michaeljames

What is the "permanent zone"? Is that in essence the area of the head where hairloss will not occur?

 

Also, any other thoughts on Mr. Franklin's NW scale? I want to grow my hair long but am worried about going bald...Currently somewhere between a NW1 or 2....But if I went to something like Franklin's I might grow it out anyway.

Hello LookingToLearn,

The permanent zone is the back and sides of the head which do not loose hair as MPB progresses. The hair follicles are genetically programmed in that resist the negative effects of DHT. This is why they are used in hair transplant surgeries. Benjamin's Franklin has pretty advanced hair loss viewing historical images. Almost the entire top of his head appears to be bald. This would easily put him at NW 5 or 6. If you believe you are an NW 1 or 2; no reason not to grow your hair long if you like it that way. I hope this helps and look forward to hearing back from you. All the Best, Michael.

Hello Boomer,

How have you progressed with the inflammation on the scalp. Did you get it resolved and how? Look forward to hearing from you, Micheal, all the best.

It's a pleasure jetfan11. Yes, you can check my blog for pre-op photos. I have attached a few more here.

 

"How did you know was shock loss recovering and not new grafts? I ask because I have little faith my new grafts will grow"

 

That's a good question and a valid one I might add.

 

I have a pretty good analysis of where the grafts were placed and some of the native hairs were weak (thin) to begin with and if plucked, they would come out easily. If you look at my pre-op photos, you can see that the hair on the left-side mid scalp region were still strong and dense, these were not touched during surgery. The techs did not shave my hair, instead they implanted grafts in between native hairs.

 

The new implanted grafts that have grown are distinguishable in that they are thicker, wavy, darker and much stronger than the weaker native hairs. But, then again I could be wrong.

 

"Did your doctor prescribe finesteride post surgery? Keep us updated and add some images if you have time."

 

No, Michael. The doctor did not mention it at all. However, at my age I would have avoided it at any cost due to potentially damaging side effects. My blog has been updated today with new photos.

Well, it looks like you are progressing nicely...and there certainly is some good improvement, congratulations. All the Best, Michael

I use hair thickening sprays and fibres.but decided to get a system from Hair4all and ended up with a load of rubbish and ?350. conned from me by Phil Osmond.

it was supposed to be a freestyle hairpiece but Ive seen better freestyle toilet brushes. avoid this company like plague

Hello Phil,

Sorry, to hear about that particularly if you have not other alternative. I can share the link of the one center I visited and who I know handle some well know A listers who you would not thins sported a system. Here it is: Los Angeles Hair Restoration and Hair Replacement | Hair Loss Solutions Los Angeles | Hair Extensions Los Angeles | Custom Hair Pieces Los Angeles All the Best, Michael

MAGMUNpi,

 

Take your time researching which option is best for you. If you visit ishrs.org (click on articles and then find the one on FUE) you will get a great deal of independent information. Then, try finding a clinic that offers both options, considering a clinic that only performs one will promote that specific option.

 

The main benefit of the FUE is if you're going to wear a tight hairstyle (whether you're a military lifer or just don't want to lose the option of a tight hair style). When it comes to transection, the higher yield will be the FUT "strip" method considering you are separating grafts under microscopes compared to the FUE method which is a blind harvest (meaning you have to guide yourself by the direction of the hair when harvesting, not allowing you to obviously see under the scalp to find the follicle). BOTH methods leave scarring....a linear scar compared to small, round scars (round, small scar all less noticeable with tight hairstyles). However, if a patient is going to need more than one surgery, FUE might create a difused look in the donor area, compared to the Strip, being performed by a skilled surgeon, leaves one line but the rest of the area is as full as when you were born.

 

Just a few thoughts....good luck in your research.

Hello GreatPelo,

You are getting some good advice here on doing your research. I would like to contribute that many patients are experiencing reduce scarring with 'Strip Method' FUT. Special methods of closing wound along with utilizing FUE and SMP post the initial surgery may make this type of surgery a good option even if one is concerned about the scarring. The top surgeons can do a lot surgically and post surgically to render the scar almost undetectable. All the Best, Michael

I am only about 10 weeks post op

Hello BoomerSooner;

I viewed your progress images on your blog. Clearly there was some type of dermatitis present. Could you tell us is if that has resolved? Clearly at the 7 week level some professional attention was required. Looking to hear from you all the best, Michael.

I am only about 10 weeks post op

Hello BoomerSooner;

I viewed your progress images on your blog. Clearly there was some type of dermatitis present. Could you tell us is if that has resolved? Clearly at the 7 week level some professional attention was required. Looking to hear from you all the best, Michael.

i remember your thread very vividly actually. but i gaurantee you, if that same individual had a private consult with a surgeon, they would not refuse him. why would they? people that look good with shaved heads have had ht's with reputable doctors before. what dors not make him a candidate for surgery? what is said publicly and what is said privately are two different things. especially considering the people whom replied to your thread were reps. those reps employers(surgeons) might have a totally different view and might operate. a dosconnect between rep and surgeon sometimes does exist especially when it is just a general inquiry.

Hello Mickey;

No doubt that probably happens and as outsiders we can never know the difference. I do know that in our offices I patients have been recommended that other alternatives are more suitable for them and others just told it was not recommended no surgery was performed.

I did however, conduct a test as I said and the results at least spoke positively for the surgeons who responded. I will try to find the thread...i will be a bit of sorting through posts. All the Best, Michael

Michaeljames has subtle(and sometimes obvious) methods of boasting about the doctor he works FOR whilst offering very little in terms of substance to the topic on hand. I for one dislike this kind of tactic and I do hope it stops.

Hello Mickey,

Yes, I am most familiar with the work at the centers in which I actually serve as a patient advocate. My biggest advice is always that the surgeons recommended here are some of the leading experts in HT. I always encourage professional evaluation and all HTN surgeons as they have been evaluated thoroughly by the providers of this forum.

My greatest concern is that at times in this forum patients take their personal experience and extrapolate that for the whole. As a patient advocate I do not shy away that this is an injustice. Each case is unique and when it comes to medical advice; then in the end a professional consult is the best option. This is not necessarily to guide people towards HT but to have them act with the best information from professionals as well as the experiential reporting of forum members.

HTN forum is invaluable and I thoroughly agree that there are surgeries that don't go well as with all things human. The bottom line is for me to direct towards help which the recommended surgeons here can provide.

The context of my comments are in that regard and anyone who reads my posts can clearly see in my signature my position and interpret the integrity of my comments. Categorically, I support all the recommended doctors because of my trust in the HTN Forum providers.

After 2 strip procedures I'm considering fue and/or BHT but would want to do a very small test before committing to smothering larger. How small a procedure could one do....100, 200.... to be able to conclude on the success or failure and what doc would do such a small procedure? Wouldn't it be a waste of time for them since the most desirable docs are the busier docs and they can fill that chair with much larger/profitable patients?

Hello AGL,

The nature of FUE is that it is a slower procedure and tedious particularly if non robotic extraction is being used. I think that many of the recommended surgeons here could take such a case if warranted. In the end it is providing the service for the patient and to meet there needs.

I always encourage professional evaluation and all HTN surgeons as they have been evaluated thoroughly by the providers of this forum.

Thanks Matt and Michael.

 

Michael. I am in Sydney Australia. Do u have a consultant here. I do not want to go down the path of hair transplant however would be willing to have a chat to him or her. I can surely say that I have shed a phenominal amount.of.hair.on the foam.but.didn't shed on the liquid. My greatest.fear.as.that this hair won't.grow.back as it was.healthy thick hair before..

 

 

Hopefully u can.see.the attachment.

Hello Peter,

We consult all over the world and have had clients from virtually every continent minus the poles. An online consult gives you access to many of the HTN's recommended doctors.

Thank you micheal. Ive decided to add protein powder to my regime for my bodybuilding program, is that going to cause any harm? I heard lot of such stories.

again, sorry for my bad english.

Hello Devilhunter;

This urban myth is still prevalent. The truth of the matter hair is actually a keratinized protein made up of a very specific building blocks of amino acids. Protein powders are supplemented to meet the increase nitrogen and amino acid demands from workout and anabolic metabolism. There is not clinical evidence relating the use of protein powders to hair loss.

Many athletes take anabolic steroids or other androgen precursors. There is some evidence that the elevated levels of testosterone can also generate more elevated levels of DHT causing the hair thinning that is experienced by body builders and other athletes.

All the Best, Michael

Is this products for hair loss or what ?

 

NIZORAL A & D Anti dandruff shampoo treats & prevents dandruff 50 ml | eBay

 

I really need help about the Nizoral shampoo, but i don't know how many versions is?

 

Thank you !

Hello Sasa,

Nizoral does not have FDA approval as of yet as a hair loss treatment product. Since it is not a drug it does not have to go that route. Many ancedotal reports from patients and some doctors proclaim its effectiveness. There are many theories on how exactly Nizoral assists in treating hair loss. Nizoral is an antifungal shampoo. It also cleanses the scalp. It also has the ability to block androgen receptors, very similar to the more potent Topical Spironolactone for Men and Women. You could experiment with it and see if you receive any benefits. Consulting a hair restoration doctor could prove more beneficial even i you are not ready for an HT. All the Best, Michael

hi everybody,

 

i have my ht scheduled soon. it will fill in my temple points.

 

however i have noticed that the rest of the top of my head is just starting to thin a little bit. still looks thick but i have been on propecia for nearly 10 years so maybe its starting to lose its efficacy.

 

i want to add minoxidil to the rest of my scalp but not the transplanted areas as they will not need any help from minoxidil. i would like to start maybe 5 days or so after my ht.

 

is there any potential downside to this? can it increase shock loss? do i have to make sure it does not drip into the transplanted temples for a while?

 

thanks

Hello JohnJohnB,

Glad you are moving forward with your hair restoration. If Propecia is no longer effective than this should be brought to the attention of your HT surgeon. Minoxidil is not typically more effective than Propecia. You are investing a lot in improving your self image get the direct help of your attending medical professional. All the Best, Michael

Thanks tow all of you who viewed these results. It is the positive changes in people's life that underscores the value of cosmetic surgery and in particularly hair restoration surgery. Let's all continue the good effort in support of the wonderful HTN recommended surgeons like Dr. Mohebi. All the Best, Michael.

Great transformation, patient must be delighted.

Thanks MPB, quite amazing results...is why we do what we do.. All the Best, Michael on behalf of Dr. Parsa Mohebi

I am just wondering whether any shock loss hair that is likely to come back after a HT, will it regrow the same rate as your transplanted hairs or both at the same time?

 

I am now at 9 weeks post HT and seems like I am seeing some regrowth of my existing hair shed, due to shock loss.

Hello Aramis69,

As you are aware shock loss occurs for many HT patients before they see their results. Hair loss during shock loss usually will return to a normal growth cycle so just be patient. Most people see things balancing out within 6 to 12 months after their HT. So hopefully no worries for you. Did your doctor prescribe finesteride post surgery? Keep us updated and add some images if you have time. All the Best, Michael

Hello again, though his hair is long in the permanent zone the full loss of hair on the top of his head would probably class him ans NW 4 to 5. This being said because could not get a good visual on the crown of the head to make it clearer. It will be interesting if any of our HT doctors chime in. All the Best, Michael

Hey, I'm not to thrilled to say the least. Here are some pics, I know there bad res but it's all I have. I posted three pics. Pre op, 6 months and 9.5 months. There has been no change since the operation, only more hair loss. Thanks.

Hello Pete;

It would be disconcerting to see no signs of growth this far after a second HT. Did you get a script for Propecia to help in the stablization and or are you currently using it to stop the loss you are experiencing in general. Again, if you are not happy with the doctors response assist upon more explanation and or get a second opinion. I hope that you will find some resolution. Better images could help one of the HT surgeons here give you some advice through an online consultation. All the Best, Michael

I never met any of Dr Umars patients but I heard of some cases of poor growth where patient spent 100K and got poor growth.

This could have been avoided by small test.

 

 

When I consulted Dr Umar he never suggested testing even though he quoted 2-3000 BHT/beard,

 

I ve seen other so called pioneers with the same issue, these cases dont end up on forums or surgeons websites

 

 

IMO FUE growth issue is white elephant in the room and performing smll test prior to large session is no brainer

Hello Again,

Dr. Umar and Dr. Mohebi are both well recommended and recognized HT surgeons. Dr. Umar serves on the committee with Dr. Mohebi. FUE is still a new enough medical procedure that has growing success. The point I am making is that the FOX Test is available and though it is not mandatory. As a patient advocate I simply suggest that those considering FUE request their physician to do the test. It provides verifiable information directly to the particular patient as to the likelihood of low levels of transection, the healing of the puncture wounds and how well the grafts may take. This is much more preferable then assuming or basing the decision on previous experience.

As I am not a physician I base my opinion on my several years working with Dr. Mohebi and observing his practice. Perhaps you could message him and get a direct response.

FUE is relatively new but it is my understanding the full distinguished members of the ISHRS FUE Committee are charged with leading the efforts of suggested research and to work towards greater efficacy of the procedure and suggestions for standardization.

All the Best, Michael

I spent around $7,200 on my first 1,775-graft HT, and about about to spend about $6,000 or so on an upcoming 1,600-ish-graft HT, so around $13,000 total for roughly 3,400-ish grafts covering the entire front of my head with a rebuilt hairline.

 

So yeah, it costs a bit more, that is a downside. Pain is nothing to me; no pain, no gain. The ugly duckling phase kind of sucks though, and will suck more the second time around because although I was pretty much bald the first time and a surgery didn't make me look much worse, this time I will be sacrificing my nice image with decent styled hair in exchange for redness, scabbing, and swelling with a big scar for several weeks. It's still worth it to me though; the pain and the price are worth the complete lack of maintenance, plus the invincibility to the elements (or the prying hands of the aforementioned strippers, should they try to run their dainty paws through my hair during a lap-dance

 

I don't want anyone to be able to call my hair "fake." I do empathize with the NW6 and NW7 guys though; if it's the only real feasible option, then rock the rug for the next decade or so - until the scientists manage to crank out some hair-cloning stem cell technology

Hello OtherSyde;

I am certainly a proponent of HT whenever a person qualifies for it as a patient. The facts are though that some people for lack of donor hair, diffused pattern balding or other reasons will not benefit from HT.

Leading hair system makers allow patients to choose hair that is natural in look and texture. I have visited them and like hair restoration the leading centers work is undetectable. HT is the most natural proven and permanent solution. But for those who just dont qualify may want to use a more advanced hair system. All the Best, Michael

Hello Mickey,

No doubt as long as there are humans involved lapses in ethics will occure and it is very unfortunate for the people who are the victims of ethical lapses of any professional and or there government 9okay so we all can digresss ) But that is why HTN is so great they do a very noble job in cosumer advocacy and it benefits many.

Let me share this. I once posted a query here for an actor friend with a link to his headshots right on IMDB.com . He was asking me if he should get HT because it might help him with certain roles. He sports a really clean shave. The response from members but also from many of the top surgeons here was 'No Way' He is a great looking guy without hair so why bother for a few roles. Now here was an opportunity to jump on a potential patient and every doctor responding said no. So, though there are the unethical...it is more thant offset by the many ethical surgeosn here on HTN.

All the Best, Michael

Hi everyone,

This is my first post here and I am hoping for some encouraging feedback however I would like honesty too.

I have receding hair line and bit of thinning on top and started Rogaine foam in December. I experienced a horrendous shed in January and was very depressed. Fortunately this hair grew back about a month or two later and is now thicker than what it was prior to treatment. Only in the past 2 weeks (3.5 -4 months after starting initial treatment) I recently had my first haircut since treatment started and I have found that my right temple is now thinning like crazy. There does seem to be new hair growing but it is blonde in colour, very thin and weak looking and almost transparent. I am a Norwood 2-3 and it’s weird that this is only occurring on one side of my temple.

1) Will this be like other sheds and I just need to ride it out?

2) Do these blonde hairs become thicker (the hair that shed was certainly thicker and more dense then what I have now)?

3) Would you recommend dying this light coloured hair to make it look more thick.

I’m still going to keep up treatment as I’m t0o scared to leave it and experience a mass shed but hoping you guys can offer advice on this.

Hello Peter,

If a person is gettign an adverse effect from any medication prescribed or over the counter they should STOP IT IMMEDIATELY! No you may get contradictory responses but I am unequivocal im this response. DON"t WAIT IT OUT that makes no sense. Consult with a dermaotogist or better and HT surgeon ... I work as a patient advocate and I dont care where you are in the world I know our medical director will consult with you throughly online at no charge. It is ludicrous to endure and adverse effect from any medication in hopes of a cosmetic advantage.

I do empathize with hair loss or I would not do the work that I do. All the Best, Michael

These pictures were taken in August. Hair was slicked back due to it being a special occasion. I'm a 22 y/o male. Am I balding? Where am I on the NW scale?

 

The next set of pix were taken in November. Hair is again slicked back

Hello LookingToLearn,

We should all have an NW scale like you. You have a perfectly normal and great looking head of hair. Come On Man! I say that tongue and cheek, stop worring and go out and party looking great. All the Best, Michael

Hello MooPooKoo,

There is a bit of confusion about the types of HT surgery and the efficacy of them. First note is that both 'Strip Method' and FUE are forms of FUT surgery. As you indicate the harvesting of donor grafts is the main variation. The facti is that FUE is a more time consuming and therefore a more costly procedure. However, those surgeons who are well skilled get good results with both forms.

The issue is if FUE is the best choice for a patient. The primary reason is will the patient have a high rate of transection (damaged follilicular units) via FUE harvesting. The surgeons skill and the patients genetic predispositon are the critcal factors here. I have the benefit of working with the Chairman of the ISHRS FUE research committee and know that FUE can give great results. Dr Mohebi a surgeon well recommended on this forum routinely performs the FOX test. There is really no reason why this test cannot be performed for all FUE patients before doing the procedure. I hope this helps, All the Best; Michael