jr1

Neutronman- I have done many many cycles over a 3 year period. Luckily, I have stopped and haven't touched the stuff for over 2 1/2 years. If you are an actual Pro, then obviously stopping altogether is not an option for you, I understand that. However, I'm still going to tell you, if you don't want to lose your hair...you've got to stop the juice. Plain and simple. Sure you can slow it down and stay on top of it with transplants, rogaine and propecia, but your testosterone levels are so incredibly high, your hair will continue to thin. Look, some guys are immune to it... Levrone,Priest,Gunter,Yates etc. etc. But then you have guys like Nasser, and Flex (who has to shave his head) and a bunch of others who are most likely bald from this. Especially if you're taking anadrol or something very potent like that. So anyway, if you really really want to keep your hair and get it back, you will most likely have to stop. If you don't care all that much and you want to blow the other guys off stage, then by all means keep going. But maybe you should stop and do the natural shows??? Stopping was the greatest thing I've ever done. Good Luck

Olsar, I am 23 and noticed frontal loss at around 21. I know EXACTLY what you are going through. I did exactly what you are doing now. First and foremost, stay on the propecia, if you start taking it at the first sign of fall out, that stuff is amzing - i've been on it for a little over 2 years and have noticed little to none loss on the top and crown. As far as the front, go see a few Doctors, preferably the well rated ones on this site, and see what they say. You might very well be a good candidate. I got 1200 grafts put in 3 months ago by Dr. Epstein and it looks amazing already!

Fabe, you beat me to it! I was just about to post about the segment on dateline. 5 different guys, 5 different techniques. Laser comb, rogaine, propecia, viviscal (a fish oil thing from Finland), and a transplant by Dr. Bauman?? I've never heard of him? Anyway, they checked back 6 months later, and obviously the transplant blew the others away. The people out there still have the "doll hair" notion in their minds when they think of transplantation, hopefully this will shed some light on the subject. The guy had 1700 grafts at $10,000 which is a little pricey if you ask me, but the doc did a pretty good job from what I saw. The guy taking propecia also did pretty well, especially considering propecia needs a year to fully kick in, and he was only taking it 6 months. Anyway, just thought I'd let everyone know. I'm a little over 3 months post-op from Dr. Epstein and things are going pretty damn well, I'll post some pictures at 6 months. Ya know it's funny, I feel somewhat privlaged that we all have this website for everyone to use. We know 100x more than the average person about hairloss, and how great a transplant can be. It was like Dateline was tredding on our turf, haha. Ok everyone that's it for now, take care.

Hey everyone - When I passed by a blood giving session today (specifically a platelet giving session which is more invasive), one of the questions asked to everyone was "Are you taking propecia?" I inquired about this, and they said that propecia has been known to cause birth defects. I looked it up on-line, and the general consesus is that propecia can cause birth defecs only if a woman takes it. That's why finasteride is not FDA approved for women. And that since 97 when propecia was introduced, not one case of a birth defect has been reported (who knows?). So I was wodering what anyone knows, thinks, or has heard? Thank everyone -Jeff

Hey everyone - When I passed by a blood giving session today (specifically a platelet giving session which is more invasive), one of the questions asked to everyone was "Are you taking propecia?" I inquired about this, and they said that propecia has been known to cause birth defects. I looked it up on-line, and the general consesus is that propecia can cause birth defecs only if a woman takes it. That's why finasteride is not FDA approved for women. And that since 97 when propecia was introduced, not one case of a birth defect has been reported (who knows?). So I was wodering what anyone knows, thinks, or has heard? Thank everyone -Jeff

I was wondering if anyone new about the near future medications being available. Right now the best one, and easiest to deal with is finasteride. Does anyone know about medications that will be more effective, and when they will be available? Perhaps in the next few to five years perhaps? I think Dutsateride is th closest one, but I hear it has a lot of adverse side effects. I am just welcoming any and all comments. Thanx everyone

I was wondering if anyone new about the near future medications being available. Right now the best one, and easiest to deal with is finasteride. Does anyone know about medications that will be more effective, and when they will be available? Perhaps in the next few to five years perhaps? I think Dutsateride is th closest one, but I hear it has a lot of adverse side effects. I am just welcoming any and all comments. Thanx everyone

Hey everyone, In 3 days it will be exactly 2 months since my procedure, and I could swear I'm already seeing some growth, however slight. I've always been a fast healer, and the redness from my procedure was gone within 5-6 days, I guess I"m just lucky like that. I was wondering thoughts on the subject. How many of you have had or know someone who's had growth this early? Thanx

Hey everyone, In 3 days it will be exactly 2 months since my procedure, and I could swear I'm already seeing some growth, however slight. I've always been a fast healer, and the redness from my procedure was gone within 5-6 days, I guess I"m just lucky like that. I was wondering thoughts on the subject. How many of you have had or know someone who's had growth this early? Thanx

Corpo - I had a recent procedure done by Dr. epstein, and your good feeling about him is extremely well deserved. He is the man! I would highly recomend him if you decide to go through with it. Best of luck

I just ordered some Toppik in the mail and they have a "Anti-Androgenic Hair growth complex" pill. Similar to Propecia, but more of an herbal remedy...anyone ever heard of or tried this before? Also, anyone know anything about this lasercomb, is it legit? And last but not least, these Toppik and Couvre thickening shampoos, do they work? Thanx I really appreciate the feedback

I just ordered some Toppik in the mail and they have a "Anti-Androgenic Hair growth complex" pill. Similar to Propecia, but more of an herbal remedy...anyone ever heard of or tried this before? Also, anyone know anything about this lasercomb, is it legit? And last but not least, these Toppik and Couvre thickening shampoos, do they work? Thanx I really appreciate the feedback

I just ordered some Toppik in the mail and they have a "Anti-Androgenic Hair growth complex" pill. Similar to Propecia, but more of an herbal remedy...anyone ever heard of or tried this before? Also, anyone know anything about this lasercomb, is it legit? And last but not least, these Toppik and Couvre thickening shampoos, do they work? Thanx I really appreciate the feedback

I just ordered some Toppik in the mail and they have a "Anti-Androgenic Hair growth complex" pill. Similar to Propecia, but more of an herbal remedy...anyone ever heard of or tried this before? Also, anyone know anything about this lasercomb, is it legit? And last but not least, these Toppik and Couvre thickening shampoos, do they work? Thanx I really appreciate the feedback

I just ordered some Toppik in the mail and they have a "Anti-Androgenic Hair growth complex" pill. Similar to Propecia, but more of an herbal remedy...anyone ever heard of or tried this before? Also, anyone know anything about this lasercomb, is it legit? And last but not least, these Toppik and Couvre thickening shampoos, do they work? Thanx I really appreciate the feedback

Elshugh - When you say "back to back" 3000 graft sessions, what exactly do you mean? You didn't have 3000 grafts then another 3000 within a couple of months did you?

WHOA WHOA WHOA !!! Fellas, 4-6 weeks, 1-3 months?!? Are you joking?! You don't have to wait 3 months after open heart surgery. Before I found this site, I went to Bosley for information, (Yes, I know they are terrible, but hear me out) on their post-op instructions they advised about 8-9 days of sedentary activity, and about on the 10th day you could resume normal activity. (That is just one example) I just had a procedure by Dr. Epstein who we all know to be one of the best, and his post-op instructions said you could resume normal activity on the 5th day, and weights on the 7th or 8th day. If the procedure is done properly with minimal incision holes (I believe .8-1.2 mm), it is extremely unlikely you will disturb those grafts with blood flow after a week. I would say most of us in here lead somewhat of an active lifestyle, and a 1-3 month layoff is basically torture to some of us athletes in here. Didn't mean to step on anyone's toes, just thought I would put in my two cents and hope this helps Danger.

Thanx Hair be There!

Hey everyone, I have two questions: 1) It's been about 3 weeks since my procedure, and it went great, but I am noticing shock loss. Is this around the normal time this starts to happen? If so, when do my "normal" hairs start to grow back? 2) I was wondering how important it is to use rogaine on the transplanted sites for the first 3 months? Does it really speed things up? From some of the posts I've read it seems it could do more harm than good once I go off. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated Thanx very much fellas -J

Hey everyone, I have two questions: 1) It's been about 3 weeks since my procedure, and it went great, but I am noticing shock loss. Is this around the normal time this starts to happen? If so, when do my "normal" hairs start to grow back? 2) I was wondering how important it is to use rogaine on the transplanted sites for the first 3 months? Does it really speed things up? From some of the posts I've read it seems it could do more harm than good once I go off. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated Thanx very much fellas -J

JayT - I am 23 yrs. old and I just had a procedure with Dr. Epstein. The entire experience was great. Go to the "Hair Restoration Experiences" forum and look at my post about Doc Epstein. That should help a lot ..... Good Luck

Phillyhair, I have not seen any of his actual patients, but as I said in my post I saw his photo album which was unbelievable. The scars (one on either side) are completely fine, and are easily covered with a #3-4 with clippers. You are definitely taking the right step in meeting with Dr. Epstein. Also, I forgot to mention in my post, among his various accolades, he is featured in "Vogue" magazine and a book called "The Beauty Makers" which list the top surgeons in every cosmetic field. Naturally, these publications would only write about the best. =) Good luck - let me know if you have anymore questions.

Hello everyone, this is my first post in a long time. I initially started visiting this website about a year ago, and the information I received was invaluable. So I want to thank everyone for their posts, because this site led me to Dr. Jeff Epstein of Miami, FL. (I am 23 years old who had front hairline restoration)Finding a surgeon you feel comfortable with is no easy task, so when I posted a discussion with the title "Who is the best doctor in Florida?" Dr. Epstein's name came back in almost every reply, and he is one of only a few surgeons who I have yet to read one bad post about. From the moment my consultation began I knew I made the right choice, he and his staff was extremely courteous and professional. And in the consultation room he has a photo album of his past patients, and these pictures were nothing short of remarkable. They were not a "bosley type pamphlet" that didn't seem real, but rather normal pictures taken with a regular camera, nothing fake about them. Some background on Dr. Epstein: Diplomate of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, the American board of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon) Past President of the Florida Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and of course...Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery! (which extends their privilege to only the most qualified HT Surgeons). So besides his surgical qualifications, he has that wonderful "aesthetic eye" that plastic surgeons have, not only for the placement of the grafts, but a minimal donor scar! I had about 1200 grafts done on my hairline. The anesthetic was administered by his famous "wand" which gave me minimal pain. The grafts were dissected by three technicians with microscopes to increase density. The procedure took about 4-5 hours which flew by considering when I wasn't sleeping, Dr. Epstein and I were re-hashing our favorite "Curb Your Enthusiasm" episodes. Needless to say he and his staff put you very much at ease. After the procedure I ate some food they ordered for me, and drove myself home. The first night I experienced some discomfort, mainly because I had to sleep with my head elevated. But from the next morning on, I felt completely fine. The grafts started sprouting like crazy, on the 5th day I could resume normal activity and the redness was completely gone by then! The sutures were removed on the 10th day, and that was that. (I'm trying to sum things up here, I realize this is a long post) The work he did was nothing short of excellence. Even though the graphs are just sprouting, it immediately made all the difference in the world. (I realize they will fall out and grow back in 3 months). I will post pictures in a few months when the hair has grown in. In the meantime, if you are looking for that surgeon you can completely put your faith in, and you want a superb job, give Dr. Jeff Epstein a call or check out his website: "www.foundhair.com" If I forgot anything or anyone has any questions feel free to respond. I would also like to note that even though I hold Dr. Epstein in the highest regard, that does not mean I think there are no other surgeons out there. I am not in anyway taking anything away from other revered doctors on this site, I just want to make that clear. Thank you very much

Hello everyone, this is my first post in a long time. I initially started visiting this website about a year ago, and the information I received was invaluable. So I want to thank everyone for their posts, because this site led me to Dr. Jeff Epstein of Miami, FL. (I am 23 years old who had front hairline restoration)Finding a surgeon you feel comfortable with is no easy task, so when I posted a discussion with the title "Who is the best doctor in Florida?" Dr. Epstein's name came back in almost every reply, and he is one of only a few surgeons who I have yet to read one bad post about. From the moment my consultation began I knew I made the right choice, he and his staff was extremely courteous and professional. And in the consultation room he has a photo album of his past patients, and these pictures were nothing short of remarkable. They were not a "bosley type pamphlet" that didn't seem real, but rather normal pictures taken with a regular camera, nothing fake about them. Some background on Dr. Epstein: Diplomate of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery, the American board of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon) Past President of the Florida Society of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgery and of course...Diplomate of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery! (which extends their privilege to only the most qualified HT Surgeons). So besides his surgical qualifications, he has that wonderful "aesthetic eye" that plastic surgeons have, not only for the placement of the grafts, but a minimal donor scar! I had about 1200 grafts done on my hairline. The anesthetic was administered by his famous "wand" which gave me minimal pain. The grafts were dissected by three technicians with microscopes to increase density. The procedure took about 4-5 hours which flew by considering when I wasn't sleeping, Dr. Epstein and I were re-hashing our favorite "Curb Your Enthusiasm" episodes. Needless to say he and his staff put you very much at ease. After the procedure I ate some food they ordered for me, and drove myself home. The first night I experienced some discomfort, mainly because I had to sleep with my head elevated. But from the next morning on, I felt completely fine. The grafts started sprouting like crazy, on the 5th day I could resume normal activity and the redness was completely gone by then! The sutures were removed on the 10th day, and that was that. (I'm trying to sum things up here, I realize this is a long post) The work he did was nothing short of excellence. Even though the graphs are just sprouting, it immediately made all the difference in the world. (I realize they will fall out and grow back in 3 months). I will post pictures in a few months when the hair has grown in. In the meantime, if you are looking for that surgeon you can completely put your faith in, and you want a superb job, give Dr. Jeff Epstein a call or check out his website: "www.foundhair.com" If I forgot anything or anyone has any questions feel free to respond. I would also like to note that even though I hold Dr. Epstein in the highest regard, that does not mean I think there are no other surgeons out there. I am not in anyway taking anything away from other revered doctors on this site, I just want to make that clear. Thank you very much

FEDUP - Good luck, I will most likely end up going to Epstein in the very near future. I'd be very curious to know how the results are. Please post some pics when you get a chance. You've made a good choice!