GaryStruthers

It’s a great question you’ve asked though. I have - and may still - think along the same lines. Can you picture yourself shaving your head and getting used to it? Wouldn’t that be amazing if you could own that? Your choice of no meds obviously means multiple surgeries so I think you’d be happier not going down this road. Have you studied the top SMP results coming out lately? Phenomenal in my opinion. But as the lads mentioned above - there’s upkeep in every choice other than the clean shave/no meds approach.

Wow! Very beneficial response, and surely very relevant to the rest of us curious in switching. Many thanks!

How did you switch to Dut? With a slight Fin taper, or straight switch? I’m thinking of moving over from Oral Fin and topical Min to oral Dut and oral Min.

This looks really good. I dig how Bisanga takes the age appropriate approach. Will be following. All the best!

Hi lads My friend has no hair loss. 41, no recession, possibly thinning in crown. Family genetics (Balding on maternal side only) I’ve been a member here for a while now and have seen really good info on bloodwork in relation to starting Fin/Min. It’s just hard to track down through search. He wants to retain his hair for life, and instead of telling him to jump into the “big 3” I wanted your take on the best approach eg Step 1: See hair Dermatologist Step 2: Get pertaining bloodwork done in relation to medication stack Step 3: Commit to stack tailored for hair loss prevention (I doubt a future transplant is in his story) I’ve created this post due to myself jumping on the big 3 without complete research. I got lucky with avoiding sides, and grew/retained a lot of hair. I don’t want him to jump on my stack just because it worked for me. Please let me know if I have left anything crucial out, and would appreciate any additional advice that this great forum continues to offer. I’m respecting his privacy at this time, but as far as images go - full head of hair, impeccable hairline, any thinning in the whorl is probably from aging. He wanted to rush out and buy Rogaine foam - I told him to wait until I had posted here.

Looking great man! Really cool to see the hairline outside without fibers as well. I'm sure you'd be happy even settling for the "one and done." Have a great time over there in October!

I think the 2nd pic (Ryan Reynolds) a good one. How did you feel about switching to oral Min? Extra hair growing in places that you don’t want, or is it manageable?

Great question! I look forward to the answers to this as my operation is fast approaching. I too plan on taking this approach and may possibly switch to oral Minoxidil post surgery for ease of use. I have yet to research oral Min fully, but would appreciate it if you could answer this question along with @mister_25's questions above: Are there any issues documented here with patients switching to oral min from foam or drops? Popping a Fin and Min pill per day sounds like the way to go!

Thanks @MazAB Really looking forward to chatting with the team!

Yeah, your hair is of great quality! But you should be able to wear it the way you want (outside of standard transplant limitations) I’m interested to hear from others about your case. I’m assuming it wasn’t at a top notch clinic? Also, do you have any pre surgery pictures? Would love to get an idea as to where your hairline sat.

Cool! Thanks for those images. Are you able to share which clinic you went to? This seems like many cases where the patient just needs a second surgery. But, there are also many cases where a single surgery produces a higher density as to what you have received. I look forward to hearing more about your procedure.

Can we see a picture of your hairline? The one on display just shows a good head of hair. I would like to see the issue with “pluggy” etc.

That’s a phenomenal looking hairline. This is a “single” surgery correct? You must be so stoked!!

You and I have the exact same hair quality/color, and we also look similar 😂 So I think I would have been heading toward your level of Norwood scale if I hadn’t started Minoxidil and Finasteride. I too have been fairly diligent with my derma pen, and are probably at NW3A right now. IMO, you are definitely a good candidate for a transplant.

I too will be seeing them early next week. I’m hoping we can discuss hairline dimensions, thickness etc. Would be great to have a couple of hairlines drawn as this seems to be the area most complained about by HRN patients - being rushed through the process - as Eugenix scales up etc. I was surprised to see @NARMAK’s comment about the limited consultation, and that it was more visual based.

Sounds like a later shedding phase than others, which in some cases can indicate slow growth. It’s annoying, but not alarming. It’s just a little harder to anticipate a success/fail. Will you post pictures soon? What clinic did you go with?

Some people buzz cut their transplant after a year of full growth. The transplanted hair just tends to look a little thin and weird. (You see a separation line). But I’m curious to see a buzz cut after 2 or 3 transplants. Anyone have a reference here? Also, @Fue3361 has a really good result, which I think is the direction you’re going in.

Yes true. That is the “best” result one can hope for. Some of the younger patients aren’t aware of what a single pass can look like though. Similar to thinking a buzz cut post surgery will work. With a top surgeon he’ll be in safer hands though.

Yep, pictures are a must here to evaluate. My first thought here is one of caution. Are you planning on just one surgery or 2 to 3 down the line? A single surgery will lower your hairline but in most cases will make it look like you’re thinning (where the newly transplanted hair meets your existing hair). Surgeons can pack around 40 grafts per cm2, when you will ultimately want 60 to 80. You will have a lower hairline but will need to add fibers to make it look as thick as your natural hair. Of course you can use various techniques to cover the lesser dense area, but something to think about. Many people that invest in a transplant usually plan for a second procedure in the future.

Great write up! I’m really interested to see the outcome of this seen you chose an age appropriate hairline. I think it’ll come out great! I also dig that he suggested 3500 grafts! best of luck

Looking great man! I think that’s gonna look full at month 5 let alone 9 months!

Awesome!! What’s your approach with your temple points? Best of luck for your surgery!

If you want an instant change in your appearance, book your first surgery with a top surgeon you’ve listed above. While you wait (3 months to a year) you can experiment with your medications you’ll need for the rest of your life. You’ll see some hair return over those months and will be able to monitor side effects and read through this forum which will be incredibly valuable for your upcoming surgery. Once your date gets closer, you’ll have a wealth of knowledge around your 5 to 10 year plan which in most cases will include a 2nd surgery. You’ll also be able to communicate with the doctor/clinic in an informed manner. I would say the “quickest fix” would be about 2 years including the wait time for procedure.

Cool! I think the more experienced guys will weigh in soon on the meds etc. Seen you are fairly young a 6 month to a year stabilization window with the meds is probably necessary for a solid assessment. Your hair looks healthy though.

Yep donor looks pretty good, and it maybe a little shedding. If you are starting to lose your hair it’s good you’re on top of it. What is your age, and do you have a front on hairline pic?