Sean

Thanks for that post! Very informative and you are right, it seems it covers many things connected with hair loss.

I'd also prefer to pay cash, with a credit card, you got high interest rates, then possibly if you are an international patient to go through extra currency exchange fees on top of the transaction. But if you can get a loan that may be different, but again it's that high interest. Sometimes it is just better to pay more you can upfront and then use the rest on loans or credit cards. If your surgery costs 15,000-20,000 in North America then you pay 10-12% interest on credit card (if you have that low apr) then look at the final cost of your surgery. Most people have APR's higher than that (above 17%) unless they have a high credit line and zero percent interest for the first year or something. Same thing with a loan at say 8%+. The more you pay the more you will end up paying. The lower the cost of the total procedure then the lower the total cost will be. You gotta worry about other small fees that may arise, such as medications, or if an emergency medical care is needed. Hotel costs, food costs, travel costs. In the end a 15,000 to 20,000 surgery could end up costing thousands more. So, don't look at a transplant price at the rate your seeing it, because you have to add these other costs up and that is basically the price you will pay. Some clinics actually reimburse international or long distance patients for their travel costs or maybe pay some hotel costs and help you with medications, but you have to ask the clinics that. Hair transplantation surely can be expensive. Financing is tough, not many people give loans out anymore either due to the economy, or if they do, due to the high risk in today's economy you will be charged an outrageous interest rate on top of it. So, best bet is to look at the credit limit and what you have or to sell a car. Have you all seen the outrageous interest rates lately? I can imagine these things are hurting a lot of doctors and their clinics. Maybe forcing some to lower prices. Especially, here in North America, job losses and everything is just making everything harder for businesses to continue at peak levels they once did. If a rate goes up for anything, it hurts a business. And it's only expected to get worse by the end of the year according to many publications online and other articles pertaining to the economy.

From those pics, after seeing other results with 4000 grafts, I would think it would do the trick but that's up to the doctor to decide. But my opinion yes, I think it would be sufficient. It's gonna look good, keep us posted. Good luck!

Hi Blake, I just read it at a few sites and this one to mention Mega Hair Trans | Reasons of Hair Shedding | Sa? Ekimi Fiyatlar? I was reading through it and came across that statement. Can you check it out? I am going to search for it on the forum for nape hair cases as you have suggested. Thanks.

Is there any app being made for the users of this forum to use with iphone? I saw this other app for iphone that had other forums but this forum was not on it. It would make posting easier for members who use their phones to post.

I hear you, your not alone. This is a problem that really takes down even the strongest men. From confidence to nothing. Although it may be hard, just know they have treatments and transplant surgeries available, even though there isn't a cure yet. So there is no reason to loose hope. They might be close to something soon you never know. In the meantime you can try rogaine or propecia and stick to it, then later on do the ultimate step of transplantation. Just don't think there isn't any hope. We are all in this together. We all suffered and continue to suffer and yet find ways to cope with it. Just know there are people in the same boat as you and some guys don't even have hair or body hair or any hair. Just keep your head up and I know what you mean. I have been in those same shoes when I was 20-21. Don't waste your money on products that prove not to work but just rob your hard earned money. Propecia/Rogaine/Toppik type stuff, Nizoral, and that's it, anything else might do you more harm then good. Then Transplantation is the most promising step to regain hair. Other things are in trials, lets see what happens, but if you can't wait then go for these things. If you wait and keep waiting and nothing comes up then you wasted your time waiting and would feel worse, so just make a decision. Don't let this thing take control of you. Make a move.

I agree, from what I have seen many people do not grow it before that point, some after, and your full result can bloom probably after the 12 month mark. So, hang in there. I am going to go for a transplant later on as well and I know the wait sucks but the end result is probably worth it. I am still without hairs and I got a year till I get a transplant then another 6 months or more after that to see the results. Don't let it get to you right now. Just do what you have to do, eat right, get sleep, take the meds you need to if you do, and DONT WORRY. Worrying causes stress and you know stress can cause hair trouble. Relax and good luck.

Blake thank you, I have read that "hair on nape and ear do not shed, as they do not contain 5 alpha reductas activators". But I definitely would not consider nape hairs for the crown as they might not be resistant to DHT like you said. Also, they are thinner in texture more preferably to maybe soften the hairline. From what people have written and said that they could fall off years and years later or don't fall off at all? If they do fall years later and FUE was done, the person can get a transplant using the real donor hairs or it may buy them time? Right now I may be losing hair in the front and somewhat the crown, but my nape hairs are still full and really sprouting like crazy on the back of my neck. They also appear to grow within a week after I have em shaved off to create a nice fade. They grow quick. I don't know if it is like that for everyone but that's what confuses me, as they have outlasted my frontal hairs and crown hairs that have become susceptible to DHT. Has anyone received nape hairs to their hairline? Can they comment? Tell us about it? I guess it is up to the hair loss sufferer how they want it and what they want. Temporary fix, soften hairline, preserve some donor supply or what, I guess they can then make a decision. But I would imagine finer hairs like that would really create a very soft natural looking hairline.

Transplant costs vary greatly. There is no fixed standard set of prices. I have seen $1 grafts to over $10 per graft, for both FUE and Strip. Every doctor is different, I guess it depends on the quality of the result. A well known doctor would charge higher fees then one that just started up or not known. It's supply and demand. When demand goes up and people start appreciating a doc, the price goes up. When the demand is low, they can't charge high prices as they will not have as many customers. Internationally, yes, if you are a customer from North America , you might get more hair for the buck there, or vice versa. That also depends on the cost of living in other countries. Like doctors in Turkey, may be able to get cheaper assistants due to their wages, they can do less expensive transplants. Then you go to USA, and take a doctor in Hollywood or something, and then see how much his or her assistants salary costs. It drives up the rates. It depends if the doctors cater to international patients only or patients mostly from their own region. Not everyone can pay for the transplant if they live there due to the cost of living. But international ones with higher valued currencies, can afford it with ease and yet still make out better deals then surgeries in their own towns maybe? Every doctor on this forum that is recommended has different prices, some very low to some that maybe considered high. Look at where they are located too. Location does determine it, but then again if they cater to only international patients or a mix or mostly their own. Regardless, I like it when the prices for each patient is the same for another patient from across the globe. But there are new and coming doctors that have crazy results, that are driving competition with lower prices. That can be a threat. Due to the economy, prices are forced to be reduced and those that can offer high quality transplants at lower fees would get the most business.

RCWest, if you mean nape hair then it all depends on the person and how much they have. From what I have seen and read, nape hair creates a more softer hairline, probably helps conserve more donor hair for later procedures as well. I think it's a smart choice but at the same time, there are reports that it can fall off or thin, but how long does it take to fall off? Some say never, some say when your like 60 or so years and years away from the time you had the procedure done. The way I see it, when I go for a haircut, they remove my nape hair with a straight edge razor anyway to create a better fade in the back, and to round the edges. But if it comes in handy to create a softer fuller hairline, and helps conserve donor hairs for later use then i don't see it as a negative thing. And from what I have read about beard hairs, they are better than body hairs to be used for scalp. Once transplanted all these hairs grow, but it's the type and quality that may affect the transplant. It's also where they are positioned and put on the scalp and if they are mixed with native hairs that creates a better result. I think doctors that use BHT mix up the hairs to create a result that is acceptable. I don't think they put beard hair all in one region and then body hair in one, it's more of a mix so it can create a more natural look. I think fue clinics should specialize in body hair implantation as well and master it, because for those with higher norwood, it may be create an excellent transplant. A lot of us have tons of body hair, and hey if it's on my scalp growing then i want it, esp if you keep short hair, then I don't mind it. I have seen some serious repair cases by Dr. Umer utilizing just body hair and I am very impressed. There is one mega case I saw a video of, where the guy had tons of scars and scalp was basically deformed due to prior surgeries, but after body hair , he had well placed hairs creating a youthful hairline, you couldn't tell that was the same person, it was that good.Temples, hairline lowered, everything, and the repair all finished, and Dr. Umer managed it. I personally think he's a great doc from everything I have seen. The reviews I have read, and what I have heard from other people. Hey, If the doc can help someone with serious scalp scarring, deformed hairs, and what not, then he is ok in my book.

I always thought more grafts were needed to work with temporal angles? Not 200-400 but around 700grafts? But I guess it depends if you want to lower your hairline and add density? I have seen a lot of results from various clinics that incorporated them into a hair restoration procedure. I guess each doc is different, some may use less, some more? You are right it does frame the face really well. I guess it depends if you are going for a conservative look or youthful look.

Have you seen his videos on youtube? He has restored cases severely scarred by surgeries and has done it successfully. I personally think he is a decent doctor. He is known to be very successful with body hair transplantation as well. Others have gone to him, and their results are not bad at all. I can't say anything negative about the guy. His price is decent and his work is great. I guess if you are around the California area it would be convenient. There are many doctors you can go to that are about as good, but if you took interest in Dr. Umar initially, I wouldn't worry and he's a good choice. He's proven it by his videos and pics what he is capable of.

Hello everyone, So one of my family members who is also losing hair tested this product on his scalp. I didn't believe it but he does not use rogaine nor propecia. He was absolutely bald in an area of his scalp about 2-3 months ago. I just saw him today and he has had peach fuzz like and visible strands of hair growth in the area he has applied it. But, I wouldn't say its like extreme growth like some miracle cure, but the fact is it seems it actually grew something. Has anyone even tried it or know for sure if it works? Is it another waste of money? I mean I know he had no hair there but he's been rubbin this Bergamot Oil on his scalp for like 2-3 months and it is showing some hair growth and it's natural? Even if it is proven to grow some, that is still promising since it is a natural oil. So, little is better then nothing, but I had to ask if anyone messed with this stuff and had similar results before I buy it.

cvs has generic finisteride? can anyone tell me where to get some real generic finisteride online? pm me? I just saw the cost of actual propecia, it's not pretty, even with that coupon they are giving for $260 off the year.

Mahmood sorry but try not to worry too much or be sad about it. There is always hope. I am sure there are many people on his side and I too am pissed. It's a learning experience. Just don't make the same mistake twice. Better research and advice from fellow members helps. I hope some good doctor can help him and get him what he seeks. I feel terrible about anyone that puts their hopes to change is almost near the same spot they began and that they are unhappy and unsure where they even stand. I hope someone out there can help him and guarantee his results. I did look at Hasson and Wong, among other doctors and people that are clearly much higher on norwood achieved a great result through them. Even Dr. Rahal, his work is just mind boggling. Even Dr. Mohamand has great results for patients with higher norwood. I am sure there are more on this site. Can any doctor chime in and give the guy advice before he makes another decision? Mahmood, did you ever try propecia or rogaine? 4000 grafts is a lot, and it makes me mad that many were used with a result like that. How many does he have left in donor region now? If he really wants a complete hair recovery, he might need to use donor hair and body hair mixed. Was this strip? If it was then you can't really shave the head depending on the size of the scar, but if it was fue then at least you can shave for the time being if you are not satisfied. I can't imagine how he feels right now. I am just extremely mad. You know some people end up with severe scarring, poor results, dreams shattered, when it comes to transplantation, just imagine if that was you in his shoes. I treat the situation like it's me because I really would be furious if I had a result like that. Doctors should speak up and help the guy and tell him what he should do or what his options are. It would be the right ethical thing to do.

EpilepticSceptic, well said. Just have to make it known to some folks to back off. Show em who's boss.

Your like the second person that gave that doctor an amazing review within a week. If he is as good as you say then that is great news. Very rarely does any Bosley surgeon impress me. I have never seen a result that I would consider super impressive by Bosley. I do not know nor do I understand why that is the case. That's why I am hesitant to go for their services. But if you are happy, then definitely a good thing and thanks for sharing your result and keep us posted with any future updates. How about the strip scar? Before and after pic of that region? That would also help.

I agree with you, if they mind they don't matter and shouldn't matter, and if the meditation helps, let me know. I even considered yoga to calm the stress as some say it helps. Haven't done it yet, but reading up on it.

I hear you. Same thing here, going to university and it's such a hassle to think about hair, figuring out how to get away with it, how to conceal it, how to cure it. You know it's bad when the professor is talking about something and you are thinking of ways to conceal hair loss and missing a good portion of their lecture. Then they ask you a question and the first thing on your mind is rogaine or propecia. Seriously go through this a lot. Your not the only one that is seeing a therapist, I just scheduled the other day to go see mine next week. This situation is bugging me big time too. So, I just had to respond to your post as you are going through something very similar and did something similar. From the pictures you showed though, it does not seem that bad. Hope it works out for you, but for me I am taking the transplant route. I can't wait any longer and trying to find time between school to get a procedure or rather taking many classes as I can now so I can graduate by the summer so I can get a procedure done. I don't wear hats, it's only when I use toppik that I can not worry about that. Sick and tired of taking hours to do my hair and using toppik to conceal though. The only successful way to apply it is to use that separate pump to disperse it right into your scalp at different angles. Stress from college alone can thin hair. I don't know if it is just me that noticed this, but nearly every guy in med school has thin hair or balding. I know I am losing hair but that makes me look at the situation in others and debate about it. Medical students go through some hellish studying so that may cause it for them? I don't know, but stress is a factor and if you got more stress than others then you could be more at risk. Not enough sleep, not a good diet or exercise, stressors, all play a heavy role in male pattern baldness. I am overly self conscious about hair loss. A day doesn't go by that I do not think about it. From weather patterns, wind patterns, to rain reports, to everything. I pre-plan my mission to go outside. Pisses me off but I think I am probably not the only one. Good luck to you and wish you the best.

Mahmoud, that is a lot of number of grafts I would think it would show major difference in 14 months? What were you on the norwood scale before and 14 months later? Was it discussed you might lose native hair in the process? I mean I don't know if you lost native hair, but even so, shouldn't there be a bigger difference. Can you post your pics with hair that is not wet? That will probably help everyone see the result. Do you know the number of hairs that were put in each zone? Was it frontal or evenly dispersed throughout the whole scalp or what? That will help too. What is your overall goal? I wish you the best but you should definitely clear all concerns before you schedule another procedure with the same clinic. I hope you get and achieve what you are seeking. Edit: sorry I just saw your one picture you uploaded with dry hair. The last preop pic your hair is not combed straight and long like that but there is still some thin areas, but from other results on the site, I don't know what to tell you as I can't really tell. I have to keep going back between the preop pic and this pic, but the lighting is different in each photo and the distance, can you put a before/after photo right next to each other and maybe it will help giving you a comparison? Do you have any more pics from before and can you take another after pic in similar lighting? good luck to you and hope you get what you seek

I agree with what you are saying but it is hard for some people more than others. The hair industry is a multi billion dollar industry. There is a reason for that. People really would do anything to try to retain, regrow, achieve a hair style that they once had or to thicken it up like some celebrity they admire. For me it only started bothering when people brought it to my attention over and over and over again like it was the end of the world. Some people would stare at the scalp rather then my eyes in a conversation. I mean come on. Then it got to a point it started making me look older then I am. Then the "looking older than you really are" comments start to affect a person. They wouldn't have any effect on you unless they are said over and over and over again and then you are like what's going on. You tend to remember who said what and when too. It's unbelievable but so many questions result from hair loss and I could keep going with this. I mean some guys got it made with their head shaved, but it suits some more than others. Having hair and not having hair suits them, but some people need the hair since shaved heads might not suit them? Scars, burns, never had hair, starting losing hair and etc, hair is hair. I wouldn't do it but there are some people willing to use pubic hair to implant on the scalp. Many what say that is abnormal but for those who know the situation and what the hair loss sufferer goes through, might understand the situation. I'll tell you something, there are people hesitant for surgeries and afraid to use medications to retain hair, but wait till they discover cloning and a pill to stop baldness forever. You will have every person with hair loss standing in line for the fix. Some people do it to get noticed by the opposite sex, some do it for peace of mind other situations, work, etc., and I really think they should make hair loss a medical condition for insurance companies and not cosmetic. I mean some insurances do pay for breast implants as well for women? Even in the military, they would pay for a breast implant for women for cosmetic purposes. But they don't touch hair transplants. The amount of people depressed from hair loss, give them hair and you just treated depression or any other psychological problem. Obsessive toppikk rituals, taking hours to do hair due to thinning, missing classes due to a bad hair day, worrying about rain or wind, not wanting photos taken cuz you gotta look at it, wasting money and trying anything, drinking heavily due to depression. I mean you got so many things that can just branch off from hair loss, it's definitely a medical condition for a lot of people, where it may just be nothing for the few people that I have known. But that was an awesome post, motivation is motivation, and this type of support helps calming the situation a bit. It was definitely worth reading and was definitely worth it to join this forum.

That's a great result. What he couldn't do before with his hair he could style now, so I say it is a major success. The hair style along with the transplant result looks good.

Born76, thanks for the reply. Hope it turns out really good for you. Keep us posted, I really would like to know how it turns out. I am planning on getting a transplant and this will help me decide a lot of things. Good growing to you.

I also read that on his website he has patented his own special tool to have a fue with very very minimal scarring?

He seems to be a very good doctor from the work I have seen. That's what made me interested. His results seem good, but he didn't really give me an answer to my consultation but said that He wouldn't do it since I may not be a good candidate for it right now but maybe later. His assistant was kind enough to answer all my questions. But other doctors I was quoted from did give me evaluations on how many I would need and they varied. His prices and work together seem really good but if he was recommended here then that would have been a very major plus. On these forums you see results that are in various time frames from few months to even 18 months or more, and people keep showing their results, so it helps you see a doctors full work achieved. Other patients then can discuss their stories and it helps a lot and it assures everyone about the results. I am still researching and reading about various methods but I think a decision sooner then later will be needed. Time is precious.