GreaseDJ

Thanks guys, I will get in touch with the Dr first thing Monday to discuss why they recommend what you guys are saying is such low density. This is my first time doing this and thought I had researched pretty excessively, but I guess when it comes to looking at myself, my vision might get cloudy.

He said there was "fantastic donor density, good laxity" Also said that most of my units were 3s and 4s and very thick hair shafts.

Ok guys... I hear ya. But i still have the same question for you all.... I agree with Dr Cooley on the hairline design. It is exactly what I want. It is 50 square cm of space (including if we cover the forelock as though it isnt even there.) So if we keep that hairline, we are talking about density now. I have to keep asking the question: what is an appropriate density? 2000 grafts would be an average of 40 grafts per square centimeter for that hairline. Are you all really suggesting 70 grafts per square centimeter? My hair is thick shafted and corse. What I have been reading is that anything over 40-45 grafts per sq cm has yield issues and doesnt really help the "illusion" of density. Please dont get me wrong, I am very very appreciative for all the comments. I am just a little frustrated that all the responses say "2k it way too low" without answering the density question. My question is - ok if 2000 is not enough, where do we put the additional grafts? I like the hairline proposed and everything I have read says going over 40-50 grafts per sq cm is either not necessary or risky yield-wise. Does that make sense? I am overthinking this?

I will definitely talk to him about it again. When I was there for the consultation, I said I was surprised (and relieved) that it would be only 2k grafts and his response was "We don't want to take you hairline any lower and I wouldn't recommend more than 40 grafts per cm, so that is 2k grafts" What are all your thoughts on the 40 grafts per cm2? That is really the question since I am happy with the hairline he designed. It is not too young and not too old. (Like goldilocks says, Just Right :-) ) It is all about how dense it should be filled. Dr. Cooley said it would be denser near the back and density would fade down toward the front like a normal hairline. My hair is corse and thick shafted. Most of my naturally growing units are 3s and 4s. I just took another picture with my own drawing of Dr. Cooley's hairline plan just for perspective. (Now how do I get Sharpie off my forehead? :-) )

No- I did not send them those pictures. I went for an in person consultation. Dr. Cooley designed a hairline and determined that there is only 50cm2 that he would work on. It is a very small area. I think the pictures make it look bigger than it is. So I guess the big question is: is 40 grafts per cm2 acceptable? Like I said, 3500 grafts as most of you are suggesting would be 70 grafts per cm2. I am now very concerned because in my months of research, Dr Cooley seems to get very high praise for his hairlines and now it seems everyone strongly disagrees with his assessment.

Ok, now I am starting to get worried! :-) Both of you said 3500... given that it is an area of 50cm2, that would be a density of 70 grafts per cm2. Is that normal? I was researching today and found: "Coalition member Dr. Sharon Keene from Tucson, AZ showed that in “normal” men without male pattern baldness, the average follicular unit hair density at the front hairline was 51 FU/cm2 with a range of 38-78. The average density in the temple apex region (behind the recession) was around 44 FU/cm2 with a range of 25-64." That makes me think that an average of 40cm2 isnt so bad? Wow, this is confusing!!

Interesting - when I went in to the consultation I had the 3k number in my head. I decided to let Dr Cooley tell me what he thought before I said anything. He measured out the space to fill (pretending the peninsula in the center isnt even there) the hairline would arc just around the remaining peninsula and come down only about a cm. He came up with 10 cm x 5 cm. His recommendation is an average of 40 grafts per cm for a total of 2k grafts. Does that still sound too few? I was surprised the area to fill was so small- I guess I have a pointy head ;-)

Thanks Cant decide! I am on the meds. Using Minox 5% once daily and Propecia 0.5 mg Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Hello all! My name is James. I have been lurking for a while here and thought I would introduce myself. I appreciate all of the members of this forum. You have helped me more than you could imagine. I have been considering a HT since I was 18 (I am 32 now) I recently consulted with Dr. Cooley in Charlotte, NC and he recommended a 2,000 graft FUT to restore my hairline. Surgery is scheduled for July 27, 2011. Since I am only a couple hours away (in Raleigh) I told Dr. Cooley's office I would be willing to come in on short notice if there is a cancelation. (I am kinda hoping there is so I can get it over with! ) I would love feedback if anyone has comments or advice! I look forward to posting more.

You think 9,000 HTs is not experienced? At one transplant a day, that is over 35 years of experience. Hmmmm