Like millions of other men, at age 35 or so, I began balding and I have to say, for the better part of a decade it really didn't bother me. For the first few years, I watched a “half-dollar” size spot in the back of my head slowly progress. I tried minoxidil - then switched to Propecia (which actually helped considerably for a while) but by age 45, the hair loss had REALLY started to spread - not only in the back but in the middle of my head and in front. For years, it was easy enough to wear a closely cropped hair style like many other balding men. Physically, I felt great, I exercised religiously but one day, as I was getting ready for work, what I saw in the mirror was someone that I actually didn't recognize. It totally startled me. For the better part of a year, I told myself to let go of the vanity and put my ego in check -- (friends would say “Just shave your head”) but it weighed on me.

One day after a round of golf and some casual beers with some friends at my golf club, somehow, someway the conversation of “hair transplantation” came up. Two of the guys I was with (both physicians coincidently) had actually had procedures done (one of the guys actually had 3 procedures (all 3 from Dr. Robin Unger). I admired how candid he was about what he had done and he openly said to me: “You should definitely go talk to her and get it done... you have a very young looking face but the way you are balding really changes your whole look” (He happened to be a Plastic Surgeon so I valued his opinion -- and actually felt the same way). I called Dr Unger, made an appointment for a consult and came away with a really terrific feeling. There was no selling -- there was no coercion, simply just a factual, friendly exchange and sharing photo’s of what could be expected. (I work in the healthcare profession so I have a tendency to get 2nd and 3rd opinions and consults and for some reason, there was NONE of that with Dr. Unger). The professional relationship, the confidence and comfort were honestly unprecedented. So, a few days later I had made the commitment to have the procedure done and was scheduled for surgery in January of 2011.

My first surgery was scheduled for January 28th -- while I was a little nervous going into the procedure, I look back on it and it was one of the best things I’ve ever decided to do. Dr. Unger, her staff and every interaction was spectacular. I happened to be very fortunate as my donor site produced a tremendous number of grafts. The transplant was predominantly made in the middle section and the difference was AMAZING. To give you an idea of the recovery process, 10 days from the day I had the surgery, I was enjoying a weekend with friends at the SuperBowl. If you follow Dr. Unger’s directions for post surgery recovery, you will be AMAZED at how quickly the healing process is and how little discomfort you experience. For me, this included all aspects, including an optional homeopathic regimen which I am convinced contributes greatly to the healing process. This is not to say that you don’t experience a few days of pain and discomfort (you totally do) but when I tell you it is a SMALL price to pay for getting you hair back (and not just hair covering bald spots, I mean a head of hair like you had 15-20 years ago!)

So, how did friends and colleagues react? Well, I decided to take a very candid approach to what I did. People (colleagues and Clients mentioned that something “looked different”). My response was, “Yes, it does, doesn’t it? I had a hair transplant, doesn’t it look awesome”. People had different reactions ranging from “good for you” to “I’ve always wanted to do that” but for me, there was nothing to hide and I was happy to share and encourage anyone who was considering it to go for it! To give you an indication of just how satisfied I was, I had my second procedure 4 days ago! This time, the transplant was made to the front of my head. I am actually somewhat surprised how well and how fast my recovery is coming along (actually better than the first procedure) and I believe that is because if you follow what Dr. Unger tells you to the “T”, the pain and discomfort you experience is minimal.

Dr Unger is truly a consummate professional and a medical artist on EVERY level. However, it is a team effort and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how great all of her staff, technicians and associates are. From the moment you walk through the door for your first consult, through every step of the day of surgery to your final follow up visit, it is white glove, concierge service at it’s finest. With regard to the end product, I could not feel better about my decision (I will probably elect to have a 3rd procedure done) and I enjoy and appreciate the look and feel of having a nice head of hair again.

Posted by Russell G, 12/01/2012 2:06pm (1 month ago)