Bob C

So Mahair, just to be clear ... are you saying you don't recommend Dr Ziering?

tymman, Thanks for posting. I'm glad to hear things are going well for you. To be clear to all, I'm not holding out for hair cloning or anything like that. And I'm certainly not speaking out against hair transplants. The whole thing is a matter of perspective. Every patient must decide how much hair will satisfy him, and whether the procedure is worth the risk. He must take into account unforseeable future events. It's like devising a strategy for long-term investing, using best and worse case scenarios. Okay, I don't want to beat this to death. Robert said a mouthful concerning planning and using donor hair wisely.

KG and Robert, Thanks for the responses. To eleborate on my own situation, I started researching out of curiosity - long before I needed a transplant. And I'm glad I didn't talk myself into doing smaller sessions to keep up with my hair loss. As far as advances in technology in recent years, I think they have been mainly in the areas of larger sessions and better healing techniques. Ideally, the patient might get a better grasp of the big picture and future results sooner. As for realistic expectations, we hear about that all the time. But it's different when it's YOUR scalp and hair and appearance. And YOUR money. That's why I said my perspective may have changed, now that a transplant is closer to a reality for me -- not just a novelty. Shock loss and early permanent loss of miniaturized surrounding hairs is , of course, a very real concern. That plays into what I mean by "net gain". My main point is that I went from "Boy, if I ever go bald, I'm gonna get me hair transplant and make everything right" to "My hair loss is really starting to show. I wonder if it's worth it to take this big step?" More opinions and personal accounts are very welcome. Thanks, Bob

I hope I've posted in the appropriate forum. Here goes: Most informed HT shoppers realize that: 1 You can never gain back a "full head of hair" 2 Hair loss is progressive 3 A good haircut, skilled styling and concealers can add to a dense look. The idea (some might say "mantra") is that properly placed grafts by a top doctor can give the "appearance of density". Nothing new, right? I'd like to know how many HT veterans feel they've met that goal? Everyone says "some hair is better than none". But do you REALLY feel that way? Furthermore, do today's huge megasessions and dense packing getting you any closer to the appearance of a "full head of hair"? Closer than in the old days, I mean - when the max was about 1000 grafts a session. Although I've not yet had a transplant, I'm no newbie here. I've been reading and posting on the HT Network since Pat had the old website. And I had my first consultation 6 or 8 years ago. At least 5 years ago, I ordered (and watched) some sales videos from hair clinics (NHI, Bosley, MHR, Elliot-True and Shapiro/Sir Winston). Yesterday I reviewed them to see whether their surgical and promotional techniques had changed over the years, as well as to see whether my perception of the HT industry had changed since I've done further research and experienced further hair loss. In some cases, the doctor combed through the patient's new hair to show the undetectable transplants and scar. But it also allowed us to see how thin the new hair still was - natural looking, but thin. Granted,these were smaller sessions, and in some cases the hair had not all grown in yet. Now this is fine, but it blows the notion that a transplant is "wash and go" carefree. I think you're still primping to get the best look out of a limited hair supply. Right or wrong? I would love to see follow-ups of some of these patients today, 4 to 8 years later. I'm so glad I waited, as I still have ample hair and perhaps technology is ready for me. I just want to be convinced that I will have a sastisfactory "net gain" when the time comes to go under the knife. If there is a question in my post, it is not "Did you get butchered?" or "Do you like your new hair?" It's more like "Are you glad you waited, did you have to return for another session sooner than you'd expected, or is your transplant as thick as you'd like?"

I hope I've posted in the appropriate forum. Here goes: Most informed HT shoppers realize that: 1 You can never gain back a "full head of hair" 2 Hair loss is progressive 3 A good haircut, skilled styling and concealers can add to a dense look. The idea (some might say "mantra") is that properly placed grafts by a top doctor can give the "appearance of density". Nothing new, right? I'd like to know how many HT veterans feel they've met that goal? Everyone says "some hair is better than none". But do you REALLY feel that way? Furthermore, do today's huge megasessions and dense packing getting you any closer to the appearance of a "full head of hair"? Closer than in the old days, I mean - when the max was about 1000 grafts a session. Although I've not yet had a transplant, I'm no newbie here. I've been reading and posting on the HT Network since Pat had the old website. And I had my first consultation 6 or 8 years ago. At least 5 years ago, I ordered (and watched) some sales videos from hair clinics (NHI, Bosley, MHR, Elliot-True and Shapiro/Sir Winston). Yesterday I reviewed them to see whether their surgical and promotional techniques had changed over the years, as well as to see whether my perception of the HT industry had changed since I've done further research and experienced further hair loss. In some cases, the doctor combed through the patient's new hair to show the undetectable transplants and scar. But it also allowed us to see how thin the new hair still was - natural looking, but thin. Granted,these were smaller sessions, and in some cases the hair had not all grown in yet. Now this is fine, but it blows the notion that a transplant is "wash and go" carefree. I think you're still primping to get the best look out of a limited hair supply. Right or wrong? I would love to see follow-ups of some of these patients today, 4 to 8 years later. I'm so glad I waited, as I still have ample hair and perhaps technology is ready for me. I just want to be convinced that I will have a sastisfactory "net gain" when the time comes to go under the knife. If there is a question in my post, it is not "Did you get butchered?" or "Do you like your new hair?" It's more like "Are you glad you waited, did you have to return for another session sooner than you'd expected, or is your transplant as thick as you'd like?"

Is Nioxin (and Nizoral, for that matter) available in stores, over the counter? Or only on the Internet, orby prescription?

What do you mean by "on his own"? Rassman is the head doctor at NHI. I'm pretty sure he's the founder of the company, right? Rassman and McClellan are listed on NHI's website. I don't know what the latest is with Bernstein.

dandare, I think you're right. But to me, a placebo effect means that you feel better (not sick any longer), even though you've only taken a "sugar pill". I don't see how a placebo can actually grow hair. If it were simply mind over matter, we'd all be trying to think ourselves out of baldness.

How can members of the placebo group show an increase in hair? I'm sure there are lots of explanations involving perception of growth or various shedding or resting phases. But it begs the bigger question of how accurate are the results of the other test groups? I don't doubt that minoxodil works. My point is that test results can be interpreted in many different ways. Also, what are global photographs?

I was one of the people who questioned Bluesman's decision early on. But I in no way "criticized him. I think his HT looks great, and I wish him the best. But I stand by all my original points. This website continually reminds us to make informed, realistic decisions about hairloss treatments. No one "needs" a hair transplant. But those who choose to get one should be armed with information to take a calculated risk in favor of a noticable net gain. From what we've seen and heard, Bluesman did everything right and got satisfactory results. But no one can predict his future loss - he already is contemplating more hairline work. Maybe it would have been more practical to have waited a year, and had one larger procedure. Furthermore, no on could have guaranteed he wouldn't have major shock loss, poor growth, etc. Yes, that's the chance you take. But he DID have a magnificent head of hair to begin with. Bluesman, again - it's your hair and your choice. And I'm happy and envious. I'm your age, and have a similar hairloss pattern (I've lost a little more, and don't have your thick, wavy characteristics). I keep looking at success stories like yours, and wondering if it could be that good for me. But this web site teaches us to be cautious and sceptical.

Robert and everyone else, Thanks for the tips and info. I'll be ordering Dermatch soon. After all these years, I've just started to notice my crown thinning, and I'm freaking out about it. Regarding the color, Dermatch's website says if your hair is highlighted, to match the root color. I'm still not sure what mine is, though. I could order the whole 8-pack, but I know I won't use all of them. Again, do you blend the stuff over your whole head of hair, or just the "problem zones"? Also, what kind of brush do you use, and does that come with your order? Finally, on a remotely related topic: Pat H went under the knife for his crown recently. He was on propecia, but baldnes got the best of him. My question is: Does propecia only delay the inevitable? Thanks again, Bob

Robert, The pics look great. A few more questions, if I may: 1 Is Dermatch sold in stores? 2 Is it hard to apply it to the crown, since you can't see back there? I use a hand mirror to check my bald spot, but that only leaves one hand free. Do you brush it through your entire head, or just the crown? 3 What color should I use? My hair is grayish- brownish-blond, with very blond highlights from the salon. It's more than one color, and the roots will grow out darker. Maybe I shouldn't color it, but that makes it thicker. And guys with "salt & pepper" would face the same problem, no? Thanks, Bob

Gillenator, I can relate and sympathize. Some years ago, I had an almost identical experience. I had to go into O.R. twice before they got the stone out via cystoscopy. I spent a week in the hospital, due to pain which turned out to be nothing serious. But I was rather worried. Then, two weeks with that stent in there was less than pleasant. You'll be fine, though. Don't lose any hair over the whole ordeal. Bob

Pat, Congrats and best of luck. How long has it been since your last procedure with Dr Shapiro? And why didn't you go to him this time?

Wait a minute. You've heard a lot about "Ron"? Do you mean Dr Shapiro? Are you on a first name basis with him? Show a little respect. Who says he is "conservative"? And who says that is a bad thing? Check the wide range in age, class and hair types of his patients on this site. East Coast -- Why do you say "if you need an HT, you will probably be a class 6"? It depends on your genetics. People start and stop balding at different ages. Some never advance past class 2 or 3. Why not say everyone will end up a class 7?

I don't know if Willis' hair supply would meet his demand. With the shaved head, it's hard to tell how much hair he actually has left. As for cloning, forget it. If he in fact said that, it was just wishing out loud.

If the results look as good in person as they do in the photos, I imagine the patient would be very pleased. Dr Jones, I'm not sure whether you technically broke any forum rules. But this is obviously blatant advertising, rather than simply discussion. If Pat H allows it, then I guess it's okay.

Most likely, your boss and coworkers are going to wonder, but not ask. So, it's up to you whether to say anything. You can say you had surgery. This would not be a lie. If people ask "what kind of surgery?", you can tell them the truth or tell them it is very personal or none of their business. This is also the truth. If they guess or suspect that you had a transplant, so what? If you COULD wear a hat, people might wonder why you always had a hat on all of a sudden. I do sypmathize, but this is on of the unpleasant parts of HT.

futballer, Don't rush into a transpant with Bosley, or anyone else. Go to lots of consultations and pay attention to the answers and attitudes you get from the doctors and sales people. People on this forum will tell you to make an intelligent decision, and not to "hear what you want to hear". This is good advice, but easier said than done. But again, keep reading, asking and shopping. What did they have to say at Bosley, anyway?

I agree. On my monitor is looks quite out of focus. Granted, the problem may be with my older computer. EastCoast, we know you're dissatisfied with your transplant. Have you taken any constructive steps to remedy the situation?

NC30, My comments were in response to the original post. I agree with you -- "closing the temples" or squaring off the hairline is not automatically a bad thing. But a lot of young guys think that anyone who advises taking caution when considering aggresive work is "old fashioned", standing in the way of progress or fostering a "controversy". This is nonsense.

"Closing the temples" is only one area of controversy in HT surgery - perhaps the latest one to get lots of attention. Discussing use of caution when considering closing the temples is no different than discussing the possible downside of transplanting the crown, doing scalp reductions, placing the hairline too low, doing a hairtransplant on a young patient, etc. Any agressive approach must be weighed against future hair loss, along with many factors specific to each patient. To say Dr "A" is better or worse than Dr "B" because one "closes temples" and one doesn't is too general a statement.

Your results look very natural. You didn't rush into this, and it paid off. Also, this is an excellent example of the way "before & after" pictures should be. The lighting, head position, photo size, etc is almost identical in both shots. Even your facial expression is the same. This makes for an accurate comparison - rather than a grumpy frown in the "before" and a big smile, face lift and new suit in the "after".

Since this thread was originally addressed to Bluesman, let me say that I'd like to hear from him as well. Belgiumdude, I don't get this at all. August is not a "long time to wait". And you won't be "ready to retire" after grad school. You'll be 27, or so. Furthermore, you have a low hairline now. You could wait until it recedes, then get one transplant instead of two - AFTER you're in the work force, making big bucks.

Yeah, Dr Rassman is a big name. As was mentioned, he's the head of NHI. I don't have a problem with that, but I really disapprove of the show's presentation in general. I know it's a "before and after" show, and they leave out all of the reality in the middle. But they spend less time covering the hair transplant than the dental or lasik. And the transplant proceure takes MUCH longer. AND the results aren't noticeable until MUCH later. The patient was tickled pink about his new scabs, and showed no sign of bruising or swelling. It seemed WAY too good to be true. This is counterproductive to the educational efforts of places like this website AND NHI's book and seminars. Furthermore, they admitted that since there would be no growth for "4 months", a weave would do the job in the meantime. Is this a wise idea? Shouldn't his scalp be allowed to breathe and heal?