JoeTillman

**Edit** Made a response to Spanker thinking he was the OP. Next time I'll look at whom I'm speaking with:o

Most likely because the anagen state of growth is being shortened by the effects of DHT. Is the hair on top of your scalp frizzy or fine compared to the hair in the back and sides that can grow longer?

David, If you are referring to me regarding the questions about the technique or technology, I'll refrain from addressing it any further. Abbie, Thank you for providing links that are accessible. I have read each article with interest. They are well written and informative. From what I read however there is no mention of there being an issue with traditional FUE leaving raised scar formations. If there are other links to articles you can provide that specifically reference this problem of raised scarring due to the use of non Ugraft FUE punches it would be greatly appreciated.

Abbie, You can use whatever reference you like. The science, the physics, the description the "funny science talk". It doesn't add up. I don't see the need to insult me by stating that Dr. Umar can "simplify" anything for me. Instead of being condescending, I think it would be more productive to simply address the issue. Furthermore, it is counter productive to refer me to a journal resource website that has requirements I do not meet. I have to belong to an organization they recognize and use an email address proving my membership, such as a .edu email address. I can only access snippets. I'm sure the members here would appreciate a good read so post the material here. How does a punch with a cutting edge the same diameter as the majority of the body of the punch, with a bevel, prevent an issue of raised scarring which is not an issue to begin with? And what is this extraneous tissue that it avoids creating that can also contribute to raised scarring? If this is a real problem that you are solving please show examples. If it is such a problem that requires the creation of a special punch that warrants getting a special name then surely there are endless examples to share.

In my entire career I have never once heard that "raised scarring" was a problem with FUE, much less if not performed by non "Ugraft" punches. Even punch scars in the donor area can be fairly flat. Furthermore, there is no physical advantage to your punch just because it has an inverse bevel. The diameter of the punch at the point of contact is constant once the bevel is cleared. I do like the saline flush function. I normally don't comment on such things but Hairweare kind of got me interested in this. The video is very well made, it's just the physics don't really add up.

Agreed on the photos. Far too fuzzy but the growth is obvious nonetheless.

Someone please add a "like" button we can click:)

I'll remember this in five years:D

You are not a NW3.5. You're not even a NW3. You are about halfway between a 2 and a 3. Kind of. I think 2000 (ish) is ideal. About 500 to 750 on what looks to be the left side (your left) and 1250 to 1500 for the right side. If the front was lowered then yes, add in several hundred more but the best result would be for the front to be left along and just hit the recession in the temples.

Your result is nothing to sneeze at, bruthah. It is one of the best transformations out there.

This is completely uncalled for.

I'm glad to have been of any help. I hope you got use of the interview form. Pity your surgery is in six months. I'll be in Belgium next month so it would have been nice to try and meet up before or after your surgery. Regardless, I wish you all the best and if you have further questions don't hesitate to ask.

Jimmy, no need to apologize as there was no offence taken. I merely wished to reinforce the donor shock point as I feel it is important to understand. All the best!

With all due respect, Jimmy, I don't think it is entirely accurate to say that donor shock is uncommon. Donor shock occurs in about 30% of patients and about 20% of patients will have enough that they notice it. This is my opinion of course but it is based on working with thousands of patients. I've seen donor shock occur in patients that had small procedures with zero tension and I've seen patients with high tension closures get off scott free with zero visible shock loss. It is unpredictable and has nothing to do with doctor selection. It can and does happen in the worst of hands as well as the best of hands. The OP may be fine with the post-op appearance but I don't think it is fair to him to dismiss the possibility of donor shock to the point of him not having to consider it. His number one concern is his confidentiality and it is important for him to have the facts, not conjecture.

I've dealt with patients over 80. No big deal at your age.

I think you have to ask yourself, how far do you want to go with your career? Are you a working actor or an aspiring actor? I think it is a sound question because it can determine how to move forward. My gut says to tell you to forget surgery of any kind. You can't just get one or two megasessions and "forget it" because hair loss is progressive. You are a full blown NW6 now, chances are at your age you'll eventually be a NW7 without meds, which you refuse to take. I'd say stay away from surgery and test the theory presented about being a bald actor. One thing to consider about Jason Alexander; a lot of his roles outside of Seinfeld had him wearing a hair piece. This is far more common than you may realize and is considered to be normal in your industry. This gives you far more options than if you have surgery because with a hair piece you can still take the roles that require a balding man and the next day you can get the role that requires some hair. With surgery, this may not always be the case, even with FUE. I usually don't recommend hair systems but in your situation it is just a part of the job for many people.

I'm glad to help. I also recommend you keep records of everything you are told. You should also download my hair transplant patient toolkit on my website and use this for your benefit. You can do a search on the name in my signature to find my website or just PM me for more info.

I have to ask, why Tunisia? Do you know your doctor's name? Have you had access to a gallery of results? I'm really curious about this so if you don't mind, would you please share the info with me in private message? Did the clinic or doctor discuss with you the possiblity of donor shock loss? If they haven't then you should be aware that this is a fairly common side effect of FUSS surgery and if it happens to you then your idea of keeping the procedure completely confidential may be unrealistic.

Of course you can. In fact, I would insist that you send him that mock up now, if you are already in communication with him. The last thing you would want to happen is to travel to the clinic of your choice, show him the image you shared here, and have it refused. What are you supposed to do then? I think you should proceed very carefully. If you have not actually spoken to the clinic you have chosen about this then it is imperative that you feel them out to see what they recommend for you specifically.

For the black line, yes, about 2500. For the brown line, over 3000, which I would advise against. The black line is not very conservative to begin with and with the age shown on your profile you are about 24 or 25. Don't get caught up in the height of the hairline. Make sure it is a design that will look natural when you are 35, 45 and so on. Just because something is possible doesn't mean it's a good idea.

North, Your dilemma about not hearing from your doctor is disappointing and is something I hope to see improved upon in the future. Follow up care is something that all patients should ask about before they have surgery and to get as much as possible in writing. Regarding your case, I think at this point you should simply hang on to your documentation and ride it out. The hairline shape and the inconsistencies may wind up adding to the naturalness once the hair has had time to grow and fully mature. No hairline is symmetrical because no face is symmetrical. I'm not making excuses for the doctor because I don't know who it is but this is a fact. Your hairline does seem more asymmetrical than the average transplanted hairline, yes, but the final result may be something that is less troubling once it is matured. The number of grafts placed vs. what were extracted however needs to be addressed and you should call the clinic again to speak to the doctor. The surgery is the easy part, the waiting is the hardest part and you still have a LONG way to go before you can make a final judgement. I'm also sending you a PM.

Congratulations, Blake. And wow! Dr. Lindsey is right, Dr. Feller looks great! Will you be at the conference in Chicago this year? If so, I hope to meet you in person.

I'm sure you're in good hands, CD. Good luck and please report back on your experience.

I wouldn't have any surgery at this time. Your profile says you only started rogaine so give it time. You may see a turnaround that is sufficient. However, based on the one photo of your donor zone I think you would be a marginal candidate to begin with. You have a large area to cover and your donor density does not appear to be that good. If you speak to someone and you get the opinion that surgery is ok then ask them for assurances. Btw, 3000 grafts won't give you coverage front to back so if this is what you were told by B then increase that number by about 150% and then you'll have strong coverage. Maybe.

My respect for you, sir, has just climbed another unexpected notch. Oh the contrary, when I told my wife (before we got married) she said it was awesome that I did something because there is nothing wrong with fixing a problem if you can (within reason) and she told me I look far better with hair so she's glad I did it and she said it makes me look stronger and healthier but that was comparing me to the before pictures after my bad hair transplants.