Lennney

Only one I've ever used. No issues. Kirkland brand stuff is Costco house brand, and Costco is legendary in their approach to providing quality to customers. I get the standard itchiness that's associated with the liquid minoxidil, but it is so inexpensive (and works so well) that I've not had to switch. I tried the foam, but it all doesn't penetrate the scalp. I did not like the dropper, and I probably use less than the 1ml. I swapped out that Indian rogaine spray I got from Bhatti and it was a perfect fit. Now I use the spray nozzle. Pic to show old cap and the spray nozzle.

If I may suggest, try or at least look into Kirkland brand minox. I typically buy it at about $19 USD or so on Amazon. I also put it on my "list" and check prices periodically. I stock up when you see it fall in price. If you haven't already used it before, use camelcamelcamel to find if you're getting a deal, a steal or are getting ripped off.

Everything is looking great! Just remembered there are few situations people will see the top of your head, maybe tying shoes or coming up behind you while you sit at work. And even when they see it, they'll likely forget it shortly after. I've been caution about the same issue at work, but with the improvements and this realization, I don't worry anymore. I've "established" a look with my coworkers. The see me a certain way, and even if they see me thinning, they'll revert back to the image of me the normally see and chock that balding look as a "nah, I probably don't remember what I saw, he definitely has hair." I started to get more carefree at your current stage. Great results so far, hope you're enjoying it!

Very good points. I am also curious about 2&3. @lebaneseguy you can edit your photos in paint or whatever and add an approximate hairline you're desiring. By the way, the lowest you could theoretically go would be the point a couple millimeters above your brow when you furrow it (looking up or surprised). From my earlier post, I also realized after the fact that your crown is thinning. Your hair loss pattern is emerging. Fin can reverse hair loss in crown. There's a great post by @hairlossPA I've been linking: https://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/topic/53087-finasteride-results-6-months/ ...I just had the pleasure of reading your post about "researching" finasteride while I type this. "Highly likely extremely bad" results are the results you've seen? You choosing to put so many adjectives in to drive a point tells me you're trying to convince us about something many of us use without issues (and you yourself will not even try). We're not buying what you're selling. It's not age anymore, I don't think you're a candidate for expectations. 1. You "know" things that are false. You're willing to discard member knowledge from here in favor of some non-moving preconceived theory. You're not willing to learn. You have a doc (instead of taking recommendations). You have your preventative regiment picked out (doing nothing) instead of taking a medication that's #75 or so most prescribed medication in the USA which would have people violently protesting if there were these side effects. I've met people who are not willing to learn, but push an agenda under the guise of advice. Those people reap what they sow, for better or worse. 2. I wasn't going to mention this earlier, but how does a man spend 2 hours on hair that's less than 2 inches (5 cm) in length? I was like WTF? Now I hindsight it is apparent you're again convincing us. You are using exaggerating language to drive a point. 3. Do I think this trend will continue to the docs office? Yes. Any doc that sees your age and hears this adjective laced talk of woe will see you're expecting something particular. A good doc will see it and tell you to return after a year on fin (I expect, maybe I'm wrong). If you find a doc willing to work on you, as-is, I don't think they'll care about your future. Maybe using all your grafts for this one op. Maybe letting techs turn you into a Mr Potato Head with 70% failed grafts. Maybe you find a gem of a doc who fixes your issue. I don't think you're a good candidate, and it is not related to your age (maybe casually related, but only if you shift your behavior). I'm done with this. You already have your mind made.

Yeah, this is what I experienced and it just vanished sometime in the next month. I had a similar level of numbness for maybe 2 or 3 months. Most went away, but this recipient, and localized to a small area remained. I was a little nervous that it would be permanent, but now, like I said, it's completely gone. Try thinking good and happy thoughts. I focused on every improvement over my prior condition, and that made it easier for me. I only focused on how I looked at the moment, not how I wanted to look. I don't know if I even had a "goal" of look... I only didn't want to look bald. I did use all the treatments though, but I stopped using nizoral shampoo. I didn't use it til month 2.5 and I only used it 2 times a week or so. Apparently Bill wrote an article about why a certain percentage one (3%, not my 2% one) is bad for post HT. I stopped for precaution. Best of luck and please keep updating! Stay positive!

I too understand. I've had more luck with my hairline than you, but I've always had a high forehead and recession. I too have not experienced balding, but more of a constant recession. I think I come from a similar perspective. I agree that anyone who says a 2X year old shouldn't get a HT is missing the point. There's a great article by SPEX on here somewhere about reaching a maturity level before an HT. I've also seen several well thought responses from 23 and under crowd as to why an HT will benefit them. My point is: a young man can be mature enough for the HT, but none of us here can say with confidence that you are or are not mature enough. 1. You should know that the hairline you choose will follow you for the rest of your life. 2. You should know that you will lose more hair behind the transplanted area. 3. You should know that there is no "catalog" like a video game where you pick your hair density and characteristics. Even with a good surgeon, you may not get the results you thought you would. 4. This ties with 3, but, the results you get from a HT are bound with risk. Just like the risk you fear with finasteride. You seem to be okay with a risk of failure with a HT, but not a risk of failure with finasteride. You do realize the risk of failure with HTs is well documented, this forum and elsewhere. The risk of fin sexual side effects is documented but spotty. Also.... Maybe you don't realize it, but there are remedies (for both "event" use as well as daily treatments which ensure you perform) that exist already and are inexpensive in your currency. 5. With you mentioning not even trying fin for sexual reasons, and mentioning your youth and wanting to enjoy your 20s, I sense a pattern. I hope you don't think hair will "get" you laid. This is pure speculation of course and may not apply to you. I understand you will experience more confidence and will look younger which will of course be helpful, I only caution against expecting a "turnaround". From my perspective, I support an HT if you understand the risks. I, like everyone else, think you should go on fin. I, like you and everyone else, understand that fin won't grow your hair in your bald temples. It won't happen. The fin is to stabilize your hair loss. Look at your mother's father. Does he have hair? If he has your current hair (with more recession, but overall "not bald") then screw fin and don't worry about it. If he is bald/balding, you'll buy yourself time with your current hair if you start finasteride. I have 2 friends in their mid to late 30s. I spoke with them after my HT, and learned they were on fin. It stopped both their hair loss for 7 and 10 years and counting. Had no idea and couldn't have guessed the used it. A HT will recover/build your hairline (if successful) and the fin will keep your hair. Those are two separate items. I saw you mentioned your perspective doc, but I'm on mobile now so it's a little difficult to research. Is your doc a recommended one from this site? Did he agree to work on you? Turkey is famous for their coffee and their enthusiasm for pushing 8+ patients through one docs HT office a day to a mixed bag of results. How much do you know about your doc, and do you trust his quality? I know a hairline will help you, but are you mentally prepared for the risks and the journey? I and @HLPToronto understand your struggle and won't recommended waiting if you're ready now. Feel free to ask anything. I'm happy to help.

I saw this post you both commented on, and I think @Petroholic would appreciate seeing it as well. https://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/topic/54453-3000-grafts-fue-hair-transplant-result-0-to-7-months-–-hdc-hair-clinic-cyprus/?tab=comments#comment-512259 Edit: I was also shocked to find I had numbness into my 4th month as well. I currently have none, and it feels like I can't remember the sensation. It's like a cold, once it's gone, you don't appreciate "not being sick." I for sure obviously had it go away in the 5th month. My numbness was very minor. Only slight tingling and dullness sensation and nearly exclusively in my "tuft" of hair I had before surgery. Is the numbness "bad" or minor?

Thanks everyone @Melvin-Moderator @Jay Ell @CuriousS @Mickeydw @Jhonny and @HLPToronto , I appreciate the kind words. I've been ecstatic with everything so far, and I LOVE my hair! I don't feel like anyone at my new work has even suspected anything since perhaps the first week. I don't even really check my hair anymore in the mirror after my motorcycle ride (only after taking helmet off I mat it down, where as before I would visit bathroom several times a day to ensure everything is in order). My length is good, and growing. I will continue to grow out the top a bit, and keep the sides relatively controlled. I haven't gotten a haircut in the last month or so and I plan on waiting for another two weeks or so... I will attach a pic of my donor post-haircut, since my hair currently obscures everything. This is May 18 donor post haircut. So 4.5 months.

I forgot which doc, but one or two of the Belgian docs specialize in afro hair. Be sure to ask how much experience any doc you're considering has with afro characteristics & placement. It is important for the success and look of your potential HT. I also got a HT by Bhatti and I think very highly of him, but I think you owe it to yourself to at least get an opinion from a specialist. If Bhatti can do it (and has some portfolio of afro clients) I say he is a very capable surgeon and I think he is a good choice. If he can't, I am sure he would refer you also to a specialist.

Hair looks good! I know you put some hair in the back areas, and I hope that comes in, but everything looks very age appropriate. I checked out the pre-op photos and you've come a long way. You're unrecognizable! You may get stopped for impersonation if you use your id/ passport!😀

Prepare to have your sweat smell like maple syrup! I haven't said anything to my SO, but the SO does like the smell! I take 670mg once in morning and evening. I also take tribulus. 1000mg morning and evening. Everything seems to be fine with my mental state as well, so I haven't had any issues. I don't mind taking these supplements since I'm already in the routine with my fin (daily) and these supplements run me something like $10 a month. I heard a few months ago that the best advice for a dead bedroom is sleeping naked together. I don't have a dead bedroom, but I wanted to try it anyway this last weekend to see if it helps with performance. I will also say this: it is critical to stop worrying about performance to get good performance. I sometimes catch myself doubting or thinking about it and switch the subject or DO something immediately. Not thinking about it has been the single best thing I've done to combat ED. With sleeping naked, long story short, everything worked and my refractory period which is normally 6+ hours (urge for sex gone til next day, but ability maybe 8 hours or so) turned to 30 minutes. Everything else being the same, I was roaring to go 30 minutes later. I thought this ability was gone for last 3 years. It was nice because my SO was down to sleep naked, and there were no sexual connotations, just seeing how we liked it. I read the advice on Reddit, and decided to just give it a try for fun. I can vouch first hand.

Maybe shock loss wasn't the right word, since you didn't loose that much native hair around the recipient. I guess your ugly duckling phase was more pronounced with your thinning hair. You didn't have much hair before, and the short hair post HT accentuated that. But your native hair recovered and your recipient hair took to the scalp. It all looks good. I meant to say that the change/transformation looks impressive.

Your shock loss was pretty bad, but it looks like the transplanted hairs are mingling with the native hairs just fine! With < 40% of the expected grafts maturing, it looks great! It will look fantastic at the 9-15 month mark when it is complete. Glad to see everything is going well! You had me worried without the updates! It seems like this last month you applied Miracle Gro on your scalp.

Hang in there and stick to it. Remember that the hair has growth cycles, and I would expect all medicines to follow similar patterns. There's a member who documented his fin 6 month journey: https://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/topic/53087-finasteride-results-6-months/?tab=comments#comment-491749 I would say at least 6month is when I would expect some results, but I would take another set of pics at the 1year mark to fully compare the effect of fin.

I've thought about the efficacy of pills when they're cut, and I tend to believe it doesn't lose much. It's not a capsule pill (the container looking ones), so it gets digested exactly the same way as the uncut alternative. I'm positive that the presses pills we take aren't affected, at least I can't think of a logical reason the pill needs to stay intact. I've been cutting pills for as long as I can remember. Ibuprofens and prescribed medication. I didn't break 100lbs til I was in high school, I was always light, so I always had to tailor doses to my size. I've also spoken to the potency of taladafil, and I take 7-10 bites of the 20mg pill with positive results. As far as minox, I agree with the multiple times a day. I apply it after my hair dries from the shower and don't reapply til the next shower 24 hours later. I do notice scalp itchiness and slight irritation when I over apply or apply too frequently. I want to itch it, and when I do, I make it snow with the dandruff (which I don't normally experience).

https://www.belgraviacentre.com/blog/is-there-such-a-thing-as-finasteride-shedding/ I too didn't hear much about the fin shedding. For me, it would coincide with my ugly duckling phase so it never produced noticable shedding for me. I am actually saving those 1mg pills from Bhatti for travel, as I've bought Mexican brand fin when I visited. I bought Mexican brand 5mg which I cut into 1/4s for a 1.25 dose. This increased dose didn't give me any side effects either. I don't want to worry about cutting pills when traveling, so a nice, packaged pill pack will be ideal when I'm away from the house. I too have heard about minox shedding. I don't think I've had much success with minox, but treated the dose as a post care mandate from Bhatti, and everything seems to be coming together. I figure he knows what he is doing, so follow an experts advice. I don't know if I will keep applying minox daily after 6 months. I feel like I'll slowly go down to once every other day with minox after 12 months or so. I've had no ill effects with fin, so I will continue to use it indefinitely.

By the way, it is fairly well documented that fin has a scheduled shed at the 3-4 month mark. If you're concerned, it is all "normal" and expected. I've commented on this a few times, but even the trials of fin had control (placebo) groups which experienced ED. My point is: focus on the issue will feed into the issue. I hate saying that there's no such thing as fin side effects, because there are. But I will say that the odds of side effects are low (quite possibly lower than the ~1% that floats around). I always think: I'm not that special. I'm fairly average in basically every measurement. It's unlikely that I will experience side effects with fin. I've only felt ED after I focused in on it and became paranoid. I still get ED when I start asking questions of my body. When I just chill and don't think about it, everything works.

I agree that sometimes it's the brand. I know several women who liked a birth control pill. Their pharmacy gave them generics, and they felt the difference. Even though it was the same chemicals, there was a noticeable difference.

Thanks, I agree! I've come a long way. I'm excited for the change and will continue to document the transformation.

This is my 5(!) month (150 day) update. I am very excited with the growth I've experienced. The news with me is that I've officially started that position which required me to not wear a hat. They have a very strict dress code, so I don't think I could even wear my flat cap. I didn't want to wear it right away anyway, I wanted to see if I could play everything off as natural (but more thin than not balding) hair. I haven't felt any stares or glances towards my hair by my new coworkers. I also haven't felt anyone looking at my hair, maybe once by a single person earlier on, but not since. I took some pics. As you should expect by now, this is freshly washed and air dried. I did drive with windows open, so my first 4 pics are all untouched from the wind. I did also "style" (haha) my hair as I do at work - I pat it uniform and try to remove any transparent areas through spreading my hair evenly. So what you see is the view my coworkers see. It is a full extension from my chest. I will continue to keep the format consistent, so you may compare (and I will compile 6 month progress for ease).

I said it in one of my posts of my experience early on: Tell people: I recently had a medical procedure on my head which needs to heal. I must wear this cap. This is factually correct, answers the question, and brings medical procedure into the conversation, which usually gets people to mind their business. Most people don't talk about money or medical issues of others. I thought the pic would help more than a description. I knew nothing about HTs, and this forum provided me information which helped me make an informed decision. I am happy to post nearly whatever, in hope it helps alleviate anxiety. I think (some sizable portion of) self worth is tied to appearance. Fixing an issue we otherwise couldn't address is more important than the stigma of male cosmetic surgery, so I help here, and in about 7 months, will feel comfortable helping others I encounter in daily life.

This is the cap I got. I wore it in light rain, and windy conditions. You tie it around your head, not the hair or hairline. It does tie somewhat on the donor, but depending on how tight you tie it. Don't tie it snug. You only tie it so it doesn't fly off, there is literally no pressure on your head if you tie it appropriately. I tied it very lightly when it was windy, and had no issues. I also wore it for like 3 weeks. I washed it of course, but I did wear it everywhere I went outside my home. I had profound redness, and it helped me not draw attention. I transitioned to a conventional cap afterwards.

BTW, neck pillow is mandatory. I flew on cheapest flight, so arrival time was a little wacky. But I think you're talking about how early with regard to the procedure. I think many clinics see the patient the day before the operation, to handle paperwork and tests as well as consultation on the hairline. I would arrive as late as as, say 9pm the day before consultation. So if your consultation is at 12pm on the 5th, and surgery is 8am on the 6th, I would arrive as late as 9pm on the 4th. You don't really need to do a whole lot during the pre surgery day, so it's essentially a rest day anyway. I wrote about my flight experience in my first post ever, but the long story short is: I had a not great itinerary, and I survived. I had 30 hours of travel about 72 hours post op. It's about as bad as it gets. But the only thing I had was swelling. I didn't have an issue with my head (only had medical cap, no bandage). I didn't have an issue with questions from security. I didn't have issues when I was at full swell mode in renting a car. So yeah, no issues with travel. I think 3 days post op is about as early as I'd reasonably want to travel. If you only have 12 hours or less of travel, I'd say fuck it and travel 2 days post op. Tips: 1. When you travel, you want to travel light... But, don't forget you'll get a bunch of post op care stuff. (Know that many medicines can be brought on plane with your documentation and notification of the travel clerk. I think it needs to be clearly stated in your post op care.) A. Option 1, bring luggage you can check. You'll have no issues with the saline solution, lotions, and anything else. ( I also bought more medicine and put it into my luggage, since it's less expensive in India, and USA medicine cost is literal garbage.) B. Option two is bring enough mini containers (you may not need to use them) to split the crucial medicines, and forgo the large saline solutions. You can easily buy saline in your home country for much less than the headache of checking luggage. I would buy the saline ahead of time to maximize convenience. 2. Regardless of the length of stay, book a nice hotel... Obviously. But what makes a hotel nice isn't just the room, it's also the food!!! Be sure to get a recommendation from your clinic as to where to stay, but also do research. Investigate their menu, and see what people say about it. Find out if there are restaurants within 5 minutes walking distance. I walked and did some take out during my post op. You won't want to hang out outside, but it's not that you can't... You're not a cripple afterwards. Take note of the food. 3. Travel and sightsee before hand. If you can't, it is what it is. I would still try as hard as you can to get time off from your home commitments. If you have paid time off, use it. If you don't, see if your work will allow unpaid time off. You may never come back to wherever you're going. Your travel will be nearly as memorable as the HT. You'll already commit a sizable amount to the flights, so it's only a little more per day to tour a country and experience their culture. Everything else regarding travel advice is county specific, so you'll have to ask more specific questions.

(To explain low density) The part about why Bhatti packs so loose (in my opinion) is due to him trying to maximize your donor. He told me (and I've read about it before I saw him) that he wants to treat me for my lifetime. He doesn't want to fix me (at potential great future cost [of donor]), but treat me for life. I have a predisposition to go Norwood 5+, so I'll need careful, lifelong effort. Does it make sense to pack dense when you'll eventually need further HTs to address your crown/ other areas? One more thing, if you're curious, I can try looking for the graphic again later, but additional density doesn't improve the aesthetic after a certain point. It simply isn't noticable from a distance. Remember, people won't study you, just notice you. They look you in the eyes when speaking to you and look "at" you when afar. I completely agree with your assessment of "pushing" a doc. I didn't see the push from Bhatti when I decided on him, and I haven't seen a push since (maybe a couple months ago, but nothing like Eugenix. I was very skeptical of them initially, but they also turn out great work. They had new members solely contribute pre/post pics and not much else. But their rep Nelson is helpful and kind, and contributes to the forum much like shera. I don't enjoy "pushing", unsolicited, my doc. I think it's tacky to promote "your" guy at the detriment of other docs. I do however recommend my doc in good conscience. I've had a professional experience from a skilled artist. I picked Bhatti for a couple reasons. He had a strong portfolio and was enthusiastically recommended. I actually switched from a different doc (recommended but had a bad vibe) to Bhatti. I didn't know the cost, but didn't care, I wanted Bhatti (who was much less expensive actually). I also chose Bhatti for another couple reasons. I didn't want a " conservative" hairline, basically my hairline pre HT. (Feel free to look my tracker up, it's in my profile). Bhatti had really impressive results with the temple triangles. That was one of, if not most important areas I wanted to address. It has honestly changed my appearance to what I had hoped, and I would be thrilled to just keep current results (even without additional growth). Finally, Bhatti does BHT as well for the advanced Norwoods and those lacking donor. I've got plenty of ass hair, haha, but he does beard and some chest. I wanted to work with a surgeon for life, like I said, so I wanted someone who could "stretch" my HT capacity. I've had comments on my HT from people saying my packing was too loose, but I've had a positive attitude and trust in Bhatti's work. I'm not concerned with the negativity and I will reserve criticism for after 18 months. I don't have any issues yet, and I feel I'm coming along well. Again, I can't stress enough my coworkers hair. Their hair is transparent ( I see 2/3 of their scalps, even with lots of dense hairs). It makes me feel incredible just with my limited progress. I'm literally 70% of their transparency level (mine more transparent). I don't have the length (to mask/ add perceive density) and I don't have the full results. I'm very pleased so far. Try to, whoever you choose for HT, look at density as a passing glance. That's how all people will see it. No one will study a hairline (could you imagine someone staring at your hair for 30+ seconds?!) As long as the hair looks natural [read: not stands out], that's all you should hope for. Plus, as I've mentioned, your head will bald too, so you'll fight to maintain that density for the rest of your head, as your head bands. I also, personal opinion, think that some thinning is fine and natural. I don't want incredible density because I think it's unnatural for me, it's difficult to maintain, and perhaps unachievable. I think that some thinning especially near the crown is almost expected and doesn't detract from the overall appearance, not at all like the hairline, which is crucial. Anyway, rambled too long. Hope it helps. I can answer any questions that you have. Either way, do your research and choose with conviction. Don't feel pressured or "convinced". Be able to defend whatever decision you choose. We're all on this forum to learn and help others learn. I'm happy to pass on my knowledge and experience.

I think your situation will improve with either doc selected. First is managing expectations; what are you seeking with density? My case wasn't as progressed as yours, but my concern was "not bald" for lack of a better definition. Density was a concern for me with Bhatti, but I've seen enough of his results that I couldn't "notice" the density. That's what I wanted, a non-noticable hairline. Most onlookers won't care/see it either, so long as it doesn't look bad. That was enough for me to pick Bhatti. On a related note, I started a job with 3 20-22 year olds. Two have transparent hairlines (but not receding or anything) and one has a very full Latino/Mexican hair that I'm in awe of. Point is, even people who aren't balding have hairline [certain] people on the forum would say isn't dense enough. Nature isn't kind to everyone to give them a dense hairline. To answer a question, I didn't use fin til after my HT. Not before surgery or even before at all (didn't know about it). Again to reiterate, a HT will benefit you.