hatrick

Virtually everyone on this site knows the cause of MPB is genetically inherited sensitivity to DHT. However, i'm curious to know how this process really works. Does the DHT bind to the follicle, stay there and build up over time or is it a continuous bombardment of DHT to the follicle (coming and going via transportation through the blood) that causes the end result of MPB? I think most agree the first theory is the generally accepted cause. However, how does finasteride help improve existing hair, and in some cases result in hair regrowth in patients experiencing MPB? The drug is designed to inhibit the transformation of testosterone to DHT. Therefore, the only possible benefit would be the preservation of what hair you had left in its current state(thickness). However, a lot of patients, mainly young patients like myself, experience thickening of previously affected hairs and in some cases regrowth. How would this be possible since the DHT already formed and binded to the follicle would not be altered by finasteride since it already has synthesized to DHT? The second theory would make more sense in providing an answer to this question. Hope someone has the answer to this query.

Im sure it is tiring on the surgeon's hands and eyes. I dont know where you got 6,000 holes from though. most procedures are from 2,000 to 4,000 grafts/holes. while thats still alot, its alot less than 6,000+.

Dr. Mejia-

I agree that younger patients (myself included) should be aware of the progressive nature of MPB before going forward with their HT. However, one thing young patients do have on their side is technology. I will say a patient should not solely rely on this to solve their future hair-loss quandries. Although, IMO, its a forgone conclusion further improved surgical technology, improved medication as well as hair cloning will be available within atleast the next 20 years. Heck, if they can clone goats, chimps, etc they can clone hair follicles. It's not a matter of if they can but when. The high demand for this will inspire someone to start a company providing this service. From what i've read, it's already in it's initial stage of development. Surely it will go through some trial and error and likely need some refinement, but its clearly on the horizon.

I find it hilarious that after reading all these posts, this guy still decides to choose Dr. Khan??? What are you thinking man? Does this not raise any red flags with you? I would prepare yourself to not only be disappointed, but possibly devastated.

Im only 2 months in, but as of right now i feel its one of the best decisions i have ever made.

hairthere- im curious to know which doc said taking finasteride was pointless? a vast majority of doctors would strongly disagree with that.

how old are you? if your younger, say under 35, i would say 2000 max. you gotta leave some reserves should you need them down the road. are you planning on bringing down your hairline or just squaring it off from where it is now? if its the latter, i would say 1200-1500 could probably get the job done, depending on your donor density. I've seen many patient photos with your amount of hair loss achieve great results with around 1500 grafts. 2500 grafts just seems way to steep for someone with only a slightly receding hairine.

i suppose unnatural was a bad word to use. I also have seen guys who seem to have only lost hair in their crown area, so unnatural was a poor choice. You can indeed go back for another procedure to fix any future loss. however, getting on the meds should prevent you having to do so, saving you time, money, and another scar on the back of your head. i to was concerned about the side affects, but im so happy i decided to get on them. all im saying is its in your best interests to atleast try them out. your surgeon, should you go ahead with your HT, will highly recommend you get on the meds as well. your call though.

dude you got to atleast try propecia first. 32 is still young, and its very likely your hair loss will progress further. i felt the side affects of propecia for the first two weeks or so. after that i didn't notice a thing. i feel like how i did before i even started taking it. its already started to work wonders for me, and i'm only on my fourth month of taking it. without it, your hair will look very unnatural in 5-10 years, assuming you get an HT. fairly thick in the front with nothing behind it, thats not what you want. basically, it would make no sense for you to have the procedure if your not going to preserve what you have left. atleast try it for a couple months, if you still feel side affects after that, just get off it and everything will go back to normal.

hahaha very nice marko

i seriously doubt that this german guy can detect every HT. Anybody can claim something on an internet forum. Hey, i'm dating jessica biel.... Just look at the work for yourself. The docs on this site all perform the highest quality work and the transplants all look very natural.

your worrying too much. the hair won't start growing for 3-4 months anyway, and by that time the scab will be long gone.

looks good but it might look alittle strange with a nice head of hair in front, and completely bald on the crown. anyway, congrats.

looking good my friend.

what NW are you? are the hairs your shedding miniaturized or are they normal, mature hairs?

for me aloe-vera really worked well. Im at 2 months post op and ive got mature, thick hairs sprouting up all over with a bunch of peach fuzz as well. give it a try, cant hurt.

you would be fine.

Your not supposed to wash the day after your surgery. Wait until tomorrow unless your doc instructed you to wash today.

I think i remember Dr. Feller talking about this. I believe he said something to the effect of: Many of the follicles hair growth mechanisms are "thrown out of whack" when transplanted. In turn, this will cause many transplanted hairs to start growing thin and colorless while others grow in normal. Though, the body does eventually catch up and things straighten out. There is no way to predict what this ratio would be for each individual patient.

not to familiar with farjo's work, but H&W are truly world class surgeons.

at 19 it will be hard for you to find a qualified surgeon who will perform a surgery in regards to the results you wish to achieve. judging from your photos your hair characteristics will make it very hard to achieve owen wilsons hair. while you guys have roughly the same hair color, his hair is thick and dense while yours seem to be thin and not very dense. you dont seem to be receding but you do seem to be experiencing diffuse thinning. based on this, a surgeon would be very concerned about the possibilities of shock loss to your native hair when transplanting donor hair to your recipient area. factor that in with your probability of future loss and you will most likely be turned away. i dont mean to deter you just letting you know what will be on the doctors mind. if your serious consult with a qualified surgeon about what can be achieved. good luck to you. i would recommend getting on finasteride to help stabilize your hair loss.

Nikan if your looking for a hair restoration surgeon in southeast michigan, go see Dr. Tessler. He's easily the best, most experienced surgeon in the state. MHR, Bosley are large chains who only care about your money. I had surgery with him and everything has gone great. Look at my weblog, there is a link to his website on it.

The doctor who performed my surgery also does a lot of transplants for patients with scars with excellent results. However, he is in Michigan, which is quite a distance. I'm sure you could find a great surgeon closer to you who could produce the same results. I definitely think your a candidate but proceed with caution. Do your research and find a good doc who has done many transplants into scar tissue with great results.

the side affects of propecia will not be permanent. if you experience side affects when taking it dont be concerned. the majority of guys experience these side affects. give your body time to get used to the drug. in time the side affects should all pass, and if they dont after say 3 months, get off it and you'll return to normal.

ya i dont mean to concern you, but it will be very thin. It appears the doctor you chose isn't to familiar with the art of hair restoration. I dont understand why he gave you a straight hairline but placed the grafts so far apart. he should have given you a much more conservative hairline and packed in those 1500 grafts. Or if you were going for a straight hairline, he should have doubled your graft count to atleast 3000. honestly, if you choose to go back and get more density, pick a more qualified surgeon, preferably a coalition surgeon. I hope i'm wrong, just giving you my opinion though.