NervousNelly

Cousin, Thanks again for your valuable insight. That is precisely what I have read in several journals. There are people that have had great results with certain products but they are still in the miniturization process. So many of us have had false hopes with several products out there but I am a huge believer in what you stated about the immune system and inflammation. This is an interesting topic. I think you should try an inversion table. I am not trying to create false ideas for anyone as that is certainly counterproductive, but it can't hurt. It feels great for the spine and it also does feel good on the scalp. It provides a tingling sensation (scalp only--or I'd never get upright ) and in all the reading that I have done, in theory it makes sense to help nourish the scalp and follicles. This is going to be a part of my regimen with my next HT so we'll see. I think though that it would not be wise to do it immediately post op as it does increase intraarterial pressure.

AAN, Not quite sure what the heck a tobaggan is but I believe I am familiar with a beenie. Either way I get the jist of what it is you are trying to accomplish. No I don't believe that this is going to expedite your hairloss unless it is putting strain on the follicles. Over processing your hair will surely aid in the miniturization process but if I understand correctly what it is you are doing, don't sweat things. Have you ever given any consideration to the products that help to add fullness or density to your hair? Toppik is a product that works well and may do the trick for you. I personally am not into using it on a regular basis but tried it recently because I wanted to see what all the hype was about. I might use it regularly if I have shockloss during 2nd HT. That stuff does work. The one time I tried it my wife looked at me and said "Now what have you done?" She noticed and thought it looked good. She thinks I should wear it daily but I'm more of a no fuss type. Hope that helps.

Johnno, Only time will tell. Yes micro and minigrafting is old school technology but that does not mean that your results are going to turn out badly. Wait and see what things look like and if you are not happy you will likely have to make a trip across the Atlantic to see a coalition physician. But from your degree of hairloss it looks like you would need another HT in the future anyways so don't sweat it. I hope the surgeon expressed to you that 2500 grafts wouldn't probably give the coverage you desired? At some point things will look awesome, but there might be a period of time where the results are so so. It appears as though the physcian placed your hairline high enough so that is a huge plus if things don't work out as planned. Moreover, because the technology is there now we all demand the FU placement which is very taxing to the surgeons and their staff. Some of the surgeons actually like to have some previous "old school" hairs already there because it will help with density when or if you do HT #2. I know that some people are cringing with that statement but this is what I was told. Either way, you need to give it some time. There may be some websites out there for you to see old technology results but I suggest not doing that to yourself. Why stress the hell out of yourself?

In my opinion there is really nothing that regrows hair. I guess a few people have some luck with propecia or whatever else provides their placebo but I am talking about slowing down hairloss or keeping hair healthy. Moreover, for those getting HT it might help with shockloss or expedite growth. Probably not but no harm in trying as it feels great to hang upside down.

I have an inversion table that allows an individual to suspend him/herself upside down for a period of time. The primary purpose of this equipment is to aid in spinal problems and to allow for traction of the discal material. Ofcourse when you are upside down it immediately allows for an surge of blood flow to the scalp region. There isn't scientific evidence to prove the theory but I strongly believe that it allows for increased circulation to this region that can only aid in a healthier head of hair. One of the problems with hair loss is a gradual atrophy of capillaries in the scalp and it seems to make sense that the inversion would aid the body in maintaining the integrity of the capillaries and possibly aid in angiogenisis.(new blood vessels). Look closely at Bobmans posts--he uses one. Maybe that was his secret weapon to great new growth. I'm sure the few thousand FU didn't hurt. Just a thought.

I have an inversion table that allows an individual to suspend him/herself upside down for a period of time. The primary purpose of this equipment is to aid in spinal problems and to allow for traction of the discal material. Ofcourse when you are upside down it immediately allows for an surge of blood flow to the scalp region. There isn't scientific evidence to prove the theory but I strongly believe that it allows for increased circulation to this region that can only aid in a healthier head of hair. One of the problems with hair loss is a gradual atrophy of capillaries in the scalp and it seems to make sense that the inversion would aid the body in maintaining the integrity of the capillaries and possibly aid in angiogenisis.(new blood vessels). Look closely at Bobmans posts--he uses one. Maybe that was his secret weapon to great new growth. I'm sure the few thousand FU didn't hurt. Just a thought.

NYC, 2 of the best in the business turned you down, that should tell you something. Many of us have been in your shoes and it is a shitty thing. We can all attest to the emotions that you are going thru. I personally felt exactly as you do and did have a HT at the age of 22. I will openly admit that it did give me several more years of instilled confidence that has helped me in life, however it now haunts me somewhat. Back in that time frame, the technology wasn't what it is now so I had old school grafts implanted. Things were cool because it gave me instant gratification with more density but as my native hair started to leave me you can now start to notice the poor quality work. I am now 38 and more confident in myself and would be OK with having less hair but I have no choice but to seek out another HT. If I don't have another surgery I will someday have that freakish look of a dolls head. I got off lucky because surgeons now are going to be able to conceal everything and it will turn out perfectly natural, but again I am lucky. What if I didn't have enough donor hair to conceal it? What if the previous surgeon put hairline too low? What if my financial situation wouldn't allow me to correct it? The moral of my story is that we do understand your situation. Your actions today will affect you tomorrow. Please give things a lot of thought and proceed slowly.

Pete, I do kind of like your approach as well. It takes a lot of guts to pull it off but in the long run is probably a little easier than sneaking around. I also believe that it is a good way to have this more socially accepted like other cosmetic procedures have become. Good luck with things and keep us posted on results.

Chris, You are going to hear it from several of us so I guess I might as well be the 1st-- you are too young to consider a HT. Try to get yourself on a good hair care regimen that may include medications that will help to slow down your hairloss. It is not that a physician won't perform the surgery, but it definitely is more challenging because it is difficult to predict your future hairloss and therefore where to place the grafts. Possibly try going with a very short hair cut or the shaved look and see if it's something that you start to like. There is no turning back once you have had a transplant. You will likely need more in the future to fill in areas as your native hair leaves. Just give it some time. Research the heck out of this site and get as educated on the process as possible so that if you decide to go thru with it you are well informed. Only choose a physician that is a Coalition member as with others there are no guarantees of good results.

NYC, It definitely is a preference thing and from what I have heard and seen, he does appear to be a very skilled physician. However... The previous poster made some good points. You have to be very concerned about the future. At your age you might be able to restore the frontal region to keep the appearance of youth for several more years, but once you start to lose more hair, things might look odd. Regardless of propecia, toppik or other products you will likely lose more hair and if it is substantial you could end up with a strange appearance. I think that most of us on this site will argue the importance of the hairline but not to the extent of utilizing all of the donor hair. This is not wise and in my opinion is unethical for the physician to do so at a young age. I would avoid Armani. If you have researched this site you will have noticed that we all recommend the coalition physician members. There are I believe 3 in NYC area. Good luck.

Bill, I think that you summarized things well and I would be comfortable with those options. I just think it's important to preserve the lustre of being considered a coalition member. Even if things in the past might not have been as stringent, there is no reason that new policies can't be adopted. Maybe it is more challenging now for new docs to be admitted but oh well. If they want membership they will make the effort. It becomes a win win for all involved.

Thanks Steve for words well spoken. I appreciate the fact that my opinion is not in vain and that you are in support of a rather cautious approach to offering Dr. Nakatsui a trial coalition membership. I understand what Pat and Bill are stating in terms of a paradox, but is their a shortage of well qualified HT physicians? What's the hurry to give him membership? Granted their are still too many docs out there performing sub-par surgeries, but Canada has several highly skilled physicians for the size of the population. Surely more won't hurt but the question is "should we find them or they find us?" I see this as the perfect opportunity to raise the stakes for membership. He is approaching Pat for membership, shouldn't you ask why? I know the answer to this--recognition and $$$. Think about how many individuals are going to seek out HT's from coalition physicians as a direct result of this site alone. That translates into a lot of Jack. What is it worth to him? Lets up the anti for membership. We (me anyways) are always wanting more input directly from the docs, and this is the opportunity to demand it. It becomes a condition for membership. Take it or leave it. As long as the requirements are reasonable enough, if he wants it bad enough he'll live up to the obligations. I understand that one of the primary purposes for the initial start of this site is to educate the general population and to find qualified physicians for people in need of a HT. I don't want to lose site of that, but I think possibly things have taken on a slight twist and because of the popularity and success of this site it is now a priviledge to be a highlighted physician. It is no longer Pat hoping to find qualified docs, but for them to showcase their talents and attempt to win our praises. I don't believe that we need to "offer up" the membership, but they need to earn it. This is a small price for them as once they do become members it simply translates into increased esteem and revenue.

Pat, I think that admitting Dr. Paul Shapiro into the coalition is well justified. Without reiterating everything that you already stated, I think that he has earned that distinction. We have seen unsolicited pictures from satisfied patients, we have seen and heard his contributions and insight on this forum, and he is still currently working with argueably the best HT surgeon and staff in the world. I like the fact that you did mention the staff as we sometimes overlook the importance. Without beiing too wordy he would get my vote.

"I might also suggest, on the other hand, that he meet the criteria FIRST before admitting hiim into the coalition at all, trial or not. This is an alternative route, maybe even the better route, since most people (including myself) advocate the coalition doctors as PROVEN entities, it makes sense that this lead be considered as well." originally posted by Bill "Again, while I fight hard to keep the membership of this site meaningful, I really think it is good to step back at times and allow "gut instinct" in Pat to rule my decision." Originally posted by B Spot Bill and B Spot, Bill isn't your 2nd alternative essentially what I stated? I don't get it--I vote "yay",but maybe not. Maybe we should have him meet crtiteria FIRST. "Maybe this is a better route." Ya think? You even think so yet go on to want to admit him. Definitely fence sitting. Not the strong stand that we usually expect from you. How can you give a guy membership based on blind faith? Yes I here you with regards to trusting Pat's judgement, but it is just that--judgement based on photos and a few brief discussions with the doc. Give it time. Is there any harm in that? Think about it for a second, there are numerous posts on this site where it is stated to several naive individuals that they can put there faith in coalition docs. Shouldn't there be some sort of strict guidlines inorder to be recommending docs to literally thousands who view this site? This is silly.

Pat, I understand that I am new to this site but I have followed it for awhile and decided to stay and offer my input because of the reassurance I had with the recommendations and knowledge of the members. As posted earlier, I stated that it appears that Dr. Nakatsui does quality work, but has there been any unsolicited posts from his patients?? Have you ever been to his clinic to see his facility and meet his staff or patients? Has he joined this site himself and submitted any of his work? I understand that he was trained under Dr Wong, but has Dr. Wong made any formal recommendations? Ofcourse any current member of the coalition can easily lose their membership if there are valid reasons to revoke, so in a sense they are all holding trial memberships. A HT is not something that you can get as a trial. All it would take is one poor soul to get a bad result based on this sites trial recommendation. I was under the impression that there are stringent guidelines that make you eligible to be a coalition member? Now it seems like a nice website, a few good photos and a few guys saying "yah I give him a thumbs up"? Am I missing something? Your idea is a good one in theory but I think that there needs to be more evidence and justification for this site to consider him a coalition physician. If he is wanting to be a member make him work for it. What harm is there in that? Just my 2 cents even though so far conflicting with other thoughts.

JK, I too have seen your other posts on different threads but will try to be neutral. You do make a valid point about certain docs names being monitored on this site. I too was curious about that. Possibly it has to do with potential lawsuits or something, I don't know. We'll have to wait for a response on that topic. We need pics to fully give you our honest opinions about the number of FU that you might need. Also, PLEASE DON'T BASE DECISION ON PRICE. There are several ways that a surgery can be financed and I suggest that you look into them. Off hand I can't remember names of companies but someone will post or you can use the find function. This surgery is not a walk in the park. Do not take it lightly. You may/may not need further work but you should always plan for it just in case. Do not start something that you may regret unless you are fully educated and ready to follow through. This is a life long decision. Good luck.

My Bad When he's done, hell he'll need the hedgetrimmers to deal with that lid. Well then Bill--Without the HT what norwood do your think you'd be? Not that I want you digressing as all your focus will be to forget the old you

Tisab, I agree with PB and B spot about wishing you had found this site before venturing to the clinic that you did. All posts seem to be in agreement that the type of HT that you recieved is old school and one of the Coalition physicians including Dr. Feller would probably have steered you away from an HT at your age or atleast done a much better job. Normally I am a very big believer in not getting an HT at your age and would have told you to hold off until a later age, however now that you have gone thru with it my concern for you is that as your natural hair leaves you, people might see the poor quality work. Do attempt to get on the meds and a good hair regiment and it may give you a lot of time to wait for next HT. If this is not the case you may need to seek out a physician like Dr. Feller to do a better job of the hairline so that it is undetectable. Time will tell but make sure you research the hell out of things as by your posts it is obviuos that you have entered into the world of HT blind. Best of luck.

Bill, I think the question he was asking is without the HT's what norwood do you think you would be? Proactive, It is a great thing that you are on the meds. From what I have read though I don't think that everyone necessarily has to take daily propecia in order for it to be effective. Try taking it 3-4 times/week and see if it works without causing side effects. I take it 1-2/week and it seems to have slowed hair loss and no side effects. All of our bodies are different as to how we are effected by the different hormone levels. If you can send us pics we can give you a little better advise but Bill gave some good advise about seeing the coalition docs. It sounds like you have done some research your self which is a good thing. The more knowledgeable the better. Good luck.

Nothing like a good mullet. Growing up in Canada a mullet was also referred to as hockey hair-- the long hair blowing in the breeze outside the helmet. Not sure your wife or mine would approve of us with this style but how cool to have the option!

Bill, Just curious as to what style of haircut you tend to prefer? I understand that there are several options when you have the density you'll likely get, but with all the research you've done I'm sure you are aware of what tends to "look best" for most people with a HT. I understand that there are several variables but the short on sides and back with 2inches up top tends to appear more dense. Is the hairstyle you currently sport for growing out or is this probably what you tend to have? Kind of a strange question I know but since you have had 2 prior HT's I'm sure you have experimented and have a vision or hope as to what you will be able to pull off. It will kind of give me an idea as to what I might be able to shoot for as I believe I may have 6000+ FU left to play with. I would love to have the combed back sort of spikey look--I'm a throwback from the 80's. We have all seen however several guys that I think get overly excited about having hair and grow it too long and it tends to take away from the technical artistry of the work. Just curious!

B Spot, Thanks for taking the time to share that magnificant website with the so many before/after photos and the several close-ups and informative detail. Pathetic but unfortunately probably effective. I'm sure that there are several people that had results that are just happy to have hair but are unaware of the capabilities and consistency with the coalition docs. I thought that my HT 16 yrs ago was pretty cool until more of my native hair started to disappear. Then it wasn't so cool. As well, whatever the intentions of the poster are, quite sure the F bomb alone isn't going to sway our opinions.

PB, Another session will only be gravy. Things look great now so a little more density and alterring the hairline will top things off. Has doc Feller mentioned how many more FU you have in the donor area? My point of the pics is that it is awesome that you have done this on your own and when capable I think the docs should do more of it. Thanks again.

Spummerr, Please take some time to thoroughly read many of the posts on this site and B Spot's response will make a lot of sense to you.

The results do look great and you might be right about all the hairs starting their growth cycle, but Bill is right about things changing in the next few months and it will give a better overall idea of where to focus on next HT. Thats not to mention the healing capabilies of the body. From all the research that I have read, 7 months does seem a little early. Ofcourse the majority of time getting more FU with a gifted surgeon will result in more hair, but the concern is the aesthetics and the stress on your scalp. If the hair is not fully matured, the surgeon will have to take an educated guess as to where he/she wants to add FU. I would think that this might even be more of a concern if you are going to a different surgeon. Can I ask why you are having a different doc this time?