New forum member - Seeking Advise on HT

[avin701]

Hi Guys,

 

Firstly, thank you very much for putting up such a great website. In my research I haven't come across any website like yours which is loaded with so much information, it definitely helps someone like me who is new to HT. I appreciate your efforts a lot !

 

So, here is my story. I am a 25 year old Project Engineer from California. I was born with a very high hair line and on top of it the size of my head is considered to be big. I was never happy with my hair line and really had a tough time in high school and early twenties.

 

The last four years were very tough on me. The pressures of graduate school and proving yourself on a job straight out of school really took a toll on me. It was during this time that my hair loss started accelerating. I can no longer use the excuse of "Its my hair line" anymore, it is now pretty apparent that my hair line has started receding and if I dont take care of it I will be having a runway on my head soon.

 

I have seen and read a number of articles on the website. It looks like my case on the Norwood Scale is of Type 2. As far as finances are concerned thats not a problem for me, I can afford it. I am mostly looking at the surgeons around Southern California.

 

I am attaching some of my pictures and I would really appreciate your advise on things like approx number of grafts, recommended surgeons, your view of my case etc.

 

Thanks for reading my post.

 

P.S: Here are some pics

http://picasaweb.google.com/avin701/Pics?authkey=3X19OTWFz3c

[avin701]

Hi Guys,

 

Firstly, thank you very much for putting up such a great website. In my research I haven't come across any website like yours which is loaded with so much information, it definitely helps someone like me who is new to HT. I appreciate your efforts a lot !

 

So, here is my story. I am a 25 year old Project Engineer from California. I was born with a very high hair line and on top of it the size of my head is considered to be big. I was never happy with my hair line and really had a tough time in high school and early twenties.

 

The last four years were very tough on me. The pressures of graduate school and proving yourself on a job straight out of school really took a toll on me. It was during this time that my hair loss started accelerating. I can no longer use the excuse of "Its my hair line" anymore, it is now pretty apparent that my hair line has started receding and if I dont take care of it I will be having a runway on my head soon.

 

I have seen and read a number of articles on the website. It looks like my case on the Norwood Scale is of Type 2. As far as finances are concerned thats not a problem for me, I can afford it. I am mostly looking at the surgeons around Southern California.

 

I am attaching some of my pictures and I would really appreciate your advise on things like approx number of grafts, recommended surgeons, your view of my case etc.

 

Thanks for reading my post.

 

P.S: Here are some pics

http://picasaweb.google.com/avin701/Pics?authkey=3X19OTWFz3c

[dakota3]

avin701,

 

Welcome! check out the "consult a physician" tab on the main page of this website. There you will be able to find a physician in your area. Just a suggestion though. From what you say money is not an issue (lucky bastard)so research docs all over and have more than 1 consultation. Staying local should be the last thing you should consider if you dont feel comfortable w/ your choices in your area. Hell i live in New Hampshire and i will be flying to Vancouver British Columbia for my procedure. Do TONS of research and pick the doc you feel most comfy w/

[hairthere]

dakota has given you sound advice. definitely don't let travel constrict you. it looks like you'll need at least 2k grafts in your hairline. one of my favorite docs for hairlines right now is alexander. his work is very natural, and he's in arizona which wouldn't be too far of a journey for you. other docs i would consider are: rahal, feller, shapiro, and h&w. best of luck to you!

[Dewayne]

I agree with those guys. If money isn't an issue, don't be afraid to spend $300 on an airline ticket to go where the best are.

 

I'd suggest you browse the weblogs and find someone with similar characteristics and look at their doctor's work.

 

As far as staple or suture removal, I went to a walk-in clinic, used my first name (that I don't go by), gave them $40 in cash, and presto! Stitches removed, nobody knows, all is good. So, you don't have to fly back to your clinic for that routine stuff.

[hairthere]

Oh, forgot to mention, at 25 you should definitely try propecia/rogaine for at least a year before getting an ht. it has a better success rate of regrowth in guys your age and younger.

[Dr. Timothy Carman]

Avin701-

Hello and welcome again to the HTN website.

The above forum members have given you sound advice; do a good amount of research into all the technical aspects regarding hair restoration, as well as consulting with as many surgeons as possible to come up with the practitioner that, along with excellent recommendations, you personally feel comfortable with. I also agree that geographic location should be less of a factor, as this is a relatively small amount of money compared with the total cost of the procedure (as Dewayne points out). What's more, as with our practice, many surgeons offer a travel discount which makes this expense even less of an issue.

Hairthere also makes an excellent suggestion in proposing that you consider taking finasteride (Propecia) in 1mg amounts daily as this has been shown to halt the progression of androgenic alopecia in 90% of men taking this medication. At your relatively young age, this is a powerful tool indeed to have at your disposal. Although from your photos it does not appear that your crown is an issue at this time, the addition of finasteride can help insure that hair loss at least will not progress as quickly in that area, if it progresses at all. And although there is less chance of hair regrowth in the frontal and temporal areas (on finasteride as opposed to that possible in the crown), as pointed out by hairthere it is a good idea to get on that medication 9 months to a year before any planned surgical decisions are made, as the effects of that medication may significantly alter the surgical plan in terms of total amount of area transplanted, required density distribution, etc.

As far as the specifics, eg, # of grafts needed, etc; while a "ballpark estimate" can be generated by looking at photos, the best evaluation for you personally would take place in the individual consult with your surgeon. At that same time, your surgeon can also rule out less common, but other possible causes of hairloss.

Hope this helps.

Best of luck to you, and you are already ahead of the game in discovering this forum/website; it is an invaluable source of information and a great way to get honest, well intentioned opinions and insight from forum members.

 

Sincerely,

 

Timothy Carman, MD

[avin701]

One day...and 5 amazing responses..I am in love with this forum !!

 

dakota3 : I have checked the Consult a physician section and researching all the docs now. Thanks for you advise on looking at other states.

 

hairthere: Thanks. I will definitely look up Alexander and others also thanks for the estimate that is the number I came up too. I am more interested in fixing my hair line on the front because the hair around the crown is not a concern for me now but I will chew on your suggestion a bit more

 

Dewayne : Thanks...thats a interesting thing you did there @ stitches, something I might consider too if I decide to fly out for HT because of my busy work schedule

 

Dr. Carman: Thanks for the detailed reply. Lot of good stuff in there.

 

Appreciate all your replies guys.

 

This week I will research the docs and planning to set up consultations in the SoCal area first.

 

You all have a great week !

[dakota3]

you're welcome! let us know what you come up with!

[avin701]

hey guys I have been researching the docs on the website and also checked out their personal pages.

H&W, Feller, Shapiro, Alexander (phoenix), Meshkin (SoCal) are the ones which caught my attention.

 

I like Dr. Alexander's emphasis on natural hair line in the front that really interested me in his work because of my case ...Do any of you know what his rates are and how busy his clinic is ?

 

I am looking to get this procedure done ASAP because I just heard from my Boss last nite that I might go on a international assignment in a couple of months.

 

Appreciate your inputs.

[avin701]

Hi folks...I added one more addition to my list of potential docs. Here is the list below ...It would be great if someone can add the cost / graft for each doctor.

<UL TYPE=SQUARE>

H&W,

Dr.Feller,

Dr.Shapiro,

Dr.Alexander (phoenix),

Dr.Meshkin (SoCal)

Dr.Keene

 

 

[dakota3]

avin,

I know for sure Feller post's his prices on his website, as for the rest you'd have to have a virtual consultation 1st. Also consider Rahal as he post his prices on his website too.

[flyby]

Hi Avin,

 

Dr. Alexanders fee is $4.00 per graft. At least it was as of 12/5/07 when I had mine with him. Phoenix is definitely an easy flight from LA and I'd reccomend staying there a day or two after a procedure to just relax. That's what I did and it was definitely nice to get away. I'm a little over 4 months and have been very pleased so far. As far as their booking dates go, you'd definitely need to give them a call but If you're flexible and able to do it early or mid week I'm sure it would be easier to find an opening.

 

Good luck on your search for the right Dr.

[Jotronic]

meone can add the cost

 

Avin,

 

Our fee is 5.00 per graft for the first 2000 grafts. Any graft over the initial 2000 is 3.00 each. There is a 5% tax but there are no other surgical fees involved. We also deduct up to 400.00 for your airfare and provide two nights of complimentary accommodations at the Granville Island Hotel http://www.granvilleislandhotel.com/

 

If you have any questions about our clinic please do not hesitate to ask.

[Dewayne]

Originally posted by flyby:

Hi Avin,

 

Dr. Alexanders fee is $4.00 per graft. At least it was as of 12/5/07 when I had mine with him. Phoenix is definitely an easy flight from LA and I'd reccomend staying there a day or two after a procedure to just relax. That's what I did and it was definitely nice to get away. I'm a little over 4 months and have been very pleased so far. As far as their booking dates go, you'd definitely need to give them a call but If you're flexible and able to do it early or mid week I'm sure it would be easier to find an opening.

 

Good luck on your search for the right Dr.

 

Interesting point. I bet someone who is flexible, and can have it done Monday morning could negotiate quite the deal.

 

I think Fridays are booked for the next 10 years at most places.