HairBoy

Not long ago, there was a news story about a "cure for baldness" involving taking stem cells from hair follicles and reproducing them in the lab for implantation into scalps (or something like that). Back in 1989, they said that with Rogaine, a cure for baldness was only 10 years away. Well, 10 years came and went--no cure. Does anyone know what the thoughts are of hair loss professionals? Are there doctors out there who think this will be possible in 5 - 10 years? Or is this another far off dream? I've heard the song and dance before. Don't want to get my hopes up this time.

OK, I understand scalp laxity is very important in determining how much donor hair can be harvested because the surrounding skin must stretch to cover what was removed. But if laxity is poor, would it be possible to take more, but narrower strips? Instead of cutting out a strip of donor hair 1 cm. wide, could 2 strips 1/2 cm. wide be done? Just wondering.

OK, I understand scalp laxity is very important in determining how much donor hair can be harvested because the surrounding skin must stretch to cover what was removed. But if laxity is poor, would it be possible to take more, but narrower strips? Instead of cutting out a strip of donor hair 1 cm. wide, could 2 strips 1/2 cm. wide be done? Just wondering.

I've often wondered myself why more celebrities don't have hair transplants. Because they've definitely got the money, so there must be some other reason. Back in the late 1980s, all I ever heard from girls was how cute Bruce Willis was--even as he was losing his hair. Wouldn't he be cuter with more hair? I've noticed a couple of local news reporters who were losing their hair suddenly had full heads of hair again after not seeing them for a while. They are either transplants or hair pieces. Matthew McConaughey is one who comes to mind who had something done to his hair. I think he claims he's taking herbs. But there is something being done. Barry Williams, who played Greg Brady, had a hair transplant. http://www.brandymd.com/transplant_photos_men.cfm Rumor has it actor Steven Seagal had one. Others may have to. Part of the reason actors get jobs is because of the way they look. The guy who played "George Costanza" on Seinfeld probably wouldn't have gotten the job with a full head of hair. I've also often wondered why millionaire actors choose to be fat. If I were in the public eye, I'd want to look my best. But John Goodman doesn't seem concerned. Nor all the other fat actors out there like that slob on "King of Queens". Also, Andre Agasse comes to mind. He used to be known for his hair--and was a sex symbol at the time. Of course, he lost that title when he shaved his head. Personally, I'd like to meet some hair transplant recipients in person. I don't think anyone claims hair transplants are 100% perfection. But, if you have significant loss and want it back, even a thinner head of hair is worthwhile. When HT doctors put photos on their websites, often they'll take the photo in such a way as to make the recipient look as good as possible. Thus, there is some marketing trickery involved. Ha, but I've seen some doctor's websites with "after" pictures that looked so utterly horrible that it seems they are trying to scare business away. I guess the best thing is to meet someone in person. Then you can ask them firsthand. And see firsthand, too.

As a weightlifter and someone considering an HT, this is important info to know. I would have thought the time-off period to be 2 or 3 weeks. But 3 months... There seems to be debate as to whether it's the increase in blood pressure or movement of the scalp as the cause of scar stretching. Do any doctors know? It would be difficult for me to stay away from weights for so long.