Reece

I have been monitoring interviews with some of the hair replicating scientists and executives and it has been "assumed" by the representatives that if and when the technology is available that it would be effective for both ht and non ht patients. I understand your timing conundrum completely, should i wait or do what I can now? There have been ever changing timelines for possible releases but at this point its really a wait and see scenario. I believe that after q1 2012 that we may see some phase one results which can be used to interpret progress. If the results seem substantiate it might entice you to hold off on a ht short term. On the other hand if we are only getting the same dime sized photos that aderans has been using at all presentations then maybe consider the previous posters advice, live in the now

For all the hair loss veterans, how does this hype compare to the last 20 years of hair loss cure research? I have just recently started receding within the last two years but it's moving fast. Every time I read about potential breakthroughs in any cures it is usually followed by a comment from someone with hair loss to the effect that we've been in the same place for the last 20 years. So are there realistic advances being made? I am beginning to realize most of the speculation and results seem to be repeat statements or small dime sized pictures of evidenced results. Are we really making progress or can these be sales presentations for investors? I would just like to know how similar these "exciting developments" compare to stories of years past and if anything has really developed. Don't want to get caught monitoring the progress of the end all cure for the next 20 years.

I just want to be sure that I am clear on a few things here. It may have been posted in this thread or another already but, it seems that this one is popular and it may receive a quicker response. A few questions/clarifications please. 1. From what I understand, this is essentially an FUE procedure BUT instead of removing the entire graft only part of it is removed and transplanted. This is how the doctor is able to preserve the donor area as the entire follicle isn't removed? 2. Follow up to question 1, is an entire follicle from the donor area required to produce a new follicle in the recipient area? Can half a follicle have the same result as a full? 3. Cost, is this on par with FUE procedures? I am not trying to take sides as I have followed the thread and see some cleverly worded contention between the believers and non-believers, but I am skeptically excited about the prospects. On one hand this is a newer procedure from a surgeon who I have heard little about, with little to go off of but a couple of results. On the other hand, if the issue of limited donor supply has potentially been resolved than this brings hope to the more advanced NW cases. Sure the proven procedures have been refined and proven to have excellent results but there is always that donor supply issue. I would like to see some more surgeons use this procedure as well as more results before I would consider going under the needle. Caveat Emptor

Well I was holding out hope that I would be following my father's hairline as we both seem to have straight fine hair, unfortunately that does not seem to be the case. I have been seeing clumps of hair in the shower after running my hands through. I notice them falling out at my desk during the day too. Its been pretty demoralizing and devastating. A month ago I was hoping that it would slow and I might be able to recreate a younger hairline, now I am doing my best to accept the fact that I may be VERY bald. It seems to have been relentless in the last 6 months overall. I don't even know what type of hair cut to ask for anymore. As vain as it may seem it has become one of the tougher times in my life. I am not sure whether to buzz it to show off the recession as I have fine-see through hair to begin with, only because there is really no going back. I am evidently not a good candidate for a HT either as I have not stabilized the loss, and have diffuse thinning throughout the vertex. I guess my only optimism rests in the hands of stem cell restoration at this point. This is my initial experience and from what I've read this "in 5 years" jargon seems to be status quo, so I am also not trying to put all my eggs in that basket. As millions of men have done before me I am sure I will figure a way to cope, but I can't believe how much it has become part of my daily regimen. Just doesn't seem fair. I know you all get a discount for X amount of posts so feel free to have at mine. Don't mean to throw a pity party but, sometimes you need somewhere to air out.

I've noticed from the results of Dr. Cooley's work that he is VERY conservative when it comes to hairlines. It is as if he will not even touch the temporal area. I am not saying this is a bad thing since his results are very consistent. The donor scars are non existent, and the yield and density seem to be excellent the first go round as well. Sorry Grease DJ I assure you I am not trying to steal your thread but Dr. Cooley seems to be the top surgeon that I am considering and I think this is a good forum seek opinions. 1. Has Dr. Cooley lowered temporal recession and if so are there results? 2. I know he only performs FUT procedures. Is he strictly FUT because of his comfort level with FUT or is it the uncertainty of results with FUE? 3. Million dollar question. Are there documented results that ACELL actually benefits the donor area/yield. I read a lot of "it seems to have...." but no control vs. test. Again Grease DJ, it looks like your going to have a good result. I am interested in your updates, keep us posted.

Thanks for the advice. Yes Troll I have just started finasteride and you are right that my issue is primarily psychological. A few of my concerns at this point are hanging on to thinning hair for too long and having it look like a train wreck. Its straight and fine so the vellous hairs would be all over the place, but I am not quite ready to go for the full shave. I appreciate all the help guys and I will keep on eye on your progress Aaron and Ahairdown. Good luck and thanks.

Thanks for the replies. Inevitably I will give it a bit more time as the recession seems to have just begun in the last year. I am just trying to do my due diligence on the industry and my options. I would also like to see some concrete evidence of success using the ACell technique as I know it is still fairly new. Why are most surgeons opposed to FUE? Yield and donor supply are the only real explanations I've read. I realize its more time consuming and takes experience to accomplish but besides that the scars are much less noticeable and most results are very similar.

I am 25 and have had temple recession (NW 2) for the last year. It has started creeping up from the temples to the front in the form of vellous hairs especially on the left side. I have been using Rogaine (2%) for the last 8 months, Saw Palmetto Extract (450 mg daily), and just started on generic Finasteride. Oh and I have fine straight dark hair. My MPB seems to follow my fathers side which is currently at an NW 3, essentially deep temple recession and some thinning throughout but, no complete baldness throughout the rest of the scalp at age 60. I've consulted with Dr. Cooley's office and as most would, they recommend the finasteride for a year to see if the MPB progresses. They also said at this point it would require 1500-1800 grafts. My questions: 1. FUE vs FUT I've done my research and I know the pros/cons behind each but, if you were fairly certain that you had the recession under control would you recommend FUE or FUT. Side note: I am currently in the military reserves and would require shorter (2 blade +fine hair) once a month. 2. Are there any surgeons out there that perform FUE and provide ACell and/or PRT as part of their procedure. I know Dr. Cooley/Hitzog offer it but use the FUT method. 3. To wait or not to wait. I know technology is advancing and we may have less invasive procedures in the future but I am in my prime NOW. The hair loss seems to be stealing my youth and life is short. 4. Lastly if anyone has pics of procedures done at an early age and the progression of MPB. I realize that one procedure is usually not gonna cut it but financially two procedures withing 2 years may not be feasible. I've attached some pics and would appreciate any answers/recommendations to any parts of my post. Sorry for the length.