aaron1234

Artificial implant?  No, that's not a thing.  If you're a NW5 before 25 then you probably have aggressive MPB.  Be careful with HT's, you may regret in your 30's and 40's when you have lost even more native hair. 

If you're going to H&W then put your fears aside and enjoy the ride.  The first procedure was a bit surreal for me, now they are as routine as going to the dentist.  Actually, more relaxing than the dentist.

Work looks impeccable.  Now enjoy the ride! 

Also, stay on the meds... you've got a ton of native hair to preserve. 

The outside pic in the bright sun I can't see any scalp... that's huge!  The combed forward & to the side look gives a shingling/layering effect, making the most of the transplanted hair and it gives you full coverage.  The transplanted hairs are still a bit wirey so I would expect them to settle down over the coming months.  

I assume the meds are working well for you?  

11 hours ago, JohnAC71 said:

Pretty much all of us make a not so good first choice in our 1st Ht. 

Sad but true!

27 minutes ago, Savemyhairline said:

 I’m not sure exactly what Elon Musk did, but if I could get a similar hairline/density to that, that would be great. 

The forum assumes that Musk did his HT with Hasson & Wong.  Definitely check them out as well.

55 minutes ago, makehairgreatagain said:

Haha Urlacher filed a lawsuit against Restore

Actually it looks like he filed it against Dr. Glenn Charles who's recommended here (?).

1 hour ago, Savemyhairline said:

Honest question, was it all worth it? 7 seems really extreme 

Yes, definitely worth it.  7 on the surface seems nuts, but you really only have a couple mega-sessions (more than 2,000 grafts) for the first 2 or 3 surgeries.  After that it's more fine-tuning, smaller procedures - emotionally & financially they aren't as big a deal.

2 hours ago, Savemyhairline said:

I have no idea how far my hair loss will progress, especially since it looks like this at only 25, but if I’m going to have to invest $75,000 over the next several years/decades into “maybe” having a good head of hair, I really question if it’s worth it for me.

Speaking as someone who has undergone 7 surgeries over the last 13 years I would certainly say that is a possibility for you, especially since you have an advanced pattern at a young age.  I do agree with Dr. Konior that FUT would be best for you.  Maxing out on FUT, then FUE will net you at least 2-3,000 more lifetime grafts.  You may very well need those extra grafts down the road. 

@Fox243 Have you tried a half dose of fin at all?  Or taking it every other day?  

With a pattern this aggressive at a young age you should be very careful with HT's.  One bad procedure without having much in reserve to repair it with is not something you'll want to experience.  There are worse things than being bald.  

Those f***in' billboards! 🤬

23 is very young, so while your donor area looks good now that doesn't guarantee it's going to look good years later.  That's why you should wait to get a HT.  Good for you for getting on fin.  You're starting this battle off on the right foot. 

To the naked eye your donor area looks lush, but to be certain have a respected HT doc look it over with magnification.  How old are you?

Do you plan on getting more HT's down the road? This might factor into the decision, but since the scar is oddly placed then Matt is probably right about FUE being the best option for you.  I did have a scar reduction via strip and it worked out well, but it was traditional FUT scar. 

I'd start applying organic aloe just in case. 

Keep saving.  Your current budget will only lead to dissatisfaction, especially with your level of loss. 

Impeccable result!  Bravo!

Looks like a terrific result already, so just give it time to even out.  It's quite common to have one side grow in faster than the other.  

Looking great, any pre-op and immediate post-op pics? 

4 hours ago, terrapin89 said:

Even for just frontal third-type stuff?

My frontal third has been addressed in every one of my 7 HT's.  

Happy with my results, but it took multiple surgeries to get there.  Be prepared for that possibility. 

@mustang I'm in awe of your tenacity, and I've had 7 surgeries.  All the best this round!

Yes, one side grew in more sparsely, but this is easily fixed with a touch up procedure.  Also, the right side is damp in your pictures which can make it look even thinner.  Otherwise, you have a killer head of hair!  

8 minutes ago, TrialAcc said:

You need to get on finasteride yesterday if you even want to contemplate a hair transplant. You also have a ton of hair in your thinning areas that could be thickened

💯

Hair looks good with toppik.  Definitely get the mid-scalp done, but tread carefully with the crown.