zenmunk

gillenator is correct. Here are more things to consider regarding tattooing scar tissue which undoubtedly applies to strip and FUE scars to some degree as well: - It is time consuming. Depending on the individual's skin or scar texture, a single line may require two or more passes with the needle before it takes. - It can be and often is more painful than the average tattoo. Scar tissue is very sensitive since the nerve endings are closer to the "new skin" (unless the nerve ends were destroyed when the damage occurred). - Once set within the scar, black ink will stay. Colored ink can be set within the tissue; however, it may bleed or fade from the skin, and this possibility should be anticipated, but not expected. There is always a slight possibility that the black ink may blot or run beneath the tissue, but if a very fine line is used this problem can be virtually eliminated. - It may be a good idea to have a small test area done first to determine if your skin will accept the pigment before committing to a larger session. - Last but certainly not least, it is very important that the scar tissue be at least one year old before tattooing is attempted (the older the scar, the better). Destroyed tissue takes a long time to heal, so the older the scar, the better it will take the pigment. SMP for strip and FUE scars is not like the typical tattoo design applied to a different kind of scar. They are small "dots" which resemble zero guard hair, not elaborate designs with multiple colors. Also, the scars which are left after strip and FUE are controlled. They're usually better, smaller, tighter scars when done by a good doctor. Consequently, perhaps there is a better chance of success with SMP on strip/FUE scar tissue. That's just a guess, though.

Hmm... Are you approaching it from the angle of the SMP practitioner filling the white-dot scarring with a flesh colored ink which matches one's skin tone? If so, that's an interesting perspective. However, I was thinking about it more like ink that matches the color of one's hair being used to mimic the look of zero guard length hairs filling the white dots thereby "breaking up" the scars and creating the illusion of greater donor density. The white scars would still be there, but much harder to see. Found on Dr. Rassman's NHI site, here's an example of SMP in FUE white-dot scarring in the way I've described: http://www.scalpmicropigment.com/?page_id=73&album=3&gallery=25&pid=9999 It looks a little harsh, but the pics were taken immediately post-procedure, so the ink will probably soften over time. Certainly an improvement. z

To anyone: What are your thoughts regarding SMP to address FUE white-dot scarring? Thanks, z

Time, Thank you for pursuing this as aggressively as you are. I look forward to your updates. z

cdog, Whether you shave down for yourself, for the community or both, as a member of the community, I very much appreciate your willingness to document your donor scarring over time. It will be a great help to those of us contemplating FUE, and you will undoubtedly get honest feedback about your condition moving forward. I'm in agreement with those who've said your condition will improve. The scars will become less noticeable. How much less? Only time will tell. I've seen evidence of this as well. I've given some serious thought to using SMP if I get a lot of noticeable white-dot scarring post-FUE. I'd love to see more examples of how well it works. Of course, everyone mentions that SMP has only been around a short time, so no one knows the long-term results. That obviously concerns me. This is true. Any scarring needs to be protected from the sun, especially fresh scars. Failure to do so will result in the scars becoming more noticeable, perhaps permanently so. FUE patients who choose to wear their hair very short, like #1 or less on the clippers (maybe even #2 if you don't have enough density/coverage), should always use ample amounts of high SPF sunblock on their donors. z

ash1981, No effect on libido for me. z

Thanks for the video, Sean! Really appreciate all the effort you put into it. Hairline looks denser (particularly your right side) and very natural. More to come!

bonkerstonker, My family doctor (who prescribes Propecia for me) told me that the delivery method of a drug can affect how well it works. Propecia (Merck) has a specific shell which holds the finasteride. He said if I were to divide Proscar into fourths or use a generic form of Propecia to save money, I may find that they are not as effective as Merck's Propecia has been for me. Perhaps that's what happened to you. As for Whey, I've been using it on and off for a while, and I haven't noticed any hair loss during those periods. I doubt that was what caused your hair loss. Of course everyone's different, so who knows? Now, heavy lifting is another story. The jury is out about whether that contributes to hair loss, so if you were lifting heavy, that plus the generic finasteride may have done you in. If you notice continued hair loss after switching back to Merck's Propecia, then it could be that finasteride is starting to lose its effect on you. I've read on the forums that after a number of years we should expect the drug to start losing effectiveness. I hope that's not what's happening to you, but you never know. z

This may be of interest: http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/163746-those-considering-starting-finasteride-therapy.html

In 2008, newspapers and weightlifting forums were reporting about new research linking hair loss to weight lifting. According to UPI.com, researchers at Rogers Medical Group, a hair-replacement clinic in the United Kingdom, found that increased testosterone levels caused by weight-lifting can lead to balding. According to their research, women who lift weights are prone to hair loss as well. Causes of Hair Loss Heredity and genetics is one of the top causes of hair loss in men and women, according to MayoClinic.com. Other causes include inflammation and scarring of the hair follicle, which prevents new hair from growing. An autoimmune disease, such as a thyroid disorder, can cause balding as well as a shock to your system. Emotional or physical distress can cause the hair root to retreat into a resting state. Hairstyles and hair products that stress the hair follicle can damage and scar your follicles. Hormones Dr. Robert Bernstein, a professor of dermatology at Columbia University, reports that hair loss is caused by sensitivity to DHT. Testosterone converts to DHT when combined with a certain enzyme, known as 5 alpha reductase. While nutrition has been linked to balding, according to Medical News Today, there is little evidence to prove that lifting weights generates enough testosterone to be responsible for hair loss. - Source So, there seems to be some conflicting information between the Rogers Medical Group study and the opinions of Doctors Bernstein and Rawnsley. I think it comes down to the amount of evidence currently available. Apparently, there is "little evidence" at this time that weight training causes hair loss. Does anyone have further evidence (beside Rogers Medical Group) that it does? It also comes down to personal experience. I've been weight training for many years. I'm not a gym rat, but I've been pretty consistent with it over a long period of time. I have not noticed accelerated hair loss. I should point out that I am on Propecia. If I were not, then perhaps the weight training would speed up the process. Then again, it would be quite difficult, if not impossible, to determine if my hair loss would be due solely to genetics or if weight training was a contributing factor. All I can say is while on Propecia I can work out and not lose hair - food for thought. End of the day, there may be some risk involved, but what in life doesn't have risk? If one is very concerned about the weight training/hair loss connection, and Propecia is not an option or ineffective, then one must decide what's more important - a healthy physique or retaining one's hair.

Doubtful that Whey Protein raises testosterone or causes hair loss. "Whey is left over when milk coagulates and contains everything that is soluble from milk. It is a 5% solution of lactose in water, with some minerals and lactalbumin. It is removed after cheese is processed. The fat is removed and then is processed for human foods...Whey protein is the collection of globular proteins isolated from whey, a by-product of cheese manufactured from cow's milk." - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whey_protein Based on the above description, I venture to say Whey will raise testosterone or cause hair loss as much as milk or cheese. Resistance training can raise testosterone, but according to Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley, clinical associate professor of facial and plastic surgery at UCLA and director of the Rawnsley Hair Restoration Clinic: "Testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can shrink hair follicles in genetically susceptible individuals. However, because of the extended duration of hair growth cycles (three to five years), it is unlikely that this effect would be seen soon after starting a weight lifting program. In addition, weight lifting causes a transient increase in testosterone after each weight lifting session, which is not likely to have a long term effect on hair loss. "On the other hand, weight lifters taking anabolic steroids or supplements designed to increase testosterone levels could see an acceleration of normal male pattern hair loss if they are genetically predisposed. In addition, supplements containing too much vitamin A could contribute to hair loss. "So it is very unlikely that [a] weight lifting program...[contributes] to hair loss. More likely, [one's] hair has been thinning over time and [one is] beginning to notice as a critical level has been reached, usually about 50 percent, according to Rawnsley. "If [one is] very concerned, [one] may want to consider Propecia, a popular treatment for hair loss, which blocks the formation of DHT and can slow or even reverse hair loss in some cases." - Source Here's a by a guy who claims to have extensive experience with Whey. In the video, he debunks claims that Whey causes hair loss and criticizes Dr. Shapiro's shake. Gettinold - I've read in numerous places (such as here) that whey protein isolate is a superior product in terms of purity and protein content. Of course, not all isolates are created equal. It seems cold pressed, cross-flow microfiltration is better. - Source I haven't heard of the "unnatural processing" of isolate. Do you have source material for that?

Doubtful that Whey Protein raises testosterone. "Whey is left over when milk coagulates and contains everything that is soluble from milk. It is a 5% solution of lactose in water, with some minerals and lactalbumin. It is removed after cheese is processed. The fat is removed and then is processed for human foods...Whey protein is the collection of globular proteins isolated from whey, a by-product of cheese manufactured from cow's milk." - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whey_protein Based on the above description, I venture to say Whey will raise testosterone as much as milk or cheese. Resistance training can raise testosterone, but according to Dr. Jeffrey Rawnsley, clinical associate professor of facial and plastic surgery at UCLA and director of the Rawnsley Hair Restoration Clinic: "Testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can shrink hair follicles in genetically susceptible individuals. However, because of the extended duration of hair growth cycles (three to five years), it is unlikely that this effect would be seen soon after starting a weight lifting program. In addition, weight lifting causes a transient increase in testosterone after each weight lifting session, which is not likely to have a long term effect on hair loss. "On the other hand, weight lifters taking anabolic steroids or supplements designed to increase testosterone levels could see an acceleration of normal male pattern hair loss if they are genetically predisposed. In addition, supplements containing too much vitamin A could contribute to hair loss. "So it is very unlikely that [a] weight lifting program...[contributes] to hair loss. More likely, [one's] hair has been thinning over time and [one is] beginning to notice as a critical level has been reached, usually about 50 percent, according to Rawnsley. "If [one is] very concerned, [one] may want to consider Propecia, a popular treatment for hair loss, which blocks the formation of DHT and can slow or even reverse hair loss in some cases." - Source Here's a by a guy who claims to have extensive experience with Whey. In the video, he debunks claims that Whey causes hair loss and criticizes Dr. Shapiro's shake.

Coming along very well, bud! Thanks for update! Please keep 'em coming.

4johnybravo - Kudos for chilling. You'll find this community is full of experienced & knowledgeable people who just want to help. Take advantage of it, and remember you attract more bees with honey. I saw Segal interviewed on Piers Morgan recently. He is sporting a very obvious and unsightly piece. Why Steven, why?... I guess his "people" are too afraid of being booted off of the gravy train (or trolley as it were) to come clean about his appearance. The truth is always best, even if it hurts.

Been using NOW Whey Protein Isolate for the past few years for exercise purposes. Haven't noticed an increase in hair loss during that time. I do take Propecia, however. I've taken it for many years prior to starting Whey and whilst on Whey.

4johnybravo - Show some respect to this community, or go elsewhere to spew your authoritarian venom.

Bill, Retested DHEA and results are normal. The low reading from the first test probably had something to do with stress and nothing to do with finasteride. Best, Z

MGZ, I did have regrowth in my crown and mid-scalp, but it was minor. Minor was enough though since my hair loss wasn't too bad in those areas. For me, the meds have been most valuable at maintaining my hair. My doctor said sometimes the delivery method of a drug affects how effective it is. Propecia has a specific shell which holds the finasteride. He said if I were to switch to Proscar or a generic form of Propecia to save money, I may find that they are not as effective as the original Propecia has been for me. So, I'm not willing to take the chance. I have no experience with Rogaine or similar foams, so I can't comment on them. I tried it a couple times and couldn't stand the process, so I dropped it and chose to depend solely on Propecia. I know they have a synergistic effect, but I just hated how it felt on my head. Ha, sometimes people just don't read threads. Maybe try another one asking only for people to recommend online sites that sell Propecia. Also, try the search function. Z

No problem, Spex. I encourage you to get the tests done for peace of mind especially if you were planning on it anyway. Z

bonkerstonker, I kind of have a baby face, so it's hard to tell whether the meds have contributed to a more youthful appearance. I think some people have good genes regarding the appearance of aging. Maybe you're one of them. I can say, like you, that luckily I've maintained the vast majority of my hair since starting Propecia, and that makes a huge difference in itself. Z

MGZ, Your crown is not that bad. I don't think it would take that many grafts to do the job. You could probably find a doc who would transplant there if you insist. However, I would definitely give finasteride at least a year before going the HT route. You may find you won't even need a HT if you're only concerned with your crown. Sorry, I don't have before and after pics. I started Propecia over 13 years ago. I took a couple of Polaroids just before starting on meds, but have since lost them. However, I assure you that I have maintained the vast majority of my hair since then. Z

blueboy08, Your HT is a big investment. I'd recommend staying the course a bit longer (with whatever adjustments to dosage you deem necessary). See if your libido improves. If it doesn't, then you have to decide what's more important to you. I've been pretty lucky so far, but I can honestly say that if I experienced remotely serious sides, I'd be off the meds lickety-split. Nothing is more important than one's health. Z

Thanks, bonkerstonker. Actually, that DHEA problem did clear up, thankfully. I think you (and Sean) are right - stress was probably the culprit.

MGZ, With your degree of frontal hair loss, I think 2000 densely packed grafts to address ONLY your hairline would probably result in a dramatic improvement (providing you had a good doc and good yield). Of course, it would still be considered a "mature" hairline. If you want the hairline you had in high school (which is usually not a good idea), then, yeah, 2000 grafts isn't even gonna come close. When you say you've seen many post scars after two years, are you referring to FUT or FUE scars? Many people can buzz down to a #1 after FUE w/o any sign of donor scarring. Doctor/tech skill; punch size; patient healing characteristics; number of extractions; and, extraction patterns all contribute to how noticeable scarring is after FUE. Regarding your crown, docs are less inclined to invest large amounts of grafts in this area. Cloning is not here yet; donor hair is limited and must be used wisely. Not to say docs won't transplant there, but they call crowns the "black hole" of HT for a reason. You may find that finasteride does a great job at restoring much of the hair you have lost at your crown; that's where finasteride usually shines. Right, I pay regular price for Propecia. Well, actually slightly discounted, but definitely more than you're willing to spend. Z

MGZ, If your mind is made up about not getting a HT, then more power to you. However, your hair loss appears relatively minor - perhaps a Norwood III. In your case, hairline restoration would definitely not require anywhere near 20,000 grafts. I'd say more like 1500 - 2000 grafts depending on the surgeon. Post- HT, your hair wouldn't look like it was before you lost it, but 2000 grafts divided into various hair groupings which are densely packed will probably create more than just the "illusion" of density in your case. As for scarring, it's true that no HT will result in zero scarring. However, if you went to a proven coalition doctor, opted for FUE and had 2000 or less grafts, it's probable the scarring would be quite minimal. You'd likely be able to buzz your hair down to a #1 with no problems. Shaving your head bald would probably be a no-go. Although, if the smallest possible punches were used safely, and you heal exceptionally well, the scars may be almost imperceptible even bald. I wouldn't count on it, though. Also, some people are opting to get their FUE scars tattooed using scalp micropigmentation (SMP). If done correctly, SMP would effectively camouflage the scarring allowing you to buzz your hair with a zero guard. Word of caution: SMP is a relatively new procedure. It may be wise to wait until more longer-term results are in before committing to it. I get my Propecia prescriptions through my general practitioner. Don't know about websites for that purpose, but it might be safer for you to go through a doctor as well. You can follow up with periodic blood tests to make sure the meds are not hurting you. Z