LaserCaps

There are many reasons why people get a transplant. First, I think they become self-aware. So, if it bothers you, do something about it. It's important to understand, if you've shown the propensity to lose, this will continue. Consider medical therapies to help you with retention and perhaps enhancement of the native hair. So, if you have a transplant, by definition, you will have more hair than before. Now you'll have the option of doing whatever you want, including, (or not) using products. So, no - you do not need to constantly style anything. It is up to you. We have many patients who just leave it alone and put nothing. Multiple hair transplants can stem from a number of things. Most doctors believe grafts compete for blood supply. They will explain a base is required, and then multiple procedures are required to achieve density. Another example involves the patient...Perhaps he wants to move forward in stages. At the time of your research, it is important to ask about credentials. Where did the doctor learn to do this? Fellowships in hair are hard to come by. Fine hair will typically yield very natural results if done properly. You just need more hair to achieve the same result of a patient with coarser hair. At the time of your in-person evaluation, ask the doctor how many grafts it will take to work the area(s) you're concerned with. Post some photos. There are many contributors here who are willing to help by sharing their experience with you. Lastly, are you considering FUE or FUT?

I always go back to, "do the research." Find out where they learned to do transplants. Do they have a Fellowship in hair? I've met and worked for many doctors. Some branded "Pioneers," who were horrible. One in particular, yielded no results on any of the patients he worked on. I guess, if you've been doing it wrong your entire life, you will still do it wrong. I do value your point of view, considering the number of clinics out there who allow techs to perform the entire surgery. Let's start praying for the ignorant.

I tend to disagree. There has to be, (and there is), a huge difference between a tech and an MD. And while the tech is working under the umbrella of the doctor, I find it troublesome - to say the least - to allow techs to harvest and make sites. If something did go wrong...a lawsuit waiting to happen.

The first thing you need to do is to ask about credentials. Where did the doctor learn to do transplants? Does he have a Fellowship in hair? Not sure if the number of procedures per day matters. A number of points can be made either way. (One a day, for example, could mean he is not getting enough practice....etc). It is important to recognize the doctor is in charge of the surgical part of the procedure. In this industry it is the norm to have techs assist. Once the doctor makes the sites, the Clinical staff will then place the grafts. They can only go in one way, the way the doctor made the site. With experience, these guys are truly amazing. They can place hundreds in a matter of a few hours. Depending on their original training, doctors do prefer to do things in a particular way. Plenty of instrumentation out there to make things easier. Some instruments use large punches - which makes the job simpler. Finer instruments, which still leave scars - but are not discernable to the eye, is tougher. Need vs what you have available is yet another point. Perhaps the range he gave you is mostly based on what he believes can be harvested at any one time and has little to do with how many grafts would be required to give you density in the front, mid scalp and back areas. Are you on any type of medical regimen?

It all depends. How long have you been on the medication? Take me, for example. I have been on Fin for more than 20 years. If my destiny was to lose all the native hair I had, and I stopped the med, that's exactly what will happen. Meaning, you will lose what you were meant to use had you not been on the medication. Now, if I was not meant to lose anything during those 20+ years, nothing will happen. Unfortunately, we do not have a hair crystal ball that's going to tell us anything. Many believe there are more than 101 different types of hair in the donor. Fine, course, thicker, etc. If you notice, typically the hairline, is not a "line." Rather, it is a transitional zone that gradually develops into more density as you go farther back into the pattern. The hair up front is typically finer and coarser as you go back. Thus, if thicker hair in the front is placed, it will stick out like a sore thumb because it will not match the caliber of the hair that you typically find in that specific area. For year we've know that DHT does not affect the donor. That's why harvesting is almost always done there. Magically, once the transplant is done, that hair will remain as if it was in the donor and will not be affected by DHT. So, you'll never be empty. So, this brings up a whole other set of issues. Imagine a patient working the temporal areas, (corners), and nothing else. The patient has been on Fin for years and all of the sudden he stops. (He is destined to lose everything up top). The doctor fills the areas as per the original request. The patient will end up with two horns and nothing else. So, it is important for the doctor and the patient to consider this from the get-go. Blending grafts into the native hair is HUGE. This way, regardless of what happens, there will be connection and makes the end result more natural. Almost as if the patient went on to lose the hair naturally. Please do not get off the med(s).

Difficult to say, particularly when we only have a photo of the donor area. Can you provide photos of your entire head? Is there family history of hair loss? Are you experiencing shedding? How did you notice the thinning originally? Try to get into an in-person evaluation with a doctor. Who put you on the medication? What did they say?

It is important to understand the many components to hair loss. First, let's discuss shedding. The follicle gets tired of producing hair and it goes into a dormant phase. This typically lasts about 3-4 months and then the hair returns. This will happen to every hair in your head randomly. Hair loss is different. Go into a bright light and look at the hair in your temporal areas, (corners). You'll notice strands that are really thick while others not so much. This process is called miniaturization. Eventually the hair withers away and disappears. That's hair loss. During a transplant procedure, a follicle is harvested. It will typically have a short stubble which is used to transport the graft to the recipient site. Sometimes the hair starts growing from the get-go. This hair will normally fall off and a new one will start growing around the 3-month mark. So, perhaps this is what you're experiencing. Other times it could be shock loss. If it is shock loss, typically that hair will return at about the same time the grafts will start growing. Most times this is caused by the trauma of the surgery. This prompts the hair you would have shed a bit sooner. Once the body figures out what's happening, the hair will resume growing. It is common for doctors to recommend the use of Rogaine for X amount of time prior to a procedure, (particularly in women) to avoid this issue. So, my question. are you doing any medical regimen to help you with retention of the native hair? This might be a good time to consider it. Lastly, visit with your doctor and see what he says. Perhaps he can make some recommendations in your case. I would take photos, wait 3 months and take another set. Do the same at 6 months. Keep communicating with the clinic and keep them abreast of the situation. This might help you, particularly if you encounter more issues down the road.

Strength of a laser is measured in Jouls per squared CM . Most lasers will provide from 1-3. LaserCap provides 4.

The first strike against you is the color of hair and scalp. The contrast is not helping you. The first thing I would do is to let your hair grow for a solid 2 weeks, perhaps longer. Let's see if the hair shingles and provides coverage. The second thing I would do is do all modalities, Propecia, Rogaine, Laser and PRP for a good year. It takes that long to see what exactly the regimen will accomplish. Fortunately, you still have hair. It is miniaturized but has not left the building. Transplant conversation pending outcome.

It is likely the doctor will ask you to stop the use of Rogaine for about 1 week prior to the procedure as it will help keep bleeding down. Long term, however, it is best to continue the medical regimen to avoid losing the hair you would have lot had it not been for the medication. Is that the only thing you're doing? For how long have you been on it? It would be a good idea to use other modalities as there seems to be synergy when used concurrently.

I would encourage you to continue the meds and stay on them. It takes a good year to see what you'll accomplish. PRP, if done correctly, can help reverse the thinning. You really do need to do an in person evaluation to ascertain what you have donor wise. When to do SMP, or grafts for that matter, will depend on your goals, ongoing hair loss, donor, and a number of other factors. If you are in no rush, I would consider SMP. That would buy you some time to see what the meds will do.

Thanks for posting your last photo. It seems you style your hair from left to right. As the hair falls it shingles and gives you the illusion of density. If you were to comb all that hair to the left, it's likely it will show you have diffused coverage, except the crown which is fairly empty. So, after a few procedures, you are still thin. Did the doctor put grafts throughout the pattern? It does not seem he concentrated them to any specific area. Are you doing any type of medical therapy? Propecia, Rogaine, PRP and Laser are the modalities we refer to when dealing with this condition. I would encourage you to discuss these with the doctor. These could help with retention and enhancement of the native hair, particularly on the crown. Since you already have the FUT scar, I would continue doing the same until you run out of elasticity. You can then go FUE. Have the doctor check your elasticity during your post op visit. To buy you some time, you could consider SMP. This would help minimize the contrast between the color of the hair and the scalp.

It is difficult to ascertain the level of loss given the photos you've provided. An in-person evaluation would allow the doctor to confirm if your pattern is moving forward. I gather it is the crown area that bothers you the most. If that's the case, perhaps starting out with a medical regimen would be the best approach. I think it is important to recognize, if you've shown the propensity to lose, you will continue losing. So, you do a transplant procedure in that area, you go on to lose more native hair, you'll end up having an island worth of hair and nothing around it. We refer to this as "chasing the pattern." You would then need to add more grafts just so that there is some kind of connection. Eventually you'll run out of grafts, (and I am exaggerating a bit). You then lose the front and the first thing you'll say will be "why did you put all the grafts in the crown when I now need them up front?" It is the front you see when you look at yourself in the mirror. It is also the area others see when they interact with you. Propecia, Rogaine, PRP and Laser are the modalities we typically refer to when dealing with this condition. The mechanism of action of each is totally different and are thus synergistic when used simultaneously. I would give them a year. You can decide what to do based on the result. Good luck.

I can gladly check with LaserCap if they can drop ship one to you. Would you like me to assist?

I just reviewed the list of providers in the UK and saw no one has been assigned as of yet.

LaserCap is the only by Provider only laser. It is a prescription strength laser which carries a lifetime warranty. It's been cleared for both men and women. It is not associated with any serious adverse effects, unlike many other treatments offered in this industry. It is convenient, hands free and discreet. It delivers a higher dose of light energy per treatment than any other comparable device on the market. It uses true laser diodes, monochromatic red laser at a finely tuned wavelength and intensity. It is the cap I've used for the last 5 years. I have experienced enhancement throughout the whole head. I have also observed visual positive changes when combined with PRP. You can contact Dr. Arocha's office for more info as he is a provider.

You can wear a cap the day of. I would avoid sun burning the scalp, particularly right after the procedure. You could freckle permanently. After 7 days you can put sunscreen and a cap. Swimming can vary from doctor to doctor. Optimal sleeping position, particularly right after the procedure is sitting. Typically, there are no restrictions 7 days after. It is then you can start washing normally. I normally suggest using baby shampoo as it contains no alcohol. Most important is to avoid weightlifting that involves the neck. This helps avoid your scar from stretching - (for FUT) procedures.

Rounded corners are typically designed for women's hairlines. Blunting typically adds naturalness to hairline work in men.

A couple of points come to mind. Based on the photo it seems you have tons of hair. This will eventually be confirmed with an in-person evaluation. I think it is important to understand that hair in the front and mid scalp grow forward. Yes, when you slick your hair back, (with the hand), it shows you could reinforce the hairline area. But by just leaving the hair be, as shown on the 4th photo, the bangs you have make it seem as if you have a lower hairline. It is evident by your age and loss pattern the loss has been very gradual. I'd bet most people would say you have a full set of hair and would question adding any grafts at this time. You, however, look at this daily and are aware. If it bothers you...OK. Otherwise-leave it alone. I congratulate you for using medical therapies to help you with retention. Please continue.

If you've shown the propensity to lose, you will continue losing. Thus, if you are concerned about the future, it is imperative you are on some sort of regimen to help you with retention and enhancement of the native hair. Propecia, Rogaine, PRP and Laser therapy are the modalities we refer to when dealing with this condition. The mechanism of action of each is totally different and are thus synergistic when used simultaneously. Get on as many as you can. Can you post photos of your entire head? Particularly one with a front shot. You do not need to show the entire face. (From the angle you've posted it seems you've been given a "rounded" corner instead of "blunting").

I think most people will start doing some type of research when interested in anything. You go through consultations and learn. You then rely on the experts' opinions. You start a medical regimen. If it helps, it will continue helping for as long as you do it. Having FUT and FUE as options has also helped. Patients now have more of the resource to alleviate this issue.

My grandfather was bald and I wanted to be just like him. While I realized I was thinning, it really never occurred to me to do any research. That is, until I was hired as a consultant in the hair industry. I was then told, " how can you educate anyone if you have no hair?" It was then that I started this journey. I talk about it every day. I've been on Propecia since the 1990's, I use a laser every other day and have had several procedures. Yes, for me it was, (and is) very much worth it. I think as a patient, it is important to realize how limited the donor is. This, in itself, will kind of guide the patient as to the best approach to take considering the pattern. Money does get in the day and, unfortunately ends up being the driving force behind the decisions patients tend to make. Not good when you consider this is not a regulated industry. PLEASE ask whatever doctor you visit with, where did you learn to do this?

An in-person evaluation is in order. When visiting with a patient I will typically suggest "do the research." This not only includes viewing photos of cases similar to your own, doing consultations, etc, but also asking the doctors about their credentials. There are only a handful of places allowing fellowships in hair restoration. Dr. Arocha has a Fellowship in hair restoration, is Board certified, member of the Board and an examiner for the Board. I would encourage you to visit with him if only to get his input. Please call 713-526-4247 to schedule an appointment.

I have a few questions (and concerns) when I read your post. So, you have not done any type of medical therapy for the last 12 years? Propecia is now available as a topical solution. There is also Rogaine, PRP and Laser. These are the modalities we typically refer to when dealing with this condition. The latter are external to you. Please consider them. It is important to recognize, if you've shown the propensity to lose, you will continue losing. You indicated your hair does no longer grow? Pls clarify. Sure the SMP looked good! You added transplants and this added a dimension to the mix. Doing it again might be a good idea - in addition to whatever you decide to do. It will minimize the contrast and give the illusion of more density. Your hair seems to be long enough but still does not cover, (the donor). This may be confusing doctors and that's why some are approving your candidacy while others are not. I would suggest you let your hair grow a good month just to confirm you are not experiencing global thinning. This will dictate how to proceed.

In rare cases, meds may do nothing. If you continue losing, despite the meds, I would shave or look into other alternatives. Did you try all modalities simultaneously? Propecia, Rogaine, PRP, Laser? The mechanism of action of each is totally different and there is synergism when used at the same time. Perhaps you could try this for one year and see what happens.