JakeVig

Domie

Are you using anything to speed growth like Minoxidil or MSM?

Also as soon as your dye your hair blonde (if thats what you do) I believe the contrast will provide you with a much better cosmetic result.

But yeah the results are coming in great, looking forward to your updated progress!

Originally posted by tronxz28:

Really interesting topic because I have been for about 3 weeks without using rogaine now. My intention was to quit on rogaine.

 

I have felt that rogaine has never really helped me. I was only on rogaine and I had hair loss until I started usingg propecia and then not only the hair loss stopped but I regrew hair.

 

I was sure that quitting rogaine was not going to affect me that much. Now after reading your posts I feel concern. I do not want to find out the hard way that actually rogaine also was helping.

 

It is too much of a risk that I dont want to run so I will be back on rogaine ASAP.

Actually I had the same experience when I first used Rogaine over 4 years ago it had no effect I then switched to Propecia but my hairloss still continued. It was only when I used Propecia and Minoxidil together do I believe my hairloss has stabalized. I believe Im also seeing new hairs for the first time as well.

I have some good news for you. L'Oreal is currently (quietly) testing a minoxidil foam that is speculated to be greasy-less and better-absorbing. I don't think they will be done with trials any time soon, though. Maybe next year? Dunno.

Yeah it looks like there are a few options on the horizon. Richard Lee of http://www.minoxidil.com/12.5_1.htm seems to have a 12.5% Minoxidil non-greasy solution that dries rapidly available in the future as well.

Robert do you have a special way to apply Minoxidil I feel like Im wasting a lot of it on my hair. Are you just using the eye dropper that comes with the pack?

yeah the 2x daily regimen of Minoxidil sure is annoying and messy as hell. It also sucks that you dont know how much hair is dependent on the Minoxidil until you stop using it and it sheds, by then its too late.

I know its wishfull thinking but I really hope they can combine the Propecia/Minoxidil treatment in the convenience of an all in one pill :-).

Well knowing thats not going to happen anytime soon I guess I will be resorting to the regimen until hair multiplication becomes a viable option.

Slick unfortunately we have to look worse before we look better. Having to cut your hair short will make your thinning hair look more obvious. Also once your hair is longer your v shaped hairline will be much less obvious. Hang in there your going to look and feel a million times better in combination with your new hair and longer hair at around 6 months post op.

Originally posted by BUDDY:

Shapiro scared me when I was contemplating another HT. His work was ok and Leavitt did a very good job. However the last transplant I noticed that the grafts were unbalanced between the left and right side with the left side being denser. This prompted me to see Bernard Nusbaum in Coral Gables Florida who is a real pro -great technician -very nice and responsive physician. Sprouting is just starting after 5 months where the others were at the 4 month mark. Nusbaum refuses to see you for follow up until the 6 month milestone has passed. By the way what turned me off about Shapiro was he tried to show a new patient my before pictures and they were not even mine. They showed someone with virtually no hair and introduced me as that person.

Its definately a shame that you went with Lawrence Shapiro instead of Ron Shapiro, your experience would have been vastly better in the hands of one of the worlds best. Misleading and unrealistic expectations are clear signs of unethical surgeons.

Having a look at the dates can I ask which of your HT's were Mini/Micros and which were FUT?

By 5 months I would be expecting some signs of growth although there are reports of late bloomers so I wouldnt be too worried until the next month or two. Depending on the coverage 1400 grafts should be quite a noticeable difference - hang in there and keep us updated on your progress. It would be good to know if Dr Nusbaum can produce good results.

Dr Konior is apart of the coalition and is considered a top doctor. You can view his profile and results here:

http://www.hairlosslearningcenter.org/hair-loss-content...ymond%20Konior,%20MD.

Originally posted by Michaellovesnyc:

Your Doctor is seriously misleading you and I detect a trace of dishonesty. ALL grafts, regardless of surgeon, include between 1-4 hairs on each graft. 1000 is nothing. I was not bald by a long shot and I got 2750 grafts. Many doctors suggested 2 treatments of 1250 each. Dr. Feller of Great Neck did it all in a single operation. TRUST ME; you want to MINIMIZE the number of procedures. It is less painful, less expensive and you will get faster results with less hair shock loss. Get as many done at first as you can; MINIMUM 3000 if you are really bald, if not 4500 if possible.

Where did you hear that you get less shockloss with a fewer no of procedures? I was told it was the other way around, less grafts, less trauma, less shock loss.

I can tell you that the quality of HT's have improved dramatically in the past 10 years. If you go to a top doctor your guaranteed a great result. The new tricho closure technique can make the donor scar undetectable. Many people here have said that their barber was unable to find the scar after a few months. As for the results well they speak for themselves check out this forum and the patient gallery. I have not seen anything but completely natural results from the top doctors.

I am just over 2 weeks from my HT with Ron Shapiro. I cannot feel my scar as it is completely flat and at the moment it is only a very thin line which will fade over time. The donor area is still detectable because I don't have long enough hair to cover the shaved area, which means I will be resorting to using concealers for a couple of weeks (I suggest that you leave your donor hair long around 2-3 inches in length if you want to hide the donor area immediately post op). As for the expected results well Im only expecting the best from who many believe is the best in the world.

Unfortunately I've read only negative comments about Lawrence Shapiro. As for MHR they are considered hairmills and produce inconsistent results. I hope you have better luck with Nussbaum but unfortunately I've never heard of him.

Are you satisfied with the HT's of any of the above results?

I would assume that it would be treated the same way as a scar repair. The most common way would be to place grafts in the scar itself to camoflague the scar. I would send some pics and consult with the top docs on this site. Most consultations are free and they will tell you the best way to repair any damage.

I was told i could start using medicated shampoos again and shampoo normally after I got my sutures out. I started after 2 weeks myself. The only thing that sucks is that when you start washing normally your going to force your transplanted hairs to fallout quicker. They are meant to leave you anyway but its still nice having them around :-)

In the end its just a simple matter of mathematics. It comes down to the no of grafts you have to spead over the amount of balding area you need to cover.

An average non-balding head will have a density of 80-100 grafts cm2. A similar 'illusion of density' can be provided with just 45-50 grafts cm2. So with a 5000 megasession you can provide the appearance of a full head of hair if you only had 100-110 cm2 to cover.

So if you have a larger area to cover than you will have to make some compromises. For the best aesthetic result top doctors would normally provide a good density on your hairline of around 45cm2 and then will divvy up whats left for your crown so you might only get 25-30cm2 which will only provide a thinning coverage.

Other factors that will affect a patients overall aesthetic result is the contrast between hair and skin color (the lower the contrast the better), the length and thickness of their hair (the thicker the better).

Originally posted by JTB:

I am pretty bald but have a thick donor area. I was told by my surgeon that I could get 1000 graphs per session. I told my surgeon that I saw pictures on the internet of people who received 2000 to 3000 graphs. He told me that his graphs included more then one hair. Does this sound reasonable?

 

JTB

That sounds like a horror story waiting to happen!!!

If you want good (read: undetectable) results, you want nothing other than FUT/FUE from a top doctor.

Your lucky you found this website JTB. Research is your friend!

Ty hairbank has given you some very sound advice.

Originally posted by incubus99:

JakeVig -

 

I tried Popecia for a year or so, but it was years ago...eventually I just got tired of taking a pill everyday and let it go.

 

I do not take any meds at the time, nor do I use concealers...I tried Toppic but I rarely use it...once in a while I use some Rogaine.

 

I'm actually thinking of getting an Rx again and maybe trying Proscar this time...I hear its cheaper and is the same thing. I kinda wanna strengthen my hair before another HT.

 

Why did you switch from Propecia to Avodart? Did you notice better results with the Avo?

 

Also, what is MSM? BTW, I don't believe in the laser comb...not for me

 

Do they sell that copper-peptide spray in any store? Whats it for, just itching or does it help with growth/healing or something?

 

Thanks for the Doc info.

Propecia/Proscar is the same thing just in different doses. You should definately be on one of them as it inhibits DHT - the thing that attacks your genetically susceptible hair and makes you go bald! Propecia would've also strengthened your hair and minimized your shockloss. I think you would be willing to be taking a pill daily if it stops you from going bald. You should be under the assumption that once you lose hair you wont be able to get it back. Personally I am doing everything I can to hang on to mine!!!

I am switching from Propecia (Finasteride) to Avodart (Dutasteride) because Avodart is more effective in inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Propecia inhibits 70% serum DHT and 38% scalp DHT where as Avodart inhibits 90% serum DHT and 55% scalp DHT. Although Avodart is not approved for hairloss and has more potent side effects, I figured if Im going to be taking a pill anyway I might as be taking the most effective pill there is. I expect I will be better off in the long term. If I was 35 with my current hair loss I wouldn't be worried and just have a HT to restore density and just stick to the convenience of propecia only. Unfortunately this is not the case and Im still young and destined for more hairloss unless I treat it now.

For more information between the two check out roberts website:

http://www.iregrewmyhair.com/hair-loss-treatments/prope...d-you-choose-part-1/

MSM is a vitamin/powder that is believed to speed up existing hair and nail growth. It will not regrow your lost hair.

Copper peptides is meant to have some skin and hair healing and regrowth properties but I am using it because it helps minimize the minoxidil itch.

Can I also ask if you are using any concealers at this time? I generally am against the thought of using concealers myself but will be resorting to them before my next HT hopefully after I turn 30. After seeing the fantasinc results that Robert has achieved with them, I have ordered some because I need them to mask my donor scar at least.

You have shown us many great pics, can you post a couple with dermatch and toppik. I think your diffused thinning hair is a perfect candidate for concealers. It would be good to know what peoples opinions here are after they see some pics with you using some concealers.

By the way feel free to PM me anytime. I am also young very concerned about my hairloss with diffused thinning with similar contrasting hair color to yours. I also have lighter hair than yours and because of this, my thinning is more obvious.

incubus99,

Im suprised that you want to keep your hair short. If you have contrasting hair color to your scalp, the longer the hair the less thinning it will look. Normally I keep mine short on the sides and medium on top - I guess its just a matter of preference at the end of the day.

As for the difference between Dr Rose and Dr Ron Shapiro I believe the difference to be negligeable if at all. I had to fly in from the UK so I just chose who I thought was the best doctor in the world to do my hairline. Having researched quite extensively my opinion was that Dr Ron Shapiro was the best. Though Dr Rose has also worked for SMG for a long time and I believe there is no noticeable difference between the two in terms of results.

Even Pat (the creator of this forum) who acknowledges that Dr Ron Shapiro changed his life for the better is still going to go to Dr Rose for his next HT on his crown as he lives in Florida and it is more convenient - he mentioned that comparing the results would be comparing excellent vs excellent. I would probably get a consult off them anyway and tell them your story just to get their opinion on whats best for you, and what can be achieved with the limited donor supply you have over the long term.

I ended up negotiating my hairline with Ron so we were both satisfied that I would be able to maintain my new hairline into the future with my limited donor supply.

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Hairloss Treatments

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incubus you seem to have a negative view on treating your hairloss with meds, can I ask what meds are you on now and how long have you been on them?

Im not sure how informed about DHT being the cause of hair loss and how Propecia and Minoxidil are proven hair loss treatments that have demonstrated in some cases to have very good regrowth. When used together they provide a synergetic effect, i.e. are more effective when used together. I also feel like Propecia has not helped me a great deal as I have had most of my hairloss while on it. What I am pretty certain though is that my hairloss would've been more severe if I were not on any meds and that my future shockloss will be minimized because I am on it.

Knowing that I've had most of my hairloss within the last few years I know that the best chance for any regrowth is now which is why I finally have started a hair treatment regime which I believe to be most effective.

I use Nizoral 2% and Nioxin alternated daily, Minoxidil 5% twice daily and have now recently have switched from Propecia/Proscar to Avodart. I also use copper peptides spray to minimize the Minoxidil itch and some vitamins and MSM for overall good health. Last of all I just started using a laser brush brought from amasinglazercomb.com as I believe there is some evidence at least to show that laser therapy will at least thicken hair somewhat.

One thing you have to realize to judge the effictiveness of meds is that you have to wait a long time to see any results. This is because of the length of the 'hair cycle'. So before you can judge whether it is working for you, you have to wait at least 6 months and you should also be taking photographs to track your progress.

Also considering you live in Florida you should definately be considering Dr Rose or Dr Charles for any future HT's (although as mentioned previously I would not be recommending one at this time). They are both apart of the coalition, both use the best practices and techniques, both produce consistent and high quality results and both can be heavily researched on this site. Most importantly I have not read anything but positive feedback from these doctors.

After having a bad HT you should really only be considering the best there is to offer.

incubus99,

Im not sure why no one else is mentioning this but you are young and have diffused thinning like me and you already have had 2 HT's. If I was you I would sit back and take stock about the best use of your limited donor supply. I would never consider a HT amongst native hair at such an early age because of permanent shockloss. I have had 1 HT on my hairline to fill in my receeding hairline but I am resorting to meds to try stabalize and regrow some hair in the rest of the crown and scalp.

I have been on Propecia for 2 years and I find that has done little for me. I now started to resort to a haircare regime of Nizoral, Nioxin, Minoxidil and now Avodart. I believe at this young age it is the most effective time to attack your hair loss with meds. For thickness I will be resorting to dermatch and toppik concealers. Also as another guy with contrasting dark hair and light skin I heard that adding highlights may make your hair appear less thin.

If I can somehow hang on to most of what I got till Im in my low to mid 30's then I will try the HT route again to add some more density. Hopefully by then technology would have improved and hair multiplication or gene therapy might be an option. But we can't rely on this so we should plan at a minimum the best use of our limited donor supply over the long term.

incubus99,

I don't think I have any room left with any shampoo products other than Nizoral 2% and Nioxin used alternatively every day. I use those shampoos as they seem the best to combat scalp DHT and help with the Minoxidil 'itch'. For thickness I will resort to concealers like dermatch and toppik.

Im taking a stab at this one. Top doctors like H&W are backlogged for months with HT's so unless they think that the US can provide a better lifestyle I doubt they will be moving anytime soon. I was thinking the same with Ron Shapiro I figured it would be more beneficial if he practiced in NY or Chicago which would be easier to travel to. But because they are so good, people would just travel to where ever they are.

As for a business decision if any of the top doctors were to setup in the UK they would make a killing. There is no one in the same league as the coalition in the UK or Europe. They would pretty much have this market all to themselves.

First of all at this time Dr Feller charges $10 per FUE graft which is clearly available on his website http://www.fellermedical.com/Fees_Financing.htm

Your expected to pay higher for FUE as it is more time consuming then FUT.

Secondly who is Dr Woods?? Unless he demonstrates outstanding results like the plethora of the top doctors researchable here I would not consider him. FUE only represents the extraction of the follicular unit you still need someone with artistry and skill to place them.

You only should consider FUE if you only require a small no of grafts and cost is not really an issue. Otherwise you should just do FUT with a top doctor.

Well that pic just looks like a mature hairline to me. But yeah being 30 if that is the extent of your hairloss you should be able to achieve what you want. I would recommend getting on Propecia for 6 months, grow your hair long and then you should be in perfect condition for a HT.

no hair sux,

I have to tell you that at 34 your in a very good position in regards to your hair loss especially having not taken any meds yet. If I was you I would go on Propecia for 6 months which should strengthen your crown and might add a bit of density (it will also help minimize shock loss). Then after 1 HT I think you should have a full head of hair restored.

Your lucky because it doesnt look like you will need to have more than 1 HT to achieve fantastic results, a lot of us here are destined for multiple HT's and a depleted donor supply which will not give us more than a thinning coverage all round.

John_in_NC,

Im not sure why this is, but the only doctor from which I've seen FUE results from is Dr Feller you can check out Spex's website who hosts a gallery of FUE results with Feller here:

http://www.hair-help.co.uk/

then click on gallery.