nimrod

Thanks, When will the PFS be finished with their studies or have some results to tell us? As I have no side effects I am thinking of taking it for one more year as by then I should be in a stronger place mentally and emotionally able to cope with what could happen with respect to hair loss, or more. Are there treatments available to reduce a strip scar? and laser off transplanted hair so make more natural looking?

Hi everyone. I started losing my hair rapidly at age 17 and it caused me severe distress such that I become socially isolated and depressed, and would hardly leave the house. I then started taking Propecia at 21 after much deliberation and it worked WONDERS. Given this, I then had two hair transplants with Dr Feller who i found through Spex, one when I was 21 and another when I was 22. I am now 24 and have an amazing head of hair which has given the the confidence to completely turn my life around. I have not had noticeable side effects. I masturbate daily, normally, and am in good shape. I have anxiety etc but I think those come from other issues, no family/friends/love life/unemployed/ a physically deformity I have called Pectus Excavatum which has given me major body image issues for which I am receiving serious surgical treatment which has involved complications. However, given this new information about long term effects (which was not available when I started taking it) I wish I had never started any of this, but I was young and didn't know any better. What should I do now? I would lose everything on my head if I stopped and I have a horrible strip scar. I have also finally found my passion in life, teaching, which I am now getting into and I cannot stand at the front of the classroom with THAT on the back of my head. Since I have already been taking it for 3.5 years is there any point in stopping now? or is any potential damage done. I feel that taking it until I am 30 might be a good idea, as it would give me the confidence to get my career going so that I can make a living. I am currently unemployed. Please help, I feel so down and alone.

Hi everyone. I started losing my hair rapidly at age 17 and it caused me severe distress such that I become socially isolated and depressed, and would hardly leave the house. I then started taking Propecia at 21 after much deliberation and it worked WONDERS. Given this, I then had two hair transplants with Dr Feller who i found through Spex, one when I was 21 and another when I was 22. I am now 24 and have an amazing head of hair which has given the the confidence to completely turn my life around. I have not had noticeable side effects. I masturbate daily, normally, and am in good shape. I have anxiety etc but I think those come from other issues, no family/friends/love life/unemployed/ a physically deformity I have called Pectus Excavatum which has given me major body image issues for which I am receiving serious surgical treatment which has involved complications. However, given this new information about long term effects (which was not available when I started taking it) I wish I had never started any of this, but I was young and didn't know any better. What should I do now? I would lose everything on my head if I stopped and I have a horrible strip scar. I have also finally found my passion in life, teaching, which I am now getting into and I cannot stand at the front of the classroom with THAT on the back of my head. Since I have already been taking it for 3.5 years is there any point in stopping now? or is any potential damage done. I feel that taking it until I am 30 might be a good idea, as it would give me the confidence to get my career going so that I can make a living. I am currently unemployed. Please help, I feel so down and alone.

I always knew I would, at some stage, either want or need more HT surgery and this consideration was always a vital part of the planning process with Dr Feller for the long term and we discussed this at length. This is one of the reasons I felt so comfortable with Dr Feller, as we planned together for the long term from the very start when I first met him in person in London. But ultimately, I have responded well to meds, so I unlikely NEED a hair HT for the next 10-15 years, if at all! (obviously I've got a bit of 'hair greed' so am getting some more work done anyway, but hey, free country... and I know the process well now) I have always planned for the future from the outset and can not thank Dr Feller enough for his guidance - in addition to my own research of course. Moreover, who knows what else will also be out there for us hair loss sufferers in 15 years. I have confidence in finasteride regardless of what a few say about its effectiveness over time. I recently saw this article on Dr Bernstein's site: 10-Year Finasteride Study: First to Investigate Long-Term Effects and Safety | Bernstein Medical - Center for Hair Restoration Sorry it took me so long to update you all! Thanks for all the supportive posts, and again; I have no regrets at all, I am only planning now for the future and enjoying my hair.

Already said:

Yes I will

I do not plan to ever stop using it - I get no side effects at all. So basically, I will use it until I die or until modern civilization collapses to the point that it is no longer available.

Tacwest, I would say 10 - simply because I am content that I have done all I can. I have taken the rights meds; I have sought advice from the most experienced of people (Spex and other HT veterans on this forum). I have gone to the best of the best of surgeons (Dr Feller) based on this advice. What more can I do? I may not have the most perfect/full head of hair in the world but I have made the best of what I have. Dr Feller has pitched it just right. I have plenty to cover future loss; I have a desirable hairline and I know that my precious donor area is being utilised wisely. I feel confident that I am in very good hands; I have absolutely no regrets and I have never felt better!!

So here is my 10 month update. Overall, I think it has come out very well so far. In an ideal world I would wish it thicker because under heavy bright light or in water it looks a lot thinner than else when (for the most part, this is largely down to my fine hair). I guess that is why they call it ‘the art of illusion’. It is only when I look at my before pictures that I realise how far I have come, quite remarkable really. I am very happy with result. I going back for some tweaking towards to end of the year, to refine (a little bit of the 'hair greed' bug I think) here and there and start work on the vertex where I had some native shock loss where the original hair was weak. Just want to acknowledge Dr Feller and Spex especially for the after care they have given me. Spex has been there to help me a great deal - following up and checking in with me. A great comfort to know you are not just abandoned afterwards. I could not imagine going through HT without all the help both have provided me. See my pictures at 10 months and see the before picture too. Also, the scar is completely unnoticeable and impossible to find. I shaved my head down to a number 3 just 3 months after the operation and it was not visible at all. Thinking of shaving my head to a number 4 during summer because I like the clean cut look - so if I do, I will upload a picture in sunlight to show you guys.

August 3rd

Here are pics from month 4 (these were taken back at the end of November). Here the back and sides have been shaven down to a 3 and a little cut off the top (I did it myself to save the hassle of going to a hairdressers only 4 month post op - this explains why it looks so choppy). You may not be able to tell from the pics the left side is coming on better than the right which seems thinner, both in hair texture and amount of follicles growing, it is rather patchy on close examination, but I am told this is normal. I will hit the 6 month mark in a couple of weeks so I will update again then. I have not been on here since I wrote this review and seeing that picture of me last Feb before any treatment is just so shocking, I have come so far in 1 year and am so much happier, I use a bit of Nanogen and get by fine at the moment.

Lots of new pictures now up. Pre/post op! You will notice in Pre-op 4 what I meant when I said the rest of the hair had not assimilated with the forelock. But as I said it was has only been 6 months, not even, I started Propecia end on Feb! For me his personality was merely a bonus. His skill as a surgeon was 90% of my criteria! as 'davethehairbot' said, let the results speak for themselves! Also, if any moderators are reading this could you please amend the title of this post that appears on the main forum i.e. 'Feller Medical PC, NY' to match the title of the post that appears here i.e. 'Feller Medical, New York'. I can't seem to do it! Call me OCD but it is really pi*$*ng me off, Thanks! I also wanted to ask about staple removal, I am due to take them out this Friday! Does anyone have any tips or advice? not just for the removal itself but also after to ensure the scar heals nicely. Any special ointments or treatments etc? Thanks, guys!

Given my excellent treatment at Feller Medical I feel I owe it to everyone involved to write a short review to appraise their work as well as to help others!! Background I first noticed hair loss at age 18 and started visiting clinics when I was 20. I first went to a clinic in Harley Street, London. Before the doctor even introduced themselves to me they remarked to their partner, right in front of me, ‘awww he’s just a baby’. Young guys are even more vulnerable in this industry, not only because of the added desperation caused by the pressure of their age group but also because most of the good/’ethical’ surgeons will not think twice about operating on young guys and, of course, often with good reason. Still, what an A-HOLE, I thought, how condescending. The next day I went to meet a consultant for a large chain with operations all over the world. This guy recommended nearly 4000 FUE and told me exactly what I wanted to hear. So, for the next 6 months I was set on going with this company. It was a gut feeling that prevented me from eventually going with them (sleazy adverts and an overtly sale-sy and ostentatious ethos; WARNING: DO NOT BE SWAYED BY A FANCY BROCHUE/ADVERT/WEBSITE SHOWING SOME GUY WITH THE HAIRLINE OF A 12 YEAR OLD, this in NO WAY reflects the quality of the surgeon, it is manipulative and is that the kind of practise you want performing your surgery?!). This type of surgery was SO wrong for me (if you want to why, just ask). During this period I came across Spex, contacted him, read the book, read numerous threads on this forum and other communities (bald truth), learnt about relevant governing bodies like the IAHRS etc and got educated. Luckily, before I made any drastic mistakes. I then decided I would give Propecia (I already used Minoxidil) a shot after avoiding it for years given that it was my only hope of keeping my hair long term. I just became so depressed that my life was not worth living, so what were risking a few side effects compared to that. Luckily I reacted well with no side effects whatsoever. Attached are results after 6 months. They look better than they actually were (‘the art of illusion’) because the forelock had not assimilated with the rest of hair to the extent that it looks as though it had there, but nevertheless pretty dam good. I had since learnt of Dr. Feller’s stellar reputation through all the educational resources mentioned above. I headed for a consultation in London, May 2012 and went from there, planning a hair transplant for August (21 years of age [22 in 3 months]). In the planning stage of surgery we reached a good liberal/conservative compromise by keeping a conservative hairline but allowing for temples angles to be brought out (triangles on the side of my head). This planned for future loss and provided the appearance of a youthful hairline. I had paid for 2450 grafts but because of my excellent donor area about 2600 were harvested and transplanted in the end. I don’t actually have any post-op pictures because my camera has broken recently so I will let Dr. Feller or Spex upload pictures if they so wish. I will be happy to upload pictures of growth if anyone requests that I do so. Review I am not qualified to pass judgement on a hair transplants surgeon’s skill with great insight. All I can say is that if you do your research via reliable hair transplant veterans, governing bodies, communities and books you will see that it does not get better than Dr. Feller! He really is the best of the best (he even owns patents on many of the surgical instruments used in transplant surgery). You will find numerous, high quality, consistent and proven results as well as praise from other industry professionals whom also have stellar reputations. All I know is that I was comfortable throughout (physically with painkillers and mentally with light-hearted conversation about popular culture and with music playing throughout); my donor area has been beautifully closed and is healing nicely (only at 7 days post-surgery); I have planned for future loss; I was carefully listened to and have the hairline I wanted (in addition to layering in grafts at 1 graft per follicle at the front of the hairline a nice kind of mini zigzag effect has been created for an extra natural looking hairline) and I was taken care of pre/post surgery with clear instructions for both. As a person you will notice that Dr. Feller is tremendously respectful. His character has all the qualities of a good friend: approachable, genuine, down to earth, charismatic, intelligent, good listener, honest and thoughtful. As a hair loss sufferer himself he could emphasise well with me and would give me knowing look when I said I hated that ‘mohawk look’ and he would understand what I meant when I would reference the ‘island look’ (hairloss around the forelock). His business ethics are also a testament to his character. He could push patients to do FUE when they should in fact be using the strip method. The former would be more profitable. However, the newest method is not always the right method. The practise, which exclusively performs hair transplants, was well kept and the technicians were professional, attentive, warm and charming. I was provided with water, a free lunch and even a blanket when I was a little cold in the air conditioned surgical suite. The practise is situated within a decent neighbourhood (Great Neck, NY) and there are many hotels a short taxi ride away. I stayed at ‘The Andrew’ which I would highly recommend. I was even given a surgical rate when I mentioned Dr. Feller. If you are deliberating over doctor options for surgery the service of Spex may be something to consider. If your time at Feller Medical is the product, then Spex (who liaisons with the practise as a consultant), is, in a way, the service. Spex is a well respected independent hairloss mentor who gives advice, of any kind, to hair loss sufferers all over the world. Although Spex will assist you free of charge with whichever route you choose to take the advantage here is that he has personally had surgery with Dr. Feller and can therefore vouch for and advise you on anything you can think of. If you are an international patient, particularly if you are from the UK, he is especially useful in providing advice on travel logistics as well as the general logistics of the whole hair transplant journey. Overall he is an exceptional, long term support system who makes the process FAR less daunting and infact rather enjoyable, I found anyway. As most of you may already know, Spex is a super cool helpful guy. All these elements factored in are why I rate my Feller Medical experience as outstanding. They are a testament to Dr. Feller not just as a surgeon but also as a doctor. He ensured my welfare by taking care of all these different dimensions of my hair transplant experience, short term and long term. I would have no hesitation recommending Feller Medical and Spex to anyone considering hair restoration. I have no regrets whatsoever and will defiantly be returning again should I need another hair transplant in the future. I do realise that reviews, by definition, are critical and therefore on the whole consist of pros and cons but there really was nothing else I could ask for (short of the absurd). I did not even have to pay for the extra 150 grafts even though I offered to. Many thanks to all those involved, I am over the moon - so far!!!

Ok finally I am just trying to get the exact science completely straight in my mind: The enzyme 5AR synthesises DHT in the prostate, testes, hair follicles, and adrenal glands. Type 1 produces DHT in the adrenal glands and Type 2 in the hair follicles, testes and prostate. Therefore Type 2 5AR is needed for more than just the hair follicles. Finasteride 1mg reduces DHT by 85-90% in Type 2 5AR. This reduces the overall DHT blood serum levels by 65% - thus T2 5AR makes up roughly 2/3 of total DHT. Of the 1/3 of overall DHT left in out body, most of which is amounted from the T1 5AR which supply's the adrenal gland, also represented is a contribution from the 10% still produced from T2 5AR. So basically what I am getting at is that the DHT produced by T2 5AR supplies testes, prostate and hair follicles. And be reducing the supply by up to 90% for each will make no difference - except on the hair follicles? we can still function completely the same on 10%? Why? I read that it is becuase we have an abundance after puberty? but still, a 90% abundance seems extreme? And in the minority of cases where some cannot - coming off the drugs will restore levels back to normal? Sorry for going on I am just trying to secure reason in my mind so I don't give in to irrational thoughts!! I am going to a GP and pharmacist later this week so hopefully they will be able to answer this, but you know what its like with them! Thanks, Josh

Wow your not even on Propecia?? how come? When did you get your first HT?

I don't think its possible to know any more short of getting into the detailed biochemistry. I will make an appointment with my GP and also discuss it will a boots pharmacist to get a clearer understanding of that! (boots offer some kind of program that does tests and stuff to monitor the effects - I may just pay for the programme for the first year for comfort). I get that its long term but I don't have a choice and if the meds don't bother me which it is highly unlikely they will not, I may as well just take them ongoing. Sorry, another question to anyone viewing! I don't think this has ever been asked before from what I've seen. Forgive me, but it is rather crude!!! I have read some people get watery sperm, again the 2% and if so only temporarily. BUT here is the crude part; regardless of that does it 'change' the content of the sperm i.e. would it be noticed if getting a blow job? I'm sure most people don't taste their sperm on a regular basis (I know I never have) - but has anyone ever noticed any complaints or comments? Also how long should I give the side effects, should there be any, to subside before I call it quits?

I think I'm just going to do it. F*ck it!! life can't get much worse for me than it already is. Does starting on .5mg make a difference? Also consistency I read about MWF and every other day? Should I bother with any of this? I would assume not because if you going to react your going to react. Are there any guys (especially younger guys) that use Propecia and notice that it inhibits them keeping in good shape. By this I mean very low body fat, stable weight and size, good muscle definition and a nice natural masculine shape? (obviously people with a consistent lifestyle or fitness regiment would be a better indicator) Thanks for your comments everyone

I NOW RIGHT!!! - I keep having a back and forth mental battle in my mind about it. I am reading so much. Good and Bad, my mind is constantly changing!! This BAD for my age for sure - 21. I can almost feel the hair on my dead dying it is sensitive at the root even just to move with my hand!! But I have seen HT results that I would be ok with on NW6/7...

Sorry, just to be clear you don't think I would be I would be a candidate for a conservative HT without going on Propecia? This would be the same question as 'I have used Propecia and it has no effect and I a viable candidate for a HT? - if not I would not have a HT. Furthermore, perhaps I would be more comfortable going on Propecia if I understood better the exact Science of the process rather than just peoples personal testimonies: I am aware that there are 2 types of '5 enzyme' Type 1 and 2. Both these convert testosterone to DHT which clings to RSA in the folicies. Propecia blocks type two reducing the overall DHT level by roughly 65% (thus type 1 produced roughly 35%). This is a lot! and I am sure its responsible for more than just hair loss and is the kind of thing that can lead to Pseudohermaphroditism ! also almost complete suppression of Allopregnanolone! I am not clear! I get that many men say there experience no side effects but if I could understand why not more clearly I would have better peace of mind Perhaps you/someone could clear all this up for me? Thanks

I think I posted this in the wrong section! sorry! I don't know how to move it, perhaps an admin can Hair Restoration Questions and Answers - Forum By and for Hair Loss Patients

Hi guys, I am knew here. Although, I have explored the website thoroughly and read many, many posts. I am already in contact with Spex and have read his book! Please read the all the info on my profile/story, I explain everything there, and let me know your thoughts??? Thanks, Josh