Paulygon

Has anyone purchased Kirkland's foam online at Amazon? I want to make sure it is not expired or has decreased efficacy due to heat or overstocking, etc....!? http://www.amazon.com/NEW-Minoxidil-Treatment-Uncented-Ingredient/dp/B007Z75H0Y/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1398122873&sr=8-4&keywords=minoxidil

umm.. no.. actually, I was very happy to see that I have the option of getting a 20% discount on all these hair products. If Bill's team is able to create this ecosystem that enables all of us to share valuable information (and further, to receive discounted items), we should be very grateful. I think that DISpHAIR misinterpreted the service that Bill is providing by enabling users with high reputation to have access to discounted items. That being said, my gripe is that the 20% discount still does not bring the 5% minox foam down to match Kirkland's price -- and I need it badly right now as I've run out of Minox over 1 week ago and am getting antsy. (If you add shipping rates, the price goes up even further). (If the higher price helps to support HTN in some way, I might consider purchasing from the online store, but I would need to know that),

I'd be OK with the "maintenance" - heck, I still use Rogaine and Propecia.. which takes time to apply the solution 2x a day (like brushing teeth) or cut the Proscar pills in quarters and remember to take every night... having to get refills at the pharmacy or the zoo of Costco lines. or the embarrassment of a hot chick in the cashier's line seeing my Rogaine purchase and then looking at my full head of hair (thanks to Dr Mohebi's HT procedure tho)... anyway, this is to say that "maintenance" doesn't put me off because the benefits of the maintenance far outweigh not having good hair. The thing that DOES put me off about hair pieces it the extreme fullness of it... the ones I've seen in person (the people I've seen that I know that DO have hair pieces).. they were too full, hairs too thick, and too dark.. in combination, those features contrasted too much with the skin quality of the man, or the hair quality of the man's eyebrows.. basically, it just appeared that the hair was too young for the age of the man. One of these guys is a physician, the other a teacher. I do not know where they bought the hair piece, or if they skimped out on the price of one, and thus got a lower quality one. But I am also uber-sensitive to hair and notice things more than other people, in regard to hair issues. Although it was initially saddening to me to realize that at the current state of HT technology, one cannot hope to obtain a "Full head of teenage hair", eventually, (after my procedure with mohebi) I realized that if your surgeons plans your hair design well, if his artistry is high, he'll use fewer hairs and create an illusion of higher density, in such a way that looks natural. I guess when I use the term "natural" I mean that as a 32 year old man, my hair looks mature, not too much hair like a teenager, sure I'm a guy whose hair is less than when I was a kid, but I don't look like I have hair loss issues either (I was a NW 5 before surgery). Its just my 2 cents. But if a person is happy with a hair piece, more power to them, and I support the concept entirely. I am just wondering, can you choose to decrease hair density over time without shelling out $$ for an entirely new piece? Can you color the hair, or go for hair cuts? Or is the hair style supposed to stay the same throughout perpetuity of the piece? (If I recall, Elton John has a collection of hair pieces and uses different ones for different appearances.. so that's probably the way to do it) I've really enjoyed being able to go to a top stylist and getting my hair cut without my stylist ever noticing that I've had an HT procedure (though I eventually chose to tell her and have become pretty good friends with her). Regarding contrast of the hair piece to the age, skin, eyebrows of the wearer, John Travolta pops into my mind. Definitely no judgement, this is just my thoughts.

one of the best things I've heard of is the improvement to HT wherein less scarring is likely (Piloscopy).. but when will it actually begin to be used, we're not sure... good reading: "Beginning as early as 2014, the surgical technique patented by Dr. Wesley will receive FDA Approval and be made available to patients worldwide. Using this innovative approach, the benefits of current surgical practices (hair survival and natural appearance) may be enhanced and the appearance of scarring may be eliminated. In addition, post-operative recovery may be improved by becoming more comfortable and more rapid." I went to ISHRS in Oct 2013 as a live patient for Dr Parsa Mohebi, who is a very engaged leader in the ISHRS conference, and I was priveleged to learn a little about this method.. there are some good videos available on this method.. anyone else know if "scarless" will start to be used soon?? it sounds almost too good to be true... i am excited!

I wasn't aware Revivogen was still being sold. Not a bad shampoo as far as scent or providing appearance of volume.. I used it for years. But I definitely never felt it had an edge over other volumizing shampoos on the market. As far as dandruff, I personally used to use T-gel / Nizoral / or Head and Shoulders 1-2x a week interchanged with a volumizing shampoo 5x a week. (This is still my regimen).

Joseph Gordon Levitt has hair issues? I never would have guessed. In fact, most of the celebs you bring up (besides Daniel Craig) are the ones who, if they actually do try to cover up any hair loss issues, have done a phenomenal job. I will look out for them next some I see them on the screen! Remarkable what can be achieved when you are committed to treating/working on your hair issues!

Exactly. My surgeon estimated me 2500 grafts and I got 2710. Never a mention of 3000. Go with your gut--- if you have a bad feeling about the clinic.. you might be on to something. And Don't go to Bosley !

True... man, I remember when I was younger, driving through Tijuana on my way back to San Diego and seeing these cheap billboards for Hair Transplants... they always made me shiver!

ROFL! I want to invite that guy to Mohebi's office so he can use his Laxometer invention to measure the dude's scalp laxity.. Dr. Mohebi would get a kick out of that.

Many of you have probably seen my before/after results, where I went from NW5A to a nice looking mature hairline with 1 session with Dr. Mohebi. (if you haven't, see my photos, check them out). I feel that I got a great HT by a top surgeon at a pretty cheap price.. A REAL VALUE! I went forward with the Standby Option (which is a discount for those with scheduling flexibility) and I got about 35% off! That is insane. I really think Mohebi is one of the top 5 in the industry.. so to get my hair restored (from bald to mature hairline) by one of the best surgeons for about $7,800 (compared to $10,420).. that's major VALUE. (The standby rates do changes and will probably be different than what I got 3 years ago; but it is worth investigating if you are on budget). If you are intelligent with finances like I am, I am sure you can find other ways to have an affordable transplant wiith a TOP surgeon. I know Parsa's system pretty well so I'll mention some of his other discounts/promotions that if you were to take advantage of, you could come out with this pretty low-cost life-altering procedure with Mohebi.. rather than someone without positive reputation. They offer a 10% discount for students who have valid student cards (hey, maybe its time to take that programming class at the local junior college for $40 and get an ID card) They offer discount for groups and for students. If you refer a new patient to the facility, and they schedule a procedure within one month of yours, both you and your friend will receive a 10% discount. No interest financing for up to 18 months with quick approval in the office occasional or seasonal discounts that you can contact the offices of US Hair Restoration for more information on those (from my experience, if you try around November to February, you will get lower $/graft rates... I got the promotional offer to my mailbox during the holidays seasons and was kind of tempted!). travel reimbursement, hotel and taxi reimbursment (which I also took advantage of)

Hi Steve, thanks for sharing your thoughts. I wonder if the fact that hair loss is addressable brings down the social value of men who do not address it? (as opposed to 50 years ago when it was not addressable... women must have been much more accepting of bald men)

this may be a bit off topic.. but (my googling led me to) something called "ultra-refined follicular unit" http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/155037-question-answer-what-ultra-refined-follicular-unit-transplantation-fut-how-does-recipient-incision-size-relate.html

hsrp is the expert on this topic-- I would definitely take his advice!

Gettinold, I have a similar issue and we've discussed it in the following thread: how to tackle my crown (no more FLAPPY combover!) - Forum By and for Hair Loss Patients Cantdecide brings up a good point, regarding styling.. my hairdresser create a flap that seems to provide decent coverage for now.. though I am still interested in getting grafts in that crown region.

Great information in this thread! My doc (Parsa Mohebi) regularly performs tricho closures and he is planning a tricho closure for my next procedure. My first procedure (also with Mohebi) did not end in a tricho closure because we had discussed the very high likelihood that I would be back for a second procedure.

The newly transplanted hairs are initially synchronous when they first grow in — i.e. they tend to all grow in around the same time (with some variability). This is in contrast to normal hair, where every hair is on its own independent cycle. Sometimes the newly transplanted hair will shed at one time before the cycles of each hair become more varied asynchronous.

Update-- I had an important consult/meeting with Dr Mohebi, initially about my crown but which got deeply technical.. I looked at some before/after pics of Mohebi's crown work really liked what he has done. I can say with certainty that my next procedure will be with Dr. Mohebi. He did a great job on my frontal portion; because of that.. combined with the before/after pics I've seen of his crown work, and I trust in his good work.. I would love for Mohebi complete his art on my scalp, so to speak. Also, I discussed with him all the options of Strip vs FUE vs SMP. And in conclusion, my next go-round will be a strip procedure again (though I haven't scheduled it yet-- I will hold off for now, as cantdecide said, since its not TOO BAD a crown, especially with the combover.. I guess I made it bigger in my mind). FUE or SMP are decent options, but for me, personally, it makes sense to go with strip/FUT since I've already had that done, have the scar there, and it is more cost-effective. Plus I didn't have any issues with regard to pain/recovery. Also, I got some interesting data from him.. Dr Mohebi is great at tracking results, including any progression of hair loss, in the form of a "Miniaturization study" with a microscope... It appears that hair loss in my crown region has progressed slightly, and the size of my "Crown Edge" has increased from 50x1cm to 50x2cm (interestlingy, however, the hairs themselves have not miniaturized much). See uploaded chart. My consult with Dr Mohebi was so valuable and I learned a lot.. most of all, how important it is for me to keep in touch with him and ask him any questions. Your good surgeon is your first line of medical advice when it comes to hair restoration. In future posts/ threads, I'll be uploading more of what I learned from my Mohebi meeting! Definitely committing to him and his work !

wow joe! I'm seeing this thread for the first time.. It's amazing how far you've come.. and it is good to be reminded sometimes..! Loved the pics, especially 'Blue Steele' :-D

Since21, You pointed out Bisanga and Feriduni for hairlines.. how is their crown coverage work? Blake says that creating the swirl of a crown is an art in and of itself. Have you had a chance to check out their crown work?

this is the impression I have as well.

Wow! HT In the 90's.. a bold move.. respect! It is nice to hear that his looks great

Cool! So I may not be crazy for thinking that my own forward/messy brushing styling gives an illusion of fuller, thicker hair. Sometimes I wonder if I am fooling anyone.. but I've had several comments that my hair looks good and that people do not for a second believe I am experiencing hair loss... It is kind of nice to be able to spot this in other people.. it lets me know that I am an on the ball, to some degree when it comes to the hair situation.. Yes, hair styles and cuts are sooo important for people like us. I pay a great stylist nearly $50 a cut (before tip) and have to go in every 4-5 weeks at this point. I've tried to go to the $8-$10 barbers that my dad goes to.. but I am invariably disappointed by their cuts! What can I say? I put my money where my hair is!

Thank you hairthere, thank you cantdecide...

Guys, I really appreciate the personalized feedback. You've opened my eyes a bit more.. Blake, maybe you are right.. since I've already done strip, I'm not losing anything by doing another strip (that strip scar is already on the back of my head regardless). In regard to finding a physician who is capable of the artistry of the swirl of the crown, (that's another thing I didn't think too much about and you opened my eyes to that phenomenon), I'm going to ask Dr Mohebi if I can look into some of his previous work (before/after results) implementing the swirls. There's been so much talk about FUE on these boards that part of me has been interested in experiencing the smoother FUE procedure.. but I'm open to all options. This HT stuff is an exciting field.. but I need to not jump the gun... gotta pace myself and strategize for future loss. Spanker, you're saying maybe don't tackle the crown since we are relatively young... I looked for photos of your situation.. but I can't find any. Have you uploaded them? Your profile says you were NW2 so you're better off than me. Thankfully, I do have plenty of donor.. but I've heard before that the crown is like a "black hole" that sucks up donor.. I don't want to waste the valuable donor.. especially since I am sure I need some for the front and center (you can see that is a weak area in my first pic of this thread) Hsrp, Always insightful! I had never even considered SMP for myself! It actually might not be a bad idea. Basically, it would replace Toppik. At this point, for social outings, I usually apply Toppik and the crown is covered nicely. Actually, I appreciate you also considering whether my surgeon, Parsa offers it.. you're right, I remember a while back during a follow up he mentioned that he was doing SMP for a patient that week. The only issue I see is that basically, if for some reason I had to shave my head.. my scalp will show how mutilated I've made it (between the strip scar and the SMP tattoos). Here is a terrible thought, but worth entertaining for 2 seconds.. the only situation where a person is forced to have a shaved / bald head is in Chemotherapy & Cancer cases. I wonder if the possibility of illness/chemo/cancer has caused anybody to become timid in doing combo procedures such as SMP / strip surgery (since the scars and tats would then be exposed). Also, does SMP fade completely over time? I think the answer is no. It just seems like it would be very wierd to have a strip scar in the back and SMP on the crown if ever shaved down. Thoughts? The next step is for me to discuss these things with Dr Mohebi and see what he can offer. I love his track record and his work on me so I'm very hopeful he can help me to address my crown situation. Again, I really appreciate your advice.. without it (and without the forum in the last few years, I would have been a baldy right now)!

I've been so happy with my hair restoration results but I want to work on my crown next. My HT surgeon (Dr Mohebi) did an excellent job restoring my hair line. We let meds work on the crown (Fin / Minox) and the plan was to potentially do another procedure depending on how well my crown responds to the medications. Well, at this point, 2 years down the road, I think the meds did the best they can do, but I need to go in and do some more HT work on the crown. Currently, my hair stylist's strategy is to leave a longer flappy portion right below my crown that is to be utilised as a "comb-over" for the naked part of my crown. It is a little annoying to me.. and after about 4-5 weeks that flappy part gets unmanageable and sloppy looking, and I'm left needing to get another hair expensive hair cut, fast... I would love to get another HT procedure to attack this crown issue and hopefully get rid of the need for an annoying FLAP! I would like some advice. I'm thinking about going for FUE for my next procedure (but am open to FUT) and hope to keep the operation smaller than my 1st (the 1st was FUT w/ 2710 grafts and rebuilt the whole front of my scalp). How many grafts do you suppose I would need to cosmetically enhance my crown and eliminate the need for the flappy crown combover? Thank you!