FueSoon

Future_HT_Doc, Thank you for the insight. No matter how many times you may remind folks of the details it is extremely beneficial to have this information on new threads so it may not be lost in the world of threads for us new timers and people who just found the site. I for one am glad to learn all this even after reading endless of threads for weeks. Thanks again. KO, I am concluding that Aratas may be a good tool if used by a good/recommended and proven doctor. Learning from the information you are providing if there is not a great doctor behind the tool, I will certainly not be considering the procedure simply because they have a very expensive tool. On Top, After consulting with an Aratas doctor 2 weeks ago, I have learned that the clinics actually pay a royalty fee for each graft to the company that designed and produced Aratas. Between 1 to 1.5 dollars per graft. Pkipling, I am slowly fully accepting the concept of traveling and the idea that this whole project will require a commitment. Being concerned of the convenience will hinder my results which I am sure no one would want to regret later. Dr. Konior responded to my email very quickly with detail. I provided him with pictures and he confirmed I am a good candidate for the procedure. Maybe I am a little more than a NW2. However, as much as I have earned respect for his work at this point of my research, he is expensive. I am not sure if I am allowed to mention the quote provided but it was much more than what some internet sources have said he charged in the past. Of course we get what we pay for, and every one of us here believe that this should not be an element to stop us from a particular doctor, however it does affect our decision making process. Everything else we must consider in finances, how to make that expense back, when will I be able to afford it now that I have to save up some more (oh wait that time frame doesn’t fit into my work schedule), etc, etc…. Price is huge in decision making.

Thank you OnTop and Pupdaddy. I certainly agree with both inputs. I have researched Aratas. The doctors that do have it say it is the next best thing since slice bread, and the doctors that do not have it claim the machine is just a gimmick to try and lure patients in and excludes “the human touch”. Attached is a photo of the donor area. From the feedback I have received they tell me it is comfortably enough to cover what is needed and some. I will also take the advice provided and move onto my next step which is to reach out to a couple recommended Chicago FUE doctors for a consultation. I will deviate from focusing on local process and make the effort. I will thank myself at the end for going the extra mile on this.

Hi Harryforreal, attached are some photos of the loss. Your thoughts (and anyone else's) on the approach would be appreciated! Thank you

Hi Harryforreal, thank you as well for taking the time and checking out his work. Okay I will certainly post images of my hair loss when I get back from work. To answer your second question, I have been on monoxidil for about 6 years. The sexual side effects of finasteride have scared me away from ever touching it (it boils down to 14 percent with the very last study). I also appreciate your direction of questions, the clinic is usually not too keen on discussing “other options”. I will post my images later today. Thanks again.

Thank you for the insight KO! I have read few threads that have cleared up the hype regarding Neograft. Could you elaborate on that? I always thought it was just a tool for FUE, it may have a few bells and whistles (only thing they told me is that it washes the follicle once extracted), but why would this particular tool not be regarded as high as any other tool (I actually don't know of any other tool)? Would manual FUE be a better approach than FUE with Neograft? If that is the case maybe I should steer my research to manual FUE versus gimmick tools. Thanks

Hello, I would like to start off by thanking all the great folks that have shared very valuable information. This is a sensitive matter and after months of research I find that this website has been the sole provider of true and helpful information. I am truly grateful for all the information that everyone has contributed. Okay, I am a NW 2. Interested in only FUE. I finally checked out Dr. Mark Berkowitz’s office, Michigan (unfortunately there are no recommended FUE doctors in Michigan so trying to find some). I met his main technician Mindy S. Gilbert. Mindy has a comfortable 5 years of FUE experience. (link removed by moderator) Some red flags: - Dr. Berkowitz does not have several years’ experience under the NeoGraft gun but is working with Mindy closely. - They do not have multiple examples to provide (their clinic is fairly new and are building their team reputation) - The office does not solely work on hair restoration. - I simply could not find real testimonials outside of their website regarding hair restoration. I had been recommended 1500 grafts. My question: has anyone ever heard any real information about Dr. Berkowitz or Mindy S. Gilbert? May you offer advice? Just an FYI, they do seem legit, very comfortable with their approach, and they did not seem shady and I got the feeling they have a genuine effort in the office (I also have not read anything bad about them, yet…). Any assistance from the experienced folks would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much....