Hair restoration with Dr. Lam

[Jessica_Rose]

Something many of us must contend with is hair. Not just removing it from some places, but adding it in others. Using a combination of laser hair removal and electrolysis, most of my unwanted hair is gone. Now that I have completed all the facial surgeries I planned, and after allowing several years for hormone changes and biotin supplements to work some magic (some hair did return), I decided it was time to take the plunge and visit a hair restoration specialist. During my research, I discovered the two most common hair restoration procedures are FUE and FUT:

FUE: Follicle Unit Extraction. Individual follicular units (usually 1 - 4 hairs) are removed from the donor area using a punch tool, then implanted in the recipient area. The FUE procedure often requires having your hair cut exceptionally short.

FUT: Follicle Unit Transplantation. Under sedation, a strip of scalp is harvested from the back of your head and the wound is stitched closed. The follicular units are dissected from the strip, then transplanted to the recipient area. With the FUT procedure, only hair in the donor area is trimmed.

There are pros and cons to each procedure. Based on my situation, I believed the FUT process would provide the best results for me. In both cases, the transplanted hair often sheds within the first 2-3 weeks. Don't panic. The goal of the procedure is to move hair follicles to a desired location. As long as the follicles survive the process (most do), new hair growth should begin 3-4 months after the procedure. Patience is definitely required.

A year or so ago, one of our members mentioned being happy with Dr. Lam's work. While checking out his website, I found 'before and after' photos of someone I knew personally. I decided if Dr. Lam was their choice, then he would probably do a good job for me as well. In early January, I sent Dr. Lam photos of my hair along with a description of what I wanted to accomplish. After a phone consultation, we scheduled the procedure for 7 February. My primary care physician provided the required test results and medical clearances.

I'll post some details of my procedure, along with a few 'before and after' photos later today. My scalp certainly isn't very pretty right now, but the discoloration will give you a good idea of where my hairline will be. It doesn't hurt at all, and Tylenol was more than enough to quell the post-operative discomfort.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Jessica_Rose]

I wanted to make sure we arrived on schedule for my pre-op appointment on 6 February. Since Dr. Lam's office was a 5-hour drive from home, Susan and I drove down on Monday (5 February). After moving all of our luggage into our room, we went to dinner at Maggiano's Little Italy.

Tuesday morning we had a great breakfast at the hotel. After killing some time, we headed out to my pre-op appointment at 10:00am. All of the staff were really friendly. After getting a little paperwork done, they escorted me to a small office for some 'before' photos. Next, I was taken to another room for a visit with Dr. Lam. He took a close look at my scalp, and I told him which areas were of most concern to me -- my temples and the scar form the scalp advance I had several years ago. He said I had plenty of hair to work with and thought he could meet my goals with a single procedure, but he mentioned there was a chance I may need a second visit. He asked if I had any questions or concerns, and I couldn't think of any.

After Dr. Lam left, one of the staff came in and described what was going to happen in the morning. As with most surgeries, I could not eat or drink anything after midnight. The night before surgery, I was to shower and wash my hair with Hibiclens - no other soaps, shampoos, conditioners, or lotions. The next morning, I had to repeat the process. I also had to remove all jewelry. I was to arrive at 6:30am so they could begin the pre-op work. I was also given a menu from 'jimmyjohns' so I could pre-order lunch. They expected the procedure to finish around 5:00pm, and then Susan could take me back to the hotel.

Next -- the procedure.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Jessica_Rose]

Wednesday morning, I followed their instructions and arrived at the facility around 6:25am. Although they had a waiting room, I told Susan she should just head back to the hotel and have a nice breakfast. I gave Susan a hug, and then I was escorted further into the facility. They had a locker where I could store my purse and clothes, and they gave me a surgical top (no need to remove my leggings). Once I was in the operating room, they hooked up a few monitors. Next, they asked me to verify the procedure they were going to perform. It took a few tries to get the IV inserted, but after that I was fast asleep. Later, the nurses told me that I was giving them encouragement while I was asleep, telling them that I was fine and they were doing great.

After the donor strip was removed and my scalp stitched up, they began dissecting the follicle units. I woke up around 12:30pm for lunch, and I was quite hungry, no nausea at all. After lunch I received a few more pills, and soon I was asleep once again. I woke up occasionally to ask how things were going, and the response was always 'everything is going great'. I vaguely remember hearing a few odd noises, I think it was the special forceps they use to implant the follicles, but nothing scary. They finished up around 6:00pm and gave me another set of aftercare instructions. On the way back to the hotel, we visited the local Walgreens to pick up my prescriptions -- Tramadol and MethylPerdnisolone.

The hoodie I brought worked perfectly. It covered enough of my forehead to completely hide the discoloration from surgery, while not touching my scalp or temples. There were also no surgical dressings involved, just the standard surgical tape and cotton ball covering the spot where the IV had been inserted.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Jessica_Rose]

Thursday, 8 February...

I slept reasonably well last night. The few times I woke up, I sprayed some the the 'ATP' solution I was given for the transplants. I was told to use it every hour until it's gone, but not to set an alarm every hour at night. I figured since I was already awake, I should use it. The solution is supposed to help strengthen the follicles as they settle in to their new homes.

So far there is very little discomfort, just a mild 'pinching' sensation on the back of my head where the donor strip was removed. The nurses, doctor, and staff have all been awesome! They kept me in warm blankets during the procedure and brought me some lunch once I awoke from sedation. Unless something changes, this has been the least uncomfortable of all the procedures I have had.

Susan brought me breakfast from the hotel buffet this morning, and I hung out on Susan's Place for a while. We took a few short walks during the day, probably around 3 miles or so. Every hour I sprayed some the the 'ATP' solution on my scalp. I had a follow-up with Dr. Lam at 11:00am, and he said everything was looking fine. He wants me to return in six months for a checkup and another photo session.

For supper, Susan and I had some microwave meals. It was great to take a shower and rinse off my hair. The water pressure was really high, and Dr. Lam's staff had cautioned me to just use a cup to pour water over my head. Although it took a while, it cleaned my scalp up nicely.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Jessica_Rose]

The 'after' photos are just two days after the procedure, so I'm definitely going to be wearing my hoodie or a hat if I must go out anytime soon. Some of the photos I took last night didn't line up very well with my 'before' photos. I'll try to take some better ones tonight. I really don't like these very much, but I know this is an important topic for many of us. If this works out, in a few months my hairline should be much nicer.

For inquiring minds, there were about 3000 grafts.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Jessica_Rose]

Here are some comparison photos from day three. My forehead is still a lovely shade of blue-green, but I think the discoloration on my scalp has faded a little. The only discomfort is still from the donor area, but I rarely notice it. I can resume my normal hair washing routine on Thursday. There won't be much change day-to-day, so I may wait a week or so before posting additional photos.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Courtney G]

I'm watching this thread eagerly and will look forward to your updates. It's great to be going through this at the same time as you.

I think you should add this thread to your signature for easy access.

PS: I just noticed your beautiful smile in every "after" pic. That says it all!

[Jessica_Rose]

I'm watching this thread eagerly and will look forward to your updates. It's great to be going through this at the same time as you.

I think you should add this thread to your signature for easy access.

PS: I just noticed your beautiful smile in every "after" pic. That says it all!

Thanks Courtney. I'm not very good with HTML, but I think I got it!

I'll be going to the speech therapy group tonight. I'm quite self-conscious about how I look right now, but I know everyone in the group will understand. I need to pick up a few things at the grocery store on the way home, so I'll be wearing my hoodie again. I did buy a hat, but I'm just not a hat person. I can wash my hair properly tomorrow, so I'll probably post some new photos on Friday.

I never used to smile much, but now I think it's one of my best assets.

Love always -- Jess

[Jessica_Rose]

I did something frightening today -- I washed my hair. The guidelines I received from Dr. Lam said  I could return to my normal hair washing routine today, and that I should 'vigorously scrub' the scabbed areas. Wash - yes. Vigorously scrub - no. Just lightly rubbing the 'restored' area was weird, it felt like I was using very coarse sandpaper, or even rubbing a handful of sand on my scalp. I had to get Susan to look and make sure the hairs weren't falling out! There is still quite a bit of 'debris' on my scalp, but a lot of it did come off in the shower. My face is still quite green as well, but it's better than it was yesterday.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Before and After - Day #8

[Jessica_K]

I love your smile in all the post surgery pictures. Xxx

Hugs
Jessica xxx

[LoriDee]

I love your smile! Thank you for posting the pictures of your journey. It looks like you are doing the same area I need to be done. I have the same scars. I tell people I got scalped. 
Don't be too self-conscious of your looks. You are beautiful!

[Jessica_Rose]

Thanks Jessica_K and LoriDee!

No one has ever asked about the scars, they aren't that noticeable. However, I used to see them every day. It will be great not seeing that constant reminder. The main reason for the restoration was simply to change my hairline, it reminded me of who I used to be. I'm still a bit shocked at what I look like now. When I began my journey, I looked in the mirror and told myself that I was going to 'make one ugly woman.' When I see a photo of myself now, it takes a few seconds for my brain to realize who it is. I can't possibly look like her...

I've been washing my hair just about every day. I still have sutures from where the donor strip was removed, they start about 1.5 inches above my ear and go all the way around to the other ear. Only the left side has a suture that sticks out a bit, so I just have to be careful not to snag it while brushing. I think all of the little scabs are gone now. The green bruising continues to fade. I'll be visiting Dr. Lam on 1 March to remove the sutures, and to get his thoughts on how everything looks.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

Before and After - Day #12

[Jessica_K]

Looking good girl, you do not need your hoodie anymore. And aways the smile.

 Xxx Sseetie
Hugs
 Xxx

[Jessica_Rose]

It has been 20 days since the procedure. I still have some bruising near my temples, but it has improved. The top of my head is completely numb, but feeling should eventually return. I've also been suffering from headaches at night. I'm OK when I go to sleep, but usually around 3:00am I am awakened by a headache. Sleeping with a rolled up towel behind the nape of my neck and elevating my head seem to help. I think pressure on the sutures may be the cause. I'll be seeing Dr. Lam on Friday to remove the sutures, and hopefully the headaches will go away.

Love always -- Jessica Rose


   

[Jessica_Rose]

Susan and I are in Plano TX for the night. Earlier today I visited Dr. Lam's office, and they removed the sutures from my hair restoration procedure. It was virtually painless, I only felt a few occasional pinches.

It was great to finally wash and brush my hair without worrying about snagging a suture. I still have some discoloration around my temples, but it should be gone in a few more days.

Now I just need to wait and see how well my hair grows back.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Jessica_Rose]

It took about a month for the scalp discoloration to fade, and two months for the bruising around my temples to disappear. The feeling in my scalp is slowly returning, but it's still around 90% numb. Over the last two weeks, my scalp has started to itch.  As expected, all of the transplanted hairs fell out. However, the hair has started growing again. If you look at the full-size photo, you can see several very short, dark hairs growing near and below the scar along my hairline. It's not enough to be noticeable at a distance, but in another month or so, I think that will change.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Courtney G]

Congratulations on the new hairs sprouting. I know firsthand how exciting that is!

My numbness has finally started to recede, especially over the last month. I'd say I'm down to about 20% numbness, which is to say I don't have any obviously numb areas but full sensation hasn't returned. I've read that it's not unusual for this to take about 6 months.

I was really fortunate to have not lost all of my transplanted hairs, but I lost more than half, for sure. But the process of regrowth is agonizing. I have lots of new hairs but the area looks thin because there are still many hairs that are just starting to sprout. I have to have faith that the hair will look thick and full, but it takes over a year for regrowth to happen in terms of multiple hairs coming out of one root. I'm sure you know all of this but I figured I'd put it here for the benefit of anyone else who is following along.

[Jessica_Rose]

Hello @Courtney G !

I'm glad to hear that your procedure is showing some positive results. My scalp is still quite numb, but it never fully recovered from the scalp advancement I had about four years ago. I hope the numbness fades a bit more, but I know it will never be back to normal. I would be happy with 60% - 70%. Despite being mostly numb, the itchiness continues. I'm hoping that is being caused by the transplanted follicles sending up new hair. Two months from now, I have a team event in Cleveland. Maybe by then the results will begin to make a visible difference.

I wish you continued success!

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[LoriDee]

I had a Coronal Brow Lift over a year ago and still have about 30% numbness. The itchiness I get is the nerves reconnecting and "waking up" from that numbness. Some of yours could be that too, plus the new follicles taking root.