esrec

We're very lucky that two of the world's best surgeons also happen to be very kind and thoughtful people too. This is sometimes rare in medicine where egos rule the day. Having had surgery with Dr. Ron and meeting with Dr. Konior in person last week, I can tell you that they are both class acts. Similar demeanor and approaches, both of whom (unsurprisingly) have immense respect for each other.

SMG is offering topical finasteride via a pharmacy in Italy. It's being delivered as we speak. I'm still feeling mixed about it but will likely test only in frustration areas first 3x per week. The only alternative is the solution Dr. Wesley is currently offering which is a lesser topical dosage. Admittedly less sure about his preparation method but have a note out to confirm. He referenced a pretty substantial study I'm trying to get my hands on too.

Results are all I care about. Particularly right now. Whatever the "right move" is I'm open to it.

I think I'm understanding. So you're saying that a small FUE would not necessarily take away from the primary strip zone that we want to factor for the future, but nearby real estate that would remain available even after stripped out? Further, that to strip for an area so small would actually prove counterproductive? When I first asked Dr. Ron it was suggested we could strip to reinforce some of the weaker areas of my hairline (noticeable when pulled back) while reinforcing the forelock. After some thought, however, my hairline outline satisfies for now. Id rather address "cherry on top" scenarios later and tackle the remaining frustration-forelock sooner. I'll inquire further. Thanks boys.

@ HTsoon Good to hear from ya brotha and appreciate the feedback. I was looking fwd to getting your input. Could you explain your strategy for me a little further? I was under impression you max out FUT before you move onto FUE. I will admit that getting cut open again for a smaller session doesnt appeal at the moment, even though the scar looks solid. What # of grafts do you think would suffice? @Mav My dude, sorry for the disappearing act. I just had to detach and get some perspective over the whole thing. I know you get it. Agree that PRP probably wont get me there. I guess my logic is that I have a lot of wispy hairs in the forelock that Im not sure if are old or new and want to maximize before i go under the knife. Open to your thoughts too on best next steps. Looks like you crushed it. So very happy for you. Overall, I feel the density is reasonable, except in forelock, which is far below native, which in my case is further magnified, due to my high natural density #. Paradoxically, by "recreating" the widows peak from scratch, we now have more room to cover, given the low yield. I'm very open to ideas/strategy.

I'm simply blown away by the support on here. It's funny how you find special people in the most unexpected places sometimes. You're all brothers to me. This journey has given me a certain perspective that reaches far beyond just a hair transplant. While I came up short, I know this is a long-term process I have no choice but to embrace. There's a certain level of expectation that's unhealthy and I maybe went there. I'm humbled. I've given up my illusions of grandeur, of being able to wake and take on the day without worrying about concealers, rain, and wind. Those days remain, for now. What can I do, but accept? But, I'm thankful-- for the process, the information gained, and preparation I will take with me moving forward. I'm now ready to think next steps. Dr. Ron and team have been all class. I flew out there about a month ago and he sat with me for almost 2 hours, after performing a procedure that day. Matt has also been top notch, providing a good bit of guidance along with his meticulous eye. We all agreed I came up short. Progress made, but for my profile and candidacy, yield and density should've been better in my forelock-my key frustration area and reason for surgery. (I have seen some thickening between months 12 to 15) The plan for now was to introduce oral min, topical fin (wont touch oral) and explore PRP to see if I can push to closer to the aesthetic threshold. My native density is a blessing and a curse, as anything below is visually obvious. I will be seeking additional opinions, if only because it's the prudent thing to do. I have PRP consults with Dr. Wesley here in NY and close to scheduling with Dr. Cooley. I have a general consult with Dr. Konior in early march. Key mentions: (pics taken yesterday) *Forelock was key frustration area. By re-installing the widows peak and coming up short, we have more space to cover now. *Forelock, if you look closely, is noticeably lacking due to density, yield, and hair/skin contrast. *Thickness and textural changes still taking place. Wispy hairs still noticeable but unsure if they are new or old. *Hairline also has gaps but only noticeable when I flip hair up. Enough thickness when it lays. *Very pleased with outline, as it very closely resembles native. *Took photos from brutally light angles, both under lamp and outdoor, as I like my beatings brutal Open to thoughts, opinions, feedback. Sincerely, thank you all so very much.

Apologies for the long absence everyone. So many of you have helped guide me through this journey and I am forever appreciative of that. I hope you can understand, I just didnt, and I still dont, have the energy to be here. It's been a powerful experience, even if I ultimately fall short of my hair goals. Overall, I'm just pretty tired. Not defeated--that's not who I am, but just quite exhausted from the last year. I realize I dont have to explain--I know so many of you understand, but I am slowly beginning to accept the reality of my results. When I last reported, I was still seeing new hairs pop around the 9 month mark. I also saw a good # of new hairs pop again at around 10 months. But I've run out of time, I'm 11.5 months in. Unless I see some serious thickening and maturity, I'm gonna come up short. I will objectively have to put my result somewhere between subpar and satisfactory. Looking back, I never had a growth spurt. I wasnt a slow or fast, but steady grower. I saw incremental changes every single month, but no big gain months. I was hopeful the hair sprouting I saw in months 9 and 10 would be transformative by now, month 11.5, but no such luck. What's funny, is I had this dream a few months ago about writing a letter to Dr. Shapiro thanking him for changing my life. He's such an incredible guy and I so badly wanted to write him that note. I wanted it for myself, but I also wanted to say those words to someone that made the entire process so easy considering the circumstances. Maybe I'll wait a little longer, maybe I'll start thinking about PRP. I will let you know. This was me letting go a little bit as a first step. So thanks for understanding. I'll post 1 year pics in a few weeks.

Honest answer guys- "I just dont know yet". I'm in a bit of a paradox at the moment. Let me explain..... On one hand, I'm preparing for an uninspiring result. Not failed, simply uninspiring, as i'm quickly approaching the much coveted 9-month mark (7/1) without a result that I would ultimately declare a winner. The lines are carefully detailed with so much potential, but ultimately, lacking density in my key frustration area. This surgery for me was a forelock/widows peak or bust scenario. Hairline too, but aforementioned primarily. In bringing back the forelock/widows peak, density was imperative. Not only out of principle, but fundamentally, its an area that naturally draws immediate attention. You get it. The hairline itself has a nice shape, and is alive and well, but without the forelock and widows peak intact, its like a straight line with the middle missing. Like this ____ ____ BUT, on the other hand, I continue to see new hairs emerge right now. Yes, even right now. In fact, I probably saw more of a difference, in both sprout and maturation, in months 7.5--8.5 than I did in months 5-7. The hair that has come in, continues to thicken and resemble native form. I'm not denying progression. To that point, I've admittedly not had a single "blockbuster" month despite having undeniable and consistent month over month progress. Net / Net: I'm approaching that unknown threshold, of not knowing if I actually need more hairs to emerge to reach my final destination, or if the flimsy lackluster nature of the existing hairs in key areas, simply need to mature and thicken fully to reach the finish line. You see the balancing act I'm forced to acknowledge? I'm not disillusioned, I know the clock is ticking. Like I said, "I just dont know yet". I'll post pictures soon, as I know this long update will frustrate some without, but i've been trying to just disconnect. I'm sure you understand. I'm pretty exhausted by everything. I welcome the support and encouragement, but the hair gods have me now. It's in their hands.

Are you still seeing new hairs emerge, or progress being made, in recent months or currently? Still early bud.

Awesome my man! Looks like that shock loss was a pretty temporary thing. Looking great. Cant believe how much growth you had mid-scalp in the last few months, thats just wild. All easy from here. Happy for you.

Everything I've read suggests that 4-9 months is the primary emergence period for new hairs, and subsequent months is mostly maturation, with some variability of course. I actually bought a magnifying mirror and in harsh light can see many new hairs still just popping through that I cant see in a regular mirror. I'm a month behind you. Maybe grab one for added perspective. Are you seeing month over month progress? If you're creeping along, but consistently, maybe it'll just take more time. Btw your original photos were a bit unclear. did you ever post closer/more updated ones?

Love your journey.... Signed the dotted line, skepticism kicked in, listened, then listened some more, came to your senses and pivoted away from an inevitable mistake. Now the fun part--consults with all the top guys. Good luck!

Can someone explain to me rationale here? Being sincere not sassy. Very large session and use of avail supply for someone with tons of existing hair. I would imagine aggressive medical therapy would be a requirement.

Sweet forelock envy Dutch. Looking good bud, win that mental game

You're my hair hero.

If its a newer relationship completely understand not wanting to share. Its more about business as usual / no need to explain something so deep rooted. If a longer relationship, youre gonna go through a lot of stuff in life much more difficult than this, so its a good test. I'd probably not saying anything, but have a casual story ready to go. If you make it a big deal, it becomes one. Whether it be you "know the doctor" so "why not", or "this cool new technology", or "yeah was kinda bothering me..had the $ no big deal".... you're not lying or masking truth so much as making it less of a headline in your life.

You should probably start your own thread, if you havent already, post pics and gather some feedback. Having blonde hair with fair skin can pose some great advantages. Hopefully you've gotten your hands on some top docs to ease some of your concerns and provide you with better perspective. And yeah man, there's no way to predict the future-hair loss is no different lol

If you see HT's hair loss journey you'll quickly see he empathizes with you more than most, has been through it, and is one of the most helpful guys around here. We all understand the pain, that's why we are here.

Def not too young, in fact you're probably the most common age on average I would bet. I just turned 35, and can say before I arrived on the board I thought I was on the younger side too, but in fact MPB does not discriminate-it impacts people of all ages at varying rates.

Was the work dense packed? What was the operating doctor's feedback?

Would love to know the make-up of this study as well.

Can only speak to my experience so far, at 7 months with Dr. Ron, and the scar is very fine and difficult to detect. I expect it will only become finer and thinner in time. H+W's tend to, but not always, extend a bit higher. Konior's work is always super clean. Admittedly havent scrutinized the others as closely, but are all top notch docs.

You should also add Gabel to your mix. He's in Portland and great. Message Matt @ Shapiro he's very responsive. Dr. K always worth a consult. More opinions the better. You've got a solid list.

Agreed with Spank. My routine pre-op was couvre as a base to reduce contrast and toppik as thickener on the hairline. It took me such a long time, I knew it was time to take the plunge. In general, I think courve is easier to apply than dermmatch but people tend to misuse it. The ingredients are nearly the same but one is more clay-like and the other is cream. Blotting on either is the way to go. Pics would help.

Completely understand and relate. I haven't told anyone. Family is a little bit easier to hide from, as you choose how often you see them. A girlfriend with you on a daily basis is a bit more difficult. Does she know that it bothers you or that you were considering a procedure? I dont imagine you can hide it from her unless your recipient can be easily covered with a sudden new hairstyle. Even then, you spend so much time with the person, do you think the burden of the lie will be worse than just sharing the news?