NervousNelly

If I understand your question you are concerned that you might have to keep getting more and more HT to reach your goals? Firstly, you should probably get yourself on a good haircare regimine to keep your hair healthy and hopefully slow down the hair loss problem. Second, whether you have to have several future HT is really up to you. It depends on your wants. If you look at some of the photos of guys that had 2+ HT many of them would look good with just the 2 but are looking for complete coverage or get "hair greed." Many guys are just happy with having the hairline and frontal area restored. For this you typically need approx. 3000+ Fu transplanted to get a decent look and coverage. (ofcourse depends on individual) There are some docs now capable of "mega sessions" where they can transplant 4000+ Fu at one time and you might just need one surgery to be satisfied. I personally have always said that I would be happy with just the frontal area to be pefected and relatively dense, but my wife figures I should just go for it. It is really a personal thing and not always necessary to have multiple surgeries if you find the right surgeon capable of a decent size session.

Proscar is probably one of the best ways to get the finasteride dosage needed at a decent price. You'll need a prescription from your doc to obtain and then split into quarters as Bill said. Start off taking 1 mg daily and then see what results are like after a year. If you truly want to see if it is growing hair you should document with pictures otherwise it is easy to tell if it slows hairloss by the amount of hair in the comb.

1. Yes maybe but doubtful long term. 2. No 3. Yes, more likely than 1 4. No but no miracles. Agree with other gentlemen that an HT looks like it is in your future if you want hair in that region.

Listen to Bill, he knows what he is talking about. Don't go with a physician that there is very little info about. Research the hell out of things and be prepared to travel. Yes it adds to the cost but it is a decision that you'll have to live with the rest of your life. Good luck and feel free to ask more questions.

Ah, yes you're right.

Emu, I would agree with all of the advise that you have already been given. Wait approx. 1 year and that is a better indicator. Just don't put too much hope into any miracles. Good luck.

NO Potentially you could get a decent doc that is up and coming and hasn't yet broken free from MHR. Why take this chance? Hit the "find" feature on this site and you'll see what most think of MHR. You should check into Coalition physicians listed on this site and then research them to see if they are right for you. It is a good idea to post your pics and where you live, your goals for HT, etc, and you will get a lot of informative help. Good luck.

Definitely make sure that you take some control of the consult as it is your time to ask the necessary questions. It does seem like there are several docs that are unfamiliar with the lingo.

FutzyBill, You could be twins! You had better schedule your whitening with your dentist and pick out the shade for lightening your hair and soon we can post your gleaming mug all over the net. You're right though there is an amazing similarity. He really had one hell of a transformation and I expect the same from you. I don't know if you're as much the pretty boy though are you? I guess we'll find out.

Thanks for the reply Doc. I myself understand that there are always possible complications with any surgery and I think that it is important that everyone is aware of that. Its unfortunate that it is the negative press that usually catches more of the headlines. Emotions tend to get the best of us as this site is designed for the protection and education of the patients. I am glad to see that she has developed a good relationship with you and that together you both will work towards her full recovery. It is unfortunate but I'm certain with time and ofcourse some future corrective work she will be fine and quite pleased with her results. As it obviously has been important to be focused on the complication, we have not been able to see the recipient area. Is it at all possible to see the positive side of this surgery? Are there existing pictures of the transplanted hair that she would allow to be posted? I think that it would help to show that although in this particular case there has been an unfortunate sugical complication, there will be some new hair growth with a quality refined HT that she will be extremely please with. Just a thought.

NoBuzz, It really looks like a clean surgery. He did an excellent job of the plug removal and already at 10 days have difficulty seeing evidence of(although I couln't see prior to removal either). I think that you will notice a heck of a difference with the additional 1600 FU and give a very natural look for your age. It appears like he did a great job with the suturing in the donor area and is barely visible. Glad for you that you have progressed to where you are now. Give it a few months and you'll be a new man.

Looks awesome. Great results. Just curious as to the graft count etc.? From most of the Dr. Rahal work that I have seen, it seems that he is very capable of getting awesome looking density with relatively lower graft count. Any comments?

I'll try to answer as best as possible. 1. Technically you could probably drive home after surgery because it is just a local anesthesia but you will be exhausted and have thousands of thoughts running thru your head. Better safe than sorry so don't drive. 2. No, you more than likely will not be back at pre-surgery condition because you may suffer some short term shock loss of native hair. The 2 month time frame is a shitty period. You MAY be a lucky one and have no shock loss but just in case keep it in mind. 3. MSM is known for speeding up growth. I take it every day because I believe it keeps hair healthy but you don't have to continue with it. 4. Yes you can wear a loose fitted cap. 5. Graft is just that, graft count. Each graft however might contain 1,2,3, or 4 hairs. Therefore you'll end up with more hairs than grafts. 6. From your pic I would estimate that you would be content (depends on your wants ofcourse) with 2500-3500 grafts. That is current need and doesn't take into account possible future need if you suffer from continued native hairloss. That figure would probably provide for a nice hairline and decent density. 7. Yes a HT is a lot of money. Be prepared for possible need of future work also. Discuss with doctor. Some docs will provide a guarantee of graft growth so make sure you get policy in writing prior. Typically though it does not involve money back but instead future work at no cost. Essentially IMO you had better choose very qualified doc because if for some reason grafts don't grow do you want another surgery with same doc?? Basically you are shit out of luck. Hope this helps.

Ya you're right Bill, but maybe if they don't know the term do you want to be there???

Down boy, down.

List of Questions to ask at Consult. I am flying to Minneapolis next week for my in person consult as I have already done my internet consult with Dr. Ron Shapiro. I am going to Vancouver (H&W) in April. I don't know if there is already a list posted here for questions an individual might want to ask, but if so here is another. Please feel free to add to it. I thought it might help people with consult jitters. This way the questions get answered. -Do you perform ultra refined FU transplants? -What type of closure do you use? -What size blades do you use? -How long have you been performing HT surgeries? -How many techs do you employ? -How long have they worked for you? -Am I a candidate for a HT? -What is the total number of FU that I have available in donor area? -What is your estimate of donor density? -Do I have good laxity? -How many surgeries do you feel I need for my wants? -Please draw where you would like to create hairline? -Do I need temple work? -What is best plan of attack for surgeries? -What density do you think we can achieve in recipient area? -Approx. how many FU do you plan to use in each zone? -Approx. how many single hairs vs. doubles, triples, etc. -Can I achieve the look I want with donor capabilities? -Can I meet or talk to previous patients with similar attributes to me? -What is the cost per FU? Fee structure? -Can you aid me in financing? -Can I get a reduced fee for cash or short notice surgery? Travel reimbursement? -What is your policy for grafts that don't grow? -How much time off work will I need? -Can you get me script for propecia or minoxidol? -Do you have a problem with me posting results on HTN? If results suck are you aware that B Spot will tear you a new one? Ofcourse you don't want to bog down surgeon but also need to have your questions answered. I found the best thing at last consult was to just quickly go thru list and it doesn't take long at all. Hope this helps.

List of Questions to ask at Consult. I am flying to Minneapolis next week for my in person consult as I have already done my internet consult with Dr. Ron Shapiro. I am going to Vancouver (H&W) in April. I don't know if there is already a list posted here for questions an individual might want to ask, but if so here is another. Please feel free to add to it. I thought it might help people with consult jitters. This way the questions get answered. -Do you perform ultra refined FU transplants? -What type of closure do you use? -What size blades do you use? -How long have you been performing HT surgeries? -How many techs do you employ? -How long have they worked for you? -Am I a candidate for a HT? -What is the total number of FU that I have available in donor area? -What is your estimate of donor density? -Do I have good laxity? -How many surgeries do you feel I need for my wants? -Please draw where you would like to create hairline? -Do I need temple work? -What is best plan of attack for surgeries? -What density do you think we can achieve in recipient area? -Approx. how many FU do you plan to use in each zone? -Approx. how many single hairs vs. doubles, triples, etc. -Can I achieve the look I want with donor capabilities? -Can I meet or talk to previous patients with similar attributes to me? -What is the cost per FU? Fee structure? -Can you aid me in financing? -Can I get a reduced fee for cash or short notice surgery? Travel reimbursement? -What is your policy for grafts that don't grow? -How much time off work will I need? -Can you get me script for propecia or minoxidol? -Do you have a problem with me posting results on HTN? If results suck are you aware that B Spot will tear you a new one? Ofcourse you don't want to bog down surgeon but also need to have your questions answered. I found the best thing at last consult was to just quickly go thru list and it doesn't take long at all. Hope this helps.

Hairbank, Dido your statement. Possibly may help with enhancing growth through providing a viable environment. Hope it smells good because its got lots of shit in it.

I apply it after my 60 cups of coffee. Works well.

Thanks for the feedback gentlemen. I was getting a little bruised and beaten. I appreciate hearing from others that have an open mind to alternatives. Well spoken JohnS. I agree with what both B Spot and Hairbank had to say. Mrjb, Yes, mental jousting is always good. It allows others to see both sides to the issue and make their own determination from there. I do want to state that most of the regimine that I do follow I would do whether I had a hairloss problem or not. Inversion table is for healthy spine, MSM is for healthy joints, Tea tree oil is a natural cleanse for the scalp Vitamin A & E for skin and hair. I'm not some wigged out nut trying all sorts of BS that promises the world. Pretty sure I'll avoid the 60 cups of coffee daily. I expect No miracles for hair growth but do hope and believe it will keep things healthy and limit further loss at a quick rate. Whatever God has in store for me will eventually probably happen.

Yes, mental jousting is always good. It allows others to see both sides to the issue and make their own determination from there. I do want to state that most of the regimine that I do follow I would do whether I had a hairloss problem or not. Inversion table is for healthy spine, MSM is for healthy joints, Tea tree oil is a natural cleanse for the scalp Vitamin A & E for skin and hair. I'm not some wigged out nut trying all sorts of BS that promises the world. Pretty sure I'll avoid the 60 cups of coffee daily.

Hey guys, Yes this is a good discussion but at the same time I don't want it to get at all personal. We are all entitled to our opinions and I respect all peoples opinions whether I agree or disagree as long as there is some provided arguement to qualify. Mrjb- I think that in many ways were are in agreement but ofcourse there are the obvious differences. I personally believe that a HT is the only way to grow hair. Some other products might help facilitate growth whether due to the merit of the product or the placebo affect. Ofcourse the placebo affect is greater with products that have been hyped in the media because the individual has more confidence in it. If I told you that using an inversion table 5 times per week for 10 minutes has drastically limited hairloss for me in approx 2 months would you believe me? Do I think it will grow hair--No. Do I think it will help facilitate healthy hair and aid in healing of future HT--Yes. Humour me--do a handstand for approx 5 min. You'll feel something happening at the scalp (and its not your pride leaving you.) It won't cost a dime. Yes Bill is a well respected individual on this forum but because he tells someone to take Proscar doesn't mean that my arguement for other potential products is void. Have you seen posts from some of the Coalition physicians touting laser combs and hyperbaric chambers? No offense to Bill but they might have stronger credentials. NoBuzz-I wasn't saying that Mrjb stopped taking the bullshit products because he couldn't afford it. What I meant is that by his statements it seems like he might have regrets that he spent the money on what turned out to be useless products for him. I would never and never do advocate that a person spend a dime if it is money that he might feel upset about spending if the product doesn't work. Again, I don't want to be considered the snake oil rep but I am willing to try some natural products that show scientific evidence that either they work or could possibly help to aid in healthy management of my hairloss problem

Hey guys, Yes this is a good discussion but at the same time I don't want it to get at all personal. We are all entitled to our opinions and I respect all peoples opinions whether I agree or disagree as long as there is some provided arguement to qualify. Mrjb- I think that in many ways were are in agreement but ofcourse there are the obvious differences. I personally believe that a HT is the only way to grow hair. Some other products might help facilitate growth whether due to the merit of the product or the placebo affect. Ofcourse the placebo affect is greater with products that have been hyped in the media because the individual has more confidence in it. If I told you that using an inversion table 5 times per week for 10 minutes has drastically limited hairloss for me in approx 2 months would you believe me? Do I think it will grow hair--No. Do I think it will help facilitate healthy hair and aid in healing of future HT--Yes. Humour me--do a handstand for approx 5 min. You'll feel something happening at the scalp (and its not your pride leaving you.) It won't cost a dime. Yes Bill is a well respected individual on this forum but because he tells someone to take Proscar doesn't mean that my arguement for other potential products is void. Have you seen posts from some of the Coalition physicians touting laser combs and hyperbaric chambers? No offense to Bill but they might have stronger credentials. NoBuzz-I wasn't saying that Mrjb stopped taking the bullshit products because he couldn't afford it. What I meant is that by his statements it seems like he might have regrets that he spent the money on what turned out to be useless products for him. I would never and never do advocate that a person spend a dime if it is money that he might feel upset about spending if the product doesn't work. Again, I don't want to be considered the snake oil rep but I am willing to try some natural products that show scientific evidence that either they work or could possibly help to aid in healthy management of my hairloss problem.

Glad there are several guys reading these posts closely and responding. After seeing the other posts and then seeing your age, I would agree with B spot. I guess my 1st post is informative but would not consider in your specific case.

Sorry to be double posting this in 2 seperate threads. Mrjb, Well I knew I would get a reply. Could your results with propecia be placebo? Possibly the halting of hairloss was going to happen? If you look at my posts I never make claim that anything will grow, stop, or produce healthy hair, but give arguements as to why they might. I also do tell people to try propecia and minoxidol. But I know that millions of dollars have made it "appear" to be more successful than they truly are. Yes scientific studies have demonstrated that they can produce results, but it is slightly greater than placebo in blind studies. That is a fact. Your statement that they are the ONLY things proven to grow hair is NOT fact. We have discussed before that the hair follicle still has to be active and therefore they facilitate further growth and healthier growth. Other products have also done this in studies--but millions of dollars have not been spent to market this. What I don't do is post one-liners shooting down the efficacy of everything out there without providing any evidence other than I tried it and it doesn't work. This is the problem I have with your posts. What about the thousands of individuals that have spent their hard earned money on propecia and minoxidol with zero results? They are out there too. Please understand my point. I do not advocate that all the bullshit out there works, but that does not mean that it might not have a slight bit of efficacy. Possibly it may work for someone and if it is cheap and harmless what the hell. Yes every HT doc will give praise to propecia and minoxidol but some discuss merit in other treatments also. You question my subjective opinion (however it is also objective by the way) because I have an open mind, but I haven't spent thousands on useless products? But ofcourse I don't see the harm if one could afford--obviously you couldn't and now are frustrated about it. I'm sorry they didn't work for you.