Logan_P

Thanks. Last time I had a consult about 4 years ago that was the decision the Doc and I arrived at. I'm still not sure that I will go through with it, but I do notice some subtle things which I'd like the doctors opinion on. There's a good possibility that I will continue to ride things out and see how it goes. Like I said, this time of the year is ALWAYS bad for me and my hair really thins out and I freak out. Hopefully this will be like all the other years and return to it's normal look... but the point of recession HAS changed and I know that will not return. Again... just kicking the tires on a HT. Thanks for all the replies.

Thanks for the replies guys! Right now "I" think that I'd be happy with just some temporal work but I know it's not always just that simple and that I need to listen to the surgeon and see what they think. I know what I would like to see when I look in the mirror and while it doesn't look like too much to me... I know there is more to it than "just fill this area in Doc"! James, yes I still think FUE is the right choice for me at this time. I will let you know what the recommendations are for the doctors that I consult with. I can't say enough how fantastic this forum is. Dealing with hair loss and everything that goes along with it can be brutal (as you all know) and having a safe place to discuss it with people who understand what I'm going through is awesome.

Seriously starting to think it's time to do something about what's been bugging me for what seems like my entire life. I've always had fine hair and it has been slowly receding at my temples since about age 17. I'm 40 now and have been on Propecia/Minox for about 4 years and I think things are pretty stable but the temple areas still seem to be slowly creeping back. My wife says she doesn't see it, but I do and I'm sure you guys understand what I'm talking about. I was thinking of having a small area filled to restore a more gradual hairline, and possibly add a little density in the existing hairline area. I don't want anything crazy because who knows what my hair may decide to do a few years down the road. I am NOT trying to restore my high school hairline.. but honestly just keep it where it is and maybe bring it down just a little bit. Here are two pictures. First taken in a restaurant in the fall. My hair goes through a pretty nasty seasonal shed so this picture is about as good as it gets... and the lighting helps too. The second pic was taken today smack dab in the middle of my annual shed (yes it sucks!) after a haircut (clipper guard 4) in extreme bright lighting.. so this is about as bad as it gets. Anyway... I do have a consult next month and am leaning toward FUE since I do wear my hair short... always have... probably because it is so fine. Ugh. Just curious what you guys think.. Thanks! Just added this pic too which is from 5 years ago... outdoor lighting.

There are many websites similar to this one dedicated to surgeon reviews by patients for cosmetic procedures. Realself.com is one that is very popular right now and can help you see what actual patients think about their procedures and surgeons. As always the more research you can do before deciding, the better.

Agreed. If the choice is between fitness and hair - I'll choose fitness (but prefer both! ). I have been lifting since I was 14 years old (40 now) and have never noticed any difference during times when I stayed out of the gym or was going hard-core. I imagine everything we do impacts test/DHT levels in our bodies to some extent, but the benefits of training outweigh the possible downsides to me. Once you start talking about juicing, then all bets are off. I've been tempted in the past to try a cycle or two, but I never followed through primarily because of hair-loss concerns, but also health concerns. Very happy I never did. I don't really take supplements, only some whey protein post workout. I do question what manufacturers put into supplements. Personally I think there should be some oversight to the entire supplement industry so people can feel confident they are getting what the bottle says they are getting. Cliff notes - Live life and don't let your fear of hair-loss control your life anymore than it already does. I struggle with it daily too so you're not alone.

Exilis is a radio frequency device, and while I understand your suspicion.. I have seen some outstanding results with it. Will it replace traditional liposuction/smart-lipo? No, but it's not meant to. However, not everyone needs (or wants) an invasive procedure (we perform those as well). I'm not trying to convince anyone but just offering another option to consider. As always it depends on the patient and their expectations.

Care Credit is another funding option which many patients use.

Look into non-invasive options such as Exilis which not only breaks up fat which is then excreted, but it also tightens the skin. A quick google search of "Exilis neck" will show you what it's capable of. I own an Exilis machine and it can produce some excellent results on the right patient. Find a good Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and do your research.

Nice result so far! Who was your surgeon?

Congrats, great results so far!!

I'd kill to have your "ugly"...

I can't think of any real reason you have to wash your hair everyday, but it's pretty nasty if you don't IMO. But then again I have oily skin so I need to. Regarding DHT, I think that Propecia does much more than any topical shampoo which only stays on for a few minutes, but removing it topically can't hurt I suppose. I just don't expect much from it. I will say that Revita was highly recommended for other reasons besides DHT removal. If you think washing your hair makes it fall out faster, it doesn't. Here is a link to where you can buy Revita http://www.hairenergizer.com/R...a-p/dslabsrevita.htm Everyone reacts differently to meds so there is no real cutoff regarding when its time to give up hope. I also think using minox with Prop makes sense but its your call. Go shave it and be done with it for a while... it was a big relief to me.

I've been through what you are going through and I know how difficult it is. Stay the course and hope for the best. I ended up shaving my head just to take my mind off of it for a few weeks and it really helped. Here is my experience with it http://hair-restoration-info.c...66060861/m/976105333 Good luck and try not to spend too much time in the mirror looking at it. Put a hat on and get out of the house and try to keep your mind off of it. I know... easier said than done. Good luck.

Just an update that the shed appears to have stopped and my hair is filling in very nicely and quickly (knock on wood). It seems when the hair comes out of it's resting phase it does so with a fury, at least in my experience. I noticed it all seem to happen within a few days, lots of stubble in all the areas which were most effected by the shed. My wife was pretty shocked to see it all, I was relieved. Anyway, for those of you in a shed just hold on and stay the course. I know first hand just how bad it can get... trust me the whole top of my head was virtually exposed when it was at it's worst. Forgot to mention my regiment...I'm taking 1mg Propecia M-W-F and doing 5% Rogaine foam twice a day. I also use Revita shampoo which was highly recommended by Ailene at Dr. Cooleys.

Yesterday I drove down to Charlotte for my consultation with Dr. Cooley and just wanted to let everyone know how impressed I am with Ailene and Dr. Cooley. Ailene spent over an hour with me discussing my situation and treaments including everything from meds to the actual HT procedure, to the horrible Charlotte traffic. I felt very much at ease with her and Dr. Cooley and certainly understand why everyone says their office has a family atmosphere. The outcome of the consult is that Dr Cooley recommended that I continue on meds and not to even consider surgery at this point. My wife works in the plastic surgery world and when I told her this she was very impressed (and surprised). She commenting how some of the less-scrupulous surgeons she deals with would never turn down a prospective client, even if surgery might not be in there best interest. Anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know my experience and how impressed I was, and thank both of them for their time and patience.

Yesterday I drove down to Charlotte for my consultation with Dr. Cooley and just wanted to let everyone know how impressed I am with Ailene and Dr. Cooley. Ailene spent over an hour with me discussing my situation and treaments including everything from meds to the actual HT procedure, to the horrible Charlotte traffic. I felt very much at ease with her and Dr. Cooley and certainly understand why everyone says their office has a family atmosphere. The outcome of the consult is that Dr Cooley recommended that I continue on meds and not to even consider surgery at this point. My wife works in the plastic surgery world and when I told her this she was very impressed (and surprised). She commenting how some of the less-scrupulous surgeons she deals with would never turn down a prospective client, even if surgery might not be in there best interest. Anyway, I just wanted to let everyone know my experience and how impressed I was, and thank both of them for their time and patience.

Looks like its coming along nicely, congrats!

To add to Bills reply, lets hope Cap and Trade and Healthcare "reform" is also stopped. I don't have much confidence however considering the majority they enjoy. But at least Cash for Clunkers is a success! haha - sorry... I just love watching my tax dollars buy perfectly good cars only to watch them destroyed on youtube. These are the same people who want me to buy a cloth bag at the grocery store so I don't waste plastic bags... it's ridiculous! OK... enough politics.

Wow! Very natural looking result, well done!

I say if you want to shave it, do it. I just shaved my head down to a 2 today and while it was somewhat nerve-wracking, it was also empowering. In terms of your scar I'm assuming you are talking about the donor area? If it were me I'd come up with a good lie about how you got it. I'd say it came from a boating accident when I was a kid.

I sure am glad this site exists. I started experiencing what I would consider a pretty major "shed", I thought it was simply falling out but it didn't make sense as it was happening so quickly, like over the course of a few weeks. I am probably 5-6 weeks into my Propecia regiment and also started Rogain 5% foam. I sure hope you guys are right and it's just a shed... it's nerve wracking as hell and I came extremely close to just saying "F-it" and shaving my head. Glad I decided to come here and search. It also explained a strange testicular pain I had a few days ago. I don't have any "bald" spots and my hair has always been fine and receded, but normal for my age I guess (37). Recently it's gotten so thin on top that I have to assume it's related to the medications. I have a consultation with Dr. Cooley in a few weeks just to get his opinion on what if anything I should do. I could certainly live with my hairline but the thinning really freaked me out. Thanks again for all the support/info on this site!

I have to disagree with most. I am 37 years old, work out just about every day (cardio/weight training). I weigh 185 and bench 330 just to give you guys some idea of how devoted I am to my training. I eat right and simply could not get rid of my love handles, and small belly roll. After thinking it was just part of getting old, I decided to go see a plastic surgeon. He said I was the ideal candidate due to my lifestyle and amount of fat to be removed. I had liposuction done about 3 months ago and simply could not be happier. I agree that it's not a cure all but if you are active and eat right most of the time but just can't get rid of that last little bit - lipo is the way to go. Good luck with whatever you decide.