An active member of these forums for a while now, and like most, a frequent viewer for much time before that. Always felt so excited about the prospect of my HT. Researched intensely, asked question, viewed results. Dont get me wrong, the art of the HT undeniably has great results. Confirmed my date maybe 12 months ago, would be coming up this November but had to change the date until next year due to work commitments.
But, as I wait, particularly lately Im having a lot of second thoughts regarding how good a candidate I genuinly am. I would say that I am a Norwood 4, with diffuse thinning, and am 25 years old. Started noticing hairloss at 16/17 and despite meds since 19/20, I dont believe that they are working so well for me. Lately, Ive seen a few cases where all donor grafts are used, and patients pattern evolves, and an unnatural result occurs. Ive voiced my concerns with my Dr, awaiting further replys. What do you guys think? Heres me pics:

Raphael84 Photos - Planned HT date put back - March 2010

Thanks all!

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My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Rahal

Everyone should try the shaved/buzzed look (if you can) before doing a HT. Because once you start down the HT path, that option is gone forever.

It's quite common these days to go shaved. Many guys with full heads of hair do it and it is really a style now.

Rememeber, it's not the bald scalp that get people looking at you. It's the contrast between the existing hair and bald scalp, esecially if you are trying to coneal it.

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My Hair Loss Web Site - Dr. Ron Shapiro

I had my head shaved for HT, with the new grafts in the hairline I loved the shaved look but when they fell out, I hated the look,
the hairline is the frame of your face.

Raphael, interesting points.

I believe each patient is different in terms of how they might gain from a HT.

I've seen pictures of some people who had extraordinarily positive transformations after a HT, and these are the profiles that gave me the encouragement to proceed with a HT surgery. On the other hand, I have seen pictures of some HT patients who I think might have been better off instead with a shaved head or something. Finally, some had really scary outcomes.

I guess like most things in life, it depends on several uncontrollable variables(like hair characteristics, etc.) and other uncertainties. So in many cases, it's very difficult to judge if someone is a good patient for HT or not.

I think you have taken the right step in talking to your doctor about this.

Raphael84,

I completely understand your concerns because I share them. I would strongly consider having FUE instead of strip. That way, if you do continue to lose a lot more hair, you can buzz down and still look really nice. Ultimately you will have to weigh the pros and cons of strip v. FUE v. nothing at all, and make the decision.

I say if your having second thoughts, dont do it. Dont do this until you are 100% sure that it is exactly what you want, because once its done, it can never be put back exactly the way it was before if you end up regretting it.

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Where are these results? A lot of younger (and older) patients could probably benefit from seeing them.

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I am currently an online consultant for Dr. Rahal. I will also try to offer any knowledge I might have regarding transplants in general. All opinions are my own and I endeavour to help.

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

As Severn suggested, it's a good idea to try the shaved/buzzed look before taking the plunge, as many guys look great that way (especially with light-colored hair like yours).

I'll also second Sparky's advice: don't do an HT until your doubts are resolved and you're certain that's the best path, as there's no turning back once you head down that road.

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Mattj - Here is one recent case example
2,500 grafts on a NOT so ordinary case

__________________
Meds
1.25mg Finasteride
3000mg MSM
Vitamin C
Omega 3
Nizarol

My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Rahal

Raphael,

It's very normal to be reluctant and have doubts prior to your hair transplant procedure - especially now that the date is approaching.

It's normal to have doubts and still go through with the procedure. But it also important that you are comfortable with the plan of action.

From what I can tell in the photos, you appear to be a good candidate for a hair transplant, in particular FUT.

There appears to be a new trend where many are suggesting FUE in patients whom I think would not make good candidates. This of course, is strictly my opinion, but I want to add some serious word of caution.

The only real advantages of FUE are no linear scar and faster healing time. In optimal cases, both a FUT linear scarring and FUE scarring are minimal and can be concealed even with a short haircut. FUT is still far cheaper, goals can often be met in one or two procedures, and has a much longer history of success and consistency.

Contrary to views some may have, I still believe FUE is better in patients with minimal hair loss and have minimal risk to experience extensive baldness.

Some have stated that FUE is a good solution for young patients because it gives patients the option to shave their head later if they choose. Personally, I think that's a terrible plan since you might as well throw your hard earned money in the trashcan. In my opinion, any hair transplant procedure should be considered permanent and long term goals (not just immediate gratification) should be considered. For more information, read what recommended physician Dr. Cam Simmons says by viewing "Is FUE the Solution for Young Hair Loss Sufferers?.

I had a hair loss sufferer tell me in an email the other day that he's concerned that he hasn't been able to find any FUE results on the internet that look nearly as good as the same number of grafts via strip. And he's right. Reputable surgeons performing FUE will even admit that consistency with this procedure needs to increase. Thus, though I wouldn't go as far as considering FUE an experimental procedure, it still appears to have more room for failure than strip - a procedure that's been successful and consistent for many years in the hands of an elite surgeon.

Best wishes,

Bill (Falc)

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