Sly Bald Guys Forum

Discussions About Being Bald => To be or not be...Bald => Topic started by: Sir Harry on December 14, 2016, 04:39:49 AM

Title: Hair Transplants and Hair Pieces (Toupees)
Post by: Sir Harry on December 14, 2016, 04:39:49 AM
Hello, forum members

Lately, we have been getting a lot of posts and/or questions from current and former HT clients. I've spoken to Tyler, and with his blessing, I've decided to go ahead and start a new thread (board) for our members who are current and former HT clients to share their stories, questions, or even solutions. There are rules to this board (thread) and they are as follows

1. No attacks or abusive posts toward members with HT. I know that many of the membership here doesn't necessarily agree with getting a HT, however this is not the place to be judgmental. Some sensitivity needs to be shown. (At the end of the day, we all have done something in life that we later had second thoughts about regardless if it relates to hair loss or not.)

2. While this is a place to share stories or even vent, this is not a place to advertise for companies, and spam in any form will not be tolerated

3. Private messaging between members is always allowed, however, this is not a pickup site and once again, avoid being abusive and judgmental. If a member feels he (or she) is being harassed, PM myself or another moderator, and we will address the offending individual(s)

4. Suggestions on methods to help with HT's and the scars they leave behind are always welcome, and any member can post on this board (thread), however, again, rules 1 and 2 will still be enforced here

5. If posting pictures, please try to keep them within the size limitations.

6. Trolling is absolutely forbidden. Sharing links from other forums are okay as long as they are not spam and not trying to promote/sell anything.

Anyone violating the above will be warned via PM, and then openly in the forum. Repeated violation of the above will result in action being taken, including but not limited to, editing and/or deletion of posts and getting banned from the forum

If a moderator feels there was something I missed, feel free to add on

PS: Tyler, is there a way to convert this thread into its own separate board? If you can do this, it will be greatly appreciated, so our members can find it easier.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: Mikey_SA on December 17, 2016, 02:27:11 AM
Thanks for starting this thread Harry. I'm sure it will be valuable for many as time goes on. Having HT scars can make it seem as though there is a serious obstacle to shaving down but scars can be improved a lot these days.

Here is a link to the work I have had done. Admittedly I think the photo's may flatter the end result but it is definitely much improved.

http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/185377-strip-scar-repair-fue-smp.html
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: Sir Harry on December 17, 2016, 04:42:24 AM
No problem, Mike. Thanks for sharing the links to your photos. Continued success to you in getting the results you desire on your road to your scar recovery. Everyone is going to deal with the HT scar issue in their own way, but this thread I believe will help each other, even those who are considering HT.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: Tyler on December 28, 2016, 12:49:30 AM
Harry, thanks for creating this thread! Let's see how the thread progresses and if there's a lot of discussion starting I'll create a section for it.
Title: My Story: Hair Transplants
Post by: ngasportsfan on January 11, 2017, 02:24:08 PM
This might get lengthy, but I want to share my story.  I am 50 years old.  I started reading this forum a couple years ago, and would come back and visit from time to time, but I never posted.  I hope by sharing my story, maybe someone else can benefit (and anyone thinking about hair transplants WON’T do it!).  I also hope it provides some therapy for me.  I’m not suicidal or anything near that.  It’s just something that’s bothersome and increases my stress.

When I was 18 I played basketball at a small college in Georgia.  It was then that I heard the first comment about me losing hair.  After a practice and shower, with my hair still wet, one of my teammates pointed and said “Man, you are losing your hair.”  It was devastating.  This was the first I thought about hair loss even though my dad had lost his.  Both of my granddads died with full heads of hair.  I had no inclination I would lose mine.

A couple years later, I was out with a couple of friends and their girlfriends.  We were having a discussion as to why I chose not to have a steady girlfriend at that time.  One of the girls (now my friend’s wife) looked at me and said “You better get a girlfriend because you are losing your hair.”  I had never really had a problem with dating or anything….but, this too devastated me.  I was about 22 then.

About a year later, I decided to get a “weave.”  I don’t know what to call it now, but basically, it was a hair piece sewn into my existing hair.  It was very uncomfortable and required a lot of maintenance.  But, I thought it was better than not having hair.  Shortly thereafter, I met my wife, got married, and started working.  A couple months after marriage I ditched the hairpiece and just went with what I had.

For whatever reason, the whole hair loss thing kept nagging at me.  My wife (27 years now) could care less.  But, it bothered me and I thought hair transplants would take care of everything.  How I wish the information and forums like this were available in the early 90’s.  It is, without any doubt, the worst decision I’ve made in my life.

As years passed, my hair kept falling out, and the transplants became more and more apparent.  This was back in the “round plug” days, so the doll look was evident.  I tried shaving my head around age 30, but the scars on the back of my head were horrid.  In fact, the same friend’s wife commented when she first saw my shaved head, “Oh my God.  What are you going to do about that?”  I eventually let my hair grow back and had some revision work to try to hide what was obvious. 

Shortly thereafter, I decided to shave again and started working on the donor scars.  I had to find a way to do it cheap…I had already spent too much on something that I should have never worried about.  After a lot of research, I bought a derma roller and some Vitamin E oil.  I also experimented with different types of silicon strips.  It did help reduce the scars some. 

Eventually, though, I got tired of shaving and grew my hair back out.  That lasted about a year or so, then I saw a photo of myself.  The plugs just stood out something terrible.  So, I decided to shave again.

I constantly worry about what the back of my head looks like.  I’ve continued to work on the donor scars with the derma roller and recently, Mederma gel.  I can’t tell that the gel helps that much, but I’m supposed to use it for 6 months.  At $25 a tube, that probably won’t happen (I have two teenagers and one in college, so I’m not rolling in money).  I read some studies recently that tested the different gels, and the conclusion was Vaseline and vitamin E oil was just as effective.  I may try that with some silicon strips at night.

I’m hoping that participating in this forum will help ease my stress about the back of my head.  It still worries me.  Not being bald.  I actually like that.  But, the scars…those damn scars just keep worrying me.  The top of my head is OK.  There's some slight pitting if the light hits it just right, but fortunately, the original and subsequent surgery healed pretty well for the type of butchering they did to me.

I had my son snap this photo this morning.  I can look in some mirrors and it looks like this, and then look in others, and it looks a lot worse (IMO anyway).



(https://s30.postimg.org/sz3fo660x/image.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/4il9tp5a5/)
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: Dragon on January 11, 2017, 03:06:23 PM
Thanks for posting your story ngasportsfan, the scar is almost invisible in the photo.  I have a crease on the back of my head that stands out more.  Great dome, great look.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: Sir Harry on January 11, 2017, 09:21:58 PM
Welcome,  ngasportsfan!

Thanks for coming out of the lurker status and sharing your story with us. You look great as a sly guy and the stubble beard blends in well. Looks like your scars are more of the punch hole variety than the strip scar. Looks like the Mederma or whatever you were doing is doing a nice job of minimizing the scars. But if you're just OCD about the scar, here are a couple of suggestions:
 
You can invest in some Dermablend concealer. I bought a tube at Macy's for about $35 in December 2015 and I still have half the tube left. You only need a small amount which you can apply with a Q-tip

Another option, although slightly more expensive,  would be to get a scalp micropigmentation job over the scar area. Some dermatologists may be able to do this procedure. What this does is like a tattoo to simulate a hair follicle. They can adjust the ink so it can blend the scar area in with your natural skin. If you go this route and you only want the scar area done (some people get their entire balding area done, but that's up to the individual ), you need to emphasize that to the practitioner. Again thanks for sharing and keep us posted.  Feel free to ask questions and PM one of us if needed!
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: slybeard on January 12, 2017, 08:41:59 AM
Welcome,  ngasportsfan, thank for sharing your story.  I know you said that depending on the angle it look worse than the photo, and I understand how you feel about it.

I see guys all the time with shaved heads with scars from various past injuries or surgeries.  When I see your photo, I just see slight scaring and and it doesn't occur to me that is is a HST scar, it is just a scar.  I know this likely doesn't help how you feel about it, but guys on the street do not necessarily see the same thing you see in the mirror or in photos.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: ngasportsfan on January 12, 2017, 09:00:16 AM
Thanks for all the replies.  I do try to tell myself that most people don't even notice it.  It's just a crazy thing how it bothers me.  I might try that Dermablend.  How easy does it come off?  I'm a naturally oily headed person, and without hair, it gets really oily so I normally wipe down a couple times a day.

I have another question, also.  Sometimes, after shaving, I will have red "pimple looking" dots.  They go away after about 30 minutes.  It doesn't happen all the time, and it doesn't matter if it's a new razor or older one.  Before I go to bed at night, I clean my head with Witch Hazel and doctor the donor scars, so my head is always clean before lying down.  Are these red dots common?  What could be causing it?  I've had razor rash on my face before, and it doesn't look anything like that.  It's almost looks like ingrown hairs, but if it dissapears after 30 minutes, it can't be that.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: Sir Harry on January 12, 2017, 10:05:17 AM
Thanks for all the replies.  I do try to tell myself that most people don't even notice it.  It's just a crazy thing how it bothers me.  I might try that Dermablend.  How easy does it come off?  I'm a naturally oily headed person, and without hair, it gets really oily so I normally wipe down a couple times a day.

I have another question, also.  Sometimes, after shaving, I will have red "pimple looking" dots.  They go away after about 30 minutes.  It doesn't happen all the time, and it doesn't matter if it's a new razor or older one.  Before I go to bed at night, I clean my head with Witch Hazel and doctor the donor scars, so my head is always clean before lying down.  Are these red dots common?  What could be causing it?  I've had razor rash on my face before, and it doesn't look anything like that.  It's almost looks like ingrown hairs, but if it dissapears after 30 minutes, it can't be that.

Re: Dermablend-barring any excessive sweating, if applied properly, it usually wears off within 24 hours. It washes off fairly easy with a towel and water; my suggestion would be to find an old bath/face towel that no one hardly uses anymore and keep that for yourself and yourself only. The key is to apply it over the area lightly, I suggest a Q-tip or a small makeup brush (maybe your wife can help you with applying it)

As far as the pimples that go away within 30 minutes....I'm not so sure about that one, I would say it had something to do with the aggravated skin from your HT, but I'm guessing it's been at least two decades since your last one, so all I can suggest is to add an ice cube rub/cold water rinse to your routine

I'm going to shoot a couple of links to you. Here is a story from a member who's essentially dealing with the exact same thing you are
www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=26647.0 (http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=26647.0)

And, just for some backup, here's a link to my scars and my story
www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=26367.0 (http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=26367.0)

Hope this helps, and best of luck!
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: ngasportsfan on January 12, 2017, 11:10:56 AM
Here's a closeup of the bumps/red spots.  In this photo, they weren't bad at all.  This was after a shave yesterday morning.  Sometimes, there will be a lot more in different areas of the head.  Any ideas?
(https://s23.postimg.org/m2tyv149n/bumps.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/jy9lty2mv/)
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: jbrit25 on January 12, 2017, 12:40:21 PM
Do you shave everyday?
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: ngasportsfan on January 12, 2017, 02:57:19 PM
During the week, yes.  But not on weekends. 
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: nuts on January 12, 2017, 10:19:50 PM
I am sure it will get better over time.  A bald head looks so much better tha a hair transplant or the dreaded combover.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: jbrit25 on January 13, 2017, 06:10:31 AM
During the week, yes.  But not on weekends.

Well, there goes my solution... I had some issues when I was shaving every other day. Once I started shaving everyday then the bumps went away.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: ngasportsfan on January 13, 2017, 09:07:59 AM
The last couple days I've shaved while I was taking a shower, and it hasn't happened again.  Thanks for everyone's words of encouragement and advice!
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: CzEchsMiX86 on May 30, 2017, 10:38:26 PM
Hey Fellas,

First post here. 30 years old. I hope this an appropriate place to vent and get personal. I'm going to share my story which led me to where I am today on this forum, dealing with a very difficult predicament with my hair/scalp.

In my mid-20's I had a few deaths in the family including two parents and my grandmother, and became very depressed. Around that same time my wife had an affair. After a year of counseling and no progress, I asked for a divorce. I moved to Texas to be close to my family and start a new life.

Meanwhile...my hair began to thin rapidly from the trauma and I made the rash decision (with my best thinking at the time) to get a hair transplant. Had my brother-in-law not just had one done, I probably would not have done it myself. I was able to see his up-close and it looked great, no scarring. So...I went ahead with it at the same clinic he went to. I guess I felt like maybe this was ONE thing in my life I could try and control...(best thinking). None of my older brothers have hair loss so that added to my denial.
Main question I had for the clinic was if I could still shave my head without any scarring when it thinned out in the future.... of course you know their answer. Anything to make money and no regard for someone's future well being. This was one year ago...

So!...here I am now with progressively thinning hair and a very "irritated scalp", small raised bumps everywhere where the hairs were transplanted (all over the top, crown and hairline) and scarring in the back of my head.... it's completely halted my life. I began to understand the reality of the situation a few months ago and have slipped into a deep depression, living in limbo land...and feeling like I need to find a solution soon and move on with life.

I've always been resilient, have overcome many hardships, but this one has pushed me over the edge. Do I have some degree of body dis-morphia? Probably. But I think it's safe to say this would be difficult for any man to deal with. One of the worst parts about this is not having many people to talk to who can understand/relate.

Of course anyone on Hair Transplant forums will tell me to get on meds and have another transplant done. Anyone on Hair System forums will tell me how great a hair system is. And anyone on an SMP forum will....well you get the point. I expect anyone on this forum will suggest that I shave my head and learn to love myself with a bald, scarred scalp. I do take your opinions seriously and have great respect for many of you who have shared your stories or are simply hanging around the forum still to support others in their journey.

Just hoping for some genuine non-biased opinions. If you have/are currently dealing with something similar, how is it going for you? If you haven't dealt with HT scarring, try and put yourself in my shoes and ask yourself what you might do.

I'm a musician and I own an outdoor game rental company (that I've put on hold), and like everyone else, my professional image is important to me.

My hair is thinner now than it was before the surgery, and as those of you who have had HTs know, as my hair continues to thin it will look more awkward as original hair falls out and HT hair stays on top. I'll attach some photos.

I don't want to dwell in the past. What's done is done. Just want to make the best decision for myself moving forward. But it is overwhelming to say the least.

Thanks for the support guys.

Chris



(https://s9.postimg.org/bfgk1hx5r/IMG_7189.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/uxb7hfu3f/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/9oxj00fmn/IMG_7185.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/pzxmwbs4b/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/b591i5ijj/IMG_7184.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/6w4bfzfa3/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/3qjpprwnz/IMG_7181.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/5v42quyaj/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/ym0wgx44f/IMG_7176.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/v2eyr41ej/)

(https://s9.postimg.org/fi7l0kra7/IMG_7172.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/jekwwkc9n/)
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: Sir Harry on May 31, 2017, 03:04:43 AM
Welcome to the group, Chris!

Sorry that you had to go through all of this at such a young age, with the losses of various family members. Divorces aren't pretty, either, I've had two (both of my parents are two-time divorcees as well).

As the guy who started this thread, the membership here understands that this is not the place to be judgmental to people who made the choice to get HT's (we all have done things in life that we later had second thoughts about) It's ok to offer suggestions, but in the end it is up to the individual to address their personal situation and whatever they decide, we will still respect their decision if we don't necessarily agree with it.

Looking at your pictures, the transplant job doesn't look too bad. However, when you pull your hair back, I can see where the thinning is, and it doesn't look like you've found your long term answer. FWIW, I got SMP two years ago, but it wasn't because of a hair transplant. I was balding, but I had a bigger issue with scars from keloid and cyst removal. I just went ahead and got my hairline done on top of the scar coverage for cost reasons, and for the most part, it has enhanced my appearance. Maybe you can see a dermatologist to start before looking into making your next move.

The good thing is, at 30, you still are young enough to do something about your situation. It's nice to have a good looking image, but I think image is a bit overrated when it comes to being a businessman. Yes, good hygiene is important, but if you put more emphasis on your product and less on yourself, you can still be successful.

Maybe you could try buzzing your hair shorter to start so that the dermatologist can see what he/she can recommend to help you with your scalp issues. If you decide to get another HT, we understand, but do you really want to butcher your scalp-and wallet-anymore? If you go the SMP route, it's best to shop around, and you don't have to get the whole head done, just the parts you are OCD about. Regardless of your next move, we're here to support you. All the best to you and keep your head up.

Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: ngasportsfan on May 31, 2017, 01:03:18 PM
It's not a bad looking HT by no stretch of the imagination.  The biggest thing you will need to come to grips with is that the other hair will continue to fall out, and probably at a higher rate with the trauma to the scalp due to the HT.  I'm 51, married for 28 years, have three children, and still worry about my scars.  So, no amount of "don't worry about it" will work.  However, I'm much, much better off now than I ever was, and it gets easier and easier to not worry or care, and I understand it's always worse in my eyes.  But, the worry is not all gone.  Unfortunately, that's just a part of it now, and I think accepting that does help a lot with everything. 

My only advice is whatever you do, don't let another HT surgeon talk you into spending more money on more HT.  You are just repeating a cycle that will never end, and eventually, you have nothing else to transplant.  I loathe those people, and believe with every fiber in my body that they will tell you absolutely anything to get you to spend more money.  Oh, and don't be talked into a weave either.......been there, done that....and it's worse than worrying about HT scars! 

The good thing is it doesn't affect your physical health, and you puts you in a much better place than millions of other people who have serious defects, cancer, sickness, etc.  That's what I try to do.....tell myself that regardless of what I think about my scars personally, I could be much worse off. 

If you decide to shave, there are some things you can do to reduce the scarring.  I had my first procedure about 27 years ago, and though the process is slow, I have reduced a lot of the scarring in the back of my head with a derma brush I bought off Amazon, and generic scar gel I get from Walmart. 
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: CzEchsMiX86 on May 31, 2017, 08:12:02 PM
Thanks a lot for the suggestions and support guys.

I have to be thankful there are at least some decent options out there to try and improve my situation. I am pretty dang self conscious of my scalp already since the scarring is obvious in any kind of light.

SMP is pretty risky, especially for a pasty white guy with a fairly low transplanted hairline...but I've been looking into it.
I'm definitely not going under the knife again or risking my libido with meds.   
I've also been looking into some hair system options...pricey and not ideal...but no option is perfect at this point.

I saw a couple of dermatologists and hair transplant doctors about repairing the scarring and they've told me nothing can be done about the bumps all over the top of my head. I have heard of some people having success with fraxel lasers but very unlikely.

My transplant may not look like a failure but my hair was thicker before the surgery a year ago. Other than the sparse half inch hairline that was added. So yeah, I've researched enough to know that I will continue to lose original hair on top and have lost it sooner than I would have if I didn't have the procedure done.

Pity is a killer. I don't want to be a victim. I chose this. Now I need to choose how to proceed and own it. Still looking into options and won't be rushing anything. Nice to just vent on here. Thanks for listening.

Chris
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: cbusdave on July 04, 2017, 12:37:38 PM
Hey everyone,

I came across this message board in a depressed state over my HT in January 2015. It looked okay for about a year but I'm really starting to thin out and it looks awful in bright light (see attached photos). I Googled "FUT hair transplant regret" and found a few threads on here talking about the relief that shaving brings. Like a lot of guys on here, I feel like a fool for having been duped by the smooth-talking "salesman" at the hair clinic. I feel like a fraud and that my thinned-out, spread-out hair looks obvious to everyone. I often catch people's eyesight go up to my manufactured hairline, and it's an overwhelming sense of dread.

But the consistent message I've read on here is that guys living with their HT regret have decided to shave and feel a sense of relief, like a burden has been lifted. I think I'm going to pull the trigger and do the same. I'm a little anxious about what I'll look like, but I want to take back my life, stop shutting myself out from the world for fear of what others think.

I've got the strip scar on the back of my head, but I say F it. I might look into fixing up the scar (although I'm wary over even more procedures to my dome) down the road, but right now I feel like it's better to live with an exposed scar than exposed goofy-looking hair plugs.

Anyone else in the same boat or gone through the same thing to offer advice?
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: reddog on July 04, 2017, 01:01:36 PM
I don't think you look bad, Dave. Maybe you should try a buzzcut first?

If you're set on a headshave, go for it. At the very worst, it will grow back fast. Most of us are here because we love the look and feel of a bald head. It is a bit of a shock at first, and it takes about 30 days for you and family/friends to get used to it. I loved it from the first headshave of my full head of hair 4 years ago.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: cbusdave on July 04, 2017, 01:07:01 PM
Thanks Reddog. I think I'll buzz first to a 2 level and then go full shave if I don't like what I see. Haven't buzzed since well before I did the procedure, and I'm worried the close cut could make the scarring and plug areas look worse.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: reddog on July 04, 2017, 01:28:41 PM
Oh, that's true about the scar. Well, give a buzz a try and see how it looks. I started with a short buzzcut, and immediately hated it, so a minute later I did a OOOOO cut, jumped into the shower and shaved it bald. Wow, I thought it looked great. I was surprised to get about 98% positive comments.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: cbusdave on July 04, 2017, 03:29:28 PM
I'll report back on the buzz (or shave if i go that route). Thanks for the quick reply and this board is a great place for support. Just searching through previous posts shows I'm not the only one in this situation.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: Sir Harry on July 04, 2017, 04:21:50 PM
Welcome,  Dave

Thanks for sharing your story and for the pictures.  The good thing is that even after you shave, there are many options on how to handle a shaved or buzzed head, as well as scarring. Best of luck, and feel free to ask questions about anything.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: hctr on September 10, 2017, 06:10:36 AM
It's been 2 months since my FUE operation, the biggest mistake of my life. I would much rather have the FUT scar! Some people look and think you had a surgery or an accident, no big deal. Some people see that you had a HT when you were younger and now just don't give a f@#k! FUE scars looks like a bad tattoo or a disease.

I am scared as hell how my scalp is going to heal. So far not so good, still red and I can see the permanent cobblestoning and hyperpigmentation. I feel like a fake loser getting a HT... And unnatural! These 2 months have been the worst. Anti-depressants and sleeping pills for the first time in my life. Can't imagine how many people the hair transplant business destroys.

I am jealous to anyone who has a healthy scalp, no matter how much hair.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: Sir Harry on February 11, 2018, 10:22:06 AM
It's been 2 months since my FUE operation, the biggest mistake of my life. I would much rather have the FUT scar! Some people look and think you had a surgery or an accident, no big deal. Some people see that you had a HT when you were younger and now just don't give a f@#k! FUE scars looks like a bad tattoo or a disease.

I am scared as hell how my scalp is going to heal. So far not so good, still red and I can see the permanent cobblestoning and hyperpigmentation. I feel like a fake loser getting a HT... And unnatural! These 2 months have been the worst. Anti-depressants and sleeping pills for the first time in my life. Can't imagine how many people the hair transplant business destroys.

I am jealous to anyone who has a healthy scalp, no matter how much hair.


@hctr Sorry I took so long to give a response, but how are you doing? Are things any better?
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: CzEchsMiX86 on February 11, 2018, 05:21:30 PM
Hey guys.

I posted in this feed in 2017. You can scroll up to see my photos. Hair Transplant failure. Thought I’d give an update...

I let my hair grow longer and used Topix for a while and that actually worked pretty well, even tho it was a temporary fix. I then tried out a couple different types of hair systems. That actually went fairly well, no one in my family even knew it wasn’t my hair. When I told my sister she was shocked. The only problem is that I know it’s not my hair, and I feel like a fraud. Not to mention it kind of gets in the way of your day to day life and is harder to excercise with, you’re always a little worried when you see a doctor under bright lights, get a massage or when you’re intimate with a girl. Obviously a life changing ordeal.

I’m currently looking into SMP again. I found someone near Vancouver, BC (@inkbarber) who does incredible work. If you’re considering SMP take a look at his Instagram account.

I shaved the top of my head where the hair system is placed so I’ve been able to see the scars etc pretty well. Has anyone else with HT bumps noticed any healing after time? Seems as though it might be getting slightly less noticeable. Of course I have white pigmented scars all over the back and sides of my head as well from the FUE punches.

Here are some scalp photos. Maybe with some sunshine and a derma roller I wouldn’t be in too bad of shape?

(https://s14.postimg.org/ckoc6pqlt/518_C6_AC9-_CB35-4_D7_F-_A3_FC-03_BA8_AA04771.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/tl78fe3n1/)

(https://s14.postimg.org/u1sg1tjoh/71_F0_D546-_CB69-4_EEE-_B1_E4-41_C354696_A58.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://s14.postimg.org/odm5axn1t/8822_E921-0607-4_BC0-_BCD2-0_EAAC692589_E.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://s14.postimg.org/jeymwe3td/E10_D0_A66-5_D7_A-48_FA-8_C2_D-_EF2_DD325625_F.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/4vrhuzaod/)

(https://s14.postimg.org/6c30cydjl/FB2_F165_F-2_D50-4025-_BBA4-8_B3601_AD4404.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/rlqmnstu5/)

And here are a couple photos of the hair system:



(https://s14.postimg.org/z1pw9bubl/7_CB2_A9_CD-_F7_EA-4_D36-_BE84-89_DFDEA332_DD.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://s14.postimg.org/kiir7wlr5/BEDB232_F-1868-4074-_AE82-2_BD88_FE1_EE03.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)


Open to thoughts/opinions from anyone who has been down this road.

Thanks!

C
Title: Re: Hair Transplants
Post by: CzEchsMiX86 on February 11, 2018, 05:30:01 PM
Dave, did you end up shaving down to see how it’s looking? Any improvement in scarring since you u last posted? Hope you’re finding some peace of mind despite this crummy situation.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants and Hair Pieces (Toupees)
Post by: Sir Harry on April 07, 2018, 08:41:59 AM
Hello, all

I've decided to modify the thread title to Hair Transplants and Hair Pieces (Toupees). For the benefit of any members who wish to share their story about toupees. Please continue to share your stories, this is a judgement free zone.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants and Hair Pieces (Toupees)
Post by: Ty1963 on October 30, 2018, 10:37:57 PM
Gosh I wish I had some words of consolation but unfortunately I don't I can't tell you I ran for my thinning hair for 30 years 30 + years just 11 days ago shave my head put my pictures on my Facebook it's amazing I have gotten so much support from my friends and family never thought it would happen, but now I sit around and stress over why I spent 35 years worrying about something as trivial as hair loss, so I guess the point is we're always going to worry about something we are not perfect, and the way I see it no one can see the front and the back of your head at the same time so smile love yourself and don't waste anymore of the precious time that you have here on this earth with this worry.  I can say that as someone who wasted decades  on something that I now look in the mirror and makes me smile, but it is not my bald head that I love it is myself. I know I do go on but I feel like I'm going to explode sometimes I feel so free never have I had this feeling since I was a child. Best wishes
Title: Re: Hair Transplants and Hair Pieces (Toupees)
Post by: Magoo on October 31, 2018, 01:57:19 PM
Great to hear your over you hair loss worries. I was lucky and never had hair loss cares . Mainly because mine was gradual over many years.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants and Hair Pieces (Toupees)
Post by: Ty1963 on December 07, 2018, 12:47:01 AM
I may be replying in the wrong place sorry if I am, but just a few comments about Hair Systems I personally don't use the word toupee, it brings up images of rugs from 30 years ago that look like dead animals on people's head and honestly they have you evolved greatly since then in some of them look fabulous I had some really good pieces and I got nothing but compliments on my hair systems from the people who didn't know me. And the people who doI never made any bones about the fact I was wearing a hair system but they thought they look great honestly. I stopped wearing mine because I felt like such a fraud and I just wasn't comfortable fact is I do like the way I look now and after talking to my psychologist last week he tells me that for me that I can't do fake things I have to be real and this head is me nothing to hide I have no shame or embarrassment yes it's taking some getting used to because I do like change so I'll have to find other ways to change things. But for those guys who just can wear the hairpiece and feel good about it and look good in it you know I think life is about choices and that's their choice and they should be supported in that choice as well I think they should wear them with confidence and they should also wear the same confidence even if they decide not to wear it one day because your confidence shouldn't come from  are outward appearances.  Either way hair system no hair system it is your head your body your choice best of luck
Title: Re: Hair Transplants and Hair Pieces (Toupees)
Post by: DoberDaddy on February 10, 2019, 07:12:46 AM
As I mentioned in another series of posts, I decided, after shaving my head for over 24 years, to go with a hair system. At first, it was just for a laugh, then, as I got used to it, and switched to a less "out there" style, I have really come to like it.

It feels like I have hair on my head, I look, like it's my own, naturally growing hair. The maintenance is pretty easy, and just part of a weekly grooming routine.

The cost, in the beginning, were high, since I had long hair, now with the short hair, pretty reasonable. I don't smoke, drink or have any expensive hobbies, so it's not a financial burden. I am guessing, maybe, with hair, supplies, and haircuts (just when I get a new system), maybe... $150-$200 a month. I know some guys who drink that amount in a weekend.

I would never in a million years even consider a HT, the results are usually terrible.

If I want to... I can always just take it off, and that's it. For now, I am really really enjoying it.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants and Hair Pieces (Toupees)
Post by: Barbero Pelón on February 11, 2019, 05:48:17 PM
I have a power (not sure if is super) but I can detect hair systems 👀
Title: Re: Hair Transplants and Hair Pieces (Toupees)
Post by: DoberDaddy on February 11, 2019, 11:54:19 PM
I have a power (not sure if is super) but I can detect hair systems 👀

Only the detectable ones!
Title: Re: Hair Transplants and Hair Pieces (Toupees)
Post by: Barbero Pelón on February 12, 2019, 03:24:43 AM
Which is the big majority . A lace front wig is very easy to detect.
Title: Re: Hair Transplants and Hair Pieces (Toupees)
Post by: DoberDaddy on February 12, 2019, 05:56:32 AM
Which is the big majority . A lace front wig is very easy to detect.

A big difference between a "wig" and a modern "hair system". Mine is French lace, and no one can tell it's not my naturally growing hair.