GuitarPlayer

Bobman, Truly awesome result. As I've stated on here before, I think your results rival those of Futzyhead's. GuitarPlayer

Anybody know how the FDA trials are going for the HairMax version of the Laser Comb?

Actionradar, You're going to have to let your hair grow out a bit prior to the procedure so that the doctor can see your pattern of hair loss and to get a good assessment of your donor area. Has the doctor already seen your hair loss pattern and donor area? Who is your doctor? GuitarPlayer

The company that Jackisback speaks of is called InterCytex. Apparently they are ahead of Bosley/Aderans in the hair cloning/hair multiplication race. I believe they are currently in Phase 2 trials or will be starting them soon. Both companies are pointing to 2009 or 2010 for a commercial release.

Spursman, The "generics" that you speak of could very well be 1mg of finasteride, then again they might not be. The problem is... you just don't know what you're getting. Many pharmacies in India, Pakistan, etc. have been busted for selling counterfeits. That is where most of these generics come from. I just use Proscar and cut it up into four quarters. This way it only costs me about $20 per month as opposed to $50-$60 for Propecia. GuitarPlayer

It seems to me that both of you could be experiencing a little bit of regrowth. The hair usually comes in colorless and very fine. It is imperative that you both continue using Propecia and Rogaine if these hairs have any chance of maturing into terminal hairs. I have been experiencing a bit of the same in my mid-scalp area where I have been using Proscar, minoxidil, and spironolactone. Good luck to both of you!

Pat, Are you familiar with the study Dr. Charles was performing last year? I believe it had to do with using the laser comb post-op. GuitarPlayer

Ugly Man, First off, you should not expect teenage density with a transplant no matter how many grafts you have. The only exception to this would be if you had a very small area to cover and you used a tremendous amount of grafts. This probably wouldn't be a smart move as you could lose more hair in the future. Regarding transplanted hair, in most people it tends to be a bit darker and a bit coarser than your original hair. It seems to "blend" a little more over time though. It has in my case anyway. One more thing... it is imperative that you have a good maintenance plan in place. Hair transplants will not prevent you from losing hair in the future. GuitarPlayer

Mm, What does your doctor say about using the laser comb post-op? I know that Dr. Charles was doing a study a while ago about using the laser comb post-op. Maybe you can retrieve that study from his website (charleshair.com) or elsewhere on the internet. GuitarPlayer

Good luck with your procedure. You should have a great result with Dr. Hasson. He has an excellent reputation for providing superior results.

Dick Jones, You still have plenty of hair! Most guys on here in the higher Norwood Levels would kill to have the amount of hair you have. My advice would be to start using Nizoral shampoo twice per week and then to start Propecia once you turn 18. You could also add in minoxidil once you turn 18 if you want an extra "boost." I would alternate a good thickening shampoo with the Nizoral shampoo. So.. thickening shampoo for two days and then Nizoral on the third day and then repeat the cycle. Loreal Vive for Men works excellent for me and it's pretty cheap. Good luck with your progress. GuitarPlayer

DickJones, At your age I don't think any reputable surgeons would even think of doing a hair transplant on you. I emphasize the word "reputable" as I'm sure there are plenty of hacks out there who would love to take your money and disfigure you. My advice would be to get on Propecia as soon as you turn 18. Merck recommends against anyone under the age of 18 using Propecia. Propecia should slow down or even halt your hair loss. Who knows, you may even get some regrowth. Something you could probably use now is Nizoral shampoo. This will reduce inflammation and possibly reduce some of your scalp DHT. GuitarPlayer

Snn, I would get on Propecia right away, after checking with your doctor first of course. If you catch your hair loss early enough, you may be able to stop it in it's tracks. Using Rogaine along with Propecia may even give you a bit of regrowth. Many guys use both of them. They have very different methods of action. Propecia is a DHT-inhibitor. In other words, it attacks the root of the problem. Rogaine is more of a growth stimulant. Also, one is an oral medication whereas the other is a topical. Check out the Hairlosslearningcenter.org for an excellent review of hair loss medications. GuitarPlayer

I would reiterate what Hairbank said. Finasteride and minoxidil are the only FDA-approved meds for hair loss. The only other things worth trying in my opinion are dutasteride (if finasteride does not work for you), Nizoral shampoo, and spironolactone (topical anti-androgen). Although these three remedies are not FDA-approved for hair loss, I have read many positive accounts from guys that use them.

OneMission06, Who did you consult with that recommended taking 2.5mg of finasteride per day. I have never heard of this approach. I have, however, heard of doctors telling patients to take less than 1mg per day. If finasteride is not working for you, maybe you want to talk to your doc about dutasteride (Avodart). I have read accounts of guys not having any results with finasteride, but then having great results with dutasteride. GuitarPlayer

Dhuge67, Rather than taking a risk with generic Propecia, I would just buy Proscar and a pill cutter. You can divide the Proscar up into four pieces and it will only run you about $20 a month. That's probably cheaper than the generic stuff and you'll have piece of mind. GuitarPlayer

I would recommend GraftCyte spray. It contains copper peptides, which are optimal for healing. I sprayed my recipient area every hour after my transplant and seemed to heal up fairly quickly. I would also recommend minoxidil if you want your growth to come in earlier. Usually you don't use minoxidil for a couple of weeks after the transplant though. Definitely check with your doctor first.

ItzMeCorey, I wouldn't waste your time with herbs. No controlled studies have been done on saw palmetto for hair loss. If I were you I would get on Propecia right away. After talking to your doctor, of course. You're young enough that you may be able to halt your hair loss and keep a considerable amount of your hair. I can't imagine your hair loss having progressed very far at the age of nineteen. GuitarPlayer

Hairbank, How many grafts does Dr. Wong anticipate transplanting in your crown? I think he does some of the better "crown work" in the industry. GuitarPlayer

It was very nice of Dr. Shapiro to make time for you. He seems like a real class act. He also seems very humble.

Tropic, The cost varies widely depending on how many grafts you are going to have transplanted. There may also be additional cost for extraction or lasering of more troublesome grafts. Most docs will transplant around existing grafts, while maybe removing some of the larger and more visible grafts. Make sure you find a physician who has a lot of experience with repair/revision cases. GuitarPlayer

Dr. Hasson, The video of your patient with the tricho technique used was incredible. Do you feel this technique is "as effective" for revision cases? Thanks, GuitarPlayer

PerfectFew, I would second what B Spot had to say. No point in taking a chance with a relatively unknown doc when you're such a short drive from Hasson and Wong in Vancouver. GuitarPlayer

Gfunk, Most physicians will use newer techniques (i.e. follicular units) to transplant around the existing grafts. They may choose to extract some of the larger or more visible grafts, but most physicians will not extract all of the existing grafts. Take a look at the before and after photos on some of the leading physicians' websites and you will see some excellent repair jobs. As Mudpuppy mentioned, Jotronic is an excellent example. His results look just as good as some of the guys who weren't repair cases, if not better! GuitarPlayer

Mudpuppy, How many grafts were you and Dr. Hasson shooting for? 3000? How many days post-op are you? GuitarPlayer