yesplease

3 hours ago, yesplease said:

Looking good! 
 

were the grafts all placed in the frontal third/hairline? Any preop “before” photos to share? 

what’s your age? And are you on any hair loss meds? 
 

I agree, very natural-looking result! thanks for sharing 

Sorry, I see your before photos above 

14 minutes ago, Matt Kheder said:

Thanks! I had 4000 grafts transplanted. I don't have a picture of the graft placement but I just took a couple of top-down pictures and attached them here. Initial pictures were taken 7-8 months after the procedure when the hair at the top middle part of my head had not yet grown to the same length as the rest for some reason.

Looking good! 
 

were the grafts all placed in the frontal third/hairline? Any preop “before” photos to share? 

what’s your age? And are you on any hair loss meds? 
 

I agree, very natural-looking result! thanks for sharing 

1 hour ago, Matt Kheder said:

I'm writing to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Mohebi for the incredible work on my recent hair transplant. My hair looks absolutely fantastic! I was initially apprehensive about the procedure, but Dr. Mohebi and their team were incredibly professional and reassuring throughout the entire process. They took the time to understand my goals and expectations, and the results are truly beyond what I imagined.

Here's what I'm most impressed with:

Natural Look: My hair looks completely natural. No one would ever guess I've had a transplant!

Density and Distribution: The hair density is good, and the distribution is even throughout the treated area. I may consider another procedure with Dr. Mohebi to further improve the density.

Aesthetic: My hairline looks fantastic, and I finally have the confidence to style my hair in any way I want.

Overall, I'm absolutely thrilled with the results. Dr. Mohebi's skill and expertise are truly outstanding. I highly recommend them to anyone considering a hair transplant. In addition to the great results, I also appreciated: clear communication, friendly staff, and a comfortable environment. In short, the best money I ever spent!

Congrats on a great result that you’re happy with. Any chance you have a pic of graft placement and/or a top-down angle of the result? 

1 hour ago, Sunset Dune said:

Which conclusion? That the bottle instructions specifically states to use daily or that Xyon customer service representative said the gel needs to be on the scalp for at least 4 hours.

The instructions for oral finasteride are to take 1 mg daily. However, studies and data indicate that lower doses and less frequent dosing still reduce DHT to the same degree or very close to the same degree as 1 mg per day. 

Just because the instructions state something, doesn’t mean that the medication won’t be at all effective if used less frequently.

1 hour ago, Sunset Dune said:

Which conclusion? That the bottle instructions specifically states to use daily or that Xyon customer service representative said the gel needs to be on the scalp for at least 4 hours.

That it has to be used daily to be effective at all. 

5 hours ago, Sunset Dune said:

For those of you not using the topical gel every day you’re just wasting your time. To achieve the best results you need to use it every day as directed, not every other day not 1x a week not 2x a week but every day. 
The gel needs to be on the scalp for at least 4 hours before washing.

And what are you basing this conclusion on? 

4 hours ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

I haven’t updated this thread in a while. Mainly because I pinned a user experience thread, and I update it there. But I’ve gotten some dms on social media about this thread, so here’s my update. I have been using Xyon 5x per week for about a month. I’ve seen a visual difference in my hair. 

For reference here’s the thread where I posted the top picture.

Top picture April 2023

Bottom picture June 2023

I’ve decided I’m going to start posting my hair soaking wet. Dry hair pictures can be deceiving, but wet pictures are not forgiving. I want to be as transparent and honest as possible.

We’ll see if I continue seeing a difference. So far I’ve been very satisfied. I hope to keep improving, but only time will tell.

Nice improvement on the crown! 
 

Are you also monitoring serum DHT levels? 

1 hour ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

I spoke with the prescribing dermatologist that I only intended to use it 3-4x per week. I was sent two bottles within a 2 1/2 month time frame. I believe this is something you have to discuss with the prescribing dermatologist. 

Perhaps they will extend the interval at which they send the bottles, once you pay for the three, but they will not allow you to only purchase one bottle. 

Just yesterday I asked Xyon’s patient service rep about only paying for one or two bottles at first and this is the reply I received this morning:

“Thank you for your email.

The solution is prepared to supply customers for three months. A one-month supply is not currently available.

As always, please let us know if you have any questions.”

On 4/27/2023 at 1:11 PM, Melvin- Moderator said:

From what I understand from other users, you can cancel the subscription and only get charged the first month. That said, I’m not sure one month is enough to know whether the medication is working or not. I would think at least two. But if you get sides canceling is always an option. 

Dosage is discussed with the prescribing dermatologist. Because of the siloxysystem gel and the heavy molecule weight of dutasteride, getting a low percentage doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. 

This is incorrect. They charge you for the 3 month supply upfront before approving your subscription, and they do not offer a refund or cancellation of the subscription prior to the third bottle. 
 

Yes, you likely need more than a one month supply to really appreciate any results. But side effects can certainly arise prior to the complete use of 3 bottles. In my case with their topical fin product, my serum DHT plummeted substantially with just once-weekly application well before I was able to get through the first bottle. 
 

Seems like a bit of a money-grab on their part, given how expensive the product is. They have to be aware that many users will “ease in” to dosing or apply it less frequently than prescribed by the MD, given that it’s a product specifically targeted to folks that are concerned about systemic absorption and/or who have experienced sides in the past. 

About two months ago, I started using the Xyon's topical finasteride product. I had previously experienced significant side effects from PO finasteride, which I had attempted to take years ago. Since that time my hairloss has progressed, and thus I was pretty hopeful that the topical route paired with Xyon's novel delivery formula would substantially reduce the likelihood that I would experience any issues.

Because my body had reacted so poorly to PO fin previously, I decided to ease into using the Xyon product as well. I first obtained baseline testosterone, prolactin and DHT levels. I then began using the product only one time per week. After 5 weeks (five total applications), I obtained a repeat set of lab studies. Unfortunately my serum DHT had decreased substantially.

In terms of side effects, I did notice some mild testicular aching, but this was less pronounced than it was with the oral medication. No other significant side effects noted during the last 5 weeks, but regardless I don't feel as though I can continue with this medication, as the hope was always that it would drastically reduce systemic absorption. Clearly this was not the case with my physiology, unfortunately. 

Baseline values: T 555 ng/dL, Free T 14.7 pf/dL, Prolactin 4.9 ng/dL, DHT 45 ng/dL

Follow up results: T 529 ng/dL, Free T 9.8 pf/dL, Prolactin 6.2 ng/dL, DHT 13 ng/dL

So my serum DHT reduction with once weekly application of the Xyon fin product was roughly 71%.

(DHT normal reference range for my lab was 30-85)

I wish I had done the pre and post lab studies when I trialed oral fin as well. I can only imagine how low my DHT must've been at that time. 

At any rate, just wanted to share my results with the community so that others have more information to make their own decisions. I will now stop using the xyon fin and let the medication "wash out" from my system, and then recheck my DHT in a few weeks. I suppose I could consider trying topical dutasteride as well, given that it is supposedly less readily absorbed systemically, but I will have to give that some thought. I deliberated greatly over even trying the topical fin, so this is pretty disappointing. 

On 3/2/2023 at 12:06 AM, jr1986 said:

I haven't no, I'm not sure how available topical are in the UK. 

Would you consider complete loss of morning wood a deal breaker?

Thanks

Occasional loss of morning wood isn’t a biggie. Consistent loss of it could indicate processes related to ED and/or its onset. So yes, personally, I would keep an eye on that if you choose to continue fin. 

2 hours ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

You are able to edit your posts once you are a regular member and reach 10 posts. However, if your post is past 7 days you will need me to manually edit it.

And for deletion? 

29 minutes ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

Yea, it’s been available for a week. 

And you had already started on the finasteride version, correct? So you will be stopping that and switching entirely over to the dutasteride?

12 minutes ago, Melvin- Moderator said:

Just received my topical dutasteride. Will be creating a video and uploading it soon! SUPER excited!! 

Nice!

the Xyon version is now available for US residents? 

On 9/8/2022 at 8:27 PM, lindros88 said:

I was taking topical Min along with it. I am going to try taking the finasteride mid day to see what happens there, rather than with the minox. I was always taking at the same time. Probably gonna go 1-2x a week and see how we go. If no sides I will go back to 3.

 

Truthfully Ive never been able to push through the sides, even though there are studies that say that they can subside after continued use. I pretty much freak out every time that I feel the sides come on.

“Pushing through the side effects” just doesn’t seem wise imo. Your body is telling you that it is being adversely impacted by the medication. Why disregard the warning signs?

To be fair, I did the same thing. Wish I hadn’t. 

7 hours ago, HairRun said:

"I will say, with a newborn at home with colic, the aforementioned issues have been affected by sleep deprivation". oh man, I would definitely not use it with a kid or baby around. Probably worried about nothing, but you see case studies where geographical area xyz has higher incidences of abc. If I were to do it with a kid around, I'd probably only do it in the morning, so that there isn't a chance to spread elsewhere via pillow. I'd also buy those disposable food service gloves, they're like 500 for 10 bucks or something. I don't have a kid, but that's actually what I did just so it doesn't get on my hands. I then put the gloves in zip lock back before throwing it away. Another thing, watch out for the ball aches / any mild soreness. It's always been a precursor for more serious effects. If I would do it over again I would just back off after the first instance of ball ache. 

When I mentioned that topical fin didn't work, Dr Shapiro suggested looking into topical dut. The reason being it's a way higher weight, so might not penetrate the scalp. 

With that in mind, it might be worth for scientists to look into attaching finasteride to something heavier. 

Agree re ball ache 

A possible harbinger for more serious sexual SEs? No study demonstrating this exists, but if taking a medication causes your genitalia to hurt, it makes sense to stop. 

Really hoping you can expand on your journey. 
 

happy holidays!

On 12/4/2022 at 3:40 PM, HappyMan2021 said:

 

This isn't news to anyone. Most forum regulars know patients can get more lifetime grafts if they start out with FUT. But the thing is, most of us are not Norwood 6's and do not need every single graft at our disposable - and certainly not if the visible linear scar is part of the terms and conditions. 

I personally am a Norwood 3 and can achieve great NW1 density all with FUE. While I could hypothetically get more lifetime grafts with FUT, I simply do not need FUT as part of my treatment plan. 

What is your age?

you may not think you need those extra 2k grafts that you’d have access to by starting with FUT … but odds are you will progress to an advanced Norwood, sooner or later. 
 

Not all that common to just stay at NW3 for life. 

On 2/19/2020 at 12:36 PM, Thisisnotatest333 said:

You dont buy it, you make it. It’s not that hard actually. Grind a 1mg tablet good and mix it with propylen glycol and ethanol and water. Or if you are already using topical minoxidi, just mix fin with the minoxidil solution. I would make 1 dose separately each time but you do whats easier for you

I personally would rather use any one of the several established providers out there (Hims, Xyon, Hi Happy Head, Strut) that use a certified compounding facility to prepare the topical solution professionally. 

On 10/27/2022 at 2:21 PM, Murat-kz said:

Looks cool! But Why did not you put some hair here?

 

I would also add that having a degree of temporal recession is a look that some men prefer. In my opinion, it can be a more refined appearance. It will also age well as the patient becomes older, and allow for more grafts to be used elsewhere on the scalp if thinning progresses in the future. I would love to have this result, especially considering this patient’s starting point. 

5 hours ago, James604 said:

Hello.  Two years ago I had 5000 grafts and have been taking prosar ever since.  I’m 51 and fit.  My sex drive was low before taking proscar, but it could have been due to antidepressants, general unhappiness with how I looked, or that I hated who I was married to…

Now happily single its time to find out if Xyon is better than proscar.   I just finished applying my first dose.  If there is interest I’m happy to share worthwhile updates as well as what led me to get the restoration work done in Vancouver and the recovery.

I stumbled across this site and haven’t scoured the content so I don’t want to double up on anything.

BTW: if you want to get a restoration done then ABSOLUTELY JUST DO IT.  You’ll love how much younger you look and feel.  You’ll be rid of that part of you that’s dragging you down.  I wish I’d done it 20 years ago because it would have been a smaller job, and my confidence would have been so much higher for so much longer.

Would be very interested in an account of your restoration procedure.

And would also love to follow along in your journey with Xyon. I’m considering both an HT and using Xyon (I had significant side effects with oral finasteride). 

On 9/17/2022 at 12:54 AM, HelpfulFriend said:

I've been in FIN for about 6 years, added oral minoxidil (sublingual) about 3 years ago, the difference is pretty drastic. 

Every section of my scalp increased in density by quite a bit, and my hair is a lot thicker.

I have my pictures professionally taken every year at a dermatologist, and I have my hair analysed under magnification - so I've got an objective measure of how my hair tracks through the years.

Oral min made a big difference, for me, anyway. 

Having photos taken over the long term by a medical professional with an eye for clinical change (ie hair quality and quantity in this case) is amazing. 
 

Any chance you’d be willing to share your journey/results/photos with these medical therapies? I’d venture to say that not many people have documented as well as you have with regards to multiple medical modalities. Would be very helpful for the community to see. 
 

Thanks for considering. 

2 hours ago, NARMAK said:

I know there's people on here who have shared their personal side affect stories and i personally applaud the genuine regular guys like Melvin and Adrian for their transparency on their issues with the medication but their great attitudes to recommend it to others to try save their hair. 

Myself, i'm literally on the strongest hair loss medication for DHT inhibition in the form of 0.5mg everyday, from the word go. I have experienced side affects and i continue to have some. The ones that abated were all detailed in my dedicated thread i did after around 12 months of use. I'm now well on my way to 2 years and can say that with working on my health and fitness, things probably feel even further improved because that was probably factoring into things as well. 

I also always advocate getting blood tests and ruling out any other underlying issues before starting if you have a high concern on issues around the medication and addressing any other medical issues. 

I try not to berate or talk down people who state they have side affects and believe they are genuine in nature generally, however there are some very clear and recent posts imo that are perhaps in serious need of the person seeing an actual medical professional for the issues they describe having stopped the medication. 

There's a way to put points across and be respectful in debate. Anybody who says side affects are guaranteed to affect you permanently are worthy of the same derision as somebody who claims side affects don't exist at all. However, everybody else that's actually sensible will realise that the truth is actually in between but also largely backed by scientific studies, some done over many years. Not to mention the interesting controlled studies showing that the incidence of "side affects" between placebo sugar pills and the actual medication was less than 2%. So clearly psychosomatic symptoms can affect people and we can clearly see in other literature that sometimes people believe to think certain things that manifest in a certain way. Anxiety for example is a big example of how people can manifest physical symptoms. 

This thread imo isn't comprehensive enough to really discuss the topic with the correct nuance and it's clear there's become two camps of opinion but equally as vocal. It's tough for people actually looking for objective and proper subjective opinions to find information as a result. 

I'm not even sure if now may be a good point to consider locking this thread @Melvin- Moderator

All reasonably stated.

That said, I’m not sure that anyone has stated that side effects are guaranteed or permanent. In fact, both @GoliGoliGoli and I have acknowledged that many people do great on fin, with little to no issues and excellent hair retention. It’s more so a few vocal members that choose to be derogatory and dismissive of any stance other than “fin is harmless and if anyone has significant issues, it’s all in their head” takes. In this thread, anyway. 

I would also argue that the value of the literature that we do have for the use of fin for MPB is a bit overstated. At least in terms of convincingly proving that the medication cannot cause significant side effects, and establishing a true “real life” percentage of those affected. 
 

Finally, I don’t personally see the value of locking this thread. As you say, a sensible person can sift through the multiple viewpoints, experiences, facts and opinions presented by posters on this thread. Ultimately it should only enhance one’s ability to better assess their own path. 

35 minutes ago, ciaus said:

 

Exactly, reading personal stories from other guys isn't going to dictate how YOUR story is going to play out. We all have our own unique physiology, genetics, lifestyle habits, pre-existing conditions. Which is why this topic should have just had the vote option, and not a reply. Its basically degenerated into something guys who are against finasteride use to scare other guys away from even trying it.

And to an equal extent, it became a thread where guys who tolerate it well call those who have had significant side effects crazy and state that it’s all in their head. 
 

Like most things, the truth likely lies somewhere in the middle. 

8 hours ago, NARMAK said:

Personally i think it would be best for a person to get checked by a medical professional and rule out other causes first. 

I've had balls ache simply from sitting on them wrong or stretching into a position too quickly. Usually that resolves itself 

Obesity and aging particularly have an acute impact upon sexual functions and also aging in particular affects you in that area. Hence why those blue pills are out there in abundance. 

Modern society has many, many causes but what i particularly dislike is when something specific is scapegoated as the cause without proper evidence of that being the case. That's how Finasteride has got this reputation of negative things around it. Myths and half truths or overblown statistics misused. 

Definitely always a good idea to seek input form a medical professional if experiencing symptoms of any sort. 
 

But persistent testicular and/or penile aching and pain, that started after taking fin, and that was never experienced prior to taking it, and that abates once the medication is stopped, is quite clearly linked to the  medication. 
 

I’m not referring to ED, libido etc. Those aspects of sexual function are very complex and multi-factorial, and problems with them are often more difficult to ascribe to any single given cause. 
 

Pain, on the other hand, is more difficult to dismiss as being “all in your head”.