bonkling

3 minutes ago, LaserCap said:

It all depends.  How do you intend to wear your hair down the road?  If long, perhaps FUT.  If very short, to the point that you can clearly see the scalp, FUE. That is somewhat simplistic but not a bad way to think about things.  The way I see it, why do transplants if you want to continue wearing your hair short?  Just had transplants, show it!

The main advantage of FUE is NOT the lack of scarring.  There is scarring with FUE, it is just different.  Every time you violate the skin, it will scar.  Instead of having a linear scar, now you will have empty spots all over.  Little ones, mind you, but still empty spaces.  Depending on how much it is done per procedure, this can end up looking honeycomb-ish.  How many times have I seen patients with depleted donor areas that look as if a rooster pick all over it.  But, if done correctly, there can be many advantages to this technique.  It is, for sure, easier on the patient.  There is no cut, no elasticity issues. Within days you are pretty much back to normal.  If you need a bit of work and keep your hair military style, OK.  But if you need tons of grafts, perhaps considering both procedures would be the most effective way to tackle the issue.  This way you are taking advantage of the entire donor area.

Are you concerned that people will know you had a transplant?  Just tell them! If you do, you can return to work immediately.  If you wish for no one to know, it is easier to get away with it with an FUE.  Many factors involved but the doctor can guide you and make some suggestions to make it happen. Typically, to do an FUE, the donor area needs to be shaved.

Not sure about the yield issue.  But the grafts do seem to be more robust with an FUT.  Conserving donor?  Don't think so.  You can keep cutting, typically on the same scar to avoid multiple scars in the donor area.  There comes a point, however, that you run out of elasticity.  It is then time to move to FUE if you decide to have more grafts in the future.

Lastly, cost.  FUE is typically more expensive. On the average, FUT should be around the $4 range.  FUE is more towards the $7 range.  

Oh, regardless of what you decide, please review TONS of photos before making a decision.  It is always about results.  10 years from now, when you are enjoying a fuller set of hair, you will pay little mind to the type of technique you had. Rather, you'll be enjoying the hair particularly if the work was done correctly. If it's crap, you'll live with that for the rest of your life. Do your homework.  

Thanks Laser, awesome reply.

I don't mind the scarring, to be honest, and some doctors are extremely skilled at leaving minimal scarring.

It should also be noted that I have, and probably always will, wear my hair pretty long. 

That makes sense about the donor, these are more-so things I've just read, and sometimes people just say things they've heard.

Thanks again!

On 2/13/2019 at 11:53 PM, simrangoyal said:

FUE is an advanced method of hair transplant as compared to other techniques. if you don't know about hair transplant then must-read some blogs so that you can get enough knowledge. Clinics and doctors cant do any thing if you are using old technology.

Well this is just completely incorrect, you seem like you don't know what you are talking about.

Hi all,

I was wondering what everyone's perspectives are on the two main methods.

From my understanding (and please correct me if I'm wrong), the main advantage of FUE is the lack of scarring. One can simply return to work, their life, etc, very quickly after FUE potentially.

Whereas with FUT, often there is a better yield, and a better success concerning individual grafts. I have also read that FUT is better for conserving the donor region, for future transplants.

Am I missing anything here? I ask as I am weighing up my options for my first HT, in which I will inevitably need more, and wanted to discuss both options.

Eager to hear everyone's opinions

26 minutes ago, Melvin-Moderator said:

Do you mind sharing some pictures?

When I'm home I'll share some with my dslr, which will be by the end of this week (currently travelling for work, and my phone is beyond broken). 

17 minutes ago, Legend007 said:

Microneedling works .. it’s a scientific fact . It damages ur scalp just enough to cause ur body to send all the good stuff to ur scalp, so it can heal it self . Giving ur hAir extra blood flow n stuff .. kinda like how PRP works .. I just bought me a dr pen A6 dermapen for $150 ,, it works better than the dermaroller.. I’m trying it this weekend .. n making it a routine .. ( it’s also good for ur face ..ur hair is like ur teeth , u have to keep it healthy . N take care of it .  Or it rot n fall off .  Keep us updated on ur progress .. I’m  going to do it myself , minus the minoxidil .

Will do, my friend - look forward to seeing your results!

As of now, I am doing it twice per week, and using Nizoral once per week (I have also been using Nizoral for a very long time, so it's reasonable to assume that new growth isn't a result of this).

Mine is also focused on my temple regions, I will update this post as time goes on.

Hi all,

I'm sharing my experience regarding microneedling, as it may help some people out there. 

There was a post by member 'Shifty', who outlined his great growth by using minox, fin, and microneedling. 

I have been on the fin & minox combo for about two years, and it slowed my recession, but didn't halt it. 

I have been using a derma-roller for the past month or so, and have noticed tiny, new hairs sprouting in my frontal region. Some are even some .5 - 1cm from my normal hairline. 

Now, this is definitely no proof of efficacy, as this could be from either of the medications, or a multitude of factors, but this is the first time I have seen new growth in the two years since starting the meds, and the microneedling is the only change to my regimen. 

There are also peer-reviewed, scientific studies that attest to the effectiveness of microneedling, but they are used in conjunction with Minoxidil (topical) 5%.

Just thought I'd share my experience, in case anyone was considering giving it a try, and is currently using minoxidil. 

Cheers!

Hey mate, 

Congratulations, your hair looks fantastic! 

I'm in pretty much an identical situation to yourself: Mid-late 20's, balding on only my fathers side, and temple recession mostly. 

I was looking to get unshaven for work and things like that also.

Just wondering, did the doctor discuss potential shock loss/future hair loss with you? 

It's something people on this forum are very mindful of - so I was curious whether he made a plan or felt it necessary with you?

Congrats again

Amazing work as usual, Dr.

Just wondering, for patients in their 20's still, do you have any special approach to tackling future hair loss or any potential shock loss?

Love your work! 

17 hours ago, Shifty said:

[REPOST]

My Regimine:

Started taking Finesteride 1MG September 26th (Purchased from HIMS)

Started derma roller October 18th (2 times a week Thursdays nights and Sunday nights, no minoxidil on these nights)

Started Rogaine foam 2nd week of October (morning and night)

Started Shampoo Containing  1% Ketoconazole November  (2-3 nights a week) https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MRKJHR6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 

Currently using PhotoWorx Organic Hair Loss Shampoo w/ plant stem cells for recovery and regrowth

will use Photoworx on days I do not use Keto shampoo https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B2B2VGW/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Vitamins:

Daily and Nightly packs  https://bit.ly/2JZ1gQC 

Sr Sports biotin with coconut oil 5000mg (1 in morning 1 at night)  https://amzn.to/2FjoiD6

Viviscal Professional  (1 in morning 1 at night) https://www.viviscal.com

 

I just recently started to use this again https://www.viviscal.com/viviscal-conditioner/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=viviscal%20conditioner&utm_content=Brand&utm_campaign=VIVSEMM0119US&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyv-X0sKl4QIVmo-zCh3meQzmEAAYASAAEgKQhPD_BwE

 

I also did this February and I am doing it again now. I firmly believe cleansing helps the body work at an optimal level. Helps things like Finesteride do it job efficiently. You will also lose a nice amount of weight if done properly.

https://team-isa.isagenix.com/en-us/products/weight-loss/pak/weight-loss-value-plus

Hey mate,

Congrats on the progress, really happy for you! Your hair actually looks fantastic, so bravo.

I was wondering, do you do anything specific with the roller technique wise? And also, do you only roll on areas that had no hair?

Thanks dude.

Looking great my friend, congrats! 

12 hours ago, pkipling said:

The biggest cause for concern for me is what appears to be the history of advanced MPB in your family. Right now, your hair looks fantastic, and there's a chance that you won't have the same fate of hair loss that your family has had, but I would be cautious. 

If I were you, I would find out at what age your father, brother, and the other men in your family started losing their hair and see if there's a pattern. If for most of them, it was already fairly severe by their mid/late 20s, then you may be ok. If it's something that suddenly hit them in their 30s, then I would be very cautious about a procedure until you see if you end up the same way.  

On 3/26/2019 at 12:10 PM, harry_potter1 said:

I would advise against a surgery right now. Your hair still looks cool and if it is stabilized, then it is a normal adult look at your 30's (which you soon to be)  

I am not a big fan of getting early HT despite many doctors advising for it. It would get a perfect hairline now but what about 10 years later? You will need another surgery and in many cases Doctors can be "generous" when they use hair that early and could make very strong hairline and leave you with less grafts for the future loss, especially with FUE which you seem to consider 

On 3/26/2019 at 7:30 AM, CosmoKramer said:

You’re welcome! 

Exactly, it’s a catch-22 with being on medication long-term and trying to decided what’s the best route for further action at a still-young age. I, personally haven’t used minoxidil in a few years because it wasn’t helping and was just aging my facial/forehead skin/wrinkles and giving me headaches and I stopped taking my Finasteride 1.5 months post-op because I wanted to see the full natural results from my HT and how successful it would be without any life-long med assist, although my hair loss was already advanced pre-ht.

I believe it’s permanent in non-donor area regions where the native hair is already in the miniaturization process and succumbing to DHT. The Donor region is where shock-loss hair should grow back after a few months.

Good Luck!

Thanks a lot, everyone. Really appreciate the thoughts.

These points make sense. I believe my older brother starting losing his hair properly in what would be a couple of years, but naturally he was not on fix, minox, etc. Whether this makes a real difference, I am unsure.

Concerning shock loss, and making my condition worse, would getting a transplant on areas that are already bald also incur shock-loss further back?

This is why I wanted to ask this question, as I was unsure if a clinic would take this into as careful consideration as you guys.

Thanks again!

1 hour ago, Kiwi Guy said:

Hey man, I'm in New Zealand too and seriously considering a transplant, my temples are creeping back and I'm thinning in the middle, it's a pain with the exchange rates to get a transplant because it costs us so much more, is price much of a factor to you? If you got a transplant I'd say it would be 1500 to 2000 grafts to fill in the temple recession and possibly to bring the hairline down a half inch or so, the hair you have looks strong though which is a good sign for you.

Hey mate,

Yeah, I feel your pain. A few thousand grafts for us can end up being over 20k, even much more.

Money isn't a huge issue, but at the same time I don't want to go nuts with it. Definitely a big decision haha. So I'm not too sure just yet. Yourself?

4 hours ago, CosmoKramer said:

In my opinion, if you were 38 and not on any hair loss medication and your hair loss was stabilized, I would say go for it....but, since you’re 28 on meds and it’s not clear how much more your hair loss would progress down the road, I’d say don’t go for it just yet, your hair looks good for your current age even with the thinning temples, maybe a try a hairstyle/cut with shorter hair on your sides/back and keep the top long see if that helps any. 🙂

Oh, and yeah, I’d be concerned with any possible permanent shock loss in areas you have hair already that are in process of miniaturization.

Thanks Cosmo,

That makes a lot of sense.

I suppose that's the trouble with being on the meds, we don't know how bad it really is/could be.

As Kiwi mentioned, is shock loss something that can be permanent? Or is it more the case of causing the thinning areas to accelerate rapidly after the surgery? 

Cheers

1 hour ago, Kiwi Guy said:

Is it a good idea?

Any of you have diffused thinning and went and got a hair transplant?

The more I research into HT's and the industry as a whole it seems like the worst situation to have is diffused thinning on the top because you can have a HT to help restore some density but sooner or later, even with fin etc, you are destined to lose the other native hair sitting by the transplanted hair. This is my situation and it's making me second guess getting any work done.

Hey mate,

Just wondering how one would know if they have diffused thinning? Is it simply an extended rate of shedding, more or less?

Thanks

Just now, Upshall said:

Are you on propecia? 

Hey mate, yeah I'm on propecia (finasteride) and minoxidil. Have been for a couple of years.

Hi all,

About to consult with a few docs, and was wondering what you would do in my situation - just to get some second opinions from this valued forum.

• I'm 28, NW 2/3. Started noticing temple recession about 3 years ago, but may have started earlier. 
• Been on finasteride (Propecia) & minoxidil for about two years, seemed to have slowed the recession, and given minor new recruitment in temple regions.
• Family history: Father's side, all bald, or a NW 6/7. Older brother is a NW 5/6. Mother's side =  not much balding really.

I'm debating whether I:

a) Go unshaven at the front, and just get a couple thousand grafts to fix the temples and lower the hair line a little. I'm conscious on not going too aggressive, as I may need many more grafts down the track. 

~or~

b) Get more grafts further back as a preventative to cover the hair that I haven't lost yet. 

For reference, I am considering Dr. Lupanzula, Dr. Kesser (if graft estimate is low enough), or Dr. Sethi at Eugenix - as these doctors have quite a few patients with a similar NW pattern. I'm living in New Zealand, so I'm going to travel regardless.

Eager to hear your thoughts, and the input is greatly appreciated

Thanks! 

Note: Some of these pictures seem a bit better than how it appears in person, without the remainder of my face for contrast.

10 minutes ago, Upshall said:

What an amazing result. How is this doctor not recommended on this website. Same with dr couto and lorenzo????

Hi Upshall,

I believe Dr. Lupanzula is recommended, and is one of the most skilled surgeons too.

Hi HLP, 

Great write-up, and solid reasoning!

I just came from my post regarding the DHT methods. Seems like you made a really solid choice. 

That mid-surgery payment seems extremely troubling, and very strange, if it is true.

I was looking to consult with Eugenix/Dr. Sethi, but I should probably do a deeper dive into client testimonials.

Best of luck mate, really hope it works out for you

Hi all,

I was wondering what everyone's thoughts are on DHT?

I tend to only see FUE/FUT procedures, but have been seeing a lot of the results from Eugenix (Dr Bansal & Dr Sethi), who use DHT, and their results are fantastic.

Keen to hear people's opinions.

Cheers  

Looking good mate, 6 months and you're on track.

The hardest part is over now, and the filling in should begin within the next couple of months.

Looking awesome mate!

Awesome results my friend, very happy for you! You look fantastic

Really sorry to hear, mate.

The results are simply not up to the standard people expect. 

I hope you can find a solution, or at least move it back to the second HT. 

I would be eager to find out H&W's perspective on the initial HT, and Soni's on the second, as you deserve to know.

Best of luck dude, fingers crossed for you!

6 hours ago, FUEblonde1985 said:

Day 25:

The week at the office was pretty uneventful. Everyone was surprised by my haircut since its a lot shorter but I don't think it occurred to anyone that I had a HT. One of the judge's did not even recognize me when I came into his court. The donor area wasn't really noticeable with the use of dermmatch- but my recipient area is still fairly red and you could plainly see it if you were looking at my head. With the way I was styling my hair though, (and the fact that you couldn't really see that my hairline was receding before) - it likely just looks like a redness near my hairline that could be caused by ?? who knows. I told a couple people and they were very interested in the process. I'm sure everyone else can see the redness but no one seemed to really overly invested in figuring out what the redness was.

The top of my head and recipient is still fairly numb but I can slowly feel sensation returning. Will probably take a few months at this rate. Many of the recipient hairs have shedded, a lot remain, a few seem to continue growing. Was using bacitracin for a few days on the recipient to address some of the pimples/redness as advised by the Dr. Redness remains in the donor area but it is becoming increasingly less visible as the hair around it grows.

I *feel* like there is a noticeable loss in density in the donor and from certain angles it looks a bit worrisome, but it seems fairly comparable to other donor areas I've seen with the same skin type around the same time. I'm guessing there is some mild shock loss - but I can't tell if the visibility is due to continued redness or due to shock loss or overharvesting.

Comparison photos are from day 1/3

 

Hey dude,

It's looking so much better, and you look to be on track, so well done!

Cannot see anything to be concerned about seeing as it's only been a few weeks.

I was wondering id Dr. Diep discussed shaving your entire head, and placing any preventative grafts further back?

I only ask as my pattern is similar to yours and I'd like to keep my hair as is, only extending the hairline just as you have - but I wasn't too sure on what surgeons recommend when it comes to any further loss.

Best of luck mate, and happy growing!

Hi all,

Pretty close to taking the plunge, just trying to find time in which I can fit in a HT.

I was wondering what everyone's perspective is on the longevity of the transplant.

I've seen lots of people (not on this forum) discuss how it's pointless, as the hair will fall out eventually, or you will only get a couple of good years out of the HT, and so on.

I know that this isn't the case, but I was wondering what is a realistic expectation for post-transplant? 

For instance, I am a NW 2/3, 28 year old, whose father/older brother are pretty bald. I am on Min/Fin, and have been for a couple of years, which has seemed to slow the progression considerably. 

Is it unreasonable for someone like myself, to have follicles implanted that would essentially last as long as I am on medication? I haven't seen too many stories online of people 3, 4, or 5 years after a transplant - so I'm not sure how it ends up. 

Thanks all.

3 hours ago, Lennney said:

Like Bonkling above you had said, the redness can last quite a long time. I wouldn't be surprised if my fair skin stayed red for 6+ months. If that is the case, I plan to style my hair to make it less noticeable. I wear a hat everywhere at the moment.

I've shown about 50 people in total so far. The people I show are friends and colleagues. I sympathize with your concern over the redness. I scheduled my procedure precisely when I had 3 weeks off for recovery. It is a little jarring how red the skin is (and how it won't go away) initially. I've come to terms with it. It really helps to have a supportive SO who doesn't react differently to me. I have events coming up that are formal dress and very public. I can't wear a hat there, so that may be my abandon hat moment.

My advice for you: 

1. Try the finasteride. I didn't and wish I would have known about it in my early 20s. Maybe I could have delayed a HT.

2. It is important to put a value on a HT. What is it worth to you? Financial cost of procedure, time cost of awkward recovery period, emotional cost of missing events/ fielding awkward questions.

3. What do you stand to gain? Self confidence that will manifest in all social interactions. Removal of the anxiety/emotional burden of balding. If you're single, it'll open up more dating opportunities for you. (In my case) Not being age discriminated for entry level jobs post college. Whatever else applies to your case. It could well be that you have little benefit from a HT. It also could remove any self-imposed hair-loss barriers that open you up to the world. Weigh 2 vs 3.

4. Choose with conviction. Either way, own your decision and know it's best for you. If you get a HT, don't feel ashamed or embarrassed. It is the best choice for you. When people ask "why" I tell them, "I considered it for a long time, and I felt it was the right time for me. I've always been concerned about my hair loss. I am fortunate to be alive at a time when baldness is treatable with a permanent and "natural" (my own hair!) solution. I am happy to answer any questions you have." - The questions then don't focus on my choices (since I addressed them from the start) but focus on "does/did it hurt, How long is it good for, How long does it take to see results, How much?" By taking control of your situation, you take the power out of the tough questions. Your friends and family will support your decision if you present it as a decision that was best for you!

Always happy to answer any questions!

Excellent perspective, Lennney.

I'm in a similar situation, as I am in my final semester of university.

At the moment, I can sort of get away with styling it to cover the recession, but the haircut doesn't look professional at all - especially for any graduate positions. 

I think your third point really hits the nail on the head for a lot of people. The confidence (or, lack of), the constant worry about hiding the recession, potentially avoiding certain events/situations in which a hat may not be appropriate, and so on. 

Thanks for an awesome write-up, and best of luck with your journey!