NoTakeBacks

Looks amazing! Matt do you mind me asking what razor guard number you usually get with a haircut?

Hey all! I'm back with some updates now that I've been on Propecia for approximately 4.5 months. I've been using actual Propecia (from my new kiwi friends) and have been quartering each to yield roughly .25 mg doses. I've read all the posts and reports that technically .25 mg should be just about as effective a 1 mg. However I wanted to ask for some anecdotal advice regarding this from more experienced members. Has anyone else been using .25 mg dosage? If so, roughly at about which month did you start seeing actual results? I'm just wondering as I know I'm quite early on, but I definitely can see tons of miniaturized hairs in my hairline, so I know it's at least keeping em steady. But I was wondering when I might be able to hope for them to actually "grow up" into pigmented hair(s)? The other thing I've been wondering is if it'd be worth going up to .5 mg everyday. I'm not experiencing sides so far on .25 mg, so I'm happy with that. Just worried that .25 mg might not be enough (despite the research) to actually make those miniaturized hairs mature. Anyone's $.02 would be appreciated!

No one is saying to forego showers for two weeks. Dr. Rahal and any other poster who is saying a patient should wait 2 weeks post-op before resuming NORMAL showering activity is stating just that. NORMAL. As in direct contact with non-diluted shampoo, massaging your scalp, full water pressure, etc. Read greatjob's posts again. They're saying avoid contact with full water pressure and direct contact from your hands in the recipient area for approximately 2 weeks. Even Dr. Bernstein said: NORMAL. Like greatjob advised, I used a nice sized 6-8oz plastic cup during the first few weeks for "shampooing." I would take a shower with the shower head at angle so far down that it would not even reach my head. I would mix gentle shampoo in said cup of water, shaken not stirred, and slowly pour it over the recipient area. I even used my splayed hand over the mouth of the cup so it would be a nice slow flow of sudsy water. I then repeated this process with fresh water to wash it out multiple times till I was satisfied. Note I never touched the grafts. After the first 4 days or so I then started applying shampoo to the back of my head (donor) and VERY GENTLY washed said donor, still making sure the recipient was never under the direct stream of the shower, still using the cup method. Even after 2 weeks (once the staples were removed) I still shielded the recipient from the direct stream by using my splaying hand to shield and "filter" water to that zone. I only skipped ONE shower, and that was the morning after the transplant.

No one in their right mind will say recession. What's visible in your video and hairline are great. Don't go back to that stylist again.

This thread is giving me a good chuckle.

I paid outright. The only option I would've had for financing would've been opening a CC just for covering a portion of the transplant, or getting a loan. I didn't feel like opening a loan just for some hair and Dr. Feller charges an additional fee if you wish to place any balance on a Credit Card...so cashier's check it was.

Guess what day it is!? Nope, not Hump Day. It's update time! So, it's one week past my official 8 Month mark and here I am. Not much to say as no major changes have occurred. Still feel the density of the hairline could use some improvement, especially in the forelock area. Scar non-issue, which speaks for Dr. F's closure and my ability to scar well (one of the reasons I went with FUSS). While the density is only "meh" IMO, the placement is very natural so there's that. ONWARD TO THE PICS! Harsh light, no flash, keeping it real disclaimer. Front Styled: Damn I look tired...job must be taking it's toll recently. Hairline Close Up Styled: Overall it looks good, if weak. Downward Angle Styled: Note the difference between a temple covered via styling and not. Profile Styled: Do like. Styling + placement does wonders. Hairline Pulled Back: Here you can see the light density. Don't expect it to be a straight wall of hair but for it's height, I was hoping for a better trade-off in density. Closing Thoughts: While I'm not fully satisfied as of yet, I'm also not down in the dumps. I had only hoped that going conservative with the hairline would yield higher density. I'll be booking a consult ASAP, getting on Fin and will then re-evaluate in 6 months at my 14 Month mark. Thanks for reading!

^ This. I wore an adjustable cap (the slider kind like a belt) reaaaal loose, and I was golden. I only had frontal work done, so that probably made it much easier to avoid it touching my recipient area. If I were to get crown work done, I'd be more apprehensive. I was just EXTREMELY careful anytime I placed it on my head, and would lightly pinch the front of the cap to make sure there was a good inch of wiggle room.

Your head doesn't look super odd shaped, nor does your hairline look terrible! You have a strong forelock which is one of the best characteristics to have when either maintaining or enhancing your natural hairline. My hairline decided to thin unilaterally across the entire front when I was 26. You don't really have "bald spots" those are simply recessed temples. Mature temples are pretty standard and come with the territory of mature hairlines (20's+). This may be the extent of your hair loss, but I wouldn't tempt fate. Look into getting on Fin as Matt and Spank stated. Your normal GP can prescribe it to you, but since you're already considering surgery, any of the HT doctors you will be consulting with can do the same. Please do your research! Especially if you're freaking out over the current state of your hair. While transplants aren't ultramajor surgery, it is surgery nonetheless and not something you want to rush into. Browse the forums and pay attention to the great HT vets that make up this place. Two have already spoken! (Hint: No I am not one said vets lol)

I don't really see a noticeable change like between month 4 and 5. Maybe it's the way it was cut? Do you have any shots with different angles? Brushed back like Mickey said? Are you still rocking Minoxidil etc?

Hey hey all! Been busy lately so here's a slightly belated 7 Month update. Growth has plateaued, still continuing with my typical hair care routine. Overall I'm satisfied and love that I now can go without a hat or any type of cover for that matter. I had my hair cut real short immediately after the 6 month photos were taken, and I was surprised how tight I could go. Barber used a 4 blade fade into a 6. Not a trace of scar. So that I'm really satisfied with. But...as of posting this I still feel my forehead is too high. It is important to mention that I understood fully that I was opting for a conservative hairline. This was my choice. In hindsight I honestly wish I went slightly more aggressive. I know I still have 5 or so months till full maturation, but right now the combination of the hairline being high and not being "wowed" by the hairline in general is holding me from skipping for joy. I absolutely love that I can style the frontal 3rd again, but the fact remains I have to hide way too much scalp, and also the hairline a bit. If I had the same conservative hairline, but slightly lower on my head, I'd be satisfied with having to deal with creative styling. As of now I still feel it's simply too high. It looks great styled in a way that hides said flaws, but that alone limits styling options. I wanted a HT so I could stop hiding. With that said, I figured I'd need two ops from the start, and I am being nitpicky. I also will hold final judgement when I hit 12 months. In the meantime I will be scheduling a follow-up with the Doc to discuss any future plans, and have him evaluate the progress first hand. Now for the pics! I'll upload some wet/higher res later. All pictures taken without a flash for objectivity. Front: 3/4 Angle: Side: Hairline Pulled Back: Close-Up:

Sounds like 1 step forward, 2 steps back honestly. Your transplant goals are much more realistic now, but you're quite young and the remainder of your plan sounds drastic and ill thought out. I would strongly recommend against any type of scalp reduction procedure, and I have to say I'm quite perplexed. You state that you don't have the money to do 2000 grafts, but are planning to have "other surgeries 6-12 months later" including the above mentioned Scalp Reduction. This means you expect some cash flow in 6-12 months. If that's the case why not take that time to do some more research. At that point you'll be more informed and in a better position to make a decision, including financially. You don't want to take half-measures and cut corners when you're dealing with any surgery. Also if your forelock is already at 7cm, that's pretty damn good. 6.5-7cm is pretty typical. So if you simply meet that height, it should look fine with closed off temples to achieve a female hairline. Scalp reductions are risky in general, and unfortunately you are genetically male exhibiting some recession, which means you may be prone to further recession. Best of luck!

Have you ever tried cutting it high and tight with the front just long enough to style? Right now the way you have it cut isn't really flattering IMO. Either grow the front out longer, or get it cut tighter overall. Coming from a guy with a high forehead, I've always found hair styles look best if you commit one way or the other. Either go long enough to cover most of your forehead, or short enough to show you're not trying to hide anything. $.02

Nice Spanker! Something completely random and unprovoked like that must be amazing reinforcement. You probably felt your HT had an amazing outcome, but now you know damn well complete strangers feel the same way. I just got my first pro haircut since the transplant, and I warned the guy that I'm receding and a little thin in the front so just do what you think is best and make it look good. When he got to the front he commented: "Eh, you're not really receding. I'll take care of you my man." That's my best story so far lol. Just wanted to share that tidbit since you were one of the posters who helped sort things out in my hairline design thread. After this cut I saw I can definitely live with it, and probably won't bother with a touch up depending on how it looks in 6 more months. Thanks again!

@Hairguy Hmmm...your temple points looked like they made some good progress. But in light of your hairline in the 6 month pics, do you have any immediately post-op shots to show graft placement? If not, I suppose Dr. Umar does, and if so may he post those? While the hairline isn't as low as it appeared in the first picture you posted (it is low and aggressive however), I still want to see the initial density transplanted before commenting further.

Wow...uh...yeah...I just watched a couple of those Jhon Jhon videos and man is that some subpar SMP. They seem to work primarily on african-american clients, and I understand ethnic hairlines tend to be straighter and squared off with the sides shaped up...but seriously Magnum is right, most of their results look like Sharpie to the dome. There's no density transition into the hairline and temples, way too over saturated, abrupt, and the imitation follicle size seems way too large, ethnic or not. I've seen some impressive SMP results, now I've seen the opposite end.

Instead of starting an entirely separate thread, I wanted to throw out a quick question concerning Propecia/Fin. If I decide to start on Finasteride, what would be a good beginner regimen? .5mg? 1 mg every other day? I may give it a try, and see how it unfolds. I'll up my workout, and eat healthy to try and circumvent any sides + rise in Estrogen levels. The scary part about it is the fact that if I do get sides, there's the possibility they can last up to 24-40 months after discontinuing it... :\ That's the scariest part about any drugs impact and half-life.

That is what I was wondering too. Do you have any immediate post-op pics Hairguy? I'd be interested to see how it looked immediately after transplanting (design, density etc). Also, by the furrows on your forehead it'd appear you're raising your eyebrows a bit, which can significantly minimize the height of one's forehead. I should know cause I employ a subtle variation as one of my neutral expressions to do just that. With all that said, the placement does seem way too low and straight. Need more info before commenting further.

Mirror, with the desired length of your hair, I don't see how BHT would meet your demands, unless you plan on keeping it cropped short in the future. As Mickey and others have stated, body hair isn't a 1:1 replacement for scalp hair. It certainly has it's application, but it has a different growth cycle, texture and other variation in characteristics. I can understand the internal desire/want/drive to fix something you view as a flaw. Just be careful when you tread down that road, as it can often consume you. Warranted, non-action can also fill your head with obsessive thoughts, so the decision is yours and yours alone. We can offer advice, and simply hope you consider it. With that said, please consult many different HT Docs. Make a shortlist containing the best of the best, and get each of their opinions. One should always get a second opinion, especially so at your age as you don't want to fark shit up so early. A composite of different perspectives concerning the same situation is often the best for objectivity. PS: I don't think SQUEENIX characters are a realistic goal for anything IRL lol. That hairline is real low, square(heh) and straight up juvenile. Not even the world's "sexiest men" have hairline's like that. Look at Reynolds and Gosling, they have awesome hairlines for sure, but they're also a realistic standard of nigh perfection.

Thanks all, especially to Mickey and Spanker, really appreciate your opinions. I'll reconsider dropping the hairline and discuss with the Doc something along the lines of temple points/some simple touch ups if necessary. I don't plan on making a final decision until I'm at 12-14 months anyway as I want to see the matured result. By then any touch ups might not be necessary, and that would save me some money too lol.

Thanks for all the advice! @fueonly: Yup! I do understand hairlines and temple/point restoration takes a certain artistry. I've already had one HT with Dr. Feller and have confidence in his skills to achieve said look. Extreme circumstances withstanding, that's who I'll be returning to. @1978matt: Yeah that damn hair greed bug! It might as well be a perfect vector. It finds its way to nearly every HT patient, and strikes with approximately 90% chance of infection lol. Last I checked I am still young, and I am not on Finasteride. I will continue to use Nizoral and Minoxidil, but Fin...that would require huge convincing. I know I'm gambling, but there's no family history of NW 5, 6 or 7 on either side of my blood lines. Knowing genetics, I can be the first though! Anyone in my extended family who experienced loss, all had front diffusion. Vertex loss is almost unseen even in my great uncles/cousins. The reasoning behind the plan I've laid out is: I'd rather take care of my frontal third now with scalp hair, but leave approximately 6K FUs for touch ups, mid scalp and vertex (if I am an outlier). I appreciate your input though as I've followed your case and will possibly consider Fin if I grow the balls! @suarez: LOL! Can't tell if serious, but I already have tons of chest and abdomen hair. Though I have no plans of going lower than what I've stated. ;D @Dr. Charlies: Thank ya kindly for responding to my topic! When I drew the blue line it was more or less an afterthought, but I did want to include a secondary option that came less to a peak/forward. I would never have considered the shape of my nose into the hairline equation, but that's why I asked for advice from this forum! Knew with all the knowledge floating around I'd get good advice. I'm no expert and I'm totally open to others advice (including Doc Feller when I see him), all I know is I would like to have it lowered a bit and have some slight temple closure and points restored. I have a pretty long face, and my forehead has always been high, so I want to minimize that real estate efficiently. I'm happy I went conservative first shot out, but now I think it's time to dial it in. Nothing too crazy mind you. Anyhoo, included for everyone's pleasure is less obscured portrait pics. Florescent lighting really isn't flattering...

Hey all! Need some advice, opinions and general thoughts from the only peers I'd place my trust in. :cool: Now that I'm finally starting to see my hairline take shape from the first procedure, I want to toss around some ideas pertaining to my hairline and a possible second procedure. Please bear in mind that I've always had a big ole noggin, so I don't plan on dropping my hairline below 6.5 cm, but I would like a more established hairline. I doodled a quick hairline that I personally think is just that. My goal was something that isn't too aggressive nor conservative. According to my calculations, from the current transplanted hairline I'd have to drop 1-1.75 cm to balance out my facial thirds, so that's what I based the doodle on. It's not perfect and is slightly asymmetrical, but you get the pic. Here's how I generated my ultra scientific calculations(lol): the tip of the hairline was placed using my index finger as a measuring tool. At it's lowest point I simply want it to be dropped the width of said finger. This accounts for roughly 5/8 to 11/16 of an inch. Which is right around that 1.5-1.7cm range. That would be my ideal, but I would be fine with 1 cm if it was dense. I also would like slight/shallow temple angle closure that blends into conservative temple points. I don't need to go flat and low with a juvenile hairline, but I do want SOME angle closure. I think this frames the face and minimizes the five-head without going too overboard. But since it's hard to stay objective with yourself, I come to you fine folk! Thanks for all the support so far.

Thanks all! I wish my transplanted hair could hop in a time machine and come back when they're all done. Seriously, waiting is the worst part of the entire experience.

Lo there all, I'm here to check in for my milestone 6 month review! This month I can honestly say the density has increased significantly. What I can't do is put my finger on when exactly it happened lol. Definite improvement over my 5 month photos, even while damp with Minoxidil. I'm stoked to see what more is to come, and will try duck my head into Doc Feller's office for him to document the 6 month results as well. Pictures: As usual, same harsh overhead lighting, position and camera. Dry and damp photos taken for objectivity. Dry Head On Damp Head On Dry Tilted Damp Tilted I also have two profile views in my album and a proposed second procedure hairline. So far I'm pretty satisfied, and know I will no longer have an entirely bald frontal third. I still want to tweak the hairline and temple points a bit now that the groundwork is complete. As always, any comments appreciated!

HB, I honestly wouldn't return to the same clinic again after receiving those results. Free procedures can sound tempting, but the reality is you only have a finite amount of grafts. Those grafts are priceless, and should be rationed out accordingly: To proper hands with proven results. I would start consulting with recommended FUE surgeons now. At 12-15 months the majority of your grafts would've grown in, and further thickening could continue. New growth in the areas lacking is highly unlikely, and I don't see a reason to wait the extra 3 months. Use those 3 months for research and consultations if you haven't yet.