Carl24

I guess your analogy makes sense and why not take it until another option becomes available. I am very happy in my result and want to keep as many hairs as possible.

Do most surgeons advise taking finasteride indefinitely?

Thanks for the update. Dr. Feller told me that I could take it indefinitely. I did have some side effects so I take 5x per week (exclude Friday & Saturday ) so I can have a normal sex life

Perhaps one day there will be some 10 year data on it's longer term efficacy.

My insurance covers my finasteride prescriptions and each 5mg month supply last 4 months which is great.

Hi,

I am currently 52 and had a very successful transplant in 2007 with about 3500 strip procedure by Dr. Feller. I started finasteride about 6 months before surgery and have continued a 1.25 dose since and currently take it 4-5x per week.

Is there any long term data on finasteride efficacy or is most of the long term information anecdotal?

I do not have any major issue taking it long term as long as I have an idea that it is likely to be effective. What have other HT veterans experienced? Thanks.

Dr. True's work looks superb. I plan to consult with him. Do you know if Dr. True or Bernstein requires that the recipient site be shaved?

So far I have learned that

H & W & Feller require the shave.

I believe I will require somewhere between 2000 & 2500 in one session.

Thanks.

Did you consult with other surgeons in NY?

I know that True and Dorin have an office in Huntington and will most likely schedule a consult soon. Do you know much about Dorin?

Both are coalition members.

My only concern about True is that according to this site he may not be one the elite surgeons.

He is highly regarded but may not be as advanced in the latest techniques as a Feller, Wong, Shapiro or Epstein.

Any thoughts?

Spex,

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I am gaining a much greater understanding of the process.

No I wasn't looking for a travelers discount.

However, the fee schedule posted on Feller's website stated," The number of sessions per week that these rates are applicable are limited".

I was curious how limited and what is the regular fee schedule. I guess I can ask when I visit for a consult.

Tisab,

Thanks for the info; I really appreciate it!

I guess from your response that Feller requires shaving of the recipient site. Your point of optimal efficacy is well taken.

After reviewing this board, it became quite obvious to avoid Bosley.

Several physicians in Canada seem appealing (H & W as well as Robert Jones), however, I believe if I needed follow-up with any complications, I would prefer to see the surgeon. It appears that we have several excellent options in NY.

I would conider the Canada option if I felt that the quality of surgery warranted the trip.

I am unsure of the cost differential of these Canadian surgeons, but assume that they are in the ballpark of the US coalition MDs.

As far as cost, Feller's website states a fee of 7850 for 2000 grafts and about 9200 for 2500. This fee schedule is suject to availability. Perhaps, this is a standby fee or off peak scheduling time. Can you clarify if this is the case?

This forum provides a wealth of information for the novice and veteran hair transpant community. What a resource! THANKS AGAIN

I am contemplating a procedure and plan to cosnult with Bernstein, Feller and True in NY.

For work reasons, I am concerned about the shaving of the recipient site issue. Do these surgeons require shaving and if not what would be a reasonable length of hair pre-op?

Also, would 10-15K be a ballpark cost for the procedure with Feller, True or Bernstein?

FYI,

Several months ago I consulted with Bosley and was infomred by the Consultant that I am a candidate for approx 2250 grafts (roughly 1250 frontal and 1000 crown grafts).

Thanks for any feedback!

I am contemplating a procedure and plan to cosnult with Bernstein, Feller and True in NY.

For work reasons, I am concerned about the shaving of the recipient site issue. Do these surgeons require shaving and if not what would be a reasonable length of hair pre-op?

Also, would 10-15K be a ballpark cost for the procedure with Feller, True or Bernstein?

FYI,

Several months ago I consulted with Bosley and was infomred by the Consultant that I am a candidate for approx 2250 grafts (roughly 1250 frontal and 1000 crown grafts).

Thanks for any feedback!