Ziering of Chicago - Oak Brook

Absolutely Satisfied. Completely Recommend FUT #1 Oct 2016 ~ 3100 FU Dr. Varona, FUT #2 Nov 2017 ~ 2500 FU - Dr. Kinler Male ~ Norwood V ~ 48 years old My first procedure was with Dr. Christopher Varona in the Newport Beach Office - October, 2016. I flew from Chicago to California specifically for this session. This was an FUT procedure where Dr. Varona rebuilt my entire hairline and temples. He also distributed grafts throughout the mid-scalp and crown with excellent aesthetic effect. The graft count was around 3100. The results were stellar and this procedure stood on its own. Dr. Varona is a master surgeon. The results were so stunning at 1 year that I chose to have a second FUT procedure in November, 2017 - with Dr. Rae Lynne Kinler for added density. Dr. Kinler completed a fellowship with Dr. Ziering in Beverly Hills and is extremely talented. Since I am from Chicago and discussed the density procedure with Dr. Kinler, I went to the Chicago Office for round 2 ~ around 2600 grafts. She checked my donor density and laxity in the evaluation - I was an excellent candidate for a second procedure. My goal is to grow my hair out longer - and I need solid density for this. At the 12 month mark, Dr. Kinler discussed a second procedure with me to define a strategy to reinforce the frontal area, add density to the part-line on the left, and especially rebuild the crown - which will hopefully allow for flexibility in styling. **I want to describe this general process for those who have questions like I had - starting with Dr. Varona in 2016. Firstly, I received an expert consultation with him, where my hair loss pattern was assessed. We then discussed medical options for "maintenance". I chose to start finesteride, minoxidil and laser cap. He explained to me the surgical options and their nuances. **Remember to choose only surgeons that specialize in hair transplantation only, and that do all forms of restoration. I then selected FUT (strip) procedure since I am not worried about the suture line and the strongest hair is in this "safe zone". In fact, with the modern special closure technique the line is virtually invisible - I can even wear my hair short if I like. (One year later this was proven on my own suture line). ***Here is a synopsis of a procedure day which I will describe in detail (this was identical with both doctors). With Dr. Kinler, we took pre-op pictures and went over the strategy to accomplish my aesthetic goals - once I was in the chair at 8:30 am. She then drew the hairline with a black grease pen - later with surgical markers. Using 2 mirrors we looked over the plan, and she explained to me exactly the key locations that would be addressed. I was met with an incredible staff - 4 nurse/technicians - who would be dissecting the follicles under a high powered microscope. ***Remember the skill and experience of the ENTIRE TEAM is essential to solid results. The Techs are so important - I must emphasize this. I was warmly welcomed and felt at total ease. My blood pressure was checked and I was given 2 valium for calmness. Everything was explained to me in detail on how the day would progress. Shaving my existing hair was NOT necessary in FUT except for the strip area which measured around 29 cm x 1.2 cm. After setup, I was anesthetized in the donor area which was painless. For the strip removal I was on my stomach for only 20 minutes and I was comfortable. Dr. Kinler carefully removed the strip, and closed the area with sutures. I felt nothing! The strip was moved to the 3 microscopes where the nurses spent 3 hours carefully dissecting the follicular units under high magnification. In the mean time, I was again anesthetized over the recipient area. Dr. Kinler was careful to make sure I was relaxed and felt no pain. She then made the recipient sites using a tool that I could not feel at all. No Pain! If I felt any hint of pain they were quick to re-anesthetize the area. I was able to watch concert videos on the TV screen and had light refreshments. After Dr. Kinler finished designing the recipient sites, it was time for lunch which was provided for me. After this break, the nurse/technicians carefully placed the grafts into the sites created by Dr. Kinler. I felt nothing - no pain. This process took 3-4 hours and these nurses were so agile in their work. I had one on each site of my head placing grafts and a third exclusively on the crown. They worked judiciously and carefully planting the grafts. Dr. Kinler was monitoring the entire placement process and reviewed all their work throughout. At about 4:30 pm I was finished. I was immediately cleaned and medicated pads were placed over the entire area, wrapped with a strip of gauze, and a surgical cap was placed over the head. I was thoroughly briefed on post op care with a 10 day plan. I was also given several days antibiotic and pain medicine, as well as a 3 day supply of prednisone for swelling. I was able to drive home and begin my recovery. The next morning, I went for a hair wash and follow-up with Dr. Kinler. I sat under a laser machine for 20 minutes. After a week, things start healing nicely and sutures will come out on day 10. Just follow the protocol in the post op kit precisely and everything will make sense. Ziering Medical is a gem in the vast sea of providers I was skeptical of during my research. I would not let anyone else touch my scalp. Dr's. Varona and Kinler are artists, perfectionists and simply some of the best qualified hair restoration surgeons. I would recommend them with full confidence. Good Luck! Get Your Hair Back - it's wonderful :)