Jb4458

46 minutes ago, Eli_Avdikian said:

Is the O.5 dose working fine for you? If it's the case, I wouldn't want to go higher

Hey,

Well thats the question. How is it judged? I'm 9 months into transplant. Obviously not there yet and a bit of work to do. But is that due to 0.5mg or is it due to just not being patient. How to people quantify the dosage needing to be increased?

Hi all,

I'm 9 months post transplant. All looking fine. Lots of thickening to come I hope still but no issues.

I've been taking 0.5mg daily of fin but wondered how I would know if I need to increase this to 1mg

It's my first transplant and things move slowly so it's almost impossible to know if what I am doing is enough...

How do people tell? 

I take nothing else.

Tha.ms

Hi all,

I am on month 6 post transplant and pretty pleased with the results. However, I moved to an Organic shampoo to give my hair the best chance. Now I get dry flaky itchy scalp and ive never ever had scalp problems in my 38 years. The below is what I currently use. Is there something better to try? I don't care about cost so much so anything you recommend ill give it a go. Even my wife used this below shampoo and noticed how dry and flaky her scalp was.

https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/shop/product/faith-in-nature-aloe-vera-shampoo-60038742?skuid=038742&utm_campaign=shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&gclid=Cj0KCQjw06-oBhC6ARIsAGuzdw2b9-oaddJit996n57b1Mk9tuioBqwPP7MfQMJcGaE0tE4cArr7f50aAsyeEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Many thanks

36 minutes ago, Rahal Hair Transplant said:

@Jb4458,

personally, I’m a firm believer in “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it”. For starters, non-surgical treatments aren’t necessary for your hair transplant to grow. As long as you selected an excellent surgeon, your results should grow in as expected with time. Time is your best friend and make sure you also follow your doctors postoperative instructions.

Nonsurgical solutions, however, are great at slowing down, stopping, or even potentially reversing, some of the effects of androgenetic alopecia a.k.a. male pattern baldness. So my question to you is, has your hair loss treatment regimen, been working for you in terms of helping to keep your existing hair? If so, then I’m not so sure there’s any need to mess with it or change it.

Now you could increase your finasteride those from .5 mg a day to 1 mg a day because that is the recommended dose. That said, more finasteride in your system means a higher possibility of potential side effects. Therefore, before messing with your toes in anyway, I suggest speaking to a physician.

As far as Biden, I’m not convinced it really does anything for hair loss, but I don’t believe it’s harmful in any way so again, I would consult a physician. But if you feel that’s helping you, and it’s not hurting you in anyway, then you could probably keep taking it.

I hope this helps.

Rahal Hair Transplant

Well!

My plan was to purely use LLLT every 3 years and nothing else. However, I've since been convinced to use Finasteride by so many people that I've now started it. 

The answer to your questions is that I don't know what works for me in a results sense as it's my first trasnplant and I have no Control group to compare against

I was at one point under the impression that because the transplant came from the back of the head, and it hadn't been touched my Malte Pattern Baldness and DHT, that it wouldnt be susceptible to thinning and dying. If that is the case and I (like my dad) stopped receding at a certain point and I won't get balder than now, then in theory I shouldn't need anything in terms of tablets.

20 hours ago, BackFromTheBrink said:

Wouldn't 1mg every other day be the same dosage as you're currently on? Moving to 1mg/day would be an option.

How holy trinity also includes ketoconazole shampoo. Others also take MSM and saw Palmetto.

Hey,

I thought 0.5 would ease me into it and 1mg every other day was a stronger dose as its more at one time? But I know nothing

Are their any side affects with Ketoconazole Shampoo? Can give that a try if its simply just a shampoo.

Hi all,

So I had my transplant on March 27th. About 7500 total, crown and hairline. 

As it stands, this is my current regime.

0.5mg finestride daily (2 months in now, should I move up to 1mg every other day?) I started small due to worry of side effects.

12000mcg Biotin/Selinium daily

Multi Vit Daily

Wash hair with Organise Aloe Shampoo and Conditioner 4x a week

I don't want to take Minoxodil as well.

Many thanks

John

4 minutes ago, Rahal Hair Transplant said:

@Jb4458,

out of curiosity, is there a reason that you’re not already trying finasteride? A lot of doctors will recommend that patients undergoing surgery get on finasteride to help slow down, stop or a even help reverse some of the effects of male pattern baldness. Hair transplant. Surgery is great at restoring hair to completely bald or thinning areas, but does nothing to stop the progression of genetic hair loss a.k.a. androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride essentially is your best defense against its further progression, followed by minoxidil and then potentially followed by the likes of PRP, LLLT, etc.  but unless there is some kind of reason, you’re not at least speaking to a doctor about using finasteride, I would definitely go ahead and do that. I always suggest that and then considering for Propecia speak to a doctor in order to understand the advantages, disadvantages, and potential side effects of the medication.  But as far as the recommended dosage, it’s 1 mg per day.  In my opinion, to your hair, transplant, clinic, and or a physician about potentially getting on finasteride ASAP. If you are concerned about losing additional natural hair. .

I hope this helps.

Rahal Hair Transplant

Hi,

To cut the long story short. The clinic i saw and was put forward for a hair trasnplant from recommended LLLT only and kind of sold me the dream suggesting its all I would need. 4 months of LLLT then a few months every 4 years.... So i thought it would do the job.

Your post has made me very nervous that im late now, so I will look to start finasteride asap. Do I need to see a doctor before I start. Can I not just order a couple months worth online and go from there to see how the side effects are?

I have classic Male Pattern Baldness but it certinaly feels like its stopped or at least slowed down now that I am 37 (start at 18)

Hi all,

Almost 2 months into a FUE transplant on the front and crown. All looks great, apart from the shedding phase.

Ive been on LLLT since Jan and to be honest, im sick of spending 2 hours a week driving to the clinic to get it done and from reading here, its not the most effective solution long term.

That leaves me with wanting to try finasteride. Im cautious as to what dosage to start on and how often but ultimatelly, I dont want to throw my transplant down the toilet by not protecting it and the hair around it.

Questions:

1. If I take finasteride, then stop 12 months later due to side effects, what will happen. Will I have increased hairloss or simply go back to where I was 12 months prior?

2. What dosage is best to start on, and how many days a week? I take Biotin and Multivits at the moment so it could easily form part of the routine

3. Best places online to buy? UK Delivery

Many thanks

5 minutes ago, NikosHair said:

The only way you will know if you get side effects to DHT Inhibitors is to try them. The safety profile for oral finasteride is excellent. Most people who take it do so with no sides. They just re-grow hair/hold on to their native hair for longer. If you are one of the small minority that is unlucky, then drop the dose or take it every other day. 

Is it true that once you stop, all your hair falls out? Except the transplanted bit?

Like, it's harder to start then stop then not start at all?

10 hours ago, duckling said:

I would suggest to start with topical route of fin and min first. Because your hair is short so applying them won't be an issue and it won't get stuck in your hair strands which makes them greasy. Once you see that sides are not there (which is very less for topical) and its working for you then either you can continue or decide on going for oral route in case you observe no sides from topical and your doctor recommends that you have no medical condition that prevents you from taking them and possibly get a slightly superior result (according to some studies).

Then you can slowly shift to oral route but use little bit of topical to be sure that there is no shedding during the switch and also to check for sides. If there are any then you can switch back to topical.

Incase you want to go oral route first and notice no sides then definitely you can continue until you get any sides or until you wish to( if no sides ). But problem will be that you might be scared to take them in topical form now due to sides from oral and also you have no habit of commiting to the topical route on a daily basis for a long period. (which is tedious yes)

Third option is go customized option of topical min once before sleep and oral fin ( but at 1 mg for 3 days a week). This stack is used by many in this forum and suggested by doctors on youtube channels. But there is no one fit all method as everyone has different response to it. You will change dosage according to suggestion by doctor according to your gains and sides.

On LLLT i can say with short hair this is probably best time to try it as no need to part your hair but use it as a booster to fin & min and not as a standalone treatment. Use the FDA approved device (approved for safety) and use as recommended only so as to not hamper any gain from fin min by irritating the skin too much. But don't start it right away. Let your scalp heal a little.

Later on you can also add xyon's topical dutasteride if the fin wasn't working for you or you want more gain than what fin min has given you. This way you will know that how much each treatment worked for you.

Note: Also incase you go topical min and fin or just topical min then can use microneedling as people have posted good results with it. This it seems increases the systematic absorption so read into it. As the results may get boosted but the sides which you fear may come. 

 

Patience and educated decisions/ changes to routine is the key. Farmer doesn't put everything in the soil and expect things to grow right. Good luck with your journey. 🙂 

Thank you for your help.

Yes I think I'll go fin and Min topical. Is there a "best place to buy it" I'm in the UK if that helps. I read that some you do once a day, some once a week etc.

Assume I start 4 ish weeks after my transplant?

56 minutes ago, Gatsby said:

Are the providing the Fin, Min topical lotion for you? Do you have to pay them for this? Is it more expensive than buying finasteride and minoxidol yourself? I'm pretty sure (with a name like) International Hair Studio is more interested in booking you in for LLLT and topicals for the money that they can make off of you. Not for how they can help you as a consumer. Just look out for conflicts of interest from clinics who try and sign you up for other products other than surgery. More than likely there will be kick backs abound when it comes to third parties. Focus on finding an elite surgeon rather than a company selling bells and whistles. Personally I see this sort of salesmanship as a big red flag to avoid when researching for a surgeon.

Hi  Gatsby,
They are providing the topical. I don know about them purely being about the money as I expect their reputation and reviews would go out the window in time if what they suggest is complete trash. But maybe you are right. I have heard back from the surgeon who did my trasnplant regarding their suggested method. (Not international Hair Studio)

Quote from Dr/Clinic who did the surgery.

 

- Keep good hydration 
-Healthy food 
-Stop the baby shampoo if you still use it, and instead use aloe Vera shampoo to maintain good hydration. 
-Biotin 12000 mcg daily tablet for at least 6 month (you can find them on Amazon if you like to)

- You can get benefit from applying the combined scalp density maintaining liquid or regrowth , which is stimulant & DHT blocker lotion [Azaelic acid + Finasteride + Minoxidil] 
to stimulate and maintain / protect your hairs and to stimulate the sleepy / dormant hair follicles 

It comes in 6 month course from the pharmacy , the whole 6 month course is for £200

I have asked for the brand name so I can google it myself, so will see if they are forthcoming.

Just now, Gatsby said:

Does this hair transplant company also sell LLLT? 

 

Hi, the trasnplant place didn't sell it but the guys who I went through, consulted with, booked me in etc do it.

I've been having Lazer since start of the year in prep for the surgery and have it as part of my package until end of the year. Then they suggest to come back for Lazer in 3 and 5 years for a 3 month course of it.

All sounds very beleivable. So I've gone once a week for 50 mins since December and sat under a LLLT, then drive home.

Internationa Hair Studio is the company.

The trasnplant clinic that they used and I used is https://hairgrowthcentre.com/

In Kenton, London. Was impressed with them. They suggest Fin, Min topic lotion going forward.

15 minutes ago, BackFromTheBrink said:

The usual recommendation is to try medication for a few months (ideally longer) to determine whether you have side effects, then get a transplant.

I don't know your specifics (age and extent of loss), but you need to be sure you have a long term plan for how you manage your hair going forwards so not to be left in a situation where you're chasing your hair loss with potentially more surgeries and a finite donor supply.

 

Thanks for the response.

The plan was Lazer and speaking to the guy, Lazer was a very viable option. I guess reading more as you would do post surgery I'm seeing more and more people on a pill of some sort so it's making me nervous that Lazer won't cut the mustard. 

I'm 37 and the above picture in OP suggest my hairline. Been thinning for 20 years so possibly slowed down a bit?

27 minutes ago, BackFromTheBrink said:

Topicals can be difficult to commit to long term; they can make your hair greasy / difficult to style.

I personally take oral fin and topical minox once a day (at night). It's been shown that minox last almost 24 hours so twice a day is belt and braces. I may switch to oral minox but am concerned about shedding if I do.

The easiest answer is one finesteride tablet a day, or one fin and one min tablet per day. 

If you want to avoid pills, then just be sure you can commit to topical application for the long term. This is the best option if you want to avoid sides (though some do the drugs do get into the blood stream so you may still suffer from sides if you are particularly sensitive).

Also take a look at topical dut from Xyon (there are threads, use the search). I believe Xyon also do fin, and their delivery mechanism is said to reduce the chance of sides.

 

 

 

 

Interesting you say topical can be tough go continue long term. If say you do moisturiser and brush teeth in morning, then a quick spray on the head seems easier to remember than a tablet.

But good to know about the greasy.

I will check Xyon now.

I said go myself that I wouldn't do the transplant if I had to take pills with side effects, but when LLLT was sold to me, I thought Bingo! And went ahead. Seems that there's question marks over it though...

Forcing me to risk the pills.

2 minutes ago, BackFromTheBrink said:

There are some stats somewhere, but generally topical is less effective than oral. From what I understand, oral minoxidyl is very effective and is less likely to cause side effects, but then again, many debate the percentage of people that suffer sides from Finesteride. Id say with confidence that more people don't suffer sides, but it's not clear whether that is 40, 10 or 1 percent.

 

Hi,

I notice you talk specifically about minoxidyl by its self. The only things ive been recommended are a mixture lotion of both Fin and Min.

If I wanted say less than 1% chance of side affects but a quality routine to manage my hair, what would you recommend? Im trying to avoid making my hair a huge part of my daily life. Not a leave and forget but something simple.

Impression I get is LLLT isn't quite proven yet...

Thanks

27 minutes ago, BackFromTheBrink said:

Some say LLLT is quackery, while others swear by it.

I think it's fair to say the jury it out. However, finesteride and minoxidyl are the only FDA approved hair loss treatments and are shown to work.

 

I'd highly recommend that route. 

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. Yes I dont see many places suggesting just LLLT... Is the lotion nearly as good as the pills but without the side effects? I could combine the lotion with my daily routine which is no problem. 

Hi all,

New to the forum but glad to be here.

I am 1 week into my Hair Transplant so going through the tough phase of no sleep and no alcohol

So the company who I consulted through have only ever suggested that I did Low Light Lazer Therapy before surgery and for management of the transplanted hair and existing hair going forward. They don't recommend Finasteride/Monoxidil treatment, either orally or lotion. 

Having spoken with the actual transplant centre that did my hair, they suggest F&M Lotion at the least and kinda sniffed at LLLT. 

I have no desire to use the Oral version as I don't want any side effects but I am stuck between a rock and a hard place as I have gotten conflicting information regarding the best route forward to managing my hair post transplant.

Any suggestions or recommendations as to how to ensure my hair is best looked after for the forseable?

I have added some photos should it make a difference to suggestions and advice.

Many thanks

John