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Hi, Does anyone know of any non surgical options in Southern Cal? I know PRP is a new (but fairly effective) procedure. Anyone had experiences with that?

So if it's the more or less the same ingredients, I'm not sure why one would be more or less potent than the other?

What's the reasoning exactly. Everything I've been readying is saying that Finasteride and Propecia are basically the exact same?

Hi I just switched from brand name Propecia to 5mg Finasteride. I cut the 5mg tabs in quarters. I was told it would be just as effective. However, I'm noticing more loss. Is this possible? All of my research said the 5mg Finastreide is pretty much identical (even when quartered) to propecia.

Here's a better comparison. I think I also used different cameras. The first is a little less than 5 months post 2nd op. The second is about 18 months post first op.

Good catch. There may have been some thinning. Also, I did move, so I think, the 2nd photo is really more the result of harsher lighting in a new bathroom. I felt like my first surgery restored my hairline, but really didn't give great coverage, hence the need for the 2nd surgery.

I don't think so really. There might have just been a little difference in the lighting. You're right I stuck with the Finasteride, so I don't see how'd there would be much of a change. Also, 5A? Are you referring to the middle pic? If you are, that's right after the 2nd surgery, so I would attributed that to some particularly vicious shock loss.

This was Dr. Leonard. Lets keep in mind that my most recent pic is after almost getting a buzz cut on the top (accidentally), so cosmetically, it's not the best look. This actually looks a little thinner than before my cut a week ago

Actually, this is better. From left to right: post op first transplant, 1 week after 2nd transplant (shock loss), 5 months after 2nd transplant

A little over 5 months in. Please see attachments for results. Let me know what everyone thinks

Can hairs transplanted in my first procedure fall out?

He did. I use propecia, but rogaine is too greasy and actually makes my hair look thinner. I'm curious, why am I at more risk for the second op. I know there's more hair, but I didn't think te hairs from my first procedure could fall out?

I'm almost 6 weeks in for my second transplant. Shock loss is pretty brutal. Is this common for a second transplant? How much worse can this get? 6-10 is a couple weeks in and 6 30 is almost 6 weeks in.

I'm 4 weeks post op. The donor area is still a little sore and pink. I know it takes months for the strip scar to heal. Is there anything I can rub on at this point to soothe the area a little? I used polysporin until I got the sutures out. Would that still help at this point?

Ya, I got ya. I'm actually 25 days post op. So I guess I'm in even better shape. That first couple of months I guess you get that buyers remorse setting in. So If some one looks at your head funny, you think it'll ruin the transplant. Thanks for the encouragement!

So basically, there's no way to disturb a graft after 8 days?? I'm just always curious about what exactly causes grafts not to grow in. The doctors always say 100% of the grafts are suppose to grow (but it seems like there are a fair amount of patients who report otherwise).

Ya, it's definitely nothing to that extent. So I was really just concerned the force of it didn't throw the grafts out of place or something like that. Ya I know that probably sounds pretty dumb, but hey, I guess were all a little paranoid one month in

Ya probably should've been taking it easy. The hot was right below the hairline. No blood, redness or swelling. Thinking I should be okay but just looking for some reassurance

Hi, I know that everyone says 25 days post op you're more or less in the clear, but I hit my head pretty bad playing rugby this weekend. At 25 days can this have any impact at all?

Understood. Then again, if I wanted to ensure no harm, i wouldn't use anything until all my hairs grew in. I'm just curious about the reasoning. Is it a question or rubbing and disrupting the grafts?

I'm curious, on what grounds would you say to wait? I waited 15 days (not by my doctor's advice) after my last procedure and there was no harm. If the transplants are in, and most other sources say you're okay at 10 days to do whatever, what's the harm? Obvously, this isn't something you'd want to do in the first week or if there are still crusts. But at 10 days, if the transplants are secure, I don't see an issue Also, I'm still thinking what's the difference between gel and rogaine. Both have alcohol and if anything, the rogaine goes directly on the grafts, and could potentially disturb them. If I wash out the gel and the grafts are still there (which I'm about 99% sure they will be) what could be the harm? I mean can alcohol from gel dry out the grafts? I guess for anyone, ya, gel can harm the hair. But how can it specifically hinder growth/development of transplants?

Hey, 10 days in. I used the Polysporing, and i have to say, it worked great. After only 3 doses, the crusts basically slid right off after my morning wash. I'd recommend going forward. Forgive my (normal) immediate post-op jitters.

On what grounds would you say to wait? I waited 15 days (not by my doctor's advice) after my last procedure and there was no harm. If the transplants are in, and most other sources say you're okay at 10 days to do whatever, what's the harm? Also, I'm still thinking what's the difference between gel and rogaine. Both have alcohol and if anything, the rogaine goes directly on the grafts, and could potentially disturb them. If I wash out the gel and the grafts are still there (which I'm about 99% sure they will be) what could be the harm? I mean can alcohol from gel dry out the grafts? I guess for anyone, ya, gel can harm the hair. But how can it specifically hinder growth/development of transplants?

2nd transplant. 10 days post op. Not too much about leonard on this site. I'd like to give some perspective. Good experience so far. If anything their post-op was a little more rigorous. They advised polysporin on the recipient area. It was messy but the crusts slid right off.

I'm10 days post-op. Everything's back to normal, sutures out, crusts gone, numbness, more or less gone. Here's a good question: When is it okay to start putting regular gel back in your hair? The consensus is, at 10 days, they're anchored. So can gel hurt at all? From what I understand, the potential issue with gel is the alcohol level. Lets keep in mind, Rogaine also has alcohol as a an ingredient. And we're actively encouraged to use that. I doubt gel could actually dry out the already secure follicles at this point. Would anyone have any insight if gel, at this point, can cause any damage?