Guys,
Thanks for the replies.
Some background first. I underwent 3 strip procedures in the UK in 2001/2002 and out of the 1,600 grafts implanted, less than 10% grew. This, without doubt was due to the negligence of the advice provided by the clinic.
I had a 600 graft FUE grafts implanted 6 months ago. These are all growing ??“ and in fact there was no shock loss after the treatment! The doctor at the time said it was pretty close to the max he could take without exposing my strip scar. He felt that another 500+ could be taken and implanted in the strip scar and on the hairline at a later date.
In any event, I have now contacted all the top doctors in the US - Umar, True, Epstein, Cole, Feller, Bernstein etc - and have sent them pictures of my hair.
The general consensus is that another 600 to 1400 FUE could be extracted. 300 can be used to fill the scar can the rest on the hairline.
Umar, True and Epstein will also do BHT. This is attractive because the BHT grafts can be used to fill the scar leaving all the Scalp FUE to complete the hairline and mid head section. BHT will be used for the crown also.
In terms of growth rates, Umar and Epstein are suggesting in around 60%. However, True believes that he can identify good BHT from bad BHT once extracted and therefore will only implant the good BHT grafts. This, he tells me, can result in yields between 75% to 90%. Better still, True only charges for the implanted BHT.... By all accounts, True seems like an honest and caring physician (if not a little conservative). As such, I am likely to place some faith in him.
I have my reservations about Umar. His work seems controversial and lacks documentation of results. In essence, I see that his mega procedures produce lesser results than small sessions - yet he suggested 6,000 grants to me (circa 4,500 - 5,000 BHT). I just don't get a good vibe from him.
Epstein is up there with True (although 1$ per graft more expensive!). Has anyone any experience with him or any thoughts to share?
One of the big problems with BHT, from what I can see, is the lack of patient involvement in forums like this. Some guys have posted pictures but them disappeared. It would really help if these people could step up. So if I go ahead, I will certainly consider breaking the mould and posting some pictures....for all the other poor souls.
But I would welcome views on the above. Has anyone out there got BHT?? Especially with True or Epstein'?