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UndecidedHTP

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Everything posted by UndecidedHTP

  1. Hi @Curious25, I think you've exactly hit the nail on the head with your comments and I really appreciate your input. Your understanding of why a transplant is tempting for me is spot on, but as you've explained, I am very pleased with my progress so far and the success of my treatment - Truthfully, I never really expected it to work! As a result, I agree with you that I should probably continue with my current routine right now instead of having a transplant. Hopefully by delaying the decision, I'll have a better understanding of (i) the extent of my hair loss and final patterns, (ii) whether it will remain stable and likelihood of future loss; and (iii) whether my treatment will retain efficacy. I agree that having this information may prove crucial to ensure that my grafts are inserted into the right areas to maximise my chances of keeping my hair for the duration of my life. Making a decision based on my before photos and not my current situation is also a very helpful suggestion as ultimately my DHT affected area is quite large. It is definitely something I will bear in mind when talking to doctors to ensure we tackle the right areas. With regards to the non-surgical treatment options you have suggested, I had a few queries if possible please (and no problem if not!): I haven't really looked into dermarolling that much but I have seen many using it. Would you recommend any particular product for derma rolling which stands out as being particularly effective or are there many I can choose from on the market? With regards to lasers, I have been reviewing HairMax LaserBand 41 for quite some time. I wondered whether you had any knowledge of whether this would be a good option? I am able to get a good discount on this product through my treatment programme. I originally resisted purchasing it as I wanted to see if the combination treatment worked out first. However, I am now looking into it once again. Thank you very much for your helpful solutions (great food for thought) and your review of my current situation. It has really helped my decision making and I appreciate it a lot.
  2. Hi @Melvin-Moderator - Thanks for your advice! For sure - although I often regret that I did not begin treatment earlier (maybe even my hairline would still be there if I had!), I am definitely grateful for the results I currently have and the fact that I started before it was too late!
  3. Hi @BeHappy - Thanks for your reply. As this appears to be the consensus, it seems like a sensible route to take for now.
  4. Hi @LaserCap, That's really helpful in making my decision and I really appreciate your advice. I am beginning to think that my plan of action should be to delay my hair transplant for at least 2 years and during that time: (1) monitor and document my hair progression over e.g. every 3 months to see my progress / loss; and (2) Continue to speak to doctors who I feel have my best interests at heart and get their thoughts on a 'long-term plan'. Hopefully by the time I come around to having a hair transplant (if I think it is still a good idea), I will have a clearer idea of my hair loss pattern and the rate of hair loss I have. With regards to laser, it is something I have previously considered. Do you or any other members have any thoughts on the HairMax LaserBand 41 by any chance please? No worries if not. I am able to get it at a largely discounted price due to my treatment plan and it is something I am not considering once again. Thanks a lot.
  5. Hi @1978matt, That's brilliant - I will look into it more and will contact a GP to see if it can help in my case. I really appreciate the recommendation. I do currently get my treatment from the Belgravia Centre. Although I have considered purchasing Finasteride and Minoxidil elsewhere for cheaper, given the effectiveness of the results so far in my case, I don't really want to change anything and potentially compromise the results / stabilisation / regrowth I have had. I guess my mindset may change in the future if e.g. the effectiveness dramatically changes. With regards to the Azeliac Acid, this is what Belgravia has told me the effect is - 'Azelaic Acid is an anti-androgen, which means it helps to block DHT - the product in the body that causes genetic hair loss, ensuring the increased blood flow is 'hair-friendly'. It also has anti-inflammatory effects which are useful for other conditions such as Alopecia Areata and Traction Alopecia.' Thanks for your engagement!
  6. Hi @Gabreille Nelson Mukhia, Thanks for your reply - That's great to hear. I certainly am interested in improving the frontal zone via a transplant. However, given the positive and supportive response I've received on this thread regarding my receptiveness to my treatment, I think it may be wise to stick with my current treatment for now with the possible addition of some of the recommendations by other members and leaving the hair transplant to improve my frontal zone for a couple of years to properly assess my hair loss. Thanks once again!
  7. Hi @ADuckwithNoHair, Thank you for taking the time to respond. It is extremely helpful. Yeah I've been absolutely delighted with the treatment so far - Truthfully I never expected anything to come of it! I think this is one of my main concerns. As I am only 23 and the rate of my loss before treatment was quite rapid, I worry that I'm going to end up in constant race to keep catch up with my inevitable hair loss if I have a transplant now. Perhaps it may be wise as others have suggested to delay my hair transplant for at least another year or 2 just to ensure that my treatment plan has indeed stabilised my hair loss. Thank you very much for providing this information. I have seen a lot of fantastic results with this combination and it is definitely something I will think about. I typically wear my hair quite long so I am not too bothered by the scar that FUT leaves. However, a scar would bother me if I am not able to consistently restore my hair through hair transplants over the course of my life (as mentioned above) as I would then much rather shave my head (if my treatment also loses effectiveness). I guess I have to weigh up the likelihood of potential transplants being successful for me over the course of my life (I'll have to consult with the doctors for this of course), or whether I should just stick with my treatment for now and ultimately shave my hair off if I run out of luck. Thanks once again!
  8. Hi @aaron1234, Thank you very much for your response - That seems like great and sensible advice. Yes, I've been incredibly impressed by Dr. Konior. My only concern is that I live in the UK and perhaps it would make more sense to go to an excellent European surgeon (I have 6 European doctors I'm currently looking at). However having said that, if I feel Dr. Konior will best suit me in the long run, I am most definitely open to making the trip.
  9. Hi @1978matt - Thank you very much for your reply! Perhaps unusually, there isn't actually that much history of hair loss in my family. I'm the only one in my immediate family who is currently suffering hair loss. My 2 Brothers and Father haven't really receded or been effected by any hair loss (all a lot thicker). Both my Grandfathers also had good sets of hair throughout their life (with only a bit of diffused thinning for 1 in later years). A majority of my Uncles / Cousins also appear unaffected. However, there were a few I identified as possibly being similar - my Great-Grandfather (couldn't see exactly but likely Norwood 6/7 around 50) (Fathers side) and Uncle (Mother's side) (appears Norwood 6 at 60). My Father also mentioned his Cousin was also bald (Norwood 7 at quite a young age). I will try to look at some more photographs to determine the different levels of hair loss they had at different ages. Thanks - I appreciate the advice. Although I am obviously eager to try and get my hair looking as good as possible as early as possible, it might be in my best interest long term to wait and really assess the rate of my hair loss. I'll definitely look into Dutasteride. To be honest, I haven't really thought / heard about Dutasteride but I've just had a quick look - Can it be taken in conjunction with Finasteride or is it an alternative? Thanks once again.
  10. Hi all, After reading this forum for several months (which has been incredibly helpful and enlightening), I wanted to make my first post to ask for advice from anyone who could help please - any advice from members would be extremely appreciated (and apologies in advance for the lengthy post!). My situation I am a 23-year-old male from the UK. My hairline began receding when I was a teenager (only around the hairline really) but has accelerated quite quickly in the past 3 years. Although I did not take any preventive action until the end of 2019, I have been taking Finasteride 1mg tablets & Minoxidil 12.5% + Azelaic Acid 5% cream for the past 9 months (since beginning of October 2019) and have seen great results so far. My hair loss has stabilised considerably, and I have also had great regrowth. Although I never expected to be suitable for a hair transplant due to the amount of hair loss I suffered at such a young age and the quick rate of my hair loss, due to the recent stabilisation of my hair and my receptiveness to the dual treatment, I have begun to consider whether a hair transplant would now be feasible. Although I do not expect Finasteride / Minoxidil to ‘beat’ my genes forever, I aim to continue taking this treatment to slow future hair loss and coupled with a potential hair transplant(s), I am now starting to believe there may be hope yet! I have attached comparison pictures I have from the original state of my hair prior to taking Finasteride / Minoxidil vs. 6 months of treatment to contextualise my situation. You can also see the state of hairline in the month 6 photos which would be the main focus of any potential transplant. Main concerns My aim for a hair transplant is for frontal hairline and temples restoration, maximising coverage and density. Although I am not necessarily desperate to get a hair transplant right now and can wait until I’m older or at a later stage if people think it would be wiser to do so, the reasons I am contemplating a hair transplant now is because: 1. I am beginning a new job in 8/9 months which I expect to be very full on. I don’t really expect to be able to take that much time off during the first 2 years of this job unfortunately (i.e. until at least mid 2023). By contrast, I am currently completely free at the moment before this job starts and having a transplant now rather than taking time off once I’ve started my job would be extremely convenient. 2. Due to Covid 19, I have spoken to a few surgeons from my current shortlist of potential surgeons who have availability in the next 8/9 months due to cancellations from overseas patients. Although some still have huge waiting lists, I was contemplating whether it made sense to go with a surgeon in the timescale that suits me i.e. now. 3. My hair loss has stabilised greatly due to my treatment which makes me think that despite being only 23, if I have realistic expectations and a long-term plan for my hair loss, it may be possible to have one now when my hair loss is stable rather than wait until later. However, before committing, I have the following concerns: 1. I am only 23 years old. I’ve seen that most patients are at least 25 or older. What are the main drawbacks from having a hair transplant at such a young age? 2. I have only been on Finasteride / Minoxidil for 9 months. Although my hair loss has stabilised, I am aware that the efficacy of the treatment may drop off in the future. Should I wait a while (e.g. 2 years) to see if my hair loss is remains stable (given it was quite rapid before treatment) or is 9 months evidence sufficient? 3. Given my age and hair loss, I understand that 1 transplant is unlikely to be sufficient to ‘win’ the battle against hair loss for the rest of my life. With this in mind, I am very keen to retain as many donor hairs as much as possible for future transplants. Although I was quite set on FUE (due to the expertise of European surgeons in FUE & minimal scarring), would it actually be better given my young age and considerable hair loss to have FUT first to retain as many donor hairs as possible? I have two thoughts here: 1) Choose a European surgeon for FUE who has excellent donor management and will allow multiple FUE surgeries; or 2) Choose an excellent FUT surgeon e.g. Dr Konior for my 1st transplant to ensure maximum donor capacity for any future transplants. I expect I will need an estimated 2400 – 2600 grafts right now, but more in the future. I would be so grateful for any advice in relation to any of the points above. I really hope I will make the right decision. I’m not adverse to delaying my surgery if necessary (especially as some excellent surgeons won’t be available until quite a while anyways e.g. I was told that Dr Couto is not available even for a consultation until November 2021, and the transplant may be another 10 months after that!), but seeing as some great surgeons are available, any thoughts on the above would be great. Huge thanks in advance and any input is welcome (especially if it is to correct me on any of my above assertions).
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