HAIR TRANSPLANT FORUM

I am a current medical student, I read a lot, research everything I do, and tend to make informed decisions with critical judgements.
See my results [pics are under 'surgery photos' category of the forum]


A. Past Hair Transplants History/Summary:
*4 surgeries, horrible scar, pitted units, 4-5 hairs per follicle in the front hairline, and horrible scar!

B. Specifics [skip to C to see my experience with Dr Cole]:
-Surgery #1- The Hair & Scalp Cinic [www hairscalplaserclinic com]Dr Markou- with great advertising, impressive pictures and resume. Best part was they did an outstanding job with local anesthesia, didnt feel it at all. Traditional strip was removed and they used a CO2 laster to make transplant recipient sites [avoid laser!]. Results from laser are bad, very spread out transplants and aimed at 90 degrees from the skin [straight up] and most are 3-5mm away from each other. The scar was not bad at all though [1-2mm in width]. Results pic= Markou 1 & 2

-Surgery #2 & 3- Dr Leavitt at Medical Hair Restoration [www mhrusa com]. Anesthetic injections were average. Traditional scalpel for recipient sites with strip procedure x2. Density looked much better but still thin and . Biggest problem was now the donor area scar was almost half an inch wide in some areas, very red. Results pic = Leavitt

-Surgery #4- Atlantis Hair Restoration- the most painful surgery I have ever had. Also, they used soo much lidocaine w/ epinephrine that I began [b]to have palpitations and a metallic taste in my mouth [which occurs at toxic levels, could lead to arrhythmias]. Avoid this place for your health! The biggest rip off in the U.S.! [www qualityhairtransplant com]- They cut out my scar and it returned just as wide. They implanted multiple follicles [and sub-q fat] into the same recipient sites. Result= large pitted units, unnatural front hairline, horrible scar. Multiple pics are under 'surgery photos' category of this forum.

C. The repair with Dr Cole
- I must start by saying, the staff at IHTI is outstanding!. Also, the best website I have seen, supported with pictures and VIDEO [that is huge, to see hair moving with a comb- cannot hide bad work with a video]. The biggest attraction for me was research and experience with repair work! I hate to say it, but by now, I need repair work!

-The process- I simply contacted them via email with the above information and my goals. Michelle, who has to be one of the nicest people I have ever met, contacted me within 24 hours and within a week I had submitted an online consult. A few days later, I spoke with Dr Cole over the phone while he viewed my file and final arrangements and surgical plan was established.

-The Surgery- They used the CIT [Cole Isolation Technique] which I believe is similar to FUE [follicular unit extraction]. I was amazed with the results, they obviously took pride in their work from start to finish and everyone worked well together [they seemed like a family, the newest team member has been there over 2 years]. Minimal pain during initial injections only. Dr Cole worked on me beyond the scheduled time which impressed me, and it should to you if you are considering to be a patient. I was totally impressed with his skill and work ethic. He fulfilled all of our goals for this surgery. Nearly all of the pitted units were removed, he restored a more natural hairline, and implanted hair into my scar [which took away most of the redness and it looks much better]

-Post surgery-
1. No swelling at all, [yet after every one of my other surgeries I had significant facial swelling, but not with Dr Cole]!
2. Scabs fell off by day 6 [I used the Biotin spray]. My first surgery [see above with Dr Markou] I used no products and the final scabs fell off on day 13 [significant swelling]. Surgeries #2-4 [with Dr Leavitt at MHR and at Atlantis ] I used procyte/graftcyte products with the spray and impregnated gauze and the scabs fell off on days 9-11 [about 10 days on average].

*2 variables could account for the improved healing time with Dr Cole: one is his technique [his incisions are smaller and there is less bleeding [so smaller scabs and less trauma/swelling] and the other variable is the products. I do not think it is merely the product [although it could play a role] but more likely a result of superior technique.

Overall, I was lucky to come across Dr Cole and IHTI to give hair transplants another chance [ i felt like i had nothing to lose]. Come to find out, he was better than all the previous surgeons by far. He is meticulous and has extreme attention to detail. He is very personable and actually listens to your concerns and will help you realize your own personal goals. If you are considering hair transplantation, Definately Dr Cole, Definately CIT [FIT/FUE].

I have been so ecstatic with the results, that I have planned a follow up with Dr Cole in a few months. Furthermore, I have referred 2 patients that I have seen with bad hair transplants to Dr Cole [I gave them his website address] and a family member.

Thank you Dr Cole/IHTI for repairing my self image and confidence.

You never stated how many grafts you got during your repair session. Or where they were placed. Some pictures of your entire scalp region to go with the close ups would be nice as well. Good luck and hope your repair grows well