Sociallyakward

wow. 2 months is a long time. I doubt id be able to stop working out for that long, 60 miles is also a lot a week. Anyone know what the main difference is between regular exercise and weightlifting. Like why do they tell you to wait longer before lifting weights then say running. I know for FUT part of it is the scar, but grafts/recipient wise, whats the difference?

So i plan to have an FUT in the coming months. Taking a month off, I want to plan a vacation in conjunction. I plan to just relax for the first 10 days or so, until i remove the sutures. But after that I would like to do something, preferably travel some where. Obviously I want to protect my investment as much as possible and will keep it covered from the sun. But am I not allowed to do any physical activity at all? Like if i wanted to go snow boarding, hiking, site seeing, go to disney world or on a cruise or something. There would probably a good deal of sweating, i wouldnt be actually exercising but would that necessarily cause harm or affect the results? Id rather not waist my vacation time by sitting in the house if possible.

Go for FUT again even though the scar could be much worse, is that not a big gamble? I am already convinced Dr. Diep is absolutely one if not the best for African American hair. I have watched nearly every one of his videos and I am amazed. I have read ever thread on here and on real self I could find. Just not necessarily sold on his ability to produce a good FUT scar, I did see one example where the it was a fabulous scar but ive also seen others where that doesnt appear to be the case. I have reached out to a patient before but that was FUE, I will see if i can find more people to reach out to. But it'll be near impossible for me to see these doctors in person before the procedure. I did do a skype consultation with Dr. Diep. Thanks your response.

It sounds like you are referring to FUE only? Is this a recommendation for FUT? I feel like my goals are pretty realistic, Dr. Diep also pretty confident of accomplishing them. I saw a video where Dr. Diep did a norwood 6 with FUE only using 2,000 something grafts and still got some coverage. I am not sure of my density characteristics but CVG is a condition in which you have alot of extra skin. So scalp laxity should not be an issue for FUT, I am not sure about FUE I will inquire though. If i were to get say 4,000 grafts and receive a good result then lose all of my remaining non transplanted hair, that would already be enough hair. The area i need to cover I dont believe is really that big. Thank you for responding.

After months and months annnd months of research, the doctor...FUT or FUE,I know its an age old debate but for your own situation, how do/did you make the final decision and know that you made the right decision? I know most people would say get FUT until your donor is tapped then FUE to maximize donor. But i have seen so many mega FUE cases, how can that still be the case. I have been going back and forth with this in my mind for sometime now. I have done a ton of research and I know the decision is ultimately up to me but I'd really like and appreciate some help making this monumental decision. I would sincerely appreciate any opinions or advice. If that includes how you finally made your decision when you were torn. A little history, I had a scalp reduction because of a scalp condition called CVG followed by a HT of 1500 grafts in 2012. I am african american. 30 yrs old, Not on meds. Classified as norwood 4. I would like to lower the hairline, put some graftsin the crown as there is nothing there and then increase overall density. The scalp reduction reduced the thinning areas so im confident my goals are reasonable I have consulted with Dr. Diep, H&W, Dr. Bhatti and Dr. Rahal. Heavily leaning towards Dr. Diep. I have seen some amazing work from Dr. Diep. especially coverage given the number of grafts. He absolutely had the most experience with AA hair that ive seen. Knows that you need to insert the hair at a different angle, even the difference in the hairline with other ethnicities I also know he has taking some hits on his rep for post op care. And for some reason the community here doesn't seem to embrace him like H&W or Rahal (why is that?). The only thing that concerns me is hit FUT scars. As I would like to wear my hair somewhat short. That is certainly achievable now but I would be willing to grow my hair out depending on the results. I actually buzz my hair all the way on the sides and back down every time i get a haircut now (because nothing in the crown). Im sure the FUT scar noticeable, but not enough for anyone to say anything. I know the scar from 3500+ grafts could be much longer/worse? Dr. Diep's results are mostly the recipient area, I can't find too many examples of pencil thin scars. Like with Dr. Wong or Dr. Feller. The donor scars i have found kind of scare me, I don't know if its just me or not. Dr. Diep recommended 1500-2500 frontal area starting with a new lowered hairline. 1500-2000 for the crown. Said he can only do 2000 grafts by FUE at once. I dont want to make this too long but If I had to ask any questions they would be: For you all who were torn between FUT vs FUE how did you choose FUE knowing you could get almost twice the coverage and better yield for the same price? or how did you choose FUT knowing your recovery would much longer, you would have much harder time trying to conceal your HT not only for ugly ducking stage but for life? I'm not talking about in cases were it was a clear choice, but where it was a close decision. How did you weigh the benefits vs. negatives for your situation? Would you agree that i need 3500+ grafts to achieve my goals? Based on my situation should i get FUE or FUT? Since I already have scars should i just go with another FUT, try to conceal the scar for now with dermatch, toppik..etc.. then look into FUE into scar or SMP at a later date? Or Just get 2 FUE procedures a year apart at twice the cost, including FUE into scar? Even though i really need grafts in the crown. For a bit more context am able to take 2 months off from work, but not consecutively probably would have to got in for a few days then back out. I am an avid gym goer, it is very important to my life. Do you agree with my choice of doctor? Do you have anything additional to add that I may not have considered?

Yeah, I wasnt even considering a scalp reduction until Dr. Cooley brought it up. I was only was going to get 1500 to 2000 grafts, I knew at the time it wouldnt be enough to completely cover the CVG. If you are considering both i would definitely consider doing the scalp reduction first. It makes the area of hair loss smaller so you would need less grafts to cover it. If you got a HT first, im guessing you probably could lose some grafts when they remove some of the skin. I absolutely kept it from everyone, I would just wear a hat or bandanna or something. As far as taking off from work, I was in between jobs at the time so it was a perfect time to get both procedures. If you are looking for more an estimate of how long you should take off, I'd probably ask your doc. If you want a more detailed process of what I did just let me know. I did not experience any shock loss but i can definitely understand how that could happen. I always wondered does one still have shock loss if they shave their head in those areas prior? My head was shaved for the procedure, It actually made it very very uncomfortable when my hair started to grow back through the sutures because my hair is so course.

I'm a little late to this thread. But if I can offer any help or assistance I would be glad to. I'm African American I had CVG. Im not sure what caused it or when it started. It wasn't there all the way until i was an adult. Then i grew my hair out and started getting corn rows. When i cut my hair, I noticed it was there. Not sure if it was the stress of the corn rows that contributed to it but didn't think to much of it until my hair started to thin. Then it became a problem, which lead me to start doing research about hair loss. I tried a lot of different things, eventually I found this website, posted some pics and someone pointed out that I had CVG. Whether or not CVG is linked to hair loss I'm not entirely sure but I am personally convinced it is at least somewhat. Because back then I couldn't even grow a full goatee and there I was loosing my hair at an extremely fast rate. So in 2012 I had a scalp reduction followed by a FUT a month later by Dr. Cooley who is not only a recommended surgeon on this site but also happens to be a dermatologist. He did an excellent job on the scalp reduction. The scars are barely visible. My head isn't perfectly round per say but it is a hell of alot better then what CVG looks like. And as far I can tell after 4 years there are no signs of it coming back. Anyhow, if you have any questions about anything let me know. Im looking into having a second HT here really soon, probably will be posting a thread in the near future about it. but good luck!

I know I started loosing mine before at an age before my father and grandfather on my mothers side.. Given I probably did a few things to accelerate the process.. Such as having tight braids.

I read the entire thread. But I don't remember seeing a price range for this procedure. I know every case is different but what range are we talking for this kind of procedure?

Well I don't know for sure. I've heard of incision, subcision, and scalp reduction. I'm not sure if subcision or incision is guaranteed to work depending on how severe the case is. And I believe I read that scalp reduction leaves a scar. I am not sure how much these procedures would cost but I figure I might as well get the HT. Also, if I were to get a scalp reduction, I think it would make it harder to get future HT's. Right now I have this extra skin so it makes me a good candidate....I think lol. And it's always nice to hear great things about the surgeon trusting your life with. :cool:

Hi Matt and thanks for your response. Well I have already had 1 interview and I have another on Monday. After that I am not sure. You say signs of surgery will fade. Well how long do you think that would take with my hair being short and all? and/or how long would it take to be unnoticeable at least while using dermmatch? Keep in mind I plan on getting Trichophytic closure and Acell. As far as being self conscious, as long as the scar isn't blatantly obvious. With my head looking the way it looks now, there is no way I will be anymore self conscious then I already am. Well correct me if I am wrong, but for the HT I envisioned you having to pay a big down payment and then some kind of financing/payment plan after?? They are getting ready to tear down my apartment complex soon, so I will most likely move back home for a bit until my girl and I are ready to move in together. A couple months in rent, thats already a couple thousand. So financially I should be fine. Thoughts?

So here is the deal guys. I'm young by HT standards (26) and african american, I have been on and off this site about 2008. Losing your hair this early really really sucks. I refuse to go places without a hat which is messing up my life to a certain extent. Oh and I could go on and on.... My first concern was would I be able to wear my hair short with the scar and everything. But with a Trichophytic closure, Acell with Dr. Cooley, and just good care on my part im sure the scare will be barely noticable in time. Until then I figured I could just cover the scar up to some extent with Dermmatch for a while, until either A. The transplanted Hair grows out and I can grow the rest of my hair with it or B. I can get an FUE into the scar. If I had just go bald for a while I think I would be fine with that. But I found out I have a scalp condition called CVG, which makes my brain look like its coming out of my scalp. So, I really would not like to keep my hair that short in any case. And if I had to choose between plastic surgery (only opiton) to get my scalp fixed or a HT, I choose HT. Most of you guys said I should wait because I am so young. So I did, tried some hair products. I've pretty much made my mind up to do it but I'm really thinking I should've done it sooner. Nothing has changed in my hair condition. I had a work at home job, which was absolutely perfect for recovery. Now I am in between jobs, I have the money saved up, but I'm not sure now is the ideal time. Because say I get the HT tomorrow and I get called up for an interview next week. What am I supposed to do?? But at the same time its like now or never (or a while). My next job most likely won't be a remote job, and I will have to work a while to even accumulate recovery time. Which from searching looks anywhere from 2 weeks to a month. So what should I do?? Any suggestions or comments about anything at all I would appreciate.

hmmm, Ive read about placing your expectations too high. But if guys are able to cover the entire top of their head, how come you say it is too aggressive? number of grafts? or the fact that its an FUE? Im gonna start back minoxidil. But finas, dont think i can do. I've been looking at some FUE docs, and cheapest i can find is 7 per graft. not sure if i can even afford that depending on the financing options available. What about an FUT then FUE scar repair? This guy's looks incredible. http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/158137-9-month-fue-scar-repair-black-man-dr-lindsey-mclean-va.html I did some quick searching on sub and excision. You think that would really work? Have you spoken to any docs about it? Looks like mostly for acne scars. i thought the only option was a scalp reduction. Can i ask what your plan is? It seems as if a HT would cure all if you dont think CVG is causing the hairloss. If you have hair then the lines wont show right? and it seems a subsicion is relatively inexpensive compared to a HT. Like $500 or so. How come you haven't gone through with it already? Is your plan HT then subsicion or Vice Versa?

Well i just found out about this from spanker like an hour ago, thus began my research...Cant tell you how much it sucks to seemingly be losing your hair at a young age because of CVG. Then you cant shave your head because of the very same reason. I seem to have it but have never taken steroids even tho i do weight lift quite a bit. hmmm. Some celebrities that seem to have it are Biz markie and Terry cruz. But biz still has his hair. But hopefully you guys will keep posting your experiences for people to see.

Thanks for the replies guys. Spanker.. NO!!! i was not aware of that at all. THANK YOU for that information. I did a quick google search, opened up the wiki and it say hair loss may occur over time??!! Whaaat?! Im gonna do more research but i'd be delighted if you told me about your situation. Like what you did? How did you find out? is there a cure or solution? I went to a dermatologist and everything because i suspected something like that, but she just looked at me and gave me some hair loss brochures. smh.. Why do you say African Americans should go with FUE? Do you not think i have lost a lost of hair? I was on provillus for a year and a half vitamins, shampoo, and i believe it work a little. But was that not enough? Whats the difference with finasteride? and does it work on hair lines? any examples or cases such as mine where finasteride drastically improved that you could show me? i guess ill do some more research in the meantime. Thanks again.

Alright guys I've been coming to this site on and off since probably late 2007. So ive done a good amount of research. I've finally made an initial decision to make at least push for a HT. Basically I'm just really tired of hats. Really putting a damper on my life man. I'm sure many of you understand so I'm not gonna go on a rant. Let's just say I have reached the point where I have had enough. So I am now kind of just looking for guidance. So I guess I'll just sort of go through my thoughts and questions...im not expecting any one person to answer everything but please feel free to comment wherever you see fit. Keep in mind that some things i may say, I know better, just speaking out of frustration. Alright so first off, I'm am African American and looking to get a fue. I really really don't want a big scar in the back of my head. I mean who does. I want to be able to wear my hair short. However I have not been able to find many good pics of African Americans Hair translplants let alone FUEs. Any links or pics would be greatly appreciated. I kno it FUTs are widely considered to give you more coverage for your money. I guess I'm not necessarily looking for it to be extra thick or anything. I am totally fine with the "buzzed I'm not going bald look". Is that even possible to coordinate that with a surgeon??. Or I could easily just shave the sides and just have the top. I've also read that African American hair is curly so not as many grafts are needed to achieve a thicker look? So I'm thinking maybe a 1500 or 2000 grafts or so? And as far is the scarring from fue is concerned, I'm not too worried about it. I have a darker complexion so I can't see scarring being that noticeable or a problem. Plus I've seen plenty of posts where the stated they didnt notice any scarring. I reside in the state of nc. I've looked at a few surgeons recommended on this site and most of them require a consultation for a price. I'm looking for the best yet least expensive fue surgeon if at all possible? Is there a price range here? I think $10 per graft is a little much..any information would greatly be appreciated. Now hypothetically say I did decide to go with a fut. For coverage/thickness sake. How long are we talking for the scar to heal? And I know I'll never be able to shave my head completely. So, what are the chances I would at least be able to wear my hair short one day? Or would I have to rock a mini fro for the rest of eternity lol. How about how Michael Vick wears his hair? Would that be possible..I am not familiar with the 2 and 3 blades you guys say. and how long after surgery would it take to heal, where i could go in public with out people noticing? and is scar healing anything different with african americans? I believe i read something about it before but do not recall. Correct me if I'm wrong but FUTs generally go for 4-5 per graft (if there is any good surgeons for less please let me know, don't care if it's India or somewhere). But any honest feedback would be nice. But here is the thing...I am only 25...Looking at a 5A maybe. I guess is started when I was around 21 or when I had braids. Didn really notice it until after I cut my hair. I think that could have accelerated the process (traction alopecia). I already know what you guys are going to tell me. But I have put alot of thought into this over the years. You are going to probably tell me to wait. But I am young now, I feel like I should have my hair now. If this gives me 5 to 10 years then so be it. I don't really mind shaving my head when I get older but I need to be living my life to the fullest now. They'll probably have some new method by then anyway. and there is this notion (could be my frustration talking), that even after a transplant you still need to be on meds??!! Isn't that the point of a transplant. Not to have to do that anymore. I dont want, every time i go on a trip, to be worried about "oh, did i forget my freakin minoxidil and pills". I know you need to predict future hairless maybe throughout genetics and also need to stabilize it. I really don't know much about my biological father. I know he is bald now, but I know he had hair at my age. And my grandfathers on my moms side Didn go much further then I am now and he was like 78 and that is where i get most of my genetics believe it or not but i know genetics can be a tricky thing. As far as stabilizing it. I've tried every natural method I could find. I took procerin for about 3 months. Then starting taking provillus for about a year and a half. Tried biotin, protein, nioxin, hair products to make my hair healthier, etc.. I just can't see myself taking finasteride. I can not have limp dick. And it's not meant to work on the frontal hairline anyhow, which is what I desire the most. So first I'd like to see the best yet least expensive fue surgeon. I don't care if I have to travel to India or someplace as long as travel fare plus surgery doesn't cost more then it originally would..and I know someone will say price shouldn matter when selecting a good surgeon, but still have to take it into consideration. There always has to be a way to get the bang for your buck. And then as a second option FUTs. I guess answer this, if i were to get a FUT would i EVER, (with what we know now, concealers, scar FUE, etc.. and EVER being the key word) be able to wear my hair short. Say like how dwayne wade or obama has theirs?? Oh, and one more thing, if you can tell from the pics.. I have these lines in my head (another reason why i want hair), I believe that is another result from the braids because they were NOT there before, believe me! If there is any procedure to remove them, or anything i can do. Please Please let me know. and the red mark is where i prefer my hairline start. Thanks for reading if you did. Any help or guidance will greatly greatly be appreciated. Thanks. *Random sidenote questions*...Any idea why TV personalities who are balding dont get transplants? I know they have the money and the access to the best surgeons. There are a few political analysts on msnbc whos heads just look a complete mess. im just like why would you get on television like that.. also one such as tony Kornheiser from PTI, espn..Well he probably just doesn't care. But what about Mike Tirico from ESPN. and why did Joe Biden not go in for a second prodedure?.. Just curious lol.