LaserCaps

A couple of points with regards to the photo you've chosen to post. Hairline very conservative - which is a good thing. The farther back you start, will allow the doctor to go farther back into the pattern. Bringing hairlines down on the forehead takes many grafts. Depending on how advanced you are - you may not have enough grafts to accomplish much. Second point...this gentleman had a procedure. From the angle of the photo it seems the doctor placed grafts throughout the pattern, which almost looks like diffused thinning. If you look at the way people loose hair, you'll notice that advanced patterns do not lose hair this way. They typically will keep a denser forelock, a bit in the mid-scalp and nothing in the crown. This gentleman would have been better served by having a denser front and less grafts in the mid scalp. It is important to remember that it is the front people see when they interact with you. It is also the area you see when you look at yourself in the mirror. The third point, the work looks like a transplant. The hair is growing straight up. Hair typically grows forward at an angle. So pls stay away from whoever did that particular work. It would be nice if you posted your own photos. It would be interesting to see if you have any native hair and if you are doing some type of medical regimen to help with retention and enhancement of the native hair.

Paranoia. How did you become aware of it? Did someone point it out to you? Typically it occurs when you start noticing shedding - which is also normal. The follicle gets tired of producing so it goes on vacation. This dormant period typically lasts about 3 months at which time the follicle resumes producing hair. This will happen to all the hair on your head periodically and randomly. So, when you see hair on the pillow, sink, etc...not to worry, that hair will return. The second issue is the contrast between the dark hair and light scalp. It makes it look like you're thinning. Your hair is quite stark. The last point to make, we are dealing with the whirl. We all share that in common. It is the weakest point for everyone. If you notice, it is a point from which all hair starts. The hair grows away from the point and there is no shingling. If you notice, hair in the front and mid scalp grow forward at an angle. Hair on top of hair gives you coverage. We do not have that benefit in the crown. All looks normal. If you start seeing aggressive thinning, (the norm is 100 hairs a day), you may want to consult with a dermatologist.

Yes, I would not have my current results if it wasn't for both surgery and a medical regimen. Have been on Fin since 1999 and also use Laser Cap.

5 going rapidly to a 6. Hope you are doing some medical regimen to help you with retention and enhancement of the native hair.

Typically I read this type of post when the scar is wide. If it is not wide and it's within an acceptable range, I would leave it alone. Putting grafts into the scar is a good way to camouflage and a combo with SMP even better - but you've already done that. If the scar is wide however, you do have a couple of options. First is to do a revision or another FUT transplant. Ask the doctor to use the old scar as a border and thus creating a new scar. (The question does become, why did it widen the first time? Lack of elasticity? Went to the gym too soon)? Regardless of what you choose, if you invade the skin for whatever reason, a scar will form. If FUE, ask what size punch they'll be using. Anything larger than .9mm will be noticeable. How long ago did you do the SMP? Once the body metabolizes the ink, you may have to retouch. Just something to keep in mind.

Pour shampoo and rinse using the hand technique. ON the 7th day start scrubbing gently with finger tips. Typically the first wash is done at the clinic. Good opportunity for staff/doctor to look at things and address any concerns. Some doctors will suggest this at 3 days, others at 5 and even yet some at 7. Some of the crusts will begin falling off by themselves. If you still have some on day 10, be a bit more diligent. Remain in the shower and let things soak and then scrub away. Leaving them too long is not good either. You do not want infections.

Every clinic/doctor has their own protocol. Communicate. What I did, and it worked for me, was to get in the shower and cover the top of my scalp with my hand. Tons of water would hit the back of my hand and the water would just trickle down. If you use the cup, you'll be a month pouring water and still won't get all the stuff off. Lotion? The whole idea of shampoo is to keep the area clean. Why lotion? Ah, perhaps to soften the crusts?

Looks like you might have a bit of donor left....not much mind you....but enough to soften hairline and maybe add a little density. Pls, if you do have some, concentrate just on the hairline and the area right behind it. I do see that your grafts were spread throughout the pattern and now you look like you have a diffused look. I also see you have no native hair left so I think it would be a waste of time to do any medical therapy. Not sure about elasticity but I would encourage you to visit with a doctor and see if there are any FUE grafts available. Even 400-600 grafts could soften up things. It is important to realize that gray hair is now your best friend. A little can go a long way particularly when you consider the color of your skin.

the follicle comes with a gland. At the time the hair starts growing, the gland does not know what to do and the pimple forms. Half a dozen is the norm. Once the hair comes out, all will return to normal. Also be aware, bacteria crawls in there and can form a much larger pimple. Just treat it like a zit, clean it and it will also dissipate. Talk to your doctor, he can give you a prescription for a steroidal cream or shampoo to keep this in check if it gets out of hand.

Minor thinning? Perhaps. Receded temporal areas? Sure. Glad to hear you are doing some medical regimen to help you with retention. Pls do not stop - it is possibly the best thing you ever did. You have dark hair and light scalp and the contrast makes it seem as if you are thinning . Look into SMP, this will help minimize the issue if it bothers you. Diffuse thinning refers to something else all together. The shedding you are referring to is normal. The follicle gets tired of producing so it goes into a resting phase. The follicle resumes its job 3-4 months later. So, when you see hair in the pillow, sink, smile....That hair will return.

This is yet another example that can confuse anyone, even a doctor. If you look at the very first photo, it almost looks as if the density on the very front is fine. I'll bet to say most doctors would concentrate on the area right behind the hairline and through the mid scalp. In later photos, this varies as the hair is rather short and the contrast between the darker hair and the lighter scalp gets in the way . My first question, what are your goals and what are you trying to accomplish? I am glad you are on Fin. Pls stay on it and consider adding other modalities. PRP and laser therapy can help reverse the thinning and you may see more enhancement of the native hair. The 4th and fifth photos are the ones I am most concerned about. While you are well demarcated in the donor, the crown does look like it can expand. Remember, if you've shown the propensity to lose, you will continue losing. I'll bet to say you have family history of hair loss and some with advanced patterns. Reinforcing the hairline and adding density to the mid scalp may be a good plan. Once happy, and pending the effectiveness of the medical regimen, you can then consider tackling farther back to minimize the size of the crown. Last question, how do you intend to grow your hair? If long, I would take make use of your entire donor and consider FUT. If very short, FUE.

Check out LaserCap website. Studies were conducted. Read in particular the number of diodes that resulted in the best outcome.

Retrograde refers to something else all together. Your hair in that area does curl and it is rather thin despite your hair being long enough. Check into DUPA. Pls post photos of your entire donor to confirm retrograde, perhaps even global thinning. Are you doing anything to help you with retention?

The laser comb was the first unit to get "Approval" from the FDA. Everything that follows is FDA cleared. The problem I find - it is labor intensive. You need to leave it for 3 seconds, move it, 3 seconds....until you cover the entire head. 3 times a week. I am already tired just thinking about it.

Funny how different angles give you so much info. The very first photo shows a male pattern with temporal points. Looking from the front, however, (one of the later photos you posted), it almost looks rounded, somewhat like a female hairline. That's neither here nor there, just something to be aware of. Now, back to your case.... If you apply the rule of thirds, it does show your hairline could be brought down. If you do, do it a bit at a time until your and the doctor reach the goal. I am being quite careful with wording. I could have said, "until you are happy." The issue however is the fact most young people want their hairlines in the middle of the forehead. And, while I am generalizing, it is important to keep in mind the doctor's job is to do what you want to do - but also keep you from doing things he knows are not in your best interest. With the pandemic still lingering, I would encourage you to do some online consultations with various doctors. Also start looking at photos of results of cases similar to your own. Then do a couple of in person visits, if possible. Have them draw the hairline in and post. Plenty of members here that can provide some guidance. If ever in Texas, visit with Arocha Hair Restoration. Or call. I mention him particularly since he is able to accomplish density in a single pass.

I use LaserCap. It is the only one that offers a lifetime guarantee. It is by physician only. Contact Dr. Arocha. I've experienced retention and some enhancement of the native hair. I've also seen positive results when combined with PRP.

I recall a case like yours a few years ago. The patient was born with a high hairline, which resulted in a big forehead, as you call it. No hair loss. No history of hair loss either. Brought the hairline down about a finger's width. First issue, and to make sure, you need to post photos of your entire face. Do you know the rule of thirds? This will give you a decent idea where exactly your hairline should be. Second thing is understanding - it is likely this will take multiple procedures to achieve the density you have right behind the hairline area. There are doctors out there that can accomplish density in a single procedure, but I would verify before moving forward. Lastly, you have dark hair and light scalp. Just be aware the contrast will result in the illusion of some thinning. Where do you live and are you open to traveling? Please confirm with all family members if there is any history of hair loss.

It just makes sense for anyone to look at a place near by. I call this regionality. Unfortunately this is a non-regulated industry and, like we all suggest, do your research. Consider you are going to invest likely thousands of dollars on yourself. Wouldn't be worth it to choose a doctor, based on photos of results, that most appeals to you? Regardless of location? Texas, for example, is only 12 hours away. Like JohnAC71 suggests, look all over. Pls post a set of photos, It'll be interesting to see what pattern you are dealing with and if you should be on some type of medical regimen to help you with retention of the native hair.

To have side effects all of the sudden, whatever they may be, after years of use? Doubt it. Likely coincidental. I would check with your PCP and find the underlying reason. I would also encourage you, if you decide to stop Propecia, to consider PRP and laser therapy. These can help not only with retention, but also with the reversal of the thinning.

Where specifically do you have the condition? Throughout the entire head, including the donor area? The whole premise of avoiding hts when the condition is active is to avoid transferring the issue to the recipient area. So, if you do have SD in the back, (donor area), it will need to be under control if you ever decide to have a transplant. Glad to hear you are doing some medical therapy to help you with retention. You can also try PRP and laser. These help exponentially. I would avoid Rogaine as it has alcohol and this will likely worsen the issue.

It all depends on how your hair grows. Ethnicity has something to do with it. For example, Oriental hair tends to stick out and requires length to drop. Anglo falls down right away so an inch is typically enough. Also, if your hair is wavy, this will allow for more lateral coverage, etc. But, as you said, the reason for transplants is to have more hair - and to show it. Start experimenting. Ask the barber to cut the hair as short as he can without seeing scalp. That should be the length. If you're doing FUE, find out if the doctor will be using an instrument .9 or smaller. You will start seeing scars if bigger - this then will become an issue.

Every clinic has its own protocol. I would suggest waiting 3-7 days and then start. You do not want to pull a graft accidentally.

LaserCap can help. This promotes blood flow to the area. More nutrients, etc. And, in combination with PRP, can help with rapid growth and reversal of thinning hair. Check out Dr. Arocha's recent video on the subject.

Based on the photos you look like a marginal candidate. The "safe zone" seems rather limited. It is likely the most conservative doctors will suggest medical therapy before moving forward. Some may actually give the go-ahead. There are other modalities other than Finasteride. Look into PRP and laser. This combo helps with the reversal of the thinning and may help. You do seem well demarcated which helps. Hair loss, however, can be tricky. Wish we had a hair crystal ball at times. I would encourage you to consider all alternatives before moving forward. And, if are considered a candidate, concentrate your grafts in the front and blend to the area right behind it. Those will help frame your face and will serve you well down the road. Forget the crown for now. Once happy, reassess.

It takes a lot to destroy a follicle. Consider removal. It takes several visits regardless if electrolysis, laser, etc. These "things" are sturdy. Very seldom do I hear of follicle damage during any intervention. Perhaps if there is a self immune system involved - maybe then.