larrytate

I am considering HT with Dr. Limmer in San Antonio for 1800 grafts. I have another thread in the doctor forum about Limmer, but I wanted to post photos and get some input on my thinning and number of grafts. The thinning and loss has occurred over the past 4 years, starting around my late 20s. It primarily affects the front and front-center portions of the scalp. Since I generally have very thick, wavy hair, it is less noticeable when dry, with the exception of the front-right corner, which is my problem spot. I currently use minox foam 5% twice daily and take a hair supplement with Saw Palmetto. I briefly tried fin and didn't like the side effects. The minox seems to have gotten somewhat less effective over time. To me, this seems to be an unusual pattern of loss, as I don't know that I even fit into the Norwood scale. Does this make treating my loss with HT surgery a more difficult process? I've consulted with a few different doctors, and the recommendation has been about 1800 grafts to fill in the front-right spot and restore thickness to the rest. In looking at my loss, does that sound about right?

The possibility was mentioned during my consult with Limmer Sr, since he would be going back into retirement at some point. So the new doctor was not a surprise, but I assumed it would be someone with extensive HT experience. He was a pioneer of strip harvesting, seems to be widely respected, and I know a few people from the forum had good experiences with him in the past. I felt comfortable with him during the consult. But he has been retired or partially retired for a number of years.

As some of you know, Dr. Brad Limmer in San Antonio passed away last year. I spoke with him by phone about my hair loss a couple of years ago. His father Dr. Bobby Limmer returned to the practice after his son's passing. I had a transplant consultation with Dr. Bobby several months ago and appreciated his honesty and expertise. Since that time, I decided to go ahead with an HT surgery appointment with Dr. Bobby Limmer. He offered 1800 grafts for about $5800. I've since learned his practice has brought on a new doctor who will take over for Limmer, a dermatologist named Dr. Krejci who has been trained by him but hadn't previously done HT from what I understand. In fact, I was told she will be performing my surgery, but Dr. Bobby will be there and can assist if I would like. If you were in my position, would you be comfortable with this? I understand all HT surgeons have to start somewhere, but I'd rather not have it be on me. On the other hand, the elder Limmer will be present, the rest of the staff is the same and the price is hard to beat. I've also looked at Dr. Arocha in Houston (at $5 a graft, he would be $9000, a significant difference) and Dr. McGrath in Austin. Any feedback appreciated.