jimmygea

Hey welcome to the forum Unfortunately the majority of men suffer from hair loss at some point in their life (hair thinning, receding hairline, balding crown etc) some just accept it as part of life and do nothing about it. However, others like me and many forum users in that that hair loss bothers them do something about it and taking action sooner is by far better than just leaving it to develop. It is obvious that your hair loss is an issue for you since you have come onto the forum looking for answers and to be honest would you actually consider shaving your head? if that is the case then you are not really that bothered but then why have you came onto the forum in the first place!, So firstly you need to be honest to yourself are you just ignoring the fact that you are really concerned about your hair loss or not? I’m not trying to be negative towards you but you have to ask yourself ‘do you want to do something about it or not?’ from what you have posted I think the underlying answer is ‘yes’ It’s good that you are taking action before things progress too far. In response you your question regarding the speed of hair loss ‘that is the big unanswered question’ as you mentioned in your post everyone is different and it does depend on so many variables (your diet, genetic makeup, stress, infection, drugs/medication etc). My own receding hairline only started about 5 years ago at the age of 38 and has just slowly progressed to the point that I had a HT this month, but wish I had done something about it years ago which may have at least delayed the inevitable!! There are many treatments available to combat hair loss but unfortunately none are really cheap Medication is by far the easiest method especially at an early stage, I cannot see how it could be a hassle to you as you have several options available all have different cost. Regaine (Minoxidil) – this is a topical solution that you apply to your scalp daily but can costly per month, but can be cheaper if you shop around or buy in bulk. Hair Loss Treatment Products for Men | REGAINE® Finasteride / Propecia – this is in oral tablet form (recommended 1mg daily) but these normally need a prescription from a Doctor, However, you can get from legitimate onsite pharmacies without a prescription (contact me by PM if you want the site name), this is probably the most cost effective option but be aware it may have side effects, but check out this web site which shows the effectiveness of medication Twins Hair Loss | Stop Thinning Hair Loss | Dutasteride and make your own mind if this is something you may consider. Laser Comb – this is like a comb with lasers that stimulate follicles but the units can be quite expensive and results and reviews are mixed, see HairMax | Laser hair growth treatment | Top rated in user satisfaction Just a last thought, maybe your ongoing dandruff problem is due to a infection of the scalp, maybe worth a visit to the doctor and if he finds nothing wrong you could maybe discuss Propecia / finasteride with him, I hope the above helps you in some way in combating your hair loss

Thanks mklDK and Forest1975 I am really happy with the work Dr Saifi and his Technicians did and so far everything seems to be going well but still early days, the best thing about it know one apart from close family have any idea that I have even had it done!!, which is what I wanted hence why I choose FUT.

Hey romperstomper29 I had 2500 graft by FUT this month and everything went fine, although still early days but upto now I am happy with the whole experience. I know the following forum members have both had FUE by Dr Saifi so I recommend you send them a PM to get they honest options but from my own correspondences with them they both seem happy they are: Forest1975 and jacekplacek

Thanks for your comments Yonex, it's good to share advice and experiences as there are so many surgeons both good and bad out there so it pays to do research before committing and this site is excellent in providing that. I have now uploaded a few photo to my profile and will add additional ones once I get them from the Dr.

I found this site very helpful when researching surgeons for hair transplants and doing your homework definitely pays off so felt it my duty to share my own personal experience in hope that it helps someone else considering a HT. I arrived at Wroclaw Airport on 9th June and as arranged was met by Chris (taxi driver) who spoke very good English, 15 minutes later I arrived at the Art Hotel. The hotel is in heart of the city centre and has plenty of pubs and restaurants close by, the hotel is shabby-sheek style and the rooms are comfortable so no issues regarding accommodation provided. The following morning I was picked up at 9.15am by the same taxi driver and taken to the clinic. Which is about 10 minute drive. On arrival I was warmly greeted and asked to take a seat in the reception area and offered a drink and asked to complete a medical questioner which took around 10 minutes which asked usual question I.e. allergies, family history, medical history etc. At 9.45am I was met by Dr Saifi and taken to his office and we went through the medical questionnaire and we discussed my expectations, he also showed me some of his previous work and answered the questions that I had and this took to around 10am. He then looked closely at my donor area which he said was in great shape (having done the laxity exercise for the past 3 months I was relieved!) we then went onto discuss and plan my restored hairline. I relied on his experience and knowledge during this stage and we finally mutually agreed the recipient area so as not to look unnatural for my age or sparse for 2500 grafts. I was then shown to a changing room / WC and instructed to removed my shirt and put on a surgical gown then went through to the treatment room and was introduced to his 4 female technicians and then given some oral drugs to help me to relax etc. Dr Saifi took several photos then with help from one of the Technician proceed to tape my hair and shave my donor strip area, then It was onto the treatment chair lying face down and he injected anaesthetic to numb the donor area. Dr Saifi then went to get his scrubs on whilst the anaesthetic took effect, on his return he explained clearly what he was about to do and gave instructions on how to position myself on the chair. The donor strip was then removed in 3 sections this allowed 2 of the technicians to start dissecting the skin grafts whilst the remaining strip removal was ongoing, once the complete strip was removed he closed the wound using the trichophytic closure method then removed the tape from my hair and we had a short 5 minute break, it was now about 12.30pm. Then it was back onto the chair and my recipient area was prepared and then anaesthetised, Dr Saifi then explained the next part of the procedure of making the recipient holes and showed me the sapphire tipped tool that would he would use. He went onto make the incisions for the graft which took about 75 minutes I think, as drifted off to sleep at one stage. It was then time for lunch so we stopped for about 20 minutes and I was given a hot meal and side salad and a chance to stench my legs. After lunch it was back onto the treatment chair to start implanting the grafts, this was carried out by Dr saifi and 2 of his technicians, however Dr Saifi who closely overlooked all stages of the implanting, this took about 4 hours during which time we stopped for a few 5 minute breaks, by 6.30pm it was all finished. Finally, a few more photos were taken I then got dressed and had another short meeting with Dr Saifi on post treatment care and medication then we said our goodbyes and the taxi took me back to the hotel. The first night sleep after the op was as expected uncomfortable as the anaesthetic wore off and I found it hard to find a restful position, so only managed about 2 hours sleep and I also had a very loud snorer in the next room which didn't help even with ear plugs in!. At 5am I was picked up again by the same taxi driver and taken back to the airport and then homeward bound with my restored hairline. It's been only 2 days since my HT and things appear to be settling down already my forehead is still slightly swollen and the strip is a bit itchy but pain is very minimal, so I just it's have to follow the aftercare instructions and play the waiting game for the growth to begin! Overall, I have only praise for Dr Saifi and his team, I found they were very professional and the clinic was spotlessly clean and modern and could not fault any part of the procedure. Before choosing my surgeon I did a fair amount of research and personally contact many of his past patients all who only had praise for him, I think my research paid off and to be honest had no reservations or concerns in choosing him for my HT. I found Dr Saifi very easy to speak too and he took time to explain each part of the procedure. So anyone thinking about getting a hair transplant in my honest option you won't go wrong with Dr Saifi, but feel free to PM me if you have any question regarding my own experience. I'll hopefully post some photos once I receive them from Dr Saifi.

Hi Joe, I'm sorry if you have taken any offence at my post, this was not my intension and as I agreed with your previous comment that it does need to be considered as comes as part of the parcel with a hair transplant. I appreciate that we are all different in our make up hence some get off free whilst others don't. But what I was saying to Olivier is that it may still be possible to hide the donor area if his hair is long enough at the back but as he has no photo we couldn't really comment. My apologies again

Hi Olivier, With regards to JoeTillman issue regarding donor shock loss, obviously this is something to be aware of, but to be honest it Is not really that common and can be minimised by choosing the right Doctor. If you do grow your hair longer at the back before the your HT, I think that you would have no problem covering the scar even if you do suffer some donor loss, but to be honest I would'nt be overly concerned as during my research into each procedure I have not read much patients suffering donor area shock loss it is more prone to the recipient area, which could be covered with longer hair until the redness and scabbing subside. What HT Doctor in Tunisia have you picked? And hope you have done your research as there are plenty out there just interested in making money rather than meeting a patients expectations

Hi Olivier I know exactly where you are coming from in terms of going for FUT, I am myself booked for FUT in June and choose This method because of the same reasons as yourself in that I don't want to shave my head so that I can conceal the fact that I have had an HT from all except close family. At present I'm letting my hair grow longer and think I will not have too much of a problem keeping both the donor and recipient areas covered until they heal. I presume your doctor has advised you to massage the back of your head to improve laxity of the skin to minimise tightness post op Jim

I have to agree mklDK, it is a very interesting read regarding your contact with the HT establishment in Ireland. Like anything in this world there are so many people out there, just interested in making money and will do or say anything to cash in on your misfortune of your genetics hair loss regardless of the consequences. I presume the procedures quoted were for FUE and if so can understand as this method can be very time consuming so maybe split over 2 days, but would expect it to be done quite close together. Obviously, quoting amount of hairs rather than graft would make it sound more appealing to anyone who hadn’t done their homework and knew that graft can contain up to 4 hairs, it makes it sound more value for money!! Your example just goes to show that doing research in to HT is very important, so you have the confidence that surgeon you have chosen has your best interest at heart and is passionate on getting a satisfactory result as priority rather than just money in his pocket, as a botched HT will not be an easy cover up and something you may have to live with for some time. Hence, one of the main reasons why I have decided to go with Dr Saifi , you were not just dealing with a receptionist and he even gave you his personal number to contact him and when I did he took time to speak to you and answer any question you may have had.

There are so many variables that exist within the body that can effect hormonal changes and DHT levels and I presume that it maybe possible that some will be more susceptible to these supplements and changes to DHT levels than others. Just curious as stated above if it was clear cut then my hairline would be further receded as opposed to my identical twin who has never taken any sport supplements!

There is a lot of debate on the internet relating to the use of protein drinks and supplements causing MPB. However, I am not at all convinced in any of these claims or in fact if there is any proven scientific truth from any of these studies. It would be virtually impossible to conduct reliable study as you would have to have 100 men all the same age, eating the same food, doing the same job, the same level of fitness etc etc to reliably establish if there exists a link between Protein shakes & creatine supplements that cause hair loss. My own personnel thoughts are based on the following: I am an identical twin (monozygotic) and I have been consuming Protein drinks and taking creatine supplements on and off (3 drinks per day – 2 x Maxi Promax Lean & 1 x Maxi Cyclone) for several years and I am also a serious gym goer (2 hours per day at least 6 days per week), however, my identical twin has never taken protein shakes or creatine supplements and although he does go to the gym he is not as fanatical about it as myself. However, we both have an identical hairline!!!, subsequently I am sceptical that these sports nutrition have any impact MPB is all down to your genetic makeup. Has anyone any different thoughts on this subject or aware of any definite proof of this hair loss link? I have attached a couple of photos, I am the twin in the black t-shirt and my twin brother has the blue t-shirt

Hey paddyirishman My initial thoughts were like mklDK’s in going for FUE as opposed to FUT, however, after doing some research, I too have now opted to go for FUT for 2500 graft with Dr Saifi in June this year. The change in my mind were based on the following points in order of importance to me 1. The yield and quality of transplanted follicles are allegedly far better with FUT 2. I have never buzz cut the hair on the back of my head and don’t want to shave it all off in order to get FUE procedure, therefore no issue in covering my scar and hopefully not so obvious that I have had a HT 3. The scar line can be very minimal if preformed by a good Doctor using the trichophytic closure method 4. Less overall cost I suppose both procedures have their plus and minus points and only you can decide what meets your requirements but the advice from mklDK is very sound. I did a lot research before I made my booking with Dr Saifi and contacted many of his past patients all of them said that he was a real professional and took pride in his work to ensure great results and I would be in safe hands and his prices are very favourable compared to the UK surgeries! I have had several email correspondences and also discussed several point with Dr Saifi on the phone and never felt pressurised at anytime. Good luck in deciding....Jim