michaeljames

Hello big willy,

Minoxidil is know for some drawbacks as you described in some instances. Do you have any contraindications for finesteride (Propecia) have you talked to your HT doctor about it. Regarding percentage of grafts that survive and thrive after surgery it is of course particular to the patients well being and the skill of the HT surgeon and their team. As a rule our threshold is maximum 10% which would in most patient's not be noticeble. We typically give extra grafts if available from the donor hair once our numbers are met. Check again with your HT physcian and discuss why minoxidil and the effects longer term for you. All the Best, Michael

Hi folks,

 

 

I'm booked in for a 3000 graft FUE hair transplant with Dr De Reys in Belgium in about 5 weeks time.

 

 

I've got a fair bit of diffuse thinning as well as a lot of loss in the crown and temple region. Photos are attached.

 

 

I plan on getting a temporary SMP procedure later in the year, as I know a hair transplant alone will unlikely give me my desired look of density.

 

This is what Dr Reys has proposed at this stage in regards to the 3000 graft placement:

 

1) Hairline : made with single-hair grafts, we make 2 rows, a little bit zig-zag as in the natural situation, at about 60/cm2 density; for 2 rows, we need 500 single grafts; lowering the hairline with 1 cm, Behind the hairline, with double- and triple-hair grafts, a density of 40/cm2 (makes 80-100 hairs/cm2): 800 grafts, together 1300 grafts.

2)Temple Points : 200 grafts

3) Crown : density of 30/cm2, 1500 grafts.

 

 

What are people's thoughts on the above graft placement, when taking into consideration a SMP procedure in the near future? Please note that my requests to Dr Reys were to place a few into the temple points and to slightly lower my hair line. Is 1500 grafts into the crown a waste? Should this be reduced to around 1200, and then maybe 1800 to create a reasonably strong hairline and add a few into the mid-scalp, and remove the 200 grafts from hte temple points?

 

 

Very interested in your opinions!

 

 

Cheers

Hey Fitness Junkie,

Hope all is good Mate. First great on having a well thought plan for your hair restoration. Based on the photos you can really have a very strong Masculine Military type look. This of course is you own discretion. I really thing that framing the face and gettin a strong mature natural hairline should lead the way. That may be some more grafts in the temples to bring the foreward more but not to the level of a juvenile hairline. This would work well with SMP to. My best estimation, I would like to see a minimum of 250 in the temples, with follow up SMP to create more density. Then fill the crown with the balance as best you can...it looks like you can get some real good coverage there, and then reinforrce with SMP later. I hope you will keep us updated on what you opt for and all the follow up progress...anticipating and holding up thoughts of Awesome results for you. All the Best, Michael.

I see that H&W as well as Shapiro Medical were projected to begin temp SMP earlier this month. Does anyone know if they have started? Looking at their websites I am unable to find any information on the procedure...

Helo RVJon,

Somone from those firms will have to help you on their system. Our firm is also ramping up because wwe are finding an intinsic value for certain uses of SMP. I had an opportunity to video Dr. Mohebi recently and hope to have that available online in the near future. I am certain you will be able to take advantage of SMP soon with the highly skilled surgeons on HTN. All the Best, Michael

Hello,

 

I'm 18 years old, and my hair has been thinning since I was 16. But it's never been as bad as it is now, my hair is drastically thinning at the crown, and is becoming quite noticeable on both sides of my head as well when I style it. My confidence and self esteem is already low, and this hair loss is just making everything 100x worse. I don't know what to do.

 

My dad is 43 and still has a full head of hair, I don't get it. Although, both of my grandparents (on both my moms and dads side) are bald.

 

Here's a picture of me after a shower once my hair has completely dried, this used to be the time in which my hair was the the fullest... it gets worse throughout the day as my hair tends to get greasy.

Hello 18 & Balding;

Man, I sure understand your distress; but I would really hope you get actual facts and not worry yourself so much. You are welcome to call our office and get an online evaluation just to see if you even have MPB. This is very hard to tell from the photo you place. If you did finesterid might just work well for you. I repeat this often on the forum but there is just no substitution for a proper medical evaluation, call us or another HTN recommended surgeon who offers thoruough online evals. All the Best, Michael

Hi - Concurring with many members above; HTN offers well recommended surgeons throughout the world. Go where there is not doubt in your mind. Keep us updated we actually really do care about the patient and the professional reputation of the top HT surgeons and the medical speciality of hair restoration. All the Best, Michael

I'd love to know more about this patients assessment, and which factors really made him a suitable candidate for a HT at such a young age. Having read this whole thread, I don't think theres a lot I can throw in that hasn't already been mentioned, but I can only imagine this kid and his father were not making the most educated decision.

Hello Rich,

The comments on this thread have been thought provoking and Dr. Mohebi himself has given a thorough response. I would like to just again note that this young man is enjoying great results and progress according to him, his physcians and family. S

Hello Bald@21;

You had some concerns over the holidays and as we enter this New Year, just wanted to follow up and see how your attitude is towards your hair loss and what professional advice and steps you might have taken. All the Best, Michael.

Hi Crizwold;

You got some great advice from many others here. Hope you won't leave us in the dark and give us a follow up on your course during this great new year. All the Best, Michael

I'm not a fan of minoxidil at all. My results were horrid when I used it.

 

Based on the area that you're thinning, I think propecia would be a far better option for you.

Hi Steve;

What % solution of Minoxidil did you use? Recent studies show that 5% solution had signicant advantages over 2% Solution.

See: A randomized clinical trial of 5% topical minoxidil versus 2% topical minoxidil and placebo in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men.

Olsen EA, Dunlap FE, Funicella T, Koperski JA, Swinehart JM, Tschen EH, Trancik RJ.

Source

Duke Dermatopharmacology Study Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.

Thanks William.

 

I already underwent HT a fortnight back.

 

My journal is here: http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.co...ec-2012-a.html

 

Cheers!

Cheers Shane; the results in your portfolio are good to see. Wishing all the best on this changes in your HT. All the Best, Michael

Regarding black tea and green tea - the studies look very interesting and promising, but so far they have only been done on mice and test tubes. These may or may not translate to humans.

 

Theoretically, based on the mice studies, DHT levels could go down while general testosterone could go up by taking black tea, meaning that yes, it could be a solo therapy.

 

There have been some soy studies on humans, and it does look pretty clear that they affect hormone levels in a way that is likely to help hair loss. However, some (but not all) studies indicate that soy could have negative health effects such as lowered sperm counts, etc.

 

My recommendation would be to try the black tea and let us know its effects for you. Additionally, you could take pills standardized to have theaflavin (which is black tea's known active ingredient). If this doesn't work, move on to a different therapy, because some work only for certain people.

Hi David,

Being very much into holistic and naturopathic options I have found your thread interesting. However to date I can find no clinical research to give merit to the benefit of black or green tea on hair loss. Please advise if you have links to such credible source. All the best, Michael.

Hi,

Just a quick note to commend you on the very detailed imaging record you are keeping on your HT process. I am intrigued to see where you are 4 months out. All the Best, Michael

So, after researching as much as possible on the internet I have decided to go ahead with FUE into my small scar and maybe some extra work on my hairline with either Ron Shapiro or another doctor whom I cannot mention in this forum due to legal advice from the forum’s lawyer??

 

 

 

I have spoken to consultants at a few well regarded clinics, and whilst there are those out there still saying the results from FUE are not as good as FUT, I have been more than happy with the results from FUE that I have seen. So am going to stick with FUE so I can try to eventually cover up the small scar I have from a poor FUT (poor placement, but thankfully a small scar)

 

 

 

I want to stick to the US. I am British, but work takes me to US a bit and I think the US market is ahead of any where that I would feel comfortable going for such a treatment.

 

 

 

So having narrowed it down to Ron Shapiro and the other un namable doctor, I am just wondering if anyone has any horror stories from either of these guys? or any recommendation I should look at elsewhere? Maybe so based on the un namable doctor?!

 

 

 

thanks in advance

Hello Hotel76,

Appreciate the vote of confidence from cousins across the pond. There are a lot of good surgeons recommended on HTN. If you have found one your confident in then that is awesome. The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons recently established a special commitee on FUE with a distinguished group of international physcians on board. You might contact them: Hair replacement transplant | Hair restoration surgery | Hair loss doctors and get further information if you are still seeking it. All the Best, Michael

Hi,

 

I am a bit anxious to see that I am not going through shedding phase even after 4 weeks of my transplant. Can anyone advise why I am not going through this phase ?

Hello Abhi,

Shedding can take place from 4 - 8 weeks on average; so you have not passed the window yet. So, fret not, If you are really stressed over this issue call your surgeon and express your concern. All the Best, Michael

because a good hair system looks better, is quicker and cheaper than a hair transplant and is totally undetectable

Hi Mikey,

I am also curious to why you recommend hair systems with such a passion. Over the long term a person using hair system will spend far more than the cost of the best HT available. I think the reality is that each individual has different needs and really depends on some medical issues, personal preference as well as budgt.

That being said it is hard to argue that the natural, proven and permanent results of good HT is inferior to a hair system. As a patient advocate I would like to hear your reasoning. Hope to hear from you. All the Best, Michael.

I had surgery 20 years ago. This only works temporarily, as with the passing years the hair around the transplanted hair will go, there will eventually not be much hair left to transplant from, and the areas the transplanted hair was taken from will become bald revealing the many scars from the hair plugs removed.

 

Hair units from a good supplier at a reasonable price and properly cut-in and maintained will (in my experience) be a much better solution for many people.

Hi James,

Your answer is partly true if a person loses more hair and there is not enough available donor hair. Happily, things have changed dramatically in HT from 20 years ago. The level of microscopic evaluation done by today's top hair transplant surgeons provides greater accuracy in predicting future hair loss. Also the advent of FDA approved medications is reducing hair loss for some patients who without medication would suffer a greater amount of hair loss as the grow older.

The advancements in the actual of FUT surgeries [strip & FUE] provide surgeons an opportunity to really to design a hairline and map out a long term hair restoration program for the patient.

Like yourself people who had earlier surgeries before the medical advancement in hair restoration may find a hair system the best alternative. All the Best, Michael

Just curious, because it seems like the long-term costs of buying/maintaining hair pieces are outweighed when you consider you do a surgery and be done with it.

 

Somehow, though, I feel like I'm missing something obvious and there's probably many legitimate reasons why someone would consider a piece over surgery, can someone tell me the advantages?

Hi Flow;

You were right about the answer being simple in many instances. The individual simply does not have enough donor hair. In other circumstances the baldness is not androgenic and therefore making an individual not a good candidate for HT. My last offering, is that some people really dislike the idea of surgery, needles et al. Hope this helps, Michael

When I first began to lose my hair at a rapid rate, I was taking whey protein isolate. This has given me a biased opinion on these supplements making me believe they may cause/attribute to hair loss (which are still with me).

 

I would like to ask if anyone has evidence that they do not in fact contribute to hair loss?

Many protein powders supposedly increase testosterone, this surely increases DHT production, so would it not cause further hair loss?

 

If this is the case for some powders but no others, which types of protein supplements would be best to consume without any effect on hair loss?

Hello 21years;

Let's make it clear protein powder don't increase testoterone and that it is not their purpose. Protein breaksdown hopefully to bio-available amino acids for use in cellular construction or easier said growth and body repair at a micro-level. That is the primary purpose of how protein is used by the body. An ancedotal connection is sometimes made because athletes of all types use perfomance enhancing drugs with supplementation of protein drinks. The use of anabolic hormones can be a contributor in these cases; but it is not the protein be it Whey, soy, fish or steak. Hope this helps. All the Best,Michael.

So I got a proposal from Paul Glat in Bala Cynwyd Pa.

 

$4700 for 650 grafts. That's roughly $7.23 per graft.

 

Is this a good deal? Bad? I'm definitely not just looking for the cheapest deal but I would like to know what it average.

 

Let me know your thoughts

Hello Crizwold,

I don't know how this facility is counting the grafts; but that is not in line with the top hair Los Angeles Hair Transplant surgeons that I am familiar with. I support a leading clinic's centers throughout Southern Calfifornia...and that fee is nearly double what is typical here. I doubt that this is a surgeon who is an HT expert and is probably using a robotic system. Research the great recommended surgeons here and go with a specialist mate. I don't recommend this path for you at all. I hope this helps. All the Best, Michael

Dear members,

 

I am 30 yrs old and want your help to let me decide between a FUT or a FUE proceudre.

 

Initially I was sure of FUE but then research indicated that FUT would be better for my case (large session) and now again leaning back towards FUE especially after hearing of large impressive FUE sessions like johnny24 (http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/167897-hair-transplant-dr-tejinder-bhatti-darling-buds-chandigarh-india.html). :confused: One of the leading FUE surgeons has confirmed to me as well that he can do a 4000+ FUE single session (over 2 days) for complete coverage.

 

I cannot afford to take any meds with side-effects (fin etc.) at this stage. Also, I am thinking more from a long-term perspective of keeping some donor grafts for any future requirement incase of further progressive balding.

 

Please do suggest as I want to book my HT soon and get it done within this year in India.

 

Eagerly awaiting your responses.

 

My pics are here: Hair Restoration Social Network - Hair Loss Patient Blogs

 

Cheers!

Hello Shane,

This seems to be an inordinatly large session for FUE surgery, this type of procedure is far more tedious and time consuming when done properly and I cannot see the practicality of taking that option or finding very many reputable surgeons who would attempt it in a single procedure. These type of "Gigosessions" which our office performs a good deal of are more suited for "Strip Method" procedures because the process supports more efficient harvesting of donor hair and a team of HT Medical techicians to support the surgeon. On average a top level technician can support the surgeon in placing at about 500 grafts per person. This gives you an idea of how it all works. In FUE this level of assistance is not possible. All the Best, Michael

Hey guys,

 

After all the research and going to Milan and talking with Joe there, it is offical that Milena and I had agreed that I am having a smp at Beauty Medical on January 30/31.

 

I can't say how excited and frightened I am. I thought about it for a month now since I came back from Milan and while I was shaving my head the other night , I just look at my temples and hairline and I was like "All you have been thinking about is this for the last 3 years . " and I really don't want to think about it anymore.

 

Milena said my condition is great for smp since I have only temple recession. Joe said it would look great on me since I am shaving my hair with lowest clipper. I have never have an intention to grow my hair longer so ht would be something that i should consider later. So why not smp? People who had a ht have a 1 year period to see the results and I can only imagine how that time goes by. So I told myself if I don't like it , I have a max 2 year period that in the end it fades away.

 

But the most important issue for me is the idea of not thinking about it. If I like it and if it achieves what i desire , I will finally find peace in myself.

 

Long story short, I am having it . Carlotta , one of Milena's students is going to do the procedure on me and Milena will be there for the hairline construction. Wish me luck guys!

Hello Azazelgs; All the very best at entering the new year with a great new look! Happy that you have great support in your decision. Michael

Great Post! On first perusal of the photos he looks like a Class III. But then one notes he wears the longer and comeback with I bet 'a little dab will do ya' Brillcream so popular to that generation. So he could have enought thinning on top to be a Class IV. But he looks good and distingushed and your tax dollars...better said your parents...hmmm...maybe grandparents paid a stylist a pretty penny to sport the distinguished locks he had until he left this world. All the Best, Michael

great thanx. thats probably as bad a FUE scarring as I have seen and it still looks far better then even a good healing FUT imo.

 

the fact is a lot of people just dont have densely packed hair on their head and even tho whoever performed this FUE obviously took too many grafts out too close to one another id bet the majority of the population (untrained FUE eye) would hardly notice this over harvesting.

 

it would have been nice to see this patient with his hair grown out a little to see the difference of essentially being shaved vs. grown out slightly. and also it would have been nice to have some info on how many grafts were actually taken from this patient.

Hello GNX!;

The nature of the internet is that information accurate, inaccurate, malicious or false can go viral. This information seems to remain on the internet ad infinitum. This is why solid consumer forums like HTN are so valuable. Of course as long as there are doctors who lack skill some patients will have a bad hair transplant no matter the procedure chosen. Like you though I am interested in hearing more facts about the types of devices use in FUE for extraction and whether it was done manually or with a robotic device. Until more of this data is available and of course first hand photo blogs these types of erroneous claims witll be generalized and be out their on the internet. Good surgeons don't usually have this issue. At US Hair Restoration FUE surgeries are still performed with a manual device as a preference. Fortunately the ISHRS has established a FUE Research Committee at their last annual conference. The committe has a solid membership of distinguished hair transplant doctors. I anticipate as others who have spoken to me that as their work progresses more reliable information regarding FUE will be available to the public. All the Best, Michael

General Information

Hair loss class: III

Hair color: Black

Skin tone: Olive

Hair character: Curly

Hair thickness: Average

Donor density: 2.5

Scalp laxity: Average

Donor scar:

Closure: Deep: - Superficial: Staples

Donor closure tension (Minimal- Average- Severe): A

Undermining (None- Upper- Lower- Both): N

Trichophytic (None- Upper- Lower- Both): B

Recipient graft / site numbers (estimate):

Hairline: 200

Front: 1126

Top: 0

Crown: 0

Temples: 0

Total: 1326

Initial treatment plan:

- 1st procedure with 1300+ follicular units to restore the hairline and fill in the temple areas

- A medical therapy with finasteride to stabilize or prevent further hair loss

Performed procedure (Decber, 2011):

A Follicular Unit Strip Transplantation with 44573FU:

* 219 single hair FU

* 956 double hair FU

* 151 double hair FU

Hello Everyone,

I am finding this thread interesting on FUE scarring. However I think an important factor is missing to better the understanding in regards to scarring from FUE; that is the method of extraction of the follicular units. Is a mechanical system being used? Or perhaps a robotic system versus a manual system is being implemented in the cases posted here. A systematic clarification with organized photo array would be more helpful.

Could someone offer a comparison between types of FUE extraction and the scarring post surgery. The details of how long post surgery and perhaps mapping in contrasting colours the points of controversy would be or useful. Looking forward to more input from others. All the Best, Michael