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So logical surprising that approach isnt taken more often.

Similar situation. What HT said. Almost 35 and just had 2450 FUT graft a week ago. My frontal and temples have receded but overall most would consider my loss moderate. Factor the long term into whatever decision you make now. Personally, id rather have 3 surgeries and spend $50k than risk my my manhood. I tried it with only a little fog but still a decision I made. Even if you believe the bottle (which most people dont) and ignore the reports, a 2% side effect of ED to me is like a 75% chance of having a heart attack lol. Others feel very differently. Is a personal decision. Think it through and own it. PS- Topical Finateride is now available and can be localized to the scalp. Still early on news of returns.

The easiest part of your process--saying no to Bosley. The most difficult--choosing from one of the top docs that are often referenced here. Good luck.

Really good feedback here, pay attention. So much of restoration is nuanced and comes down to finesse over raw #s. Dense packing can backfire, just as building a "wall" at your hairline will look abnormal and eventually do the same. (im guilty of latter with masking agents) You don't need what nature gave you to create the necessary illusion, rather a strategic approach based on your current hair loss and goals. Age appropriate is something I think the best doctors always preach. Youre going to get older and lose more hair--Run from a doctor that promises to restore you back 10 years. Run.

Re-read my post. Went through your exact scenario as a late 20's NW2 5 years ago. Allow yourself to consider the possibility that your frustration is driving your decision right now. Mine almost did.

Well played Sir.

Take your time--with your research, with your procedure type, with everything. Gather as many (informed) opinions from top docs as possible before making your decision. I understand that your being decisive adds comfort to the frustration you're likely feeling, but take your time. Beware of your own ignorance with such a big decision. Dr. Feller is great. Consult with him and others and reach a decision that feels well thought out after you've done exhaustive research. I had my first consultation in 2012 for hair loss. I had been suffering mentally for probably 5 years prior but that day on July of 2012 was when I just couldn't take it anymore. I was so frustrated I scheduled surgery 4 months later, even making a down payment to hold myself accountable. I was at my mental low point. After a few more consultations, and hours of playing devils advocate w/ myself, I forced myself to believe the prudent decision was to wait. I played with Fin and Min, eventually disqualifying both. Masking agents became my savior and are solely responsible for getting me through the last 3 years. My routine with applying couvre and toppik was exhausting, taking many hours, but it created the illusion I needed to allow me to postpone. Fast forward 3 years, I just had my first FUT surgery with Dr. Shapiro last week. Results aside, I'm glad I waited, even with the suffering. Take your time, no matter how painful. Think for the long haul, and set realistic goals. You'll be thankful in the end.

The place we come for answers becomes a place of panic. Thanks for the levity. Hilarious!

Are Hair-Loss Drugs Safe? The Truth About Propecia and FInasteride - MensJournal.com Worth a full read. Just the most recent. There's no perfect answer here, but important to have all available info before making a decision. Side effects are much higher than reported, simply because few people report side effects in general with any medication, let alone one that effects their manhood. Just reality. Not an indictment on Fin only. I think the most concerning development is reports of patients experiencing persistent effects long after discontinuation. Labeling has now been updated to include "Post-Finasteride Syndrome" Merck going to court for the first time this year. Should be interesting and worth keeping tabs on.

Agree with others. I mean, you barely have what anyone would consider hair loss. A little concealer would bring your hairline fully back. What you're speaking of is so negligible I'd be concerned by any physician that would actually endorse you for a surgery right now. A little irresponsible IMO. 1800-2200 grafts recommended above? I That's insane, and just unethical advice.

Agreed HT. There's a responsible way to address each experience without throwing the doc under the bus, particularly if people continue celebrate the positive. There's a general unwillingness to accept how subjective the entire process is. Beginning with the degree of frustration and severity of hair loss, what drives someone to follow through with the procedure (independent of result and/or procedure type ) is all very personal. Of course, there are objectively good and bad results, but at large I think it comes down to expectations.

Spare... where? Looks pretty solid.

Thank you Fortune. Hoping to get more professional photos from them soon. Dr. Ron really was so meticulous and communicative the entire way. Despite hours of talks and drawings on my head beforehand he would make sure to consult me throughout the procedure, making sure I was pleased. It's funny, I wasn't even anxious about the new hairline until it existed. Now that I can see the outline, I can appreciate how tough the waiting period must be. He used staples. Didnt have the chance yet to ask why but can tomorrow. Still in town.

Avoid corporate commercial names like Bosley or Hair Club. Dr. Konior is a great place to start in Chicago, but like others have said,do your homework before making a decision. Forget about anything you see on an infomercial.

Thank you Blake. Your words mean alot. Will get some better pics from office, as those are a bit average. The placement of hairline is right where I wanted. He was great about showing me a mirror every 30 minutes or so to check I approved lol. I can't speak to long term FUT scarring, but the pain so far as been minimal at best. Pleasantly surprised... so far.

Just had 2450 FUT with Ron Shapiro yesterday. Posted feedback in separate thread if you're interested..

Yeah the pain meds have helped but definitely dont want to rely on them. Zero pain in recipient, minor in donor. Sure soreness will build over next few days though.

Thanks so much. If the pain after 24 hours is the worst than I'm feeling pretty good about things. I'm staying in Minnesota a full week so will be getting daily check-ups.

I'm 16 hours removed from surgery with Dr. Ron Shapiro. Apologies in advance if this is scattered, the drugs are still treating me nicely Posted 2 pictures. Please be gentle, as I'm still beat up and my head looks kind of messy. I'm feeling surprisingly well. I woke up this more with some tenderness but no legitimate pain and no bleeding. Of course, this could change. I'll plan to share progress and pictures regularly for anyone that's interested. 9/28: Pre Op Consult: Traveled from New York to Minneapolis on Monday and went directly to Dr. Ron's office for a consultation. We spoke for about two hours going over expectations, goals, graft placement and just about every other question I could possibly think of. Incredibly thorough. I was very appreciative for how collaborative this process felt. I left feeling very confident and comfortable as a result of the details we covered. And yes, we spoke at LENGTH about FUT vs FUE too 9/29: Surgery Day: Arrived yesterday morning at 8am met by an incredibly warm and welcoming staff. I cannot speak highly enough about the entire group. This makes a world of difference. I picked my lunch for the day, threw on my fancy gown, went over my goals one final time and got started. A large team was there and ready to roll--3 technicians to prepare the grafts, another 3 technicians to assist placements with Dr. Ron. I was his only surgery of the day. I watched 3 movies but forgot most of them. Was pretty high. Sitting in a chair for 8 hours was easily the most taxing part. Strip/Donor Area: Was most concerned about mobility afterward but the pain as of now is pretty minimal and mobility fine. Some light tingling and tenderness but thats really it. Admittedly haven't looked at donor area except for a quick glance but it's fully covered by hair and the scar size/length looked ok. Overall pain-3/10. **** I was told my hair density was extremely high. Not sure what these #'s mean but average density is supposedly 75-100, mine was 129. As a result I think we were able to grab more than initially intended or needed. Subsequently, scar not as long or wide. Recipient area: Looks fine right now. No pain. We did some minor shaving, against my initial plan, but with lots of hair left and many fine hairs in my highest frustration area,I decided to suck it up. It just made sense. I dont return to work until November 15. By then concealers should be more than fine to use and the lightly cut hairs should be normal length. Hairline: Happy with initial look but trying not to scrutinize just yet. Obviously I'm only 16 hours out but feel good about the revisions to hairline. We were going for an age appropriate (almost 35) hairline but one that was very consistent with current look. Density and clean lines was most important. I just took a few pictures (attached) with my phone but will get the office to send more soon. Better quality I'm sure. We went in planning 1800-2000 grafts max after Dr. Ron's initial consult w/ me in person. With the additional supply made available due to my hair density, we were able to go a little higher, 2450. He added some thickness to front-middle, and middle to stabilize. Will report regularly from here. Thanks to everyone that helped guide me through this process. Couldn't have done it without you!

Thanks man. A few hours to go...

The potential for equivalent yield and the consistency of equivalent yield is where the divide really exists IMO. I've surveyed probably 10-15 doctors at this point including both FUT and FUE specialists. They seem to fall into 1 of 3 groups: A) FUT provides superior yield and density B) FUE can often achieve equivalent yield and density as FUT C) FUE does not provide equivalent yield or density

Dr. Lindsey, on a separate but related topic, curious how long you recommend your patients wait before using concealers like toppik, couvre or dermatch. Just curious, as my consults with H+W, Shapiro and others have provided ranges from 7-30 days. Thanks. Might be good alternative for above patient too.

Isn't it also suggested that an FUT/FUE combo produce the best long term yield, and that starting with FUT is preferred when subsequent surgeries are likely? This is at least what several doctors have explained to me. "Scarring" is an interesting topic within this debate. Most seems to care (or not care) about the final scar. Perhaps due to hair length or just in principle. As I prepare for surgery, I can say that a small linear scar that'll never be seen (I dont wear my hair short) is much less a concern for me than the that slightly greater downtime caused by an incision. Recovery time was really the only aspect of scarring at play for me. Of course, I respect everyone's circumstances vary thus no perfect answer.

Ive consulted with more than 5 physicians on this topic, each maintain the safety in using concealers. Just clean the area delicately and regularly. Dermatch and couvre is just a makeup. Caboki and Toppik are keratin fibers.

you clearly didnt read in full if thats the conclusion you've come to. There's legitimate advantages and disadvantages to both. Your personal circumstances should dictate the method you choose, but both are very strong techniques for different reasons.