...was okay, however, there were days I wouldn't use the product and wear a hat. I would always fear someone would ask to borrow my hat for a picture, or I'd go go to a place that didn't allow hats or I'd meet someone and lack confidence because I didn't have any hair under that hat. It was awful. I remember being mortified at sporting events when the national anthem would play and I'd have to hide in the bathroom. Seriously, how ridiculous does all this sound?! If you have hair loss, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
When I finally had enough, I emailed Dr. Hernandez and she promptly answered me. I made my appointment to meet her and her passion and energy convinced me that she would be the one to perform my FUE surgery. On top of that, I was able to see a transplant happening in real time - THAT was awesome!!
The day of the surgery: Everything went as one would expect. All nurses were extremely professional and had great personalities and told jokes. The first half of the surgery is done my Mr. Dr. Hernandez. He harvests your follicles and the second half is done by Mrs. Dr. Hernandez where she implants those harvested follicles. There were a few moments in the extraction process that were painful, but it was my fault for not asking for more anesthesia. Dr. Hernandez repeatedly asked me if I felt paint and I said no...don't do what I did haha. The second part of the surgery all I felt was pressure, no biggie. The procedure takes about 9 hours so prepare yourself mentally. The time goes by really quickly and the doctors and nurses are jamming while doing the procedure.
After the procedure you feel normal, maybe a little light headed, but well enough to walk around etc. I thought I would feel nervous and uncomfortable after the surgery for about a week. I was planning on staying in a hotel in isolation for that entire week. That's definitely not what happened. I went shopping right after in Tijuana's central district then crossed the border and shopped at the San Diego outlets. Once I made it back to my hotel I went out to dinner. The next day I stopped at in n out on the way home and was totally fine.
One week after surgery I was in Cancun on a week long vacation and felt amazing. I think the craziest things that happen post surgery are that you swell 3 days after the surgery till about day 6. Don't panic! Dr. Hernandez gives you antibiotic medicine, pain medicine and anti inflammatory medicine. After that it's smooth sailing till weeks 3-4. At that point your hair starts getting crusty...the little scabs around your head start hardening. It's not really a big deal, but it is noticeable that something is going on up there.
Overall, I am super happy with my results and would recommend the team of experts at Neopel to anyone who is struggling with hair loss - it doesn't have to be permanent! Dr. Hernandez moved about 4,000 follicles. Both the doctors and nurses were very kind and they kept it real - they were honest about what would happen in the coming weeks and months and they gave the best information on how to care for my new hair.
The best advice I can give you is make your appointment ASAP and listen to the doctor's orders. Sure you can google things but google is not a doctor!