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