BaronVonHairline

Well, as ScienceHair pointed out above, Dr. Cooley does not require shaving. I checked his website and it's specifically mentioned, so I'm definitely keeping him in mind and researching his rep a bit more. But so far so good. Also, I had a consult with Feller & Bloxham and Dr. Bloxham told me since my current loss is in fairly early stages, that I can really be patient on this, see how things progress, take it as it comes so to speak. It was nice to hear an honest opinion instead of, "oh, you need one NOW!" So I'll stick to that plan of playing it by era a bit while still doing research. But at the moment, Dr. Cooley is sounding like a great Plan A if/when I do it. Thanks again, ScienceHair for the rec!

Hey there, Thanks for the reply and additional Dr. list. I don't mean to seem hung up on the no-shave thing, but I'm really hoping to do this with as little attention as possible, and as I've always had long hair, a suddenly shaved head would draw tons of attention from all coworkers/friends/family/etc. Also, was starting to think I was maybe going overboard considering even more than 3 consults, more like 5 or so, but it seems like people do that regularly...good to know. About me: --36 years old --Not on any meds as yet. Willing to try Rogaine if a Dr. recommend, though my loss seems more frontal and widening of center part than crown. MAY be willing to try Propecia, but having read enough stories on potential long term effects, I am very wary about that one. I know horror stories only represent the small % of people angry enough to start a website, but still, some of them are downright worrisome. --Family history- actually my mom's side is worse. She lost much of her hair through her 40s n 50s, and now wears a wig. Her dad was also totally bald. My dad's side actually has pretty good hair, he still has a decent amount at age 72, as does my aunt on his side. --Personal hair loss history- I actually had 1 small procedure (600-800 grafts, I think) about 10 years ago...with Bosley. Was considering going to them again till I started researching and saw what a bad rep they have. I have a consult with Dr. Bloxham (Feller's partner) in 2 days, and will scheduling an online one with a rep from Rahal soon. I will definitely look into Cooley as you suggested. Thanks again for the help.

I don't have advice for you, but I fully understand. I'm considering HT#2 as well and am also concerned about it being undetectable during the healing stage and all that. I had a small one years ago and as I recall, there was no shaving of the strip area, and the scabs in the recipient area fell off within a few days and everything was unnoticed and normal. I'm really hoping I'll be able to have the same kind of experience this time as well. I have no desire to have family or coworkers notice. A general question for anyone to answer, how come in some photos of strip procedures a huge section of scalp is shaved and in others it is not, or in some pics the entire head is shaved? Is it a practice that certain doctors use, or is shaving voluntary? Very curious, as I have long hair and really don't want to have to shave for the procedure. O/p--best of luck with your HT.

Hey all, so I'm researching with the plan of having an HT some time in the next couple of months, and would love some general advice. My thinning is mostly in the front and center, where my hair is parted. The part is widening visibly and getting much thinner on either side, and also by the temples it is starting to recede. (pics attached) Anyway, I live in NY, so I should have access to pretty good local options, though I'd travel for the right doctor, of course. Having done research so far, the names that seem to come up again and again are Fellner, Rahal, H&W. I've also heard about Dr. Carlos Wesley. Any opinions or comments about these or other docs would be much appreciated. My plan for now is to schedule consults with 2-3 doctors and see whose plan/price/demeanor/etc feels like the best fit. Also, I have long hair, and am willing to cut it somewhat shorter, but really don't want to shave for the procedure. I'm trying to do this all as inconspicuously as possible. Is shaving the head mandatory for FUTs? On patient result pics I see some shaved post-op and some not. Thanks for any advice and support you guys can give.