I had been researching a TON and have tried i-Grow and a couple months of Rogaine. I started liking the Turkey doctors, but realized that they may be too far/out of comfort zone. During the pandemic, I went and shaved my head (since I'm not going out anyway), and just to see what it looks like bald since I also thought about SMP. Not bad, actually.
Initially, there was a doctor not too far away, FUT about $4500 I think, but the "manager" seems unprofessional and I didn't have a good vibe on the place.
Other US doctors were around $10K starting.
I started emailing Dr.Nader since he's a pretty good middle ground and have had good reviews. After seeing my photos (2 years ago), he said that I may not be a good candidate since I had thin hairs. He asked to get my blood test to see if if the donor area could thin out more and or gene related. I never heard back after sending my blood test.
Fast forward, I mainly use Dermmatch concealer and would have the idea of doing more current research on and off. I think nothing really changed and there's less reviews of doctors on many hair loss sites/forums. I emailed Dr.Nader again (different email) and showed him the pics, along with what I was hoping to get (very conservative). Eventually Brenda said that he things 2000 to 2500 would be sufficient. I thought the price got higher, but maybe that was just me. My family would go with me (or not at all), even though there is nothing to see (attractions) and do (just hang in the clinic the whole time). Regardless of how people say that it's pretty safe (driven to and from the hotel). Additional $700 in airfare.
I have the photos I sent him and pretty much, to cover the frontal part with some hairline (permanently thinning look is ok than what it is now). Top part, I won't see, so not as important and can probably be concealed better than front, which under the sun, to me just looks painted.
I did an online/phone consultation with Dr.Cooley, also recommended 2000 grafts, much more expensive! Plus PRP recommendation
I did go to another doctor in person and the doctor thinks I'm a good candidate, but maybe only about 2000 grafts for $10K plus topical ointments and PRP, etc.
On the back part of the pic, the doctor in person said only the bottom area is harvestable since higher than that, is now thinning.
Thanks.