PIC, Newbie Needs Advice!

[Guest]

Hello, attached is a photo of my hairloss pattern. I am 33 and have been looking into getting a HT for the past 5 years.

 

Several years ago, I consulted with 4 different docs. At the time (age 30) I was pretty serious about getting HTs, but the problem invariably came to be a combination of total cost AND the total number of surgeries involved. (time off from work, time for results, etc)

 

Having researched the procedure and looking at pictures of the doctor's results, I decided that about 3000 grafts was necessary to have a cosmetically significant result. However, 3000 grafts by the "standard of care" of 1999, would mean 3 or 4 surgeries (and that is if they all worked out and I didnt need corrective work).

 

Three of the physicians I met scared the heck out of me! One of them was using plugs and was doing the "wall of hair" thing by mixing in smaller grafts but going for overall density in the front. Two of the doctors suggested smaller sessions <600 grafts and seemed to be geared for the young guy wanting a "quick fix". (Thats also pretty scary if you think about it). The one doctor that I liked, turns out, is listed on this site and he recommended 3 or 4 sessions of 1200 grafts. While I like this doctor, I do not want to be a "work in progress" for the next 3 years and will definitely go with a doctor who is equipped to do larger sessions.

 

All of the doctors said I am a good candidate because I have a good amount of donor hair. The back has not been receding downward and the sides seem to be resisiting further thinning.

 

Within the past year, the thin "representation" of hair on top has been losing the battle. I really want to do a HT now and have one basic question:

 

 

Is one proceedure of 2500-3000 grafts going to bring me to a place where I have socially acceptable coverage? I dont mind if the hair is thin, I just dont want to be in a place where I need to go back for "touch up" work This would mean additional $$$ and also that I would be in a rough spot socially while I was waiting for an acceptable result.

 

I am prepared to spend 10-12K on a great 3000 fu procedure IF the results stand by themselves without requiring follow up work. Again, I dont mind thin coverage, I'm mostly concerned with the result being "finished".

 

Any advice appreciated.

 

(I accidentally posted this in the "pictures" forum. . .)

[Guest]

Hello, attached is a photo of my hairloss pattern. I am 33 and have been looking into getting a HT for the past 5 years.

 

Several years ago, I consulted with 4 different docs. At the time (age 30) I was pretty serious about getting HTs, but the problem invariably came to be a combination of total cost AND the total number of surgeries involved. (time off from work, time for results, etc)

 

Having researched the procedure and looking at pictures of the doctor's results, I decided that about 3000 grafts was necessary to have a cosmetically significant result. However, 3000 grafts by the "standard of care" of 1999, would mean 3 or 4 surgeries (and that is if they all worked out and I didnt need corrective work).

 

Three of the physicians I met scared the heck out of me! One of them was using plugs and was doing the "wall of hair" thing by mixing in smaller grafts but going for overall density in the front. Two of the doctors suggested smaller sessions <600 grafts and seemed to be geared for the young guy wanting a "quick fix". (Thats also pretty scary if you think about it). The one doctor that I liked, turns out, is listed on this site and he recommended 3 or 4 sessions of 1200 grafts. While I like this doctor, I do not want to be a "work in progress" for the next 3 years and will definitely go with a doctor who is equipped to do larger sessions.

 

All of the doctors said I am a good candidate because I have a good amount of donor hair. The back has not been receding downward and the sides seem to be resisiting further thinning.

 

Within the past year, the thin "representation" of hair on top has been losing the battle. I really want to do a HT now and have one basic question:

 

 

Is one proceedure of 2500-3000 grafts going to bring me to a place where I have socially acceptable coverage? I dont mind if the hair is thin, I just dont want to be in a place where I need to go back for "touch up" work This would mean additional $$$ and also that I would be in a rough spot socially while I was waiting for an acceptable result.

 

I am prepared to spend 10-12K on a great 3000 fu procedure IF the results stand by themselves without requiring follow up work. Again, I dont mind thin coverage, I'm mostly concerned with the result being "finished".

 

Any advice appreciated.

 

(I accidentally posted this in the "pictures" forum. . .)

[Pat - Community Publisher]

Sharp,

 

I strongly recommend that you consider taking Propecia, with or without HTs. Give it six months and you may see some improvements in your crown area and or midscalp regions.

 

Then if you do choose to do HTs your hair in these regions will be healthier and less at risk for "shock fallout" from the impact of surgery.

 

As for HTs, I think 3,000 well placed FU grafts would make a significant enhancement to your look and re-establish your hairline. You should be able to easily do this with no more than 2 sessions. And given that you would be satisfied with the look of thin to moderate density your reasonable expectations should be met.

 

Best wishes, Pat

 

P.S. For one on one advise from those who have navigated the Hair Restoration Maze visit our Hair Mentor program.

[Guest]

but some of the best HT's I've seen involved two sessions. That way you can fine-tune results from the first one using the second one.

 

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic''. Arthur C. Clarke

[Guest]

Hi Sharp,

 

As Pat said, 3,000 grafts would probably give you a significantly improved appearance that could stand alone. But, it seems to me that most people who have one procedure done, even when it's done by a top surgeon, choose to have an additional procedure. Microprose mentioned a second "fine tuning" procedure. This seems to be very helpful to achieving the most natural looking result. It's just my opinion, but for many reasons sited many times on this board, I don't think it's a good idea to have transplants if you feel you must rule out ever having an additional session or two in the future. Progression of hair loss or just the possibility that you won't be satisfied with the first procedure might mean that you will feel the need to return for additional work.

 

You also mentioned that you "would be in a rough spot socially while... waiting for an acceptable result" if you needed more than one procedure. One well done procedure of 3,000 grafts would likely not leave you in a socially awkard position once the grafts grows. But, you should be aware that any procedure, regardless of how well it is done, will almost surely leave you "in a socially awkard position" for several months until the new grafts grow in and recovery from any shock loss takes place. If you can't bear looking a little messed up for several months, then you might not want to have surgery. Some people look completely normal after the scabs fall off 1 - 2 weeks after surgery. I don't know the numbers on this, but I'd be willing to bet that most don't look normal for much longer than that.

 

Paul

[Guest]

Paul,

 

I know I'll look pretty bad for months following the initial surgery, but had hoped that within 8 months, the results of the procedure would be stabilized (meaning the scabs/redness had gone away with a decent representation of the new permanent hair).

 

I am not opposed to having a follow up surgery(s)so much as NEEDING to have a follow up surgery. There is a differnce, I think.

 

I've made alot out of the thin coverage that I've had over the past 5 years, I'm not looking for much, just enough to suggest a hairline and contain my expanding forehead. I can deal with see-through as long as it looks natural and is well placed.

 

Certainly, if I were very rich and there were no social constraints, I could go back for 5-6 procedures, but I hadnt planned on spending 40K on hair transplants.

[Guest]

I'm sure you can ask the doc to make your first session self-sufficient (i.e. second session will be optional). That's the option I chose - you never know what may happen in one year. As far as looking bad after surgery - it's really not that bad, as long as you have your original hair to cover up the recipient areas. Once the scabs are off and the redness subsides, it looks ok. The toughest areas are the ones that are completely bald. Also - I would make my first session larger than the second. And maybe even consider FUE for the second procedure so that you don't have to go through strip twice.

 

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic''. Arthur C. Clarke

[HotCreek]

Sharp,

 

If you pick one of the very best physicians (not incidentally, the same as the "most expensive") the odds are fairly high that you can achieve a great look with a single "standalone" procedure, particularly if you tell the doc you don't want a second procedure to be "necessary." Of course, you may decide you want something changed in the future even if it's not necessary. In fact, most guys I know who've had more than one procedure (and who've gone to a state-of-the-art physician) have changes made not because they need to (not to hide or "fix" bad work) but because they've decided it would make them look better.

 

Of course, as the years pass and you get older, your hair may continue to thin, regardless of what kind of "preemptive" medications you take. In this case it may be "necessary" to have surgery to "fill in" or cover new balding areas. In fact, this is one of the main reasons most HT patients (and doctors) recommend a "conservative" approach, particularly if it's your first HT. Your photo, and the diagram on it, suggests you are on the right track, although we can't see how it would look from a frontal view.

 

Incidentally, the other reason a "conservative" approach is recommended is that it ensures you will look good both now, AND when you are older: Most guys in the 50's don't want a "teenage" hairline.

 

Anyway, best of everything to you, and don't rush into anything at all. Better to make any necessary decisions or considerations well in advance of going under the "knife."

[arfy]

I think you've got a handle on some of the issues, but based on your last post, I would urge you not to get over-excited at this stage.

 

You need to keep your wits about you, and not filter your decisions through a fog of "I'm going to have hair". Keep your expectations realistic, hair transplants are not perfect, and you can't restore everything (you do seem to know that).

 

Up until that last post, I was thinking you had your head on straight. I'm sure you do, just try to temper your excitement as you think this over and weigh your options. I suggest a calm and sober approach. If you are happy after all is said and done, celebrate then.

 

I'm not trying to rain on your parade, just urging you to stay on your toes.

[Guest]

I think you've got a handle on some of the issues, but based on your last post, I would urge you not to get over-excited at this stage.

 

You need to keep your wits about you, and not filter your decisions through a fog of "I'm going to have hair". Keep your expectations realistic, hair transplants are not perfect, and you can't restore everything (you do seem to know that).

 

Up until that last post, I was thinking you had your head on straight. I'm sure you do, just try to temper your excitement as you think this over and weigh your options. I suggest a calm and sober approach. If you are happy after all is said and done, celebrate then.

 

I'm not trying to rain on your parade, just urging you to stay on your toes.

 

Dont worry, Im not going to runn off to a hair mill and write them an open check.

 

I've been sober, analytical, cynical about the whole thing and my last post was the realization that I've done my homework and chances are good that things will work out. Theres gotta be a time to celebrate right!? Perhaps youre saying that I should wait until I've actually had the surgery(s).

 

Also, I was being honest in saying that the reason I want to look better is because I want to attract a "better" mate. Its amazing how when I wear a baseball cap i get alot of attention from women who do not realize I'm losing hair. When I go out without a hat (most of the time), women disregard me, dont even see me.

 

Lets see.

 

Wearing hat == alot of attention from beautiful younger women.

 

Not wearing hat == occasional interest from women in their mid to late 30's and 40's.

 

The thought that I'll be back where I was 3-4 years ago in attracting women is kinda exciting! I dont need alot of hair, just enough to not look bald.

[uncjim]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Wearing hat == alot of attention from beautiful younger women.

 

Not wearing hat == occasional interest from women in their mid to late 30's and 40's.

 

Sharp,

When I read your original post, my thoughts were that you might carry yourself differently around woman while exposing your thinning hair. After reading your last post, I think I judged the situation incorrectly. It's kind of a funny comment on the dating scene. SH-T...all I needed was a hat!

Jim

[Guest]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Wearing hat == alot of attention from beautiful younger women.

 

Not wearing hat == occasional interest from women in their mid to late 30's and 40's.

 

Sharp,

When I read your original post, my thoughts were that you might carry yourself differently around woman while exposing your thinning hair. After reading your last post, I think I judged the situation incorrectly. It's kind of a funny comment on the dating scene. SH-T...all I needed was a hat!

Jim

 

While its by no means a scientific study, what I'm talking about is eye contact (and double takes) from members of the opposite sex while out in public. Its kinda comical how differntly women treat me when they cant tell I'm losing hair. I dont think it has anything to do with the way I carry myself.

 

Anyway, I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here.

[NW]

Sharp,

 

I think you can realize some benefits with HT, a good doc, all FU, and fairly consevative hairline...it can make a difference. I assume you have good donor hair and have a method to slow or halt your MPB (Proscar ?).

 

I also would like to know what type of hat that was that attracted them babes !!!

 

Good Luck !!

NW

[Guest]

Sharp,

 

I think you can realize some benefits with HT, a good doc, all FU, and fairly consevative hairline...it can make a difference. I assume you have good donor hair and have a method to slow or halt your MPB (Proscar ?).

 

I also would like to know what type of hat that was that attracted them babes !!!

 

Good Luck !!

NW

 

The hat is blue and says "adidas". It makes me look like a player.

 

Im on proscar quarters.