Need advice on doctors

[Marko16]

Hello everyone,

 

I have been lurking on the list for the past 4 - 5 months, and have enjoyed reading everyones posts. Before I go into my questions, I would like to thank each and every member of the forum for their contributions. My hair loss started when I was 25, and has really bothered me ever since. After reading through peoples HT experiences (the blogs are awesome), I feel like I actually have a chance to address my hair loss by undergoing a HT prcoedure with one of the coalition doctors.

 

My hair loss is somewhere between a norwood 3V and a 4, as you can see from the attached picture. I am currently on propecia and minoxodil, and have switched my shampoo to Nioxin and Nizoral. After much thought, I finally decided to move forward with a HT procedure in December, and have narrowed down my doctors to Dr. Ron Shapiro in Minnesota (remote) and Dr. Griffin in Atlanta (local). Pat's clinic visits seem to indicate that both physicians do EXCEPTIONAL work, and I am having an extremely difficult time choosing which doctor to use (I have consulted with both clinics, and have read everything that is available under the forum "find" button).

 

When I consulted with Dr. Griffin, he mentioned placing 1200 grafts in the temporal area of my head, and adding another 300 or so to the crown. Dr. Shapiro's office thought 1500 - 2000 graphs in the temporal area would be a good start, and then gave me the option to add 500 or so to the crown if I wanted to add some additional coverage. The prices of both physcians are relatively similar, though Ron seems to have a TON more patients active in the forums (I met one of Dr. Griffins patients, and his results look good. Thanks geoman for meeting me!).

 

If folks were in my shoes, which physician would you choose and why? I am split 50/50 on this, though am leaning towards Ron Shapiro since there is a lot more feedback on the procedures he performs. Has anyone had any issues with traveling to get their HT procedures done? Does anyone happen to know how they calculate total donor density? Should I wait to see if propecia helps stop my hair loss prior to getting a HT procedures done? Did most folks use a conservative approach with their first HT procedure? This is the most stressful and difficult decision I have ever made, and I don't want to make any mistakes.

 

Doing my research,

- Ryan

 

BTW: Thanks everyone who replied to my private messages!

[Marko16]

Hello everyone,

 

I have been lurking on the list for the past 4 - 5 months, and have enjoyed reading everyones posts. Before I go into my questions, I would like to thank each and every member of the forum for their contributions. My hair loss started when I was 25, and has really bothered me ever since. After reading through peoples HT experiences (the blogs are awesome), I feel like I actually have a chance to address my hair loss by undergoing a HT prcoedure with one of the coalition doctors.

 

My hair loss is somewhere between a norwood 3V and a 4, as you can see from the attached picture. I am currently on propecia and minoxodil, and have switched my shampoo to Nioxin and Nizoral. After much thought, I finally decided to move forward with a HT procedure in December, and have narrowed down my doctors to Dr. Ron Shapiro in Minnesota (remote) and Dr. Griffin in Atlanta (local). Pat's clinic visits seem to indicate that both physicians do EXCEPTIONAL work, and I am having an extremely difficult time choosing which doctor to use (I have consulted with both clinics, and have read everything that is available under the forum "find" button).

 

When I consulted with Dr. Griffin, he mentioned placing 1200 grafts in the temporal area of my head, and adding another 300 or so to the crown. Dr. Shapiro's office thought 1500 - 2000 graphs in the temporal area would be a good start, and then gave me the option to add 500 or so to the crown if I wanted to add some additional coverage. The prices of both physcians are relatively similar, though Ron seems to have a TON more patients active in the forums (I met one of Dr. Griffins patients, and his results look good. Thanks geoman for meeting me!).

 

If folks were in my shoes, which physician would you choose and why? I am split 50/50 on this, though am leaning towards Ron Shapiro since there is a lot more feedback on the procedures he performs. Has anyone had any issues with traveling to get their HT procedures done? Does anyone happen to know how they calculate total donor density? Should I wait to see if propecia helps stop my hair loss prior to getting a HT procedures done? Did most folks use a conservative approach with their first HT procedure? This is the most stressful and difficult decision I have ever made, and I don't want to make any mistakes.

 

Doing my research,

- Ryan

 

BTW: Thanks everyone who replied to my private messages!

[the B spot]

Hey Marko! Sorry I didn't spot this for some reason.

Anyway, I have communicated that my research led me to Dr. Shapiro, after an extended period of time. He was the right doctor for ME, and many others as well, but the most important thing was that I knew he was the one I trusted to begin my transformation.

Again, I was in the same boat, having Dr. Konier located 40 min from my house, and Dr. Shapiro being located 7hrs drive time north of me, so I understand your dillema.

Choosing between two great surgeons is difficult. There is something to be said for having Dr. Griffin local, but geography should not be THE deciding factor.

IMO, I believe that Dr. Shapiro, nor Dr. Griffin would compromise your future and over-tax your donor, or give you something you do NOT need at this time. However, I would go for more in the hairline/temple region and the crown touch-up given the opportunity.

Logically speaking, IF cost, geography, comfortability and ethical considerations are equal, then you should choose the doc with the best artistry. Given that your surgery is in the hairline region, and Dr. Shapiro is known world-wide for his hairline work, it seems your choice is rather clear. Of course, it isnt't that simple, but once you narrow it down to 2 or 3 great docs, maybe it is. I know that I chose Dr. Shapiro ultimately for his hairline creations and his ability to tie a recreated hairline into existing native hair.

I must confess that while I have not heard much about Dr.Griffin, I know he has Pat's confidence, which means a lot to me personally, so I think you can't really go wrong either way.

Again, I truly know how much you are struggling with this, so keep your chin up, and let us know how/when/why you make/made your decision!!!!!

Cheers!

[Jotronic]

My hair loss is somewhere between a norwood 3V and a 4, as you can see from the attached picture.

 

 

Errr, no, I can't really see anything Please attach the photo.

[rjvw]

I need info also. I would like an update on Dr. Joesph Gallagher in Phila. Happy with results or mistake?

[JakeVig]

Hi Ryan,

 

Your doing the right thing and have done your research. I know how hard this decision is for you but I believe that you can take comfort that you have narrowed it down to 2 excellent doctors. Im sure you will get an excellent result no matter which one you decide to go with.

 

I just want to reiterate that this is a long journey and you should be happy with your results 4-6 months post op. I believe the waiting is the hardest thing but IMHO the results are definately worth the wait.

 

Good luck and Hope it goes well!