27 year old athelete with receding hairline in California, Recomendations for FUE Dr

[lxlplaylxl]

My History

Started loosing my hair at 17 it's receded quite a bit over the passed two years. Had a consultation with a Dr. Meshkin who recommended a FUT and 2000 grafts. When I asked about FUE he said it costs double and the success rate is about 50%. In addition I'm concerned about taking too much time away from the gym because of the FUT.

 

Now

I am ready to have surgery asap, but I'm having trouble finding recommendations for surgeons in California. So far I have found Dr. Sanusi Umar who seems to have impressive results. I really like Dr. Bisanga's results but unfortunately he's isn't in the USA and I would prefer to avoid international travel to have a HT.

 

Anything would be greatly appreciated! Thanks everyone.

 

Oh yea, I tried using the search function tool on the forum but it keeps forwarding me to advanced member search.

 

edit: political correctness

Edited June 5, 2013 by lxlplaylxl

[Nick153452]

If you don't want to travel TOO far (Which I think is a silly concept if you want great results), head north to Canada where you can get a transplant from either Hasson or Wong. They are world class and offer a very reasonable price and travel packages for those traveling from out of town.

 

Hair Transplants | Hair Transplant Surgery | Hasson & Wong

 

Don't restrict yourself to location, you may end up regretting it in the end. Do a little research about what you hope to achieve with the hair transplant and find a doctor that will be able to deliver those results. Since you didn't post any pictures, I'm going to assume that you already lost a bit of hair (as did I since the age of 17). My suggestion is setting realistic expectations and going with a conservative approach to accommodate any future hair transplants that you will need. Also, get on propecia.

[NoTakeBacks]

I'd check out Dr. DeYarman as he's posted some great hairlines and is also in Cali. Dr. Umar is a fine choice as well, but like Nick said I really wouldn't limit it to the immediate area. With that said, I can understand your hesitation to fly overseas. Just do your due diligence and research before jumping in. I know you're ready ASAP, but you really want to make an informed decision.

[Blake Bloxham]

Lxl,

 

If you're set on FUE, traveling may be a good idea. Like you said, we recommend a variety of excellent FUE specialists, but they practice in diverse areas. Because of this, you may want to consider conducting some more research, and figuring out if long-distance consultations (via phone, skype, consultation offices, etc) and traveling for a procedure may be a good idea. If you truly don't want to travel, you can research our recommended hair transplant surgeons in California, many of who practice FUE. For example, Dr. Diep in Los Gatos, California is an FUE expert, and may be a good place to start.

 

I hope this helps! Please feel free to ask any additional questions.

[greatjob]

I'd say that the statement the doctor told you about the FUE success rate being 50% is pretty much BS. Maybe in that doctors hands or maybe 10 years ago, but today in the right hands FUE yield can approach that of a strip procedure. The main advantage today strip has over FUE is the total amount of grafts available to the average patient over their lifetime. If you don't have extensive loss and want to keep the option of shaving down to a 1 or 2 guard along with a minimal recovery time then FUE probably is the procedure for you. What is the extent of your loss, what norwood level? If you post up some pics ( you can crop out all distinguishing features) everyone here can give you an unbiased opinion of your situation. Are you planing on getting on meds like finasteride? I ask because hairloss is progressive and if you transplant your hairline and continue to lose more hair you could end up with a strip of hair at the hairline with nothing behind it.

[McdesSLK]

I really think that if Dr. Meshkin said his FUE is 50% success, he should stop doing FUE. Obviously, he forces you to do FUT.

[lxlplaylxl]

I'd say that the statement the doctor told you about the FUE success rate being 50% is pretty much BS. Maybe in that doctors hands or maybe 10 years ago, but today in the right hands FUE yield can approach that of a strip procedure. The main advantage today strip has over FUE is the total amount of grafts available to the average patient over their lifetime. If you don't have extensive loss and want to keep the option of shaving down to a 1 or 2 guard along with a minimal recovery time then FUE probably is the procedure for you. What is the extent of your loss, what norwood level? If you post up some pics ( you can crop out all distinguishing features) everyone here can give you an unbiased opinion of your situation. Are you planing on getting on meds like finasteride? I ask because hairloss is progressive and if you transplant your hairline and continue to lose more hair you could end up with a strip of hair at the hairline with nothing behind it.

 

Everything I've read in the passed few weeks points in this direction. That's the main reason I decided not to go with Dr. Meshkin.

 

Not sure about the norwood level but my hair line looks pretty close to this:

http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/hair_transplant_photos/Dr_Feller/1500_grafts_2s_Dr_Feller.jpg

 

I have pictures on my phone I'll try to get them up here asap.

 

No I'm not planning on using Propecia/Finasteride - mostly because of my lifestyle, potential side effects, and my general sensitivity to all medication. If I loose the hair behind the new hair line I'll go back in for another procedure.

 

Thanks for the help guys I have two more viable options in California

[jake1955]

i'm lookin at dr. diep in los gatos ca. did you decide who to go to?

[abcd0000]

Don't limit yourself to the US. Some of the best doctors are elsewhere. Plus, travel is no big deal after HT.

[jake1955]

Thx for the advise I'm so tired of thinning hair I may just give it a try

[Rootz]

Had a consultation with a Dr. Meshkin who recommended a FUT and 2000 grafts. When I asked about FUE he said it costs double and the success rate is about 50%.

 

I'm not familiar with Dr. Meshkin offhand, maybe he produces good results... I don't know, don't really care. But if he actually said that... what a disgrace of a doctor. He should be ashamed to call himself a "doctor". To say, "It costs double and the success is only 50%" ... what a joke. Trying to strong arm and coerce a patient into doing what he wants, and with lies? Revolting behavior from a doctor.

 

Sorry for the slight tangent, I can't get over that.

 

Anyways... a HT is a major procedure, I would strongly recommend considering spending extra time and money to travel if it means better results. It is a minor inconvenience when you realize a HT will affect the rest of your life.