I am a 52 year old male. I am between a Norwood 3 and 3A. Have been this way for about 25 years or so, not much changing, just the way it is. I am fortunate to have an ample supply of donor hair as i have had no thinning apart from temples and midscalp.
I have thought about doing a HT for some time but over the years wanted to wait until i) I thought technology had moved to a strong level (where I think FUT is now), and ii) I had a good idea of what my hair loss genetic patter looked to be (ie, I did not want to do this when I was in my early 30's in case my hair loss would progress rapidly, in which case I did not want to do it, hence I waited 20 years until now when I am in my early 50's).
Like most, I have done copious research on what I wanted to do, and with whom. I settled, clearly, on Dr. Bradley Limmer in San Antonio. I did an 1800 graft FUT with him recently and wanted to post here because I found the experience to be OUTSTANDING and I wanted to share this. I have found him, and his staff to be knowledgeable, compassionate and empathetic. They know their stuff from a tech side of things, but have a humanness that is just wonderful. I could not be happier and would strongly recommend them to any patient. He will tell you what he can and cannot do, a real straight shooter, and the procedure went smooth as can be. I think he is top notch and his team as well. In my view, you should absolutely request Christina to be your medical tech/planter as well. She is remarkable, with skill and dedication that I find rare.
And by the way, to anyone who is reading this and wondering "does it hurt". Let me share my view. The answer is, no. During the procedure, you will feel nothing. Bring your music, book, movie relax. I even took a nap during my procedure. Afterwards, for the first 24-36 hours, I felt a dull ache at the donor incision. Not a sharp pain, jut a dull ache that was not at all bad. Vicodine or Tylenol plus handle it easily (just really nothing more than an ache, and it passes quickly). At the recipient site, I felt a sort of tingling/tightness the first 12 hours, no pain, and then the tingling ended and it was all fine. So, my answer is, no, this is not a painful procedure.
If you are considering HT, be realistic about your goals, then, call Dr. Limmer. You will NOT be disappointed. This is a good doctor and a good man.