the B spot

I posted this on another thread, by my feeling is that the doctor should place the hairlines PERIOD. That is what I paid for, and that is what I expect. I am completely fine with techs placing grafts behind the hairline or outside the extreme whorl of the crown, as they do this everyday. PCC is correct that angulation and placement is VITAL to produce the most natural hairlines. Imagine shelling out 15,000 for a tech to place your hairline? What if you don't like it? Who do you fault? The doctor or the tech? Ultimately it is the doctors responsibility to ENSURE that the HT is performed to best of HIS or HER ability. This is my opinion, but I paid a lot of money for my HT, so I wouldn't have it any other way.

Desperate for help, please, please, please, do your homework before you decide on a physician. Women in general are different cases, simply because their pattern of baldness is difficult to target at times. In addition, by virtue of your being African American, you need to be able to see DOZENS of African American before and after photos and maybe a few in person before making a choice. Also, do not limit yourself geographically when considering this, as you need a great doctor to address your concerns. I hope this helps, feel free to PM if you want.

Spidey, hang in there brother!!!! You know I lost my hair pretty early, as do many others, so you are not alone. The BEST advice I can give you at this point in your life is this: IF you are that concerned about your appearance If you cannot afford any type of continuous hairpiece treatments then....... Shave it down to a #1 and go get a tan. Work out and believe me women will NOT be focusing on your head bro.... This I know.... Remember your 19, have fun, work out, tan up, and get laid... who knows you might even forget your bald

Ataylor, I would think that FUE from your scalp donor source would be the best for you. I am not convinced that body hair anywhere near the frontal region would be a good idea. Removing 100-200 grafts would be IDEAL for a FUE session, both in effectiveness and for your pocketbook. I hope this helps!

Good Topic fella's!!! Mt Baldy-- since this forum is mostly about sharing information, most of us like to know about other clinics that are performing good surgeries. In addition to that, it is always good news when someone has a positive experience when making that scary first step. The post Gorpy is mentioning is a quite a novel approach by Dr. Konier, who is located just south of Chicago. Dr. Konier transplanted a severe NW6+ and designed a hairline that would appear natural and age appropriate. We all understand that regardless of surgeries, severely balding men will never achieve a full look, so what Dr. Konier did was restore the hairline, with the idea that a hairpiece could cover the rest of the balding areas, and the hairline could provide the hairpiece with a completely natural hairline without that "strange" hairline look that EVERY hairpiece as. I think this is a pretty viable option for those of us who suffer from severe baldness.

All, I actually know one of the patients posted on the website, he is a close personal friend of my family. His photo is from over 5 years ago, and he looks pretty good. I am not too crazy about his hairline, but I might be biased simply because I know he had the procedure done. I trust Pat to thoroughly inspect these facilities and ensure these doctors are performing up to date procedures. I think his website needs a serious overhaul and his graft numbers might be off, but I think we are all aware of that so we can give him some time on that one. Hey, at least they are his patients!!!!

100% accurate Bank!!!!

Elastic, you must keep in mind that the physiological makeup of each person is different. For example, I heal quickly and without excessive scarring, others may not. You should plan on NOT being able to shave your head again regardless of the surgical method used (FUE/Strip). If you can deal with that, then do your research and proceed, if not, then transplantation should not be an option at this time. It is a conservative approach, but one that will serve you well in this undertaking.

Ataylor, good question. I think the major issue with body hair is threefold: 1. Blending and appearance is always iffy at best. I know that body hair is supposed to take on the characteristics of scalp hair, but I have not seen many examples of this as of yet. 2. There currently is no proven method that will assure you that YOUR body hair will regrow and will continue to be immune to the effects of DHT. (even IF you do the 10-15 test grafts) This is my main concern. 3. You will be signing on for many small sessions taking from a limited donor source (unless you are a gorilla ) At this point I would recommend you consider either strip or FUE procedures, and have your surgeon transplant a FEW 15-25 body hair grafts just to give you an idea of how you will respond. Large amounts of body hair would not provide a natural looking head of hair (IMO ONLY) Of course, you could just shave down To answer the body strip question: I have come across a few guys who had 300 to 500 grafts removed via strip from the chest area. It looked extremely painful to me, personally, and not something I would consider. If I was going to do a BHT, I would opt for FUE only. So to fully answer your question, transplanting large amounts of body hair would probably not solve your problem. At this point BHT is for filler only and is most often used to thicken the crown areas only.

Spur, remember to caution yourself with regards to size of session, etc... It is probably very safe to assume that you could go with a larger session, but you may not need that at this time. There is a HUGE difference between what we desire and what we might actually need. Do not brush off a 1500-2000 graft session because if they are properly placed around your existing native hair, you can have very pleasing results. I would consult with a few doctors just to get a feel for what each says, and then make a decision. Ultimately, you need to view some patients with various degrees of density and determine what will make YOU happy, and work from there. I hope this helps

80-- like the others have stated, spend some time on the site and really catch up with what is going on in the HT industry. In addition, price and geography should NOT be real factors in determining your choice of surgeon. It is a short ride to other parts of the world where top quality doctors transform people everyday. Good Luck and happy hunting!!!

J- being a 20 year old physics student should help you deal with this logically. At 20, it is impossible to forecast your hairloss, which leaves the question of a finite donor source coupled with an unknown variable-- your future hairloss. I would follow hairbanks suggestion and try propecia and continue to do research on several doctors and in general, put your HT on the back-burner for a while. You should check out the Norwood scale just to see your type now, and check your type six months to a year from now in order to determine how quickly you are progressing. The good news is you found this site, which will help immensely. I spent most of 2 years poking around before I made my move, so you are not alone there. As far as paying for a HT, I feel cosmetic surgery should be done at a time in your life when you can comfortably sign on for 15 to 30,000 worth of surgery, but each of us differ in our approach. For myself, I refused to put my family's future in jeopardy over my hair. You have much to think about and digest, so welcome to the forum and I hope some of this helps out.

Pat, I think I am seeing a trend emerge here? A concerned patient with not so good results from India, and then a defender of Dr. A swoopes in with the answer? After not posting for some time? Look, Dr. A may be performing quality HT's, IT DOESN'T MATTER!! He acted unethically, period, and I do not understand why we have to keep going over this same issue. I am a pretty fair person, but I think it is time to shut this guy down unless he defines the nature of his relationship with his doctor. Underrepair, Pat has made his stance clear, The Coalition does not accept doctors who have to use patient results from other clinics to drum up business. Sorry, if you disagree, but to keep steering patients this guy's way looks pretty obvious at this point. Try to look at from another perspective..... 40- right to the point and right on

Good post Bank!!! I share worthy's opinion as well.

Good question Robo---- (concerning FUE) I think the general consensus about this procedure is that it is good for small "touch-up" like sessions. Now consider the cost as well, that an FUE costs at least double what a strip session costs. Of course, many say that FUE is scarless, but I beg to differ. ANY time you break the skin, scar tissue forms, period. We have heard of patients who develop a "moth-eaten" look from repeated FUE procedures, in addition to those who have little white dots all over their head when shaved down, so like any other form of surgery there are drawbacks. Another issue to consider is growth percentage. It is nearly impossible to remove hair follicles in this manner without transecting a small percentage of hair extracted. I think I read that an 80 to 85% growth rate was optimal for these sessions? (anyone know for sure help me out here)vs a much higher rate for strip. I just think at this time of you are going to move a large amount of hair in one session with OPTIMAL growth percentage, FUE doesn't even measure up. We have seen where patients harvest as many grafts as possible via strip, then use FUE to touch up hairlines/repair scars. Like everything else, FUE has its place amongst all of the various solutions to treating baldness, and when used properly seems to really work well. This is great topic Robo, and I hope this helps you whatever you decide. As far as the Trico/scarless technique, it is somewhat of a misnomer. The incision still creates scar tissue, but preparation of the wound for closure and the subsequent closure of the tissue results in hair that grows through the scar tissue, creating some small measure of density through the scar itself. What this does is creat the illusion of "no scar" but in fact one still exists, albeit VERY thin. I think if one were to shave down to a #1 or totally we would still be able to see it, but I am not sure since none of us have yet to see this carried out. I shave down to a #2 right now, 5 months after my surgery, and my scar is unoticeable.

Hey Baldy, welcome to the forum! I was a class 6, until 5 months ago, when Dr. Shapiro changed that!!!!!! I am sprouting like crazy and I now have a hairline, and some decent coverage in the front 100cm region. Once I have #2, I think the results will be amazing. You know, us 6'ers have to be carefull attacking our baldness with hairtransplantation. First and foremost we need to understand what can be done and what cannot. This falls into the realistic expectations category. I recently visited with Dr. Shapiro and we will be planning a 3500 to 4000 session in the coming months. YES!!! Anyway, maybe you can post a few pictures and keep us updated on your progress.

J69--- You need to read my post closely. In no way shape or form did I OK this doctors mistake. I called him to task for his mistake and presented him with a possible opportunity to give back to this community. Dr. Williams issue with Embarrassed1 needs to be reconciled FULLY and without delay, period. I do have a measure of appreciation for a Doctor who is willing to post on this site and admit that he performed a subpar HT on his patient AND fully compensate the patient. In addition, his response and handling of the situation goes a long way to prove that he values his reputation and his former membership in the Coalition. Nothing in my post contradicts that, and cannot be misconstrued in any other fashion. As far as my suggestion, Dr. Williams has a responsibility to attempt to re-earn the trust of the Coalition to prove that he is practicing Hairtransplantation at the highest level, so giving back in such a manner will help accomplish that. As far as putting Pat on the spot, it is up to Dr. Williams to iniate my suggestion or dismiss it totally, so Pat's involvement would be solely for the purpose of documenting and verifying the Dr.'s actions. In the future, it might be better if you read my posts thoroughly, but with that said, I understand and FULLY respect your position. I am sorry if you feel I spoke for you or anyone else in this matter, that was not my true intention. It is a manner of speaking that sometimes finds its way into writing(I am reffering to Dr. Williams response and intended compensation). 40- I don't think anyone can solve the Middle East

Dr. Williams, thank you for responding to this unfortunate happening. Given the circumstances, I think your response here will solidify what many of us think, that you are a fine physician. However, as I am sure you are fully aware, a limited supply of donor exists and these follicles are so precious, mistakes simply cannot be made, period. This is why the standards of Coalition Membership are so high! Ultimately, any mistakes by your technicians are yours; this is the nature of your chosen field. After reading your post, your words project an image of caring and responsibility, so I think we can all judge you to be an honorable man. With that said, while we wait for embarassed1's resolution to unfold in its finality, perhaps you could take on a repair patient with limited funds, in order to showcase the fine work you perform on a regular basis? I am sure Pat would be willing to assist you in this undertaking. Once again, thank you for responding in a timely fashion, and I am sure all of us here appreciate your candor and openess in this matter.

I want to know why your tissue removal followed such an irregular path? I do not think that this looks like the standard "crescent" around the back of the head employed by "top" docs. Unless there is a reason, I would wonder why yours does not follow that pattern? BTW, who is your doc?

Robo, the only problem that I see is that the BEST HT surgeons operate in the US or Canada at this point. You need to understand that you have a LIMITED supply of donor hair, regardless of what anyone tells you. I would seriously consider doing a HT in the North Western hemisphere, if I were you. As far as closure methods, I have seen only 2 or 3 clinics that are really pushing the envelope on "invisible" scars, namely, Shapiro Medical and H&W. I think Dorin and True have started this as well, but I am not sure. I think in the coming months you will see many clinics start to employ this method as the standard closure used.

Robo, the hairline itself seems safe enough, by that I mean your not lowering it too much, simply filling in the balding portions. I just have a few things for you to think about before you go through with this. 1. At 23 you have no idea, nor does anyone else, of the level of hairloss waiting for you down the road. This includes your donor supply as well. 2. 1500 FUE will make a change in your appearance, but for 14,000 US and the likelihood of future surgeries, this does not seem to warrant a HT at this time. (Also, consider that out of 1500 FUE, the regrowth percentage seems to be lower due to damage done to follicles during removal)I think some clinics may have fixed this, but I am not sure. 3. You need to consult with at LEAST 2 more clinics on both strip and FUE procedures simply to educate yourself, and get a better idea of what you are facing. 4 Since you are 23, I would suggest you talk this over with someone you can trust to tell you their opinion, and not necessarily what you want to hear. It is always your decison in the end, but if you answer some of these questions, it will go a long way towards making your decision somewhat easier and more informed. I hope this helps buddy, and feel free to ask as many questions as you need to.

What a great topic!!!!!! My fiancee was the best!!!! I had met her when I was bald, so she dug the Mr. Clean me. Since I made the decision to pull the trigger, she was cool with it. I didn't really consult her or anything, just let her know I was thinking about it, etc... Anyway, when we went to Minnesota to Dr. Shapiro's office, her and my kids took off for Mall of America (along with my Brother and his girlfriend)--- needless to say they are fine with any additional surgeries Imagine a 3100 graft session on a Friday, you've been at the clinic for 10 hours, your brother picks you up, and then everyone wants to talk about their exciting day!!!!! I spent Sat and Sunday laying in bed while everyone else went out and had fun Anyway once we got home, I got the presidential treatment complete with back rubs!!!!! She really made the process a lot easier to go through...

Sorry Alan--- your only option is to try a DHT inhibitor as hairbank suggested. At 19, your first order of business would be see a dermatologist, and possibly get a prescription for Propecia. At 19, it is virutally impossible to see any male pattern baldness emerging, so even thinking about a HT is out of the question. Let's look at some positives though-- you found this site, and if you monitor long enough you should pick up some good advice and knowledge. In addition, you might be able to use this knowledge and prevent a friend from making a mistake. Alan, I went bald at 25 years old, a NW6--- I waited 4 1/2 years after that before I had my first of probably THREE surgeries. More than likely, the financial side of hairtransplantation is a strain for most guys in their 20's as well. Anyway, welcome to the forum, feel free to ask as many questions as you need to in order to settle this issue in your own head.

Troy, that is funny as hell!!!!! Of course you realize that we can be accused of being metro-sexual now, right?

Pat-thanks for bumping this to the front of the pack Mud, great response and question. However, I think at this point is a little early to question pricing at any clinic. Calling around a bit will show anyone that clinics are more than willing to work with you on pricing, etc.. (I do understand what you mean though) I think the first move would be to determine how much HAIR is actually being moved versus graft count. Since the industry seems to be moving to 3-4000 graft session as the norm instead of the exception, this is a valid first step. With this patient of Dr. Dorin's moving over 9000 hairs with 4000 grafts, it has raised some interesting questions with regards to graft counts vs hair moved. For instance, if another patient has a 5100 graft session yet he only has 8500 hairs moved, which session produced the greater outcome? I think we get caught up in the "sexiness" of graft counts but we need to somehow quantify the overall outcome, period. Again, if we go back 8-10 years ago when Dr.'s began doing 1500 to 2500 sessions, other clinics that were doing 500 to 800 were slow to change, and had reservations. I think we are in this same period yet again. While I think that 6 to 7000 graft session are great, I think we are seeing a shift to 3-4000 grafts as a starting point for patients as opposed to 2000 to 2500. Now that we are looking at these sessions from another perspective, we as patients can begin to educate ourselves, and make informed, fiscally responsible decisions regarding hairtransplantation. My personal opinion is that 30- 2 hair grafts in the same square centimeter is the same as packing 60 singles, period, and may actually look more natural. Just my opinion, but saying a density of 60 fu's per is much more exciting than 30. Anyway, it is a must that we keep an open mind and a clear head as we sort through all of this information, and more data is presented. I can say this--- it is an exciting time for us as bald men because never before in HT history has so much hair been moved with such small scars, producing such natural results in a short period of time.