PCC

Are the MHR and Bosley docs "franchisees" ? I've always been under the impression that they were employees of the organization and did not have any ownership of their individual office or clinic. Maybe some have sold their former private practice to the company. I know someone here will correct me if I'm wrong. Phil

MWRM3, Where in Florida are you? I am only a 45 minute drive from the Orlando office of MHR and probably would have gone to them if not for the knowledge I've gained from this network. It seems like that location has moved around a few times, most recently from Heathrow to Maitland and there are a couple other consult only sites. Does Leavitt even do proceedures or is he reserved solely for their "celebrity patients"? There is a DJ for one of the Central FL radio stations who promotes having gone to them. It would be interesting to see his results. Barusco seems to have been there a while now but I haven't heard anything specific about him good or bad. There was another young Dr. who floated between the Orlando and Tampa offices but he has since left. That can't be a good sign. I think you would be better served to stick with one of the top rated independent docs. Phil

Donald's hair is his own but I have heard from more than one source that he has had work done including a possible scalp reduction or "flap". That would explain the reason for his unsual style. But it always amazes on "The Apprentice" when he's outside with his private plane or helicopter that it remarkably stays in place. The reference to "Felix Unger" that Pushing 40 made is from the classic 70's sitcom "The Odd Couple" with Tony Randall and Jack Klugman (which I think had been a Broadway play prior to that). I realize that probably slipped right by the younger guys. Boy another thing that reminds me I'm getting older. Phil

Angel, How could we forget the big "hoop" earings, the leg warmers, the music, movies, TV shows, and cars of that magical era? Ah the memories are flooding over me! It sounds like at this point you have educated yourself so well about this issue that you actually know more about it than your doctors (which is the case for many of the more active posters here). It seems like a GP or even a dermatologist just isn't well versed enough in it to give that definitive answer. Maybe it would pay off to seek out a specialist affiliated with a med school or teaching hospital? From someone who has been on the receiving end of many snide remarks/questions and uncomfortable looks about my hair, sorry about the doctor's comment. This generally comes from those who don't have a clue what it's like to deal with this (i.e. have near perfect hair)and I just think it shows their true ignorance. I guess on a positive note for me it has made me more sensitive and compassionate to others with similiar difficulties. For me it has definately been an example of "whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger". Although it isn't the outcome you had hoped for, a wig or hairsystem might be a very good option. Many women wear them just to get a different "look". There's no stigma to this like there can be for men. Funny that you mention this, there is a middle aged lady at my second job with very fine and thin hair. I don't work directly with her and don't know her very well but she has had a permed style to give more body and coverage. Due to my own issues I've always been aware of it. The other night she came in for her shift with a full head of hair in a new style. I almost didn't recognize her at first from a distance without my glasses. She replied something like "Yeah it's me-I bought it". Oh, I seriously doubt you could ever have a "horse face". Phil

Hey Angel, If that was your husband's 25 year high school reunion that would make him the same age as me. Mine was this spring (although I did not attend) having graduated in '82. I just turned 43. The years have flown by so fast I can hardly believe it's been that long! Let me tell you it was great fun coming of age as a young hair loss sufferer during the "big hair and looks" obssessed era of the 80's. Like all of us I would certainly make some different decisions in life if I could do it over again. But I also wouldn't want to have to relive some of the things I've gone through that made me who I am today. Phil

I will always think that the shaved look is a good choice for some people. Many men look fantastic this way and not necessarily just the "20 somethings". Check out Bruce Willis in his latest "Die Hard" movie or the actor Micheal Chiklis of "The Shield". Unfortunately this was not socially accepted to the degree it is today when I began losing my hair as a young man during the 80's (quite the contrary!). I would give my right arm to be able to do it now but because I chose to address my problem through surgical hair restoration it will never be an option. Phil

Hi Angel, I think your philosophy is admirable and well reasoned. I have been struggling/suffering with my hair since my teens and trying to "steel myself up" (as you put it) for what could be very well be my final HT with a top doc to refine and correct the outcomes of my earlier proceedures.I'm always going to be a balding male and only I can decide if it will be worth it to me. Frankly it is not my top priority right now with an enormously demanding career, plans to further my education, marital/family obligations, etc. Despite all we go through I think you are right on by emphasizing the many true gifts in our lives. Your example of your friend living with a chronic and possibly terminal illness is very poignant. And yes I think you can be a huge asset here to both women and men so I sincerely hope you stick around. Phil

Yes, Matthew has been brought up here many times. It seems apparent something has been done. Aside from the receeding hairline in the old picture it does not seem like he had started to bald on top or the crown. Thus the problem was not advanced at that point. He has such a gorgeous head of hair now even when wet. I wonder if he is doing anything to keep further loss at bay. It would be interesting to track the changes in his appearance through his movies over the years i.e. from "Contact" to "Wedding Planner" to "Failure to Launch". Phil

Burt, This issue has come up here many times and I feel the same way you do. It is the "skill and artistry" of the surgeon that is being promoted yet a paraprofessional (highly competent and experienced as they may be) is peforming one of the most crucial functions. However I don't think there is anything to prohibit this legally as the technician works under the supervision, authority, and license of the physician. There also is a current running post on the background, qualifications, training, and credentials (if any) of those in the technician role. In my case for my most recent proceedure a technician did assist although the Dr. was still present throughout. Phil

Hi Warren, I got a kick out of your comment about "restoring your hair just in time to see it go gray" I meant to respond after your first post. Although I started balding in my teens my hair (both native and transplanted) has for the most part stayed it's natural dark brown. Now in my early 40's I'm just beginning to get a little graying through the sides and temples. At this stage in life it doesn't bother me at all. The same can't be said though about the early MPB. Funny how it seems like so many men who go completely gray or even white at relatively young ages retain gorgeous heads of hair. For those of us in Florida, an example of this is our current governor. Phil

Regarding the MHR laser study, doesn't Dr. Leavitt serve as a paid "advisor" to the company that developed and manufacturers the device? (Maybe Pat could chime in on this?) What a convenient and interesting arrangement! I agree that the ad looks like something from the 80's and the model like a certain actor or celebrity but I can't place exactly who. If that guy has had HTs how many grafts has he had, 5 or 10? Phil

I have dealt with snide remarks, questions/comments and uncomfortable looks regarding my hair and balding for most of my life. Almost invariably these come from other men rather than women. My wife and previous relationships have always loved and accepted me for me and for that I have been blessed. To them it has always been a nonissue although it is a big issue for me. Thank God I don't have to play the dating game anymore! My fear now is that it is hurting me professionally. We live in a society where "the best and brightest" are coveted and I am at at stage where I could find myself competing against others as much as 20 years younger. Although I'm in a field where perfect looks are not required I feel it is severely limiting my opportunties. Phil

Why is it "OK" for us to joke about our own imperfections but if others bring it up it's crosssing the line? The one I always got a kick out of early in my hairloss: "Do you know you're going bald?" This was generally met with a sarcastic response. It's like they're doing us a huge favor by alerting us to it and we should be immensely grateful! Phil

As someone who started balding in my teens, I feel your pain and absolutely can relate to the sense of "I shouldn't have to deal with this at this stage of my life, etc". For me it was a major obstacle and hinderance to all the things one usually accomplishes at that age. As a result I embarked on surgical hair restoration at a relatively young age because there were literally no other acceptable alternatives back then. However, I would not recommend this for you today. A thorough medical/dermatological evaluation should rule out causes for hairloss other than MPB. Based on your comments though it would seem like you have a family history of this. From there, it is generally recommended to get on agents like Propecia and/or Rogaine to stablize and hopefully prevent further hairloss. One should stay on this for at least a year in advance of considering any surgical interventions. Additionally a good hair care regimen can promote optimal hair and scalp health. While it will never "regrow hair" it can enhance the appearance of what you have. The surgical hair restoration industry is not going anywhere so don't feel rushed to address your hairloss in this manner. I'm sure some of the other regular posters here will chime in on this. Phil

Has anyone noticed the "other" judge in the Anna Nicole case? I don't mean Judge Seidlin who is very comical and who himself is quite bald. I'm talking about the stocky guy with the moustache who presided over the initial hearings on the custody and paternity issues. This was also the guy who got caught smoking marijuana in a park in South Florida. Real smart for a judge to be doing that in public! Anyway he has some hair in front and on top and looks fairly good and age appropriate from that view. But today I saw some footage of him from the back and he has a huge bald crown of the typical pattern and with a low "droop". Do we think he may have had some work done? He's likely been balding long before the advent of Propecia and Minoxidil. This is yet another example of those of us who are sensitive to our own issues being especially cognizant of it in others. Phil

Has anyone noticed the "other" judge in the Anna Nicole case? I don't mean Judge Seidlin who is very comical and who himself is quite bald. I'm talking about the stocky guy with the moustache who presided over the initial hearings on the custody and paternity issues. This was also the guy who got caught smoking marijuana in a park in South Florida. Real smart for a judge to be doing that in public! Anyway he has some hair in front and on top and looks fairly good and age appropriate from that view. But today I saw some footage of him from the back and he has a huge bald crown of the typical pattern and with a low "droop". Do we think he may have had some work done? He's likely been balding long before the advent of Propecia and Minoxidil. This is yet another example of those of us who are sensitive to our own issues being especially cognizant of it in others. Phil

Your post-op photos look very good. I echo the poster before me that you do not seem to have a significant problem with MPB at all, at least at this point. Many of us wish we were in your predicament. I'm sure the end result of this proceedure will be a hairline which is more pleasing to you and hopefully it will "stand alone" and you will not need additional work. Phil

Hairdini, I take it Arizona does not have a mandatory helmet law? Neither does Florida. We are near Daytona and also have a weekend "Bike Fest" in a neighboring town so there are a lot of bikers in our area and some pretty serious accidents. What gets me is when I see the wives/girlfriends riding on the back with no helmet or protection at all. Of course it's "their choice" and they assume the risk but there's no way they could survive a serious wreck or fall. Although I think many of them (especially the Harleys) are gorgeous, the subject hits close to home because my wife and I lost a family member on a motorcycle two years ago. However in her situation the helmet didn't help. Phil

Tony, Your feelings about your hairloss and hair restoration proceedure closely parralel mine. Your experience truly illustrates the old adage "you get what you pay for". Even though very few of use have unlimited financial resources, this is definately not something that you want to give to the lowest bidder. I sincerely hope you will do your homework and research providers better on the next go around. This network will prove to be a valuable resource and support system toward that end. I do think your situation can be improved significantly in the right hands. The immediate post op picture actually looked pretty good so I couldn't guess why some of the grafts did not take. I take it you still want to use a hairsystem for the crown? I am not overly concerned about my bald crown but that is a viable option for many men. Needless to say you have a large area to cover so it might be best to focus your remaining donor supply on the front and top. In checking out MHR's website from time to time I noticed that Dr. Benhke (SP?)was one of several who departed within the past few. months. Wonder if there is any significance to that? Yes, he seems to be replaced by Dr. Ballon who it appears "floats" between the DC/Baltimore and Philadelphia offices. I think on his profile it states he used to be a neurosurgeon. Maybe he thought hair restoration would be less stressful! On a brighter note I think the picture of you and your daughter is adorable. Although we balding guys would always like to have more hair we must never loose sight of the many other ways in which our lives have been blessed. Phil

Hairtech, I certainly did not mean to question the qualifications or competence of the technicians with my concerns. Despite my own proceedures and 20 years service as an EMT it is something I could never do. I would definately be one of those who would be ungraciously asked to leave after less than a week so I have the utmost respect for what you do. While I am sure that individual providers/practices have an extensive on the job traininig program for techs I don't believe there is any kind of state or national certification like for other healthcare professions. Any paraprofessional in the heathcare fields works under the supervision and license of the physician. These include nurses, EMTs/paramedics, medical assistants, lab techs, etc. The physician authorizes them to peform certain functions either by way of generalized standing orders or case specific verbal or written orders. State statutes and administrative codes also provide a very rigid framework for what they can and cannot do. Maybe some of the attorneys on here can expound on this or correct me if I'm wrong. Erldette, If you are still following this I'm in Central FL, northwest of Orlando. Phil

Hairbank, Actually I'm older than you, having just turned 43 last month. By the way, I think you look great in your photos on your weblog. Hopefully I will experience similiar results someday. I vaguely remember Duvall in the original "Godfather" from the early 70s. I can't picture if he had a full head of hair or not. Didn't he play one of the sons along with Al Pacino and James Caan (that would be another hair story!) Phil

Bill, B-Spot, and Hairbank. Need I say more? Phil

Although the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" was a standard in my high school and college classes, the movie version was a little before my time. He must have been very young then. One of his movie roles that will always stand out for me was when he and Sean Penn were City of Los Angeles cops on the "gang intervention" unit. Sean Penn had a very 80s/early 90's big hairstyle, puffy, fethered back, and blow dried. The character was very vain about his hair and looks as opposed to Duvall as the older veteran partner. I remember thinking what a contrast as far as hair. Phil

Donna, You are not a wimp! Your observations and concerns are valid. As a "HT veteran", I feel anyone who describes the proceedure itself or the recovery period as "fun" or like a walk in the park is really doing others a disservice. The conglomerate hair restoration providers are notorious for making these kind of claims in their marketing. Despite the vastly improved techniques and outcomes surgery is still surgery! Phil

The legendary actor Robert Duvall has always been a very bald man. But tonight I saw him in a commercial for the new Drew Barrymore movie (Las Vegas setting and theme)and he's wearing a hairsystem. He must be in his 70's now and always looks to be in great shape and very vigorous. I would imagine the system is for the part only but it looked fairly good on him and age appropriate. I can't recall him ever wearing one before over the years either in his personal life or his many roles. It's inspiring that someone who seemingly has been balding for much of his life to be comfortable and secure about himself and to have excelled in his career. I wish I could say that it hasn't bothered the hell out of me. Phil