Ok, cool, thanks for all the replies.
I do know the doctor specialized in Hair Transplantation, I don't know that what specific credentials he had, but he definitely didn't seem like a scam artist or anything. Again, his strong criticism of Follicular Transplants and his age kind of turned me off, because I've heard that the procedures done even 10 years ago are dramatically different than what's done nowadays. You're correct, he's not on this site.
I do use Minoxidil and I've been taking Propecia for about a month now. I've also tried the Crew Hair Trichnology patches and ointment, but it seemed kind of obscure so I exchanged it for Rogaine. I'm definitely thinning like crazy, and there's not like a bald spot on the crown but there should be soon if things continue to progress like they are. I have heard, however, that sometimes hair loss happens sporadically--that it could progress rapidly for several months then slow...but, that hasn't happened so far.
I personally don't even consider this "cosmetic"-- I'd almost call it reconstructive because I'm so young. It sucks. A 65 year old single woman wouldn't be deterred by a man's less than full head of hair (I think). I wouldn't mind if I started balding just a little later--maybe if I could just make it through most of my 20s, so it doesn't look so out of place beside my peer group. In that sense, I am kind of looking for a quick fix. In other words,I don't desire hair, I fear the lack of it.
Has anybody had any long-long term experience with Propecia and Rogaine. I know there's no across the board effects, but, as I'm probably in it for the long haul, I wanted to ask. Are there any studies on the effects of Propecia taken for multiple years? Has it really halted hair loss?
Also, has anyone gotten follicular transplantation surgery? How does it compare to other procedures? Did anyone have the surgery that leaves scars on the back of the head?
I don't have any pictures handy, but I googled balding and I think my hairline looks a lot like this guy's, not as thick on top, though: