Putting This Behind Me

his will be my final update.
There has been no real change since I posted last month. I am still pretty thin around the scar. The hair that did grow in is growing longer but like I said in earlier posts, the density just isn't there! I'm pleased with the scar.
I have decided on to hold off on getting a transplant. I need to see what is going to happen as far as the recent hair loss is concerned. I will wait until the end of the year to see if it grows back. If it doesn't i'll get a biopsy and go from there. If it does grow back I will definitely reschedule my transplant for early next year. I just don't see the point in doing anything right now.
In the meantime i've decided to focus on other things! I was able to book a sleeve gastrectomy next month (self pay) since i'm not getting the transplant. Once I hit my goal weight I want to do some facial surgery & dental work (veneers). I just can't keep putting stuff off. If my hair never gets right I think I will be at peace with wearing glueless lace wigs from now on.
So all in all if I had to do this again I wouldn't. I've seen some very nice hair transplant results (even from just one round) and I wish I would've gone that route.
I'm sure there are people that have had amazing results from this procedure. There are no guarantees in life and I understand that. I just have to put this behind me.

Some hair in the area that was expanded it is short and sparse. This area has never been completey bald but I just noticed this tonight as I was preparing to wash my hair.
I think maybe the area has been gradually thinning and it just got thin enough for me to notice. The opposite side of this is fine. The unstretched parts of my scalp (back and sides) are still in great shape as they were last year before surgery.
I am scheduled for a hair transplant next month so if this area doesn't start filling in I will see if the doctor thinks I should have hair transplanted there. Hopefully it fills in within the next month but I won't hold my breath.
I seriously regret this.
***On a positive note, the scar looks pretty good!

I have some tips that may be helpful to anyone that needs an expander! BEFORE THE EXPANDER IS PLACED: If you have a virtual consult you need to have another consult in person and go over your goals again before the expander is placed. Have the doctor draw out the shape of your hairline at this time. If you are getting other procedures like a brow lift please make sure you are both clear on your expectations. If your issue is wrinkles on the forehead or furrows make sure AGAIN that it can be corrected. Time passes between the virtual consult and the time the expander comes out and things are forgotten so you have to be sure about your procedures before you are stuck. Ask your doctor exactly where the expander will be placed. I mean they actually need to show you. Ask exactly what parts of your scalp will be stretched and whether or not any of your scalp will be removed during the lowering. Make sure you have a contact person that you communicate with that is responsible for keeping track of your expander. If you are like me you have no idea how big the expander is supposed to get. If no one contacts you regarding your expander just send pictures every week. Even if your expander looks the same size. ***I suggest going somewhere that actually keeps track of the amount you inject and checks in with you every week to tell you how you are coming along. It removes a lot of the guesswork for you as a patient and keeps you from overstretching your scalp or having it in longer than necessary.*** EXPANDER REMOVAL/HAIRLINE LOWERING DAY: Please go over your expectations again. Yes, you are pretty much stuck a this point, but you need to talk to the surgeon about everything you went over. If you want a widow's peak- remind them. If you want your browlift done a certain way- remind them. Go into every plastic surgery assuming that the doctor did not read your consult notes. They are only human and have a lot of patients other than you. It won't hurt to remind them of something if they don't mention it. MOST IMPORTANTLY TRUST YOUR GUT!!!!! If your surgery consultant comes off more like a salesman and less like a facilitator- RUN AWAY FAST! If you see consistently bad reviews- RUN EVEN FASTER! Even if the reviews aren't about your particular procedure but about the same doctor. EVERYBODY can't be crazy, lying, or unrealistic in their expectations. Do not take reviews without pictures seriously. Good or bad.