This 57 yo man came in this month for a routine finasteride visit and prescription refill after transplants 12 and 8 years ago. I think his example addresses the question often asked by patients regarding the progression of balding. My answer is that balding is a progressive condition that depends upon unknowable factors such as genetics and the use and success of medicine(s). However, if a plan is thought through to allow donor hairs to be available to manage the progression of balding, then the patient can be comfortable that he will have options "down the road". In this patient's case, though he has ample donor hair, he is very happy with what was accomplished with his hairline and with the enhancement to his hair mass in his midscalp and crown. He received about 5000 hairs with 1631 grafts in 1997 and about the same number with 1575 grafts in 2001. He resisted finasteride initially but started it with the second case due to the progression of balding. He is happy with his current situation and we expect finasteride to slow the progression of balding considerably going forward.

__________________
William Reed, M.D.
Member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

This 57 yo man came in this month for a routine finasteride visit and prescription refill after transplants 12 and 8 years ago. I think his example addresses the question often asked by patients regarding the progression of balding. My answer is that balding is a progressive condition that depends upon unknowable factors such as genetics and the use and success of medicine(s). However, if a plan is thought through to allow donor hairs to be available to manage the progression of balding, then the patient can be comfortable that he will have options "down the road". In this patient's case, though he has ample donor hair, he is very happy with what was accomplished with his hairline and with the enhancement to his hair mass in his midscalp and crown. He received about 5000 hairs with 1631 grafts in 1997 and about the same number with 1575 grafts in 2001. He resisted finasteride initially but started it with the second case due to the progression of balding. He is happy with his current situation and we expect finasteride to slow the progression of balding considerably going forward.

__________________
William Reed, M.D.
Member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

Dr Reed,

I don't understand the situation. Is he getting another transplant or not? You state that he is happy with the hair that is filled in, and that propecia is expected to continue working. Why is the hairline drawn on his forehead?

Hmm, my mistake. Not all of the pghotos showed up for me the first time. We're not always lucky enough to see "before" pics from eight years ago. He seems to be doing very well.

Very nice and natural results doc! Great planning on the patients part as well

Doc, Did you do both procedures?

Dear Bob C,
I've copied your email below to address your questions. Please see below.


Posted January 24, 2009 11:34 PM
Dr Reed,

I don't understand the situation. Is he getting another transplant or not?
NO, HE'S HAPPY WITH THE STATUS QUO. I(57 YEAR OLDS ARE LIKELY TO BE SATISFIED WITH LESS COMPLETE REVERSAL OF MPB THAN WOULD, SAY, A 25 YO.)
You state that he is happy with the hair that is filled in, and that propecia is expected to continue working. Why is the hairline drawn on his forehead?
THE HAIRLINE DRAWN IS "PRE #1".

__________________
William Reed, M.D.
Member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

Yes I did.

__________________
William Reed, M.D.
Member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

Dr. Reed,

Thanks for a detailed description of what you accomplished with this patient. The photos certainly say a lot as well for your artistic craftmanship and dedication to ultra refined results.

A congratulations to your patient is in order, and a big kudos to you!

Bill

__________________
Managing Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog and the Hair Loss Forum and Social Community

Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Subscribe to our Newsletters | How We Recommend Physicians

-----

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.

Dr Reed,

I understand now. The first time I viewed the post, I couldn't see all of the pics and the accompanying notes, for some reason.

Again, it's good to see that his transplants from 8 and 12 years ago have "held up".