HelpfulFriend

Hello everyone,

Apologies for the delayed response, I got stranded mid-COVID for work and have only just returned home, haha.

Firstly, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone's kind words. This forum really is fantastic, I've always thought so, and your words of encouragement have actually made a massive difference in my anxiety. I really do appreciate it.

In terms of my situation: I've been on Finasteride and Minoxidil for about 3-4 years so far, and I'll stay on them. I don't have any current photos, but I can get some soon. I was going to send Dr. K some updated pictures just for his reference. So I'll post some soon.

Again, thanks for the help. I read every reply and they really put me at ease ❤️

He's a bit of a fraud/salesman in my eyes.

He was always on here posting really helpful comments, and he'd always tell you to "reach out" if you ever needed guidance. Seemingly free of bias.

I emailed him, kind of told him my story and that I was somewhat lost. He just tried to funnel me into his affiliate clinic and gave me the details of who to contact. 

Just a salesman, but made himself out to be a hairloss mentor of sorts 

Hi everyone,

I'm scheduled to have surgery in a few months, but a couple of things have happened that have made me worried.

My case for reference: 30 years old, NW3, on fin & minoxidil for 4 years so far. Extensive family history of balding (NW6+). 

Firstly, the meds seemingly halted my loss for many years, but now I've just started to lose ground more noticeably. My loss stabilised at the classic NW3 "M" shape, but now my frontal lock is shrinking slightly, and I'm losing an insane amount of hair in my hands. I know everyone sheds, but it's more than ever - and I've had no changes to my lifestyle to account for it. It's been going on for months now. 

Secondly, because of Coronavirus, I haven't been able to have my donor assessed by a surgeon. I'm in Australia (Melboune, stage 4 COVID lockdown), so we don't have any reputable surgeons anyway, but even the local clinics aren't seeing patients.

My concerns:

- Firstly, I'm still losing hair (as we all do and always will) - and I just have no idea of how much I will lose. I can wait potentially, and see where it will progress, but I don't want to spend my 30's under a hat or with a shaved head. I want the front fixed. How do people grapple with what is essentially the gamble or a HT - will I continue to lose so much that the HT is rendered useless, or will it sort of stabilise and I will look fine?

- Secondly, I can't have my donor analysed under a microscope. I should point out that my surgeon is Dr. Konior, which fills me with confidence in every way - but I just wish I could have had it looked at in person. Especially seeing as my family bald to a great extent. Is this a big issue in people's opinion?

These are just fears that can't really be navigated, so I'm not too sure why I'm posting this, but I guess I just need to vent. 

I've been wondering this a lot lately.

We all know that in the case of a NW 6-7, there really isn't enough hair on the head to facilitate a transplant.

If someone is hypothetically a NW 3-4, but their family has an extensive history of really high Norwoods, do the members here think it's advisable to have a HT?

My thinking is this: if someone is likely to end up at that level, then a transplant is only a temporary fix, and they will (more likely) end up with not enough hair to facilitate more procedures.

Or, they will end up having to shave, only with the additional scars from FUE/FUT (FUE is not scarless, so no need to comment on whether it is or isn't).

I know medication can help, but I have spoken with people in which Finasteride simply isn't strong enough to stop their hairloss progressing.

Eager to hear everyone's thoughts. It's a tough topic, but something a lot of us just don't think about. I know myself I CHOSE not to think about it, as it stressed me a lot.

Cheers!

Hi everyone,

I've got a surgery in about 3-4 months, with a top-notch doc who has a 1.5-2 year wait list - but I've noticed a worsening of my hair over the past few months. 

I've been on Fin and Minox for about 3 years, and since I started, it pretty much halted/slowed my loss. 

However, for the past couple of months, I've been experiencing excessive shedding, more than ever - and there are no psychological, physiological, or pharmacological changes that have occured that could account for the shed. 

I've also finally noticed more recession in my frontal region (NW3). 

Basically, I booked the appointment when it appeared my loss had stabilised, now it may be getting worse. 

The Dr still feels fine to continue, but I'm wondering if this is something I should be concerned with? I don't want to post-pone the appointment, but I'm worried about losing a lot post-op, and also shock loss.

Any advice is welcome, and I appreciate everyone's opinion.

Cheers.

I'm booked in with a top doc, it's going to cost a lot, and I mean, a lot. 

But I figure, a 10k difference is a bit of saving, sure, but I'd prefer to have a top notch doc perform it and have confidence in my decision.

1 hour ago, Ergo said:

I've come to accept that after my 3rd FUT procedure my donor area shock loss is permanent. From all the reading I've done if it hasn't come back by now it's gone forever. It's unfortunate but I made this decision. I just need to look ahead at what I can do to ameliorate this. One avenue I am exploring is BHT - more specifically from beard to donor area. Luckily I have pretty a dense beard that it may work to cover it and maybe with some SMP it might just help me conceal it. Can anyone recommend a great doctor in the US who is well experienced in this area? I don't know if scar revision will work since I already had a tight closure to begin with.

Hi Ergo, sorry to hear about your shock loss.

If you would like, you can share some photos and have the members evaluate your best option?

Also, have you spoken with the surgeon regarding the loss?

All the best.

3 hours ago, Melvin-Moderator said:

 

Great video, Melvin. 

These were definitely the three things I've tried to grapple one. 

I'm just wondering about the third option. By stabilise do you mean no further hair loss? Or just slowed? I've been on meds for years and it definitely slowed my loss, but it still occurs albeit very slowly.

Thanks again for the great vid. 

Just wanted to say cheers for the advice everyone has given here.

I was lucky enough to get notified by Dr. Konior of a cancellation, and have opted for a spot which will take place in July, this year.

So, again, thanks for your help, everyone it made my decision much clearer. 

On 12/28/2019 at 7:53 PM, transplantedphil said:

I ask Bloxham a similar question about FUT vs FUE which I think might be helpful;

https://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/topic/54672-hairlines-not-a-one-size-fits-all-dr-bloxham-2400-grafts-feller-bloxham/?tab=comments#comment-514986

This was a great read, thanks Phil.

I've also been wondering about Dr. Nadimi.

I can't find many results by her, but she is trained by Dr. K, and I trust she is very good considering he has employed her at his clinic. 

I know they use the same team, techs, and coordinate together.

Hey all,

I'm having trouble choosing between the two procedures.

I'm in a tricky spot, as I'm late 20's, NW3, and I'm not sure where my loss will end up.

I've been on finasteride and minox for about 3 years, but I know some people still end up losing their hair on medication.

I want to get FUT for maximal graft retention, and donor management, but I'm worried that I still may end up losing my hair overall - and then I really won't have the option to shave. 

I know FUE isn't scarless, but comparatively it is easier to hide with a buzz.

Has anyone grappled with the dilemma of:

a) waiting until they're older to get a procedure, whilst having to rock a hairline that is far too receded for their age; or -

b) having a procedure without knowing where exactly their loss will progress to?

Just feeling really mixed up at the moment about it all. I want to remedy this, but have read many a horror story of people wishing they'd never even got the operations.

For further clarification I don't look good shaved, but I'd opt for it over a very receded head of hair. 

Thanks so much.

13 hours ago, transplantedphil said:

Yes and no.

It's an industry built entirely on reputation so it's all about trying to discern what you as a patient can expect from surgery. Clinic postings are the best case scenarios - they are what surgeons are proud enough to showcase for the public. But they should not be your only guide. 

I myself went to a highly recommended/award winning surgeon in Belgium with 25+ years experience that turned out to be a nightmare. He did not follow any of the basic pre-surgical protocols (did not inspect me nor even mark out where to place the hairs) had another doctor in his clinic operate on me without telling me (i panicked during surgery when I found out), extended the surgery when i was unconscious so he could squeeze more money out of me, and then ultimately left me with a bad result. I actually thought I had researched him enough but failed to realise all his postings were clinic postings (i.e. NOT patient postings) and so did not notice that he used exceptionally soft lighting that made his results seem better than they actually were. 

So should you be wary of clinic only postings? While my case might be an extreme it should be a lesson in NOT trusting anything you see in this industry, and NOT taking someone's recommendation as any type of authority. The best and only real guide you have here are patient listings where you have access to the good, the bad and the ugly. It's also worth messaging patients directly, or even try meeting them in person.

Regarding Dr Path sadly I have not researched him myself properly, but have always admired his work from afar and so believe he is worthy of your attention (that and he fits your conservative criteria to a tea). His protege Dr Laorwong also does some truly impressive work. So aside from that all I can do is wish you good luck.

Cheers Phil,

That's kind of what I was contemplating. 

It's difficult as there aren't a lot of patient stories on this site, but I assume he would have more non-english speaking clients. 

Sorry to hear about your terrible experience, I hope it ended up okay in the end!  

I might put out a message for any patients and see if there are any stories I can gather.

Thanks for the advice, really appreciate it.

On 12/22/2019 at 1:56 PM, transplantedphil said:

Just to add further suggestions, Feriduni is another that has always impressed me, and gave this NWV a full head of hair with 5500 grafts;

https://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/topic/55457-case-performed-by-dr-feriduni-–-5556-fu-in-2-procedures/?tab=comments#comment-524078

And Dr Path as well did wonders with this guy for only 2500 grafts;

https://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/topic/54976-drdamkerng-pathomvanich-dht-clinic-fue-2518-grafts-post-op-10-months/?tab=comments#comment-518588

Both are clinic postings (not patient postings) so you'd probably have to investigate further.

Good luck.

Hey Phil,

I've been looking at Dr. Path. It's much closer to Aus, and he seems to do well with FUT and graft utilisation.

Do you think the fact that most of the posts are clinic listings is something I should be wary of?

9 hours ago, Melvin-Moderator said:

The front is the most important aspect of surgery, I believe return patients get a discount from Konior, if you get a good result the first time why not go back?

Good point, Melvin - the only issue is the cost, and my potential to need future procedures. I don't have heaps of money as such, and as an Aussie, the US exchange rate makes a 20k op a 28k operation. 

Just trying to ensure I'd have enough for surgeries down the road.

Hey all,

Just wanted to say thank you for your help with my question.

I've enquired with Dr. Konior for a frontal restoration. Dr. Konior has quoted me at approximately 2k grafts. 

His clinic is a bit more expensive than others, but it's obviously a fantastic clinic run by a great surgeon. 

I'm just wondering if people ever tend to spend a bit more on the front/hairline, then maybe go cheaper for the remainder?

5 hours ago, Sam818 said:

You should post good pictures of your hair if you want serious advice from people. Also, are you on finasteride at all and if so how long? Are you limited at all as far as money is concerned for this procedure? If your not satisfied with the results of the procedure or if something goes wrong do you also have the money for a second procedure with a different surgeon? Have you ever buzzed your hair to see how you look and if so do you hate it or could you rock that look? These are important questions you have to ask yourself because once you get in that chair and you're cut there is no going back. A crappy hair transplant is way worse than naturally balding. Whichever surgeons you decide you like you need to schedule IN PERSON consultations with them to see who you are most comfortable with even though its gonna cost you money. Forget about facetime consultations or patient representatives/consultants. Don't trust anybody who recommends a doctor that they didn't do a procedure with and has the evidence to back it up. Good luck with whatever you do.

Hey Sam, good points there.

I've been on Finasteride and Minox for about three years, and it slowed my loss considerably. 

Money isn't necessarily an issue, but I look terrible buzzed/bald, haha. I have had my hair very short, and I don't have the best head for it unfortunately.  

I'm pretty set on getting one, I'm all about keeping my hair - although I am admittedly nervous due to my family history.

The main issue is me living in Australia at the moment, so, I cannot get any in person consultations. This is probably my biggest obstacle at the moment. 

Thanks for the input, everyone - the surgeons mentioned are pretty much who I;d been looking at, and I really appreciate the thoughtful responses :) 

Hey all,

Bit of a long-time lurker, first time poster here.

This website has been fantastic in helping me look at a potential surgeon for a HT, and I'm pretty close to jumping in.

I was just wondering if any surgeons spring to mind, in terms of maximising grafts?

I ask as I am late 20's, NW3, and have an extensive family history of hair loss. I'd like to find a doc that is known for conservative, but effective follicle management, and make my donor go the furthest it can as I cannot predict the future. 

Some patients may be suited to the likes of H&W, who do an amazing dense-pack, but I don't want to utlilise a lot of my donor up front, as I may/probably will recede a lot more.

Thanks a bunch.