SMP to Hide 20 Year Old Hair Transplant Scars - Outstanding Result by Dr. Jae Pak!

I had two HT procedures in 1996 that left me with 2 stair step bad scars on the back of my scalp. The results overall were terrible. In 1998 I started a series of corrective procedures with then NHI surgeon Dr. Richard Bernstein. Bernstein has since established his own practice in NYC – and he is a fantastic HT surgeon. He corrected the poor results from my first physician and created a really natural, undetectable soft hairline with some nice coverage over ¾ of my head (Photo 1). I left the top crown bald. Dr. Bernstein was also able to thankfully combine the two strip scars into one long scar. As long as I wore my hair cut no shorter than a #4 razor cut in the back – it was undetectable. However, if I went swimming with my hair that short the scar was visible (also if the light caught it right). As such, I always had to have my hair carefully cut a little longer over the scar. Photos 2 & 3 were my hair cut with #3 in the back and you can see my scalp scar which extended ear – to -ear. Although I wanted the convenience of buzzing my hair shorter as I got older & grayer – I resigned myself that this would not be possible. That is until I heard of SMP.

I did a lot of research into SMP practitioners prior to selecting Dr. Jae Pak and NHI and there were a number of reasons. First, there is the security of having a physician do this in a clean, sterile environment of an office that does surgical procedures - not a tattoo clinic. Second is the fact that this practice has been engaged in the hair restoration business for nearly 30 years with internationally recognized physicians like Dr. Rassmen, Bernstein & Pak. They have been in business a long time because they do exceptional work and I had a terrific HT corrective experience with NHI alumni Dr. Bernstein. Third, by going to a physician’s office you get the benefit of local anesthetic – which believe me is something you want if you are going to be sitting in a chair getting needled several thousand times to get the appearance of stubble in an old scar. I did not feel a thing and was relaxed the whole time (the injected sedative Dr. Pak gave me before each procedure helped as well - something you can only get at a physician's office). Finally, Dr. Pak and staff were very up front and realistic. Where the other SMP clinic I was evaluating promised to get me in and out in 1 day; Dr. Pak and staff insisted on 3 separate 5 hour procedures spread over 2 weeks. That allowed him to take his time, let the skin on and around the scar exfoliate between sessions, and allow him to get the best cosmetic result.

As I said, the procedures themselves were painless and in fact quite pleasant. I was given a sedative injection and local anesthetic. I took a nice nap during the procedure, and even had a nice provided lunch & ice cream afterwards. Great stuff!

Now – the results. I am really really really happy with how this turned out and wish I had done it sooner. Photos 4 & 5 are my head shaved down with a zero guard the day of and immediately following my third and final procedure. As you can see – the scar is basically undetectable. Someone would have to be looking very closely to see it. The SMP procedure creates the illusion of stubble on a freshly shaved head. It does not create any bulk – so if the light hits the scar just right you can tell that it is flat – as such you will need to shave it down at least every other day. Dr. Pak says that I can also add some FUE single hair transplants to break up the scar and give it more of a 3-D effect if I choose. That would take me from a 97% invisible scar to a 99% invisible scar in his estimation and I could shave it down to a #1 stubble. I think I will take him up on that next year. The only time it looks a little awkward is for the 3 weeks or so between being shaved with a zero guard and growing to the length of the #3 guard. Again, the SMP does not add hair or bulk – so you can see the gap where the scar is located for those 3 weeks. Photo 6 & 7 show this gap at approximately 2 weeks post final session. If it really bothers you – you could use some Dermatch to get you through that "gap" weeks (I used some for a business meeting I had to attend during that period). The last photo is taken approximately one month after my procedure with the back of my head trimmed down with a #3 guard. As you can see the scar is completely camouflaged in contrast to Photos 2 & 3 pre-procedure cut down with the same #3 guard - an amazing difference! The SMP procedure basically eliminated the contrast between my dark hair and the scalp – so I can also wear my hair shortly trimmed with a #3 in the back rather than shaved down if I choose.

All in all – a terrific experience, fantastic results and I highly recommend Dr. Pak & NHI. Even if you live out of town – do yourself a favor and fly into L.A. to get this done right & painless - not quick or cheap. Take the days between sessions to soak up some sun and enjoy the great city of LA for a mini-vacation(I did!). Go to a clean, safe physician’s practice that does this procedure several times a week with a local anesthetic. They are a high volume practice (including clients in entertainment industry), in business for many years (they have seen it all) - that takes their time and does it the right way rather than cranking client/patients out as quickly as possible. After 20 years of living with this scar, I nearly broke down in tears when Dr. Pak held up the mirror to show my results. Dr. Pak said it is not an uncommon occurrence with his patient clients. If you are in the same boat as I was, you may not have to live with that HT scar. SMP may be an option for you and I highly recommend Dr. Pak & NHI as the SMP practitioner you should see for a consultation.