Domino Effect (Transplant Strategy- SOMETHING to Think About)

[PrayingforFollices]

Hey ALL.. I wanted to ask the board's opinion on a matter I discussed when sending an e-mail to the office I plan to have my transplant and ask their thoughts. I have attached it below and wanted to see what your input was.

 

 

(I ADDED PICS OF MYSELF WITH THE FACE CUT OFF TO TELL YOU WHAT I DO WITH I USED TO DO WITH MY HAIR, STYLE-WISE, BEFORE IT FELL OUT EVEN MORE)

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I didn’t want to swamp Dr. ------ with questions upon my arrival on the day of surgery, so I thought it would be best to ask now to have a solid idea out of what I want/expect from my particular transplant:

 

1)I wanted his (or your) opinion on adding hair to an area that currently has no hair (as opposed to making the current areas with hair fuller). For instance, for those who would like a lower hairline (many African-American patients and many 2x clients) have chosen to have hair placed further down on their forehead where there is currently no hair. As much as I would like to do this, is there anything to consider that I would be giving up in the process (ie. Hair density, fullness, etc). As much as I would like a lower hairline, I want to ensure setting myself up for the best results possible and if placing too many grafts on an area where there isn’t any hair there at all currently isn’t conducive to that, I can prepare prior to my transplant date.

 

2)I aspire to brush my hair forward after transplant to add length to my hairline currently, giving the appearance of a hairline that is lower. I currently do this with my hair now, and have been doing this every since my hair begin to thin out. (This is similar to what the scarred patient Rahim has done with brushing his hair forward, which I like). My question is, with my grade of hair being a little bit thicker, would this brushed forward effect be more effective in a situation where my hair was less dense? For instance, like dominoes (like hair follicles), if they are too close too each other, they will not lay flat, as opposed to if they are a little spaced out, allowing for them to lay flat (which is my desired look). Especially with sometimes transplanted hair becoming a little less manageable (kinkier, thicker, curlier) than the finer hair that is currently on the patients head (which is usually thinner). Your thoughts?

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****Add'l Notes

 

I added pictures below to explain what I meant by the "Domino Effect". I never really understand why guys who still didn't have the hairline they wanted (not low enough) didn't just grow their hair longer and brush it forward over their hairline, just like the scar victim did in the pic below. Unless they (1) wanted to brush their hair back for style purposes or to show off their hairline or (2) their hair was SO dense that they physical couldnt brush it forward like they could before their surgery (when their hair was finer, softer, and less coarse). Any answers?

 

The Caucasian individual in the photo is what I mean about a hair being "more coarse". The advantage that the burn victim had, which I found out from asking the office that did the transplant was, he actually wasn't able to cover enough of his head with grafts because of limited bloody supply to certain areas of his head (which is why they actually had to give him less density than they wanted to), but doesnt it look better to you guys?? His transplant is arguably the best one I have EVER seen, and that is what I want them to do for me. But is it almost ridiculous to ask for less density to be able to give that same hairstyle effect? I would be happy with my hair like that, even though I'm African American and might have hair that might be a little more coarse. Your THOUGHTS??

 

(I ADDED PICS OF MYSELF WITH THE FACE CUT OFF TO TELL YOU WHAT I DO WITH I USED TO DO WITH MY HAIR, STYLE-WISE, BEFORE IT FELL OUT EVEN MORE)

 

And I don't know if it seems like I am overthinking every aspect of the surgery but I am extremely serious about getting what I want out of the surgery. I know you can't dictate exactly how your transplant will come out, but I have seen some that are mind-boggling (as in ones where I would be extremely dissatisfied). I worked hard for the money for the transplant and it is ME who has to walk around with a potential botched hair transplant for the rest of my life so yes, I feel the need to be a little thorough with my questions/detail. Anybody who is like me and feels similar about overasking/inquiring prior to their surgery to ensure their best result is accomplished, feel free to reply with help. Thanks guys

[Spanker]

I really think that it is much more about the angle of the placement then the density of the transplant.

 

You don't really see a lot of African American patients on this board, my guess is that it is because it is more socially acceptable for them to shave their head. At least for now. I remember it all hit in like a week. Everybody was rockin the "box" and Micheal Jordon shaved his head and BAM....over night it was in style. Since then it has become more acceptable for Caucasians.

 

That said, with you only being 25, you are giving up your option the razor shave your head....and if you have a good head, I would reconsider an HT.

 

Are you on finasteride or Minoxidil? If you are not I would recommend it.

 

Also, because you are so you I would reconsider lowering your hairline if you decide to get a transplant. For your hairline you would prolly be looking at 1000 grafts to lower it a cm (assuming you have the average 26 cm hailine.) I have a feeling that you are going to need more grafts in the future as you are very young.

 

Good luck in whatever you chose to do.

[PrayingforFollices]

Shaving head is an option some African-Americans choose, however most, including me, don't have the head for it. And you would be surprised how many friends I have, that are African-American, that are seriously considering hair transplants (esp young Black professionals as they feel the need to maintain their image for careers).

 

I am take Propecia (i guess finasteride) currently but avoided Minoxidil because I dont reallt have any balding in my crown.

 

Yea, i figured lowering the hairline was easier said than done. I'm still debating, as I think the angle of the hairline is prob even more important than solely getting a lower one.

 

Thanks for the info