Sean

I agree with everything Hairthere says, DO NOT GO TO SOME UNKNOWN DOC BECAUSE HE OR SHE IS CHEAP. Bosley offers low rates too but the quality can ruin you rather then help you. Don't fall for those dollar a graft deals by some clinics either because you don't want to risk a subpar result on your head or possible DAMAGE to your head due to lower prices. There are many experienced hair loss members on this forum that can tell you their stories when they took that route and how they went to recommended docs to fix the situation. Better to be safe then sorry, so do your research on the quality of work by the clinic, and even try to meet with patients before you make your move. Best of luck to you.

I don't know of many doctors that may cater to your request and goals for that amount on this side of the globe, however, that is not to say it is not possible internationally. There are other surgeons recommended on this FORUM that can cater to your needs but you may have to book a ticket to get a better price. Meaning, say if you spend $1,000 on an advanced airline ticket round trip booking & $200 hotel and then $200 on food. Let's just say $1500 to $2000 total on travel and other associated costs. Then you take your $3,000 FOR HAIR TRANSPLANT overseas to some doctors on this forum that can provide you lower rates. In the long run, they are able to cover more for your money for your Norwood 4 scalp, but you have to absorb the $1500 to 2000 estimated travel costs, and these doctors will maybe reduce your transplant cost more since you travelled from outside the country. You can only find out once you talk to them. Hint: Dr. Madhu in India, Dr. Mohmand in Pakistan, Some Doctors in TURKEY, Some doctors in Thailand. Many people from the U.S. have gone and gotten their surgeries done successfully in foreign countries. Some people aren't, but if you are comfortable with exploring the globe/ comfortable with diversity then it wont be an issue. Besides, everywhere around the globe people are able to speak English on top of other languages. So, communication isn't such a big barrier. Some people take these routes to pay for expensive procedures at great prices overseas. I don't blame them. If you don't have the funds and want to get covered, that is a good route to take. Otherwise, you can pay through loans and get procedures done at higher costs if you are able to do so in New York or other areas. Due to higher real estate costs, higher insurance costs, higher wages to pay techs, amongst other things in North America, surgeons really can't give cheaper deals, unless they decide to do so in good faith if they choose. So, YES there is a possiblity to save money with REPUTABLE surgeons INTERNATIONALLY due to various factors. They can give you NICE COVERAGE for that amount. It doesn't hurt to give them a call and discuss this further with them. That is your option if you are on a very tight budget and don't want to risk interest rates on loans and etc. Why don't you send emails for multiple price quotes and compare what 10-15 surgeons have to say. KEEP IN MIND, if you pay off a loan quicker they will charge you a pre payment penalty and also, those 0% interest free loans, if you accidently for whatever reason miss a payment, then you agree to pay high rates around 29% interest rate and you are screwed for the remainder of the loan. They look for ways to screw you over. I know a couple of people that have gone through that garbage. You wont be able to get decent coverage in the North America region for that amount of money unless a doctor is willing to work with you. I concur 750 grafts or so is about right, but DEFINITELY not the amount you will need to cover Norwood 4. Internationally, you may be able to get 2500-3000 grafts or so including travel discounts deducted to your procedure. BIG difference financially, but it may be something to think about if you really want a transplant and you are on a very tight budget. Otherwise, you can save up or get a loan and get a procedure done here. Why don't you email all those 4 surgeons and get a quote from each of them on how much they will charge you for FUE for your needs. If you want to get it done in NYC, then the best price is your best bet and you need to find a way to financially pay for it if you really want a transplant. Hairthere just mentioned Dr. Feller offering lower price in NY? Maybe you can talk to him if he is offering the lowest rate in NY? Good Luck with everything.

Capelli, take a look into the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. I just saw the commercial on tv. The card claims to have no foreign transaction fees & currently offers 50,000 rewards point bonus if you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. It does have a $95 annual fee, but that is waived the first year. So, you can call them up and find out about it. Good Luck.

Lookin really good for 7 months. Nice, man just a few more months to go. But it is looking really good right now. Filling in nicely. Congrats!

Toppik is a LIFE SAVER. If it wasn't for toppik, I would not have even felt comfortable stepping outside without a cap on. I think if you use it, grab the pump so it helps disperse it on your scalp evenly. It's available on ebay. It's an add on attachment to help spray your toppik on evenly. I was able to create artificial temples too with the pump attachment. I got really good at it. As for rain, yea, rainy days may make it drip down depending on HOW MUCH you cake on your scalp, even heavy sweat can possibly discolor it on sunny days. However, toppik does have a special spray you buy separately, that you spray on top of the fibers to have them stick to your skin, so they don't go crazy when it pours and lasts longer. Obviously, when it pours outside, i'd be under an umbrella, and if you are you shouldn't face any issues. Give it a shot, it will help relieve some of your worries until you reach full growth. Good luck.

Corv, I have used both shampoos you mentioned, Revita and Nizoral. Nizoral has helped me more when I did use it as it reduces oily skin, sebum, acne on my scalp (inflammation). For me it was a good shampoo to use because I sometimes have oily skin, and excessive oils tend to make hair look thinner as it weighs the hair down on the scalp. As for Revita, it did help, but it kind of gave me a very mild soft oily hair feeling and shiny forehead. Revita does have a nice smell to it, better than nizoral IMO. But that doesn't mean Nizoral smells bad, it is decent like other shampoos. I feel Nizoral is more effective as a treatment then Revita. I used the 2% Monday Wednesday Friday. Right now I am off both these shampoos as I just got a transplant and these shampoos may be too strong for me to use right about now. I'd wait another month to consider them again, in the mean time I am sticking to baby shampoo. I did notice a very very minimal shed when I first used Nizoral, but it did recover really quick. I have seen people mention the shed to be mild if anything when initially using Nizoral, but hair does recover. Most people do not have or see a shed at all. I felt that my hair got a little stronger using the shampoo. I wouldn't say I saw new hair growth from it. The hair looked stronger too in texture. This is before I used propecia. When I incorporated propecia, hairs started appearing and miniturized hairs seemed a lot stronger too. When I go back to using the shampoo, i'll report my findings with the transplant. I just started Rogaine 3 days ago as well, today being my third day. I will clear it with the doctor when i can return to using Nizoral and regular shampoos and then report back the response with transplant. But I feel, if you haven't used it before, take it slow. Try it one day a week, and then build it up to 2 or 3 days a week. To see if you are able to handle it and if it suits your skin. Nizoral is the real deal, while Revita which also includes ketocanazole but is mixed with other things such as emu oil and etc. If you have somewhat of oily skin, even the slightest, stick to Nizoral alone, rather then Revita. If you want, you can mix and match the shampoos too to test it yourself. Revita does make your hair feel soft.

I also went to Bosley for a consult a while back, then really got worried when I saw my uncle's strip scars from them. He got a procedure done with these guys and they gave him a nasty scar in the back, he went back worried, they said they will fix it, then he got another procedure with another long scar with their special discount. He went again and couldn't get in touch with the doctors that worked on him because Bosley said they left or retired and he kept trying to get answers. He's got two scars now and when he shaves even with a clip 3,4,5,etc it looks like he has a mouth at the back of his head. I WOULD AVOID THIS COMPANY AT ALL COSTS. The only thing they are good at is ruining your scalp, emotional trauma, and possibly making patients commit suicide. Seriously, they have scarred my uncle emotionally and completely messed him up in the head. He has to make excuses to people that ask about his scars saying they are from car accidents or something. Totally screwed that guy up. I am against this company and anything they sell. They even called me on the phone to get a procedure done and all I could do was tell them to leave me alone with a lot of cursing on the phone and explain the reason was what they have done to my uncle and a lot of other people by making their lives miserable. I don't care if they claim they have better doctors or whatever, to me it is all lies and marketing gimmicks. This company's name should not even be mentioned at any hair loss forum, it should be a taboo. I can never forgive this company for what they have done to my uncle and to other people going through serious emotional trauma.

I had a chance to check them out. I can see it better now. I was checking out how the grafts were placed and in what areas. Hang in there, as others have said, wait it out and then make a conclusion. Try not to think about it too much. I know what you mean with the Rahal patient. Double the grafts and that was a hell of a result. I think most people would go crazy for that type of result. From what I gather, you were willing to get more grafts to meet your goals but 1500 is what was given and you thought it was gonna do the trick basically and you realized you may need a second procedure but not this soon possibly due to the lack of growth you see so far. I know you don't want a second procedure, but at some point in time in the future you may have to. I may have to get another one too, but i sure don't expect one anytime soon. Maybe years ahead since I want to focus on my career. I don't know yet, only time can tell if I lose hairs in other areas, who knows. I do, however, expect my frontal result to be solid though, due to the number of grafts I got and my goals. That is because I addressed my goals in detail and said I want my frontal section done this way as I was worried about my forehead/frontal recession and etc. I planned my transplant carefully by analyzing a lot of things. Family history, showed hairlines of other patients I liked, addressed goals in very lengthy writeups/emails and etc. I got numerous quotes from various surgeons, people quoting me from 2500 to 3500 grafts. I can completely understand what you are going through right about now and I hear your concerns, but again, try not to think about it until the next couple months. You have to wait it out until the day of final growth to come to a solid conclusion regarding your results. Your pictures in your album are very helpful, however, again I would suggest you put those photos next to your other photos because some people do not know they exist in your album. This way people can see the work and compare it too. It gives a good idea of the work done. Hopefully, it reaches your goals in the months ahead.

Should definitely write a letter to Merck if propecia is the cause. I don't think it is listed as a side effect on their website either. I agree with David. Can't rule out the possibility that this may be the cause of propecia. We don't know that yet. I guess after blood tests, it may help confirm it? What are the symptoms of Retinal Thrombosis? I should have myself checked out as well.

Hang in there man. Anything can happen between now and the 12 month mark. Everyone grows differently, some quicker then others. Sometimes medicines also react differently in people, some people respond well to Rogaine or propecia, some don't have much of a growth, some just can't take the meds. I can clearly see your frustration too. Remember that 7 month patient I think your talking about, had twice the number of grafts done than you did. If it's the right one I am thinking about, the 3200+ graft strip one. I had 3000+grafts for my area. I don't know how it will turn out yet, but i am very optimistic the next 12 months. I am taking medications, finisteride and rogaine too. I just started Rogaine today after I cleared it with the patient representative at Dr. Rahal's office if it was safe for me to do so. At this point, the hair does look thin, but that can change, give it the full 12 months. I really feel if you discussed your outcome/goal with your doctor and if you do not get that result, you should clearly sit down and discuss this with him. I am sure if the doctor is a reputable one and a top doctor, they will rather make you happy then to see you sad. You trusted them and most doctors are critical of their work that they wont rest until they do a good job and make sure the patient is happy. Obviously, I am sure many people are looking at your photos and following your case closely. Do you have any pre-op photos, immediate post op photos as well you can post ? To see the work, placement, area worked on? You should post all that stuff next to these pics, it helps when looking at the 1500 grafts and where they were placed.

Bonker, you got 5300 grafts done. That is a lot. You weren't even that high of a norwood for that many grafts done, for that many grafts you are expecting a big change and I would expect that too. Some people on higher norwoods get that many grafts or more depending on their goals. Obviously, that change will come as you went to a very respected doctor. Judging from your pictures you can see some growth, but it's at like 6 months. You got 6 more to go to see pretty much the final result. A lot of things can happen between now and the next 6 months. There should be a substantial difference by then. So, hang in there. I'll be following your progress. Good luck on the scar issue too, hope that resolves in time.

That's not that many hairs for strong density I think. But I could be wrong? I think you should have had more than that since that is just 2678 hairs. Take a look at other results by calculating their grafts by the number of hairs and add them up to see if the result is similar to yours in the front. I wouldn't lose hope yet though, let it hit that 12 month mark. Things can change. Good Luck.

I think 15,525 HAIRS is a record, especially, being done in 1 session. I have never heard of this before and I have been researching a lot. I haven't seen that many cases where that many grafts were done in just one session either. Some surgeons who do these large cases have done 2 sessions to do this. But that hair count has to be some record. So far, I have calculated a few cases with large megasessions and I have not seen that hair count number yet.

Congrats Capelli!

I had my head shaved prior to my transplant at my own will. It made things a lot easier for me as well, especially when it came to post op instructions. I really wanted to take care of the donor area, by leaving hair longer, it would have made it impossible. I can see an experienced surgeon not having issue with shave or no shave, but I think it makes it a lot easier, since, there is a possibility of shock loss when working near native hairs. It helps any doctor see the area better, and it's better not to take any chances when you are paying a lot of money for a transplant. So, I'd say shave and not take the risk. It's better not to take any chances on this. Helps you keep the area a lot cleaner. That is really important. Here, check out my pictures both at Preop and then when I had it shaved for the procedure. http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/162401-my-fue-dr-rahal-3000-grafts-large-procedure.html Go to the "My Hair Loss Website link" at the bottom of my post to see the pics and also check out page 5 of my thread for larger post op photos.

One hell of a result for only 7 months. Is he also taking anything? Rogaine or Propecia? That is a jaw dropping result. Amazing. He's the same age as me and got around the same area worked on and basically almost around the same number of grafts, all done also by Dr. Rahal. Makes me feel good seeing this as his hair style is similar to the one I want.

You say you are 22. I would not look into hair surgical restoration until you are at like 29 or 30 and if you need it. Right now, I would focus on preserving hairs. You can talk to your doctor about rogaine and propecia, but really right now your crown looks solid. I can agree with everyone else with the frontal temporal areas where it may just very well be a maturing hairline. If it is recession, it is at its initial start, but we don't know that yet. Ask a doctor, and see if you can get on rogaine or something or propecia. Good Luck.

I don't think fakeplsctrees is laying blame on the doctor. He has been very careful and thoughtful. I can understand him wishing for better density. I really think 1500 grafts do not have an enormous impact on density especially if the frontal third is covered. If this guy went in for surgery, requesting to be treated to have a dense mature hairline, as that was his goal, then he should have received it. We do not know if it will get any better because lets face it, he still has to hit the 12 month mark to see how the hair transplant matures. If he is satisfied by then and is a late grower then that is good, no harm done, he didn't mention the doctor. If he isn't satisfied, I'd suggest he contact the clinic and tell them of his concerns. If nothing works, then come back and report the findings. I think that's a good way to pursue this and he is being very careful not to jump the gun. Hair transplantation isn't a joke. It is a big hassle, time off, post operative care, sleeping in a recliner for a week or so. It's a pain in the ass and obviously if you want it done right, you want it done right the first time. I would feel the same if I am not pleased and fakeplsctress has every right to talk about his concerns on this site to get feedback/advice/and thoughts on the matter and to educate others of the situation. He's doing the right thing. I stand behind him because he really is taking a professional approach to the matter. I can clearly see his concerns. Good Luck fakeplsctrees and do keep us all posted with your progress in the months ahead. Do you have a detailed breakdown of your grafts by any chance? How many ones / twos/ threes / fours used? This will also help determine what kind of grafts were used in the front.

Im doin good man. Just waiting for all scabs to completely fall off before I start Rogaine, but everything is looking good. Looks like things are going well for you too. Hope the scar area pain is now gone and that after the stitches are removed you do not have any issue. Just reviewed your pics, looks good. Happy Growing and good luck.

Very nice find. Another thing to add to my list to research and follow. Thanks!

You still have months to grow. I'd wait a full year before making a solid assessment. However, from what I am seeing right now. I'd say you should go for more density. What are your own goals? do you want to keep the hairline where it is and fill in with density or to lower it and or to incorporate some temporal work. Based on what you want, that will determine the number of grafts you need for further procedures. Based on what I am seeing today, I'd say you need a second pass to fill in the thinning areas if you have the donor supply to do it. I think there should be more of a balance as well with the hairline and the corners.

DISpHAIR, first off, thank you for the kind words. I appreciate it. I completely understand where you are coming from and what you are saying. I do agree with you. Your Casino example is a great example. But that's the reality of the situation, politics + government + lobbyists, play a big role when it comes to such decisions. When it comes to making money, online poker is harder to control as you can gamble at offshore online casinos, eliminating various factors such as avoiding taxation on winnings. That's one of the reasons they made it illegal, it does not benefit the country, yet is a threat to the government due to loss of income for the government and businesses within the United States. There's so many things banned or illegal due to the loss of income a government, big business, and etc can make inside the United States. In the end it is about making money at the cost of tax payers to keep the economy going by creating jobs, consumer spending, and etc. I'd say causes of government bureaucracy within the U.S.. Other nations, well they are able and willing to go for new technologies and online casinos, because the United States has control over big business. Our pharmacies make the medications and are distributed throughout the globe, our technologies are spread throughout, etc., we are making money at the cost of others in other countries. This is what makes other nations go for new ideas and innovations. Simply put, effects of Globalization. I can keep going, there are so many examples. Lets hope there is no interference in this technology and it passes. I know drug companies and other parties that will be negatively affected by this technology can and will use anything in their power to sway politicians and others to go against it. So, it can go either way. I am 50/50 on it. It is a unique situation indeed. By the way, your timeline is about right. It took me one year to decide on a hair transplant and who to go with. Prior to that I was just waiting for better technologies and smaller punch sizes for FUE. So, waiting did help me, along with research. It turned out I was a great candidate for FUE and things went well in my favor during surgery. The extractions were made without any issue. Blake, thanks for the comments. I do agree with you as well. We don't know how long the clinical trials will last. Phase III can last forever, we don't know. There is uncertainty. I obviously could not wait any longer and got a transplant. Now, if this becomes a reality in the future, I may not get another transplant and go for this treatment. But we don't know that yet. I agree with you that forum members must consider all options available on the table today and not to just rely on this as the answer, as we do not know what direction this will be headed. This has been a good discussion. I still say I am 50/50 on this. It can go either way, but we must make the best with what we have today, since the future is unknown.

I understand your concerns as it was similar to mine. I don't think there are prices listed openly here, but you can try the doctor's websites. Some doctors openly display their prices, while some you get the prices with your consultation/quotes. Your financial concerns are very valid. There are some people that pay more for better quality, while there are some that pay less for the same or better quality. Obviously, not all cheap/affordable surgeries end up in failure. I understand there are some surgeons that might be hidden gems and offer a great price and get great results, but there are some that can also offer a cheap price and give you a bad transplant. The only way to find out is to talk with several hair restoration clinics, explain your situation, see their results, see the deal they give, see if they can negotiate, see if there is a 0 interest payment plan, ask what options are available on the table when it comes to payment and payment terms. Clinics are competitive, why wouldn't they be. You got one quote given by someone and you ask another clinic if they can match it. If it is feasible for a clinic and they can make a profit, they'll go for it. Obviously, it has to be within the reasonable limits for that clinic to make a profit, pay employees, insurance, other bills, and etc. A doctor in Thailand has less costs to worry about due to the economy/cost of living in that region, as compared to a doctor that is in the United States or Canada. The cost of living factor plays a big role. There are just so many factors, but in the end it's who you feel comfortable with and who you feel can get the job done. This can only be done with extensive research, evaluation of patient results, and any other information pertaining to your level of hair loss. I'd really begin the process by going through multiple hair consultations. If those consultations are free, that's even better. This way you can get quotes and ask payment questions. Cross off clinics that you feel uncomfortable with, and highlight ones that match your interests. In the end, see if you can work something out with the doctors. Some doctors are flexible, but it depends on the situation, the type of surgery, and the number of grafts, etc other factors. Good Luck.

The lighter hair colors do help with illusion of density. Either grey or light brown. I've been seeing grey becoming more and more popular though. Anderson Cooper is probably the reason behind it. The ladies now love it, a couple of my female friends tell me how they sweat that man and his hair. I guess some people it actually looks good on with short hair. Just cause of those comments, I might keep my hair white/grey as I get older, seems like it's in demand. But if it suits you, then go for it. I'll be looking forward to your progress/updates. Again, good luck.

This is my opinion. This is a very promising treatment. I am looking at the company through a financial perspective as well as one based on their research. Their stock prices have skyrocketed and I only imagine it to go higher. This is because the hair industry is not a billion dollar industry, but one in trillions. You got rogaine, you got supplements, you got propecia, you got devices like laser combs, you got shampoos and other hair creams, transplants, and etc, you got so many things in the market for hairloss making big bucks for big companies and businesses (both big and small). From a business perspective, i'd say this is a "New Entry" and a threat to all of the above if it succeeds. Depending on how successful it is. Only time can tell. They are actually using humans in their trials. They have made videos about the technology and routes they plan on utilizing for hair regrowth/regeneration/replication. I understand some people fearing transplant might want to wait for this, but it is true, do with what you have now because who knows when this will be approved and if it is approved. I am sure the doctors working with the FDA that have approval authority might have bias and shut this thing down because this may eliminate so many jobs and products making big bucks for an economy. Yes, lobbyists and government has power and can influence the FDA. So, you never know. As of right now, I'd say it is a good investment to look into this research and follow up on it. I wouldn't keep an eye off this and I think doctors should not keep an eye off this. This can make or break a business if it happens. Like I said, only time can tell if it is approved and if FDA allows it. The best way to keep up with the business is to keep up with the new technologies and to get information on how doctors can work with this company if it hits big. I must say though, as a guy that loves stocks and investments, the company's current OTC stock price of around $2 is ideal as an investment and that is my opinion, not to be taken seriously unless you do your own due diligence, research. IMO, it can turn around and be well over $10 one day if this succeeds. So, I wouldn't drop hope in this nor would I have too high of a hope in this. I'd say 50/50, you don't know which way it's gonna go. It's something definitely to watch out for though. But do what you can right now and don't waste years waiting for this. I know I wouldn't or couldn't because I am 29 now, I want to live the next 20-30 years stress free of hair worries, and then do what I gotta do later to maintain it if necessary.