached.  I hope these were just the shafts and not the grafts (given I am about a month out).  Also, I have noticed a pretty significant uptick in the loss of native hair (evident because it is much longer).Scar: No one seems to notice the scar. At times I feel some discomfort (soreness, pressure) where the scar bends around the curvature of my head.Scalp sensation: Still very reduced sensation in the transplanted area.Recipient area coloration/pimples: Recipient area remains mildly pink, and is particularly sensitive.  Of particular note is the proliferation of pimples on the surface of my head, which are quite visible, unsightly and annoying.

OrioleFan

Bald class: 5A

Procedure 1

18 Days post HT All is well and things are progressing smoothly, with one minor hiccup: I trimmed my hair!  Bad idea!The motivation for the trimming was a desire to reduce the contrast between my long, native hair on the sides/back and the extremely short transplanted hair on the top/front.  While the frontal view (in my opinion) now looks better and achieved a reduction in contrast, the shortening of the hair on the back of my head was ill-advised: it now shows my scar/staples at points, and reveals an awkward thin line of hair along the scar.  I trimmed using a number 4 on my hair trimmer; clearly this is too short.Also, In my last update I had half-a-head of scabs and dried skin; with some help from my fingers and petroleum jelly, the vast majority came off the next day.  Notes below:Shedding: Not significant at this stage.  I've noticed some longer hairs coming off along the top and, in particular, near the scar; I presume this is shock loss.  Additionally, some transplanted hair came off with the sloughing of the dried skin/scabs.  I trust these were just the shafts and not the grafts.Scar: Very red (and now visible due to my stupidity and impatience). Scalp sensation: Still quite numb.  I can feel the pressure of fingers, but no precise sensation.Recipient area coloration: Recipient area is mildly pink, and is particularly sensitive.  After I remove a hat or touch the area it is particularly pink.Back to work: I went back to work and revealed all.  I had told a few people.  Others glanced upward and noticed something different.  Others had no idea.  It is quite obvious there is "something there" now.  My general approach with friends and close colleagues is to be candid with others about the procedure; most people think it's just cool and are happy for me.  No negative reactions yet.  However, I have noticed that females with some level of romantic interest in me reacted with very muted enthusiasm; I suspect they feel a bit "threatened" that the self-improvement will cause me to lose interest in them or "up my standards," which really had little to do with my decision to have the procedure.  Also, I may be guilty of over-analyzing their reactions.

OrioleFan

Bald class: 5A

Procedure 1

10 Days post HT I had my first follow-up with Dr Bernstein today, during which time one of his technicians removed half the staples (every-other staple out).  A few removals induced momentary shots of excruciating pain, particularly in the sore areas around the curvature of my skull.  The total removal process took about five minutes and about 600 breaths (sounded like I was practicing lamaze); the technician asked if I was going to pass out.  I then chilled out.A few things Dr Bernstein and his technician mentioned:Rub-off the remaining scabs and layer of dried skin.  Apparently my scalp had more dry skin and scabs because I had been "babying" the grafts post-op.  In my defense, had someone placed $16,000 in perishable materials on top of your head, you'd treat it as delicately as your first born child, too.  He suggested soaking my head in water, applying petroleum jelly, and then gently massaging the scalp.  I executed his instructions this evening and about half the skin and scabs are gone, making for an awkward appearance.  The underlying skin is pink -- and hairy!  Several hairs came off embedded in the skin slough, a terrifying sight despite Dr Bernstein's forewarning this would happen and assurance it is harmless.  One graft site turned into a bright pink dot after the scrub-off, so perhaps that soldier was indeed lost The grafts are firmly in-place.  According to the Bernstein Medical website, and Dr Bernstein himself, the grafts are firmly in place and cannot be dislodged.  Excellent!My hair is very fine.  In other words, the hair shaft diameter is narrow relative to other people's hair.  I suspect he mentioned this to keep my expectations low/reasonable, though he assured me the final result would look natural (albeit thin).  No major surprises here, as I always knew my hair was on the finer side.Anyway, an update on the past few days:Pain: On day 8 the dull ache in the donor area was bothering me (particularly along the skull curvature). so I took my second and third Vicodin pills.  The ensuing dreams were pretty vivid.  Good thing the pills are in limited supplyRedness/pinkness: The skin underneath the flaked-off scabs/dried skin is fairly pink.  It's not horrible though, despite my fair complexion.Sleeping: Day 9 I finally slept more normally, i.e. not at a 45-degree angle.  It was still difficult to find a comfortable position; I ended up on my side, which was easiest on the staples/donor area.Scabs/dried skin: As I mentioned, this persisted until this evening.  I think the layer of dried skin explains the reduced sensation on the top of my scalp.  Now about half of it is off, and I plan to continuing my scalp massages tomorrow to continue the cleanup process.Staples/donor area: The dull ache seems slightly improved over the past day or two; unclear if the half-staple removal helped mitigate the pain.