NervousNelly

I am a Canadian citizen now living here in the US for the past 12 years. As I have researched the hell out of things for next HT I see that there are a good number of Canadian HT physicians that are highly skilled and praised. Ofcourse there are also many US doctors that I believe are equally skilled, but for such a small population relative to the US what gives? Do they have different training in Canada? Is there more scrutiny of physicians? Is business overhead lower (therefore can hire more techs)? Just curious and always looking for good discussion.

Although I do have a healthcare background I am NOT a medical doctor. From what I understand, some antidepressants will cause thinning of the hair or even hairloss because they tend to have an adverse effect on cellular activity. Due to the fact that hair follicles are made up of cells that multiply rapidly, they may tend to be affected more than other cells. Unlike chemotherapy which is a quick and short term treatment (where hair almost always grows back), people tend to be on antidepressants longer term and therefore may not return to pre-medication state.

These guys have spelled it out well for you. If you are comfortable with shaving your head save your money and do so. Once you have a HT there is really NO turning back whether strip or Fue, especially if you need 4000-5000 Fu.

I too had experienced some slight changes in sex drive, etc. on propecia so I experimented with the amount I was taking. For me it seemed as though if I took it 2x a week I had no side effects and it limited the amount of hair loss. That might be an option for you.

I would have to guess that it is right on top of the protuberance and this is why Dr. Tessler said it would be a challenge and really didn't want to try for fears of worse issues. This sucks but considering my hairline is OK for an 80's HT I guess I am lucky. I specifically asked about donor area and I never got a figure out of him but he did say that it is pretty thick and a I shouldn't have a problem with an additional future procedure. FUE would be viable as I really would love to be able to cut the hair shorter. First things first however. I'm sure that I will here the same from Shapiro as from what I understand they are friends and have similar philosophies. Shapiro apparently has made recommendations of Tessler. Thanks for getting back.

This may sound crazy but I have heard that in some cases, when an individual gets a HT it actually causes other native hair to become healthier, stronger, and thicker.(ofcourse after shockloss) There is no scientific evidence to support such claims but some believe that it might be due to increased bloodflow or possibly cells are rejuvinating/communicating. If this were at all true it would support the idea of getting a HT before advanced progession of baldness? Has anyone ever heard of such a thing? I know it sounds farfetched to me!

This may sound crazy but I have heard that in some cases, when an individual gets a HT it actually causes other native hair to become healthier, stronger, and thicker.(ofcourse after shockloss) There is no scientific evidence to support such claims but some believe that it might be due to increased bloodflow or possibly cells are rejuvinating/communicating. If this were at all true it would support the idea of getting a HT before advanced progession of baldness? Has anyone ever heard of such a thing? I know it sounds farfetched to me!

I just wanted to update things regarding my consult with Dr. Tessler today as I stated I would do. Please see my photos posted under the photo album section. For those of you that don't know, Dr. Tessler is in Southfield Michigan which is essentially a suburb of the Detroit area. He is a coalition doc that has been featured on this site by Pat. He is described by Pat as a hidden gem and really there is not a whole lot about him on-line or very little in terms of unsolicited patient photos. The office itself is in a large medical facility with several different disciplines under one roof. He personally shares a large office space with a dermatologist. This is a little weird as you are in the waiting room with patients for dermatological issues and those seeking HT info. I can see the relation but it was different than previous doc 16 yrs ago who had a stand alone facility and if you were there it was for HT only. Dr. Tessler himself is a very nice man and did spend a decent amount of time with me answering the questions that I had. I consider him a straightshooter that doesn't BS and tells it like it is. I appreciate that. I believe that he is relatively conservative but that is not necessarily a strike against him as safety and consistent quality results are his primary goals. He told me that he recommended between 1500 and 1800 FU in the frontal region that could produce a density of approx 40 cm2 with existing hair. There is no need for removal of old plugs and just believed that it would help with density. That is a relief but essentially what all of you told me. He did say that he would possibly be able to harvest 2800 FU from donor area at this time to limit any fears of issues and would recommend putting approx. 1000 Fu in the crown if I wanted. Due to lack of scalp laxity this is why the limited number plus he was fairly comfortable that it would limit shock loss and I could return to work in 2 weeks. He estimated my donor density at approx. 90 cm2. The one bummer is that he DOES NOT believe that he could incorporate the existing scar from previous HT as is is too low on my scalp towards the neck. I think B spot illuded to this as a possibility. He does believe that my donor area should be OK for future work if I want/need it. The price quoted is $7800 for 1800 FU, $11300 fo 2800 FU. The photos that he showed me were the same ones on his website(good work but poor light and few) that he himself did feel he needed to work on but admitted that they are very busy and he himself is considering slowing down. I asked for patient names to contact and he said that it was not a problem but then I never did receive. This could just be an oversight and I will e-mail his office girl for the reference. I do plan on seeing Ron Shapiro next to get his opinion.

I just wanted to update things regarding my consult with Dr. Tessler today as I stated I would do. Please see my photos posted under the photo album section. For those of you that don't know, Dr. Tessler is in Southfield Michigan which is essentially a suburb of the Detroit area. He is a coalition doc that has been featured on this site by Pat. He is described by Pat as a hidden gem and really there is not a whole lot about him on-line or very little in terms of unsolicited patient photos. The office itself is in a large medical facility with several different disciplines under one roof. He personally shares a large office space with a dermatologist. This is a little weird as you are in the waiting room with patients for dermatological issues and those seeking HT info. I can see the relation but it was different than previous doc 16 yrs ago who had a stand alone facility and if you were there it was for HT only. Dr. Tessler himself is a very nice man and did spend a decent amount of time with me answering the questions that I had. I consider him a straightshooter that doesn't BS and tells it like it is. I appreciate that. I believe that he is relatively conservative but that is not necessarily a strike against him as safety and consistent quality results are his primary goals. He told me that he recommended between 1500 and 1800 FU in the frontal region that could produce a density of approx 40 cm2 with existing hair. There is no need for removal of old plugs and just believed that it would help with density. That is a relief but essentially what all of you told me. He did say that he would possibly be able to harvest 2800 FU from donor area at this time to limit any fears of issues and would recommend putting approx. 1000 Fu in the crown if I wanted. Due to lack of scalp laxity this is why the limited number plus he was fairly comfortable that it would limit shock loss and I could return to work in 2 weeks. He estimated my donor density at approx. 90 cm2. The one bummer is that he DOES NOT believe that he could incorporate the existing scar from previous HT as is is too low on my scalp towards the neck. I think B spot illuded to this as a possibility. He does believe that my donor area should be OK for future work if I want/need it. The price quoted is $7800 for 1800 FU, $11300 fo 2800 FU. The photos that he showed me were the same ones on his website(good work but poor light and few) that he himself did feel he needed to work on but admitted that they are very busy and he himself is considering slowing down. I asked for patient names to contact and he said that it was not a problem but then I never did receive. This could just be an oversight and I will e-mail his office girl for the reference. I do plan on seeing Ron Shapiro next to get his opinion.

If you want to spend more money you could do the widows peak, but there is no need as I honestly believe that you have transformed yourself and it is perfect!

I understand what you are saying. By know means did I want to be critical of anyone. I just was shooting my mouth a bit to stir up a little discussion about the topic. There is no doubt that it is a little nerve racking hoping that "no one will know." That obviously is why we are on such forums and seeking out the most talented doctors to conceal any evidence of work. My whole point is that I think that ultimately we all dream of the scenario where people don't believe us if we tell them we had a HT. How cool is that? I will look forward to the day when I can proudly show things off. Will I tell everyone? NO but I will definitely educate. Even though my old HT isn't stellar, I have been in conversations with groups of people that were making derogatory comments about HT's and how they can spot them a mile away. I was wanting badly to point out mine but didn't because it's not perfect, but when it is I doubt I will stay silent.

I was thinking later that as things gray up a bit as will ofcourse naturally happen things will even be that much better. Ofcourse that is assuming you have no issues with a little gray. The contrast thing makes a huge difference and there is such little contrast between gray and the scalp color.

He truly does have some impressive results. I don't believe however that an individual should be recommended for the coalition based on some photos posted on his website. I would like to see some unsolicited posts from some of his patients as well as some photos from you Pat during a HT session at his office. It surely does appear though that this guy has talent.

I really struggled with whether or not to comment because I truly appreciate the fact that Dr. Chang is spending his time to contribute to this forum. If the testimonial is legit than I have to say that the patient is happy with his results and I'm glad for him. Ultimately that is the primary concern. I guess that there are several different standards that we all have in mind and I personally expect better. I guess it is great to not always see the poster boys because we then have unrealistic expectations, however as Bill pointed out earlier, there are some concerns about the somewhat outdated technology.

It looks great. Right up there with the best of the best and you still will be growing. Congratulations!

Things look good. Maybe it is just the photos but I really don't see evidence of old plugs. As is the case with me, maybe in bright lights, wind, etc. you might notice. Ofcourse wait and see what the finished product looks like but possibly the transition with the 3 colors helps to make everything look that much more natural. Just a thought. Good luck with things!

Sharing experiences is invaluable. Due to this forum and others that I have researched, I am becoming less and less nervous about a future HT. In fact I am getting to the point where I'm now getting excited. What a huge transformation--trust me on that one. I might just have to change my known name on this forum. In regard to your discussions with 2 docs regarding their philosophy I am right there with ya. It is actually a little concerning--you seem more educated on the artisty of the profession. Not good.

I hear you pal. Take things I say with a grain of salt. By know means would I be broadcasting to the world and drawing more attention to myself as by nature I am reserved and can be shy when not in my comfort zone. I guess though, my point is that if and when I do reach that pinnacle of finality and I'm truly confident in my appearance, I would love to share my experience. It would be that much more fulfilling to have to "prove" to someone that I had a HT. If I didn't exagerrate things a little it would make for a boring discussion.

If things work out as planned I'll be right with ya Pat. Doesn't it give you a slight high from the confidence adrenaline when people don't believe that you had an HT. Wasn't it you that said even your hairdresser didn't notice. How cool. But you felt compelled to tell right? I'm tired of being nervous and insecure about all this hair BS. When I'm finished with it all I am "coming out."

I just saw this thread and I know that it is a couple of weeks old but I think that it is a very interesting topic and I hope to revive the discussion. I had an HT 16 yrs. ago-see my photo album. Ofcourse the technology was different and I'm not proud of the job done so I do conceal and am shy about talking about it. But the more I think about things, if (when) I get the next HT and it is as awesome as I hope it to be with the latest tech and skilled doctors, I might just tell everyone. Shouldn't we be spreading the word. Isn't it an obligation to end the suffering of those balding and not happy with the shaving idea or those with old bad HT's. I think that we should be removing the negative stigma of getting a HT. When I showed my wife some of the photos and videos on this site she had no idea, hell I had no idea. Don't most females that get boob jobs want everyone to know? It certainly seems like it-- and I'm very glad they feel that way. Don't get me wrong, I'm nervous about the time off work and the return because lets face it, things don't look great until the finished product that could be a year off. But once it grows in and is impressive, hell ya I'm telling everyone. I want to be proud of it.

I agree that cost should not be a primary concern, but it appears that you should be able to get 3000FU for approx $10,000 from most coalition physicians. Do NOT make a decision based on cost. Just because it costs more doesn't necessarily mean that the physician is more talented. Remember the hair mills have a very high overhead for advertisement expenses so therefore they must make up for that. That being said, don't just go with the lowest fee either. Do homework!!

Gibraltar, Sorry to hear about your situation. I too did have a little shock loss in the donor site but it did eventually grow back. Unfortunately even the best of surgeons can't always predict what is going to happen. You have been given some good advise in terms of the Aloe and the vitamin E. You could even break the E capsules and put directly on the skin. Definitely NO minoxidol as it will certainly irritate the skin and possibly make things worse. Avoid itching or touching as this may aggrevate and add to shock loss. I too am a huge believer in the negative effects of stress so try to avoid worrying about it too much. I'm sure all will work out.

Thanks Bill. I have no desire to lower the hairline other than what the doc needs to inorder to hide the evidence of plugs. I'm sure this is very little because although it is hard to tell from photo, the previous doc did use singles in the front and there is some space between those and where the plugs actually start.

There will be individuals on this site that are far more educated on the topic than I am , but I think that almost all will tell you to research the Coalition doctors and choose one of them. They are all very highly recommended and research everything before you take the step towards a HT.

B Spot, Great observation. This is why I posted pics instead of just waiting to hear from the docs themselves. I want to show up loaded with vital questions. The scar has been a concern of mine. I ofcourse do want it excised with the donor piece and I think that it is a little wider than a quality job should be. This will ofcourse limit the size of the new donor strip and therefore # of FU possible. Thanks for the great input.