This gentleman is a 31 YO patient who has been experiencing gradual hair loss secondary to androgenic alopecia and presents with generalized thinning predominantly affecting the crown, central core posterior to the frontal forelock and anterior to the crown, and bilateral temples. He was placed on finasteride, 1 mg/day following our initial consult one year ago, and has seen good response from the medication in terms of slowing of his MPA, though he did not achieve any significant regrowth. We transplanted a total of 2948 FU grafts as follows: 803 1's; 2014 2's; 131 3's. Donor closure is tricophytic, with an ellipse size of 28cm x 1.3 cm.


The latest posted photos show results at 1 year. This case is important as it illustrates the reality of hair restoration in the setting of fine hair. While the patient is certainly very happy with his result, as are we, it is evident his results are subtle. While the post-op photos do have the disadvantage of being taken with "product" in the patients hair, I think it is a good thing for potential hair transplant candidates to see that results can be gradual, and not always "night and day". That said, even with the "wet" condition of the post-op photos, it can be appreciated that the temporal recessions are recreated, with a definite hairline, and the crown/anterior crown has diminished thinning apparent. I feel this case is likewise a very good illustration of the reality of some permanent shock loss which can occur in very very fine hairs that are present pre-surgery which are so weakened by DHT over the years as to make them vulnerable. All of these concepts are covered in the pre-op consult as they are critical in the patient's understanding/expectations of the outcome scenario.

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Dr. Timothy Carman
La Jolla Hair Restoration Medical Center

Proud Smile Club member

Dr. Timothy Carman is a member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

Dr. Carman,

Thanks for presenting this case. I think your strategic placement of the grafts will help dense up the frontal forelock in particular and add coverage to the vertex.

I look forward to seeing his grown out result.

Best wishes,

Bill

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To learn about how I restored my hair, view my my hair loss website.

Remember, true beauty radiates from within, not from the skin.

I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions and views shared are my own.

This patients photos have been updated to show his one year result.

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Dr. Timothy Carman
La Jolla Hair Restoration Medical Center

Proud Smile Club member

Dr. Timothy Carman is a member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

Nice discussion. That helps explain this whole process and what went into the plan of the doc. Not everyone has “perfect” rock star hair to transplant. Thanks for the explanation doc.

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1500 Grafts with Dr. Gabel in 2008
My Web Blog

Doc,

This is a respectable post and I think good for the transplant industry. Two thumbs up to you.

When I just glanced at the picks i thought....meh...that is an OK transplant as far as desity, but the upside is that it is very natural.

After reading the post, it makes more sense as to why you posted this. It is less of a "look what I CAN do" and more of a "this is what happens sometimes...good, but not 'hey everybody' good"....

Not sure if my made any sense....but good post anyway.

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"Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people." -Eleanore Roosevelt