Hello. Need HT advice on my situation

[WakingUp]

I'm turning 25 soon and am roughly NW 3.5. I have been on treatments for a few months with the Big 3 (Propecia, Minox, Lipogaine shampoo) and it seems my hair as stablized with minor regrowth in the temple areas. Overall it seems hair loss has halted. I need solid advice on what type of hair transplant I should get (does it depend on hair type or quality) and is it too late for me to even bother at (NW 3.5.) I have seen a hair specialist who are pretty knowledgeable about different surgeons around the country. He told me I had a 7/10 in courseness of hair and that I had pretty good donor. I was recommended to Dr. Weinstein in Baltimore who does the oldschool style (not FUE) as he said that the strip method would benefit me more because of the courseness of my hair and that FUE wouldn't be necessary for my hairtype. I have also heard the best doctors are Rahal and Canada and a New York one (can't think of the name.)

 

Overall I'm pretty lost as to what direction to take so I need the best advice possible. Thanks.

[1978matt]

It looks like you have some pretty severe thinning going on. i'd certainly wait 12-18 months to see how the medications pan out. You're still a bit young to be getting a HT although most doctors would probably sign up to 2000 grafts if they are used sensibly.

 

In a strange way I kind of think you need to lose some more hair at the front before transplanting into that area. The hairline would effectively draw a line in the sand and subsequent proceedures would involve filling in behind it.

 

Some topical concealers could work really well for you in the interim. Nanogen and Toppik being the obvious choices.

 

..and yes, see as many good Drs as possible or email/Skype them.

[Spanker]

It's hard to tell from the photos. If you could look brush all of your hair back and get at least the tops of your eye brows, it would help in the assessment. I agree with staying on fin for at least 12 months before you decide on a transplant. It's a life long commitment.

[agenteye]

I have also heard the best doctors are Rahal and Canada and a New York one (can't think of the name.)

 

Overall I'm pretty lost as to what direction to take so I need the best advice possible. Thanks.

 

WakingUp-

 

You're probably talking about Dr. Alan Feller if you were referred to an outstanding NY surgeon. Dr. Rahal is amazing. I personally had my restoration done with him in November (you can see my recent 8 month-post op photo updates in the recent thread I posted). You would be in excellent hands with either of these physicians, but as others have stated here.....I would wait a bit longer just to make sure your hair loss has stabilized a bit more. If the big 3 are still working for you 12 months from now....then maybe you can look into having a procedure. If you are in a huge hurry......I would consult one of the physicians on your short-list and see what they recommend for you. I imagine starting off very conservative for someone your age would be a very wise move......which is something you don't have to worry about, because an excellent physician wouldn't allow you to do it any other way.

 

The fact that you have course hair should help the overall look when you do eventually get grafts transplanted, as that will aid density quite a bit.

 

Welcome to the forums. These forums are an excellent source of information and advice. Feel free to reach out to anyone here with questions along the way......as everyone here would be happy to lend a helping hand!

 

Best,

 

Mike

[mattj]

Hi WakingUp,

 

Having coarse hair is beneficial because it will normally mean that fewer grafts are required to cover the area being treated, as each hair physically covers a larger area than a finer hair would.

 

However, if your hair is coarse then this in no way means that strip would offer benefits over FUE or make FUE "unnecessary". I can't see what the doctor's reasoning is there and I would speculate that it has more to do with the fact that he isn't offering FUE at his clinic.

 

The choice between strip and FUE has more to do with the scarring that would result from the procedure (linear scar versus tiny individual extraction scars) and the difference in recovery, with FUE being less invasive.

[WakingUp]

Thanks for the replies. So would FUE be just as efficient minus the scarring afterwards. Somewhat on a tight budget as I just want to get the frontal loss covered. As of now with my hair grown out longer and not pulled back like in the pictures it makes me look more NW2.

 

I have been on medications for 6 months. I do want to get the ball moving although I realize patience is necessary in all of this.

[xtatic5]

Search the forums for FUT vs FUE to learn the differences between them. This is a highly controversial topic in this community but the ultimate decision should be made by you. Here are some highlights:

 

FUE produces polka dot scars, allows hair to be cut shorter, sees faster donor healing, and is more expensive.

 

FUT produces a linear scar, requires slightly longer hair, has a longer healing process, is less expensive.