27yo NW3 considering ht

[barracuda9]

I am 27yo and considering a ht sometime in the next 6-10 months. My hair started to recede when I was around 20yo and by 21 I started 1mg propecia and 5% rogaine foam (along the hairline). Since then, my hair has been fairly stable with the exception of mild thinning along the hairline and temples. I haven't noticed any hairloss anywhere else. I would classify myself as being close to a NW3 with a naturally high hairline. My dad didn't start losing hair until his 60s and some uncles on his side range from NW2-4. My mom's side is another story: I have one uncle around NW5 and another around NW7. I did a lot of research and almost got a ht when I was 23yo but came to my senses and waited. It's now 4 years later (27yo) and I am considering getting either an FUE or FUT procedure to solidify a mature hairline. I don't want to lower my hairline much because I want it to still look good in 30-40 years. I'm not sure which procedure would be best for me. I am considering Dr. Konior, Shapiro, Rahal, Lindsey, or Feller. The reason I am posting this is becasue I am worried about the uncertanties of getting a ht at such a young age (i.e. what if I am genetically destined to progress to NW7?). Is it reasonable to get a ht in my situation? Any advice would be appreciated. I want a ht because my hairloss definitely affects my confidence. Thanks.

Edited May 24, 2015 by barracuda9

[Wwiizzkkiidd24]

Age shouldnt always be the factor to stop you from having a ht. yes its a factor that doctors take into count for but its not the main factor. Age only comes into it if you still have a lot of hair left on your head so its pretty hard to prodict the future loss you are going to encounter later on in life. You might become a nw7 or even stay at the nw2-3 you are now only time will tell. What the best thing to do is go to a reputable hair specialist and have them check out your hair to see if you got any miniturized hair going on that the naked eye cant see and then go from there.

 

Hope this helps buddy.

[thatoldchestnut]

I'd say it sounds reasonable. You mention some great docs and imo, you're already at an advantage compared to many in that you're actually questioning whether it's a good idea and seem to have relatively realistic expectations!

 

As Wiz says though, I don't think there's much substitute for having someone actually assess the state of your hair.

[MusoInOz]

Hey Baracuda

 

Sorry to hear of your struggles with hair loss at Such an early age. The positive is that you have commenced medications and planning for future loss with what seems to be realistic goals in mind. As mentioned age isn't always the end note for a procedure and in your case hanging on a little longer with meds might not change the overall outcome. My procedure with Dr Rahal was roughly around your age all i would not consider myself to be young at the time. You've mentioned some really great physicians can i ask if you have consulted with any of the clinics as yet mate?

[barracuda9]

Thank you guys for your helpful responses. I also think it's reasonable given my conservative goals. I feel better that we're on the same page. I am in the process of getting a bunch of online consults. Dr. Rahal recommended 1800 grafts and I am still waiting on the rest. I did do an in person consult w a local doc not from this site and he said I was a good candidate and he recommended 1000 grafts. MusolnOz, was your procedure to your hairline as well and did you opt for fue or fut. I'm having a tough time picking between the two. Thanks.

[mav23100gunther]

Rahal tends to be more aggressive with the hairline, and Ron Shapiro produces a more mature one but great choice in surgeons. I would go with FUT to maximize your lifetime donor supply of grafts. I don't think Feller and Lindsay are in the same class as Rahal, Konior, and Ron Shapiro. I would add Dr Victor Hasson to your list.

 

So for FUT - Shapiro, Konior, Hasson, and Rahal

For FUE - Feriduni, Erdoken, and Lorenzo

 

I am convinced the above surgeons are the best of the best - my opinion. Other folks are going to jump up and down kicking & screaming and add additional surgeons, but I believe the above are diverse enough to cater for different expectations, and will be the best. I.e. Hasson is the man if you want a mega mega session in 1 go, whilst Rahal can provide you with the most youth looking hairline ect ect. Trust me, research the living hell out of the above surgeons, one of them will be your man - best of luck!!!

[mav23100gunther]

Ps - I ordered them from my personal best to least favourite - once again, my preference. Oh and maybe I should have added Dr Maras to the FUE list to keep good ol Busa happy.

[mav23100gunther]

Also, don't let any of the haters convince you that you are too young for a HT. You are only young once, and you should be able to enjoy your prime years with a good head of hair. If I was your age with NW3, I would choose the same, and balance conservative and preserving the donar hair with getting that hair fix that gets you through your 30's and gets you laid.