FUEAsianHairline

Any thoughts guys?

I finally received my portable microscope ($24): http://www.amazon.com/Vktech-Digital-Microscope-Endoscope-Magnifier/dp/B00MPCOJU8/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1425223015&sr=8-15&keywords=hair+microscope and it's pretty nifty. It zooms from 20x to 800x. I've attached some photos. 2 of my temples and 1 is an area of my scalp that is not balding. The zoom is about 100-150x and my head was fully shaved with a 1 attachment about 5 days ago. (I'm a NW 3) Also, here's a video that demonstrates the abilities of a similar device: For reference, here's a link to a thread of photos of my scalp from January which is basically how I look today: http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/178100-how-many-grafts-do-i-need.html I bought the microscope to better examine my scalp and to track the progress of my current treatments which primarily are: Laser Helmet (8 months) and Propecia (2 years) I don't notice any differences in growth when I look in the mirror or when I take photos of my scalp with my regular camera, but these microscopic photos should give me some more information. Any thoughts on the photos and the health of my scalp/hair? (I know the left temple photo has an area of redness which I need to pay attention to)

I guess no one does this? Potentially a missed opportunity for those who want to really track and measure hair growth/loss.

Ashitaka, Ready4Hair compiled a good amount of scientific links/research on LLLT that are worth looking at:

No side effects: The growth of human scalp hair mediated by visible red light laser and LED sources in males. - PubMed - NCBI

Ashitaka, check out the link below. As I mentioned previously LLLT potentially has benefits over meds: The growth of human scalp hair mediated by visible red light laser and LED sources in males. - PubMed - NCBI

I'm certainly no expert, but I've had a number of consultations with some of the most highly recommended surgeons in the field and seems like it's all about FUE or FUT. The main differences between surgeons other than cost seem to be whether they use robotic assistance (ARTIS or Neograft) or not. Some clinics offer platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) or A cell: https://www.hairreplacementsurgeon.com/acell-prp/ I'm intrigued by low level laser therapy LLLT, although it's a very controversial subject. I will say a number of recommended and respected surgeons offer it and it's potentially a low cost tool that may aid in hair regrowth/slow down hair loss. The growth of human scalp hair mediated by visible red light laser and LED sources in males. - PubMed - NCBI

JIMjim, have any pics? If you post some you'll probably be able to get some good feedback.

Can anyone make a recommendation on a good quality scalp magnifying tool/hair microscope? I've attached an example pic. Basically I'm looking for a tool that I'll be able to place directly on my scalp to measure my follicular units per sq cm and to track if any of my current aids (propecia and/or laser helmet) are helping regrow hair or whether my hair is receding and if so how rapidly. A fellow forum member sent me the link below although there are no reviews and not much in the description. I'm finding that to be the case with a number of other products. http://www.amazon.com/Vktech-Digital-Microscope-Endoscope-Magnifier/dp/B00MPCOJU8/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1425223015&sr=8-15&keywords=hair+microscope Also, any advice from those with experience tracking their follicular units would be appreciated.

Just found this insightful video profiling the Asmed Clinic which looks very high end:

Can I ask which surgeon did the procedure and was he recommended by the forum?

Thanks guys. Blah, I'm not saying i'm planning to get a 2nd HT in the future but I'm being realistic and understanding that I may need one later on since my hair will probably (hopefully not) continue to recess as I get older. But point taken on getting a much larger procedure the first time around which is my plan. zyzz, I hear you and I'm certainly not looking for a specific hair style like those guys that go to the barber with pictures of celebs, I'm just looking to get a lot more density in the front forelocks to be able to have the option to grow out bangs understanding that it won't be exactly the same as 10 years ago. HT's are certainly the last option but also one of the best options because really nothing else is going to regrow hair to a great degree unless you recently lost the hair.

Thanks Brenton! Your advice as well as others on this forum is HUGE as people like me leap into the great beyond of a HT.

Thanks David, that's a big help. Just to be clear are you saying you stayed 3 nights and left on day 4? Bardelbee, the hand tying sounds funny but i totally agree based on the investment you made and i might look into that. This reminds me of Nightmare on Elm Street where everyone is afraid to go to bed and in this case for 10 days until grafts are locked in?.

First thing, have you gone to a dermatologist? I would definitely do that. A HT surgeon can certainly give you similar advice, but a dermatologist can do things like scalp biopsies and other examinations that a surgeon might not be able to do. Also a surgeon is driven by getting business and may be a bit biased where as a dermatologist at best will try to sell you some cremes. My dermatologist prescribed a course of treatment that HELPED big time. I went from a crazy itchy scalp (which is also a sign of hair loss) to a stable, non itchy scalp and I don't know for sure, but I think my hair loss has stabilized since then. That's the main thing you want. I would also suggest looking into a laser helmet. I don't know if they work but there are studies that back it up. I avoided propecia for years because of the potential side effects and the fact that I would have to take it for the rest of my life (or at least until I stopped caring about hair loss). But LLLT is not a drug like propecia or rogaine, although it's a device that if it works you would want to use for the long haul. I have one (I won't mention which one to be unbiased) and I put it on for 20 minutes 3-4x a week while I surf the web. I can't say that I see a difference good or bad, but that's potentially a good thing as my hope is it's slowing down hair loss. Who knows. I say arm yourself with as much information and options as possible to make the best possible choice/course of action. Anyway, here's a thread with a lot of good links on LLLT: http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/eve/178620-post-surgical-lllt-timeframe-question-drs-please-weigh-post2423481.html#post2423481 Also, this is an interesting video done by a reputable news organization on hair loss treatments: