Norwood 5 Vertex, What next

[Ganderson]

Hey everyone,

 

I've been looking through the site for a very long time, and have learned a lot from everyone here - so first of all, thank you!

 

I'm looking for confirmation as well as opinions from you guys, since it seems like this is the most dependable community to ask advice from!

 

I have been shaving my head for the past 15 years (since i was 12) and started having the desire to grow it out in the past few years (right when my thinning started) and couldn't deal with the bald spots and how old I looked. I've never had a problem shaving it, as I'm 6 4 and have played basketball my entire life, the look made sense.

 

So, I've saved up some money, and have thought about doing the following, and just wanted the communities thoughts and validation (or alternatively, tell me if its not a good move)

 

1. I believe I am headed towards a Norwood 6

2. I would like to first get SMP done just to address the discoloration and patter forming for my short haircut, but also to have existing density after my first transplant while it grows in

3. I would like to go to hasson and wong, or another doctor performing large mega-fut sessions (based on my loss patterns, I will need to maximize available grafts + quality of grafts, they seemed like the best choice based on the results I saw and FUT is also based on my skin laxity, which is EXTREMELY high)

4. I don't know what I want filled in or how, but think that they will be able to help?

[Ganderson]

Sorry, the back picture didnt come through on the first try!

[Melvin- Admin]

Yes you're headed to Norwood 6 especially since you're 27, H&W are quality docs you'll get a good result, looks like you have some nape thinning (retro alopecia) common with high norwoods you'll have to use your grafts wisely, build the front leave the crown sparse, I don't recommend getting SMP until after you've finished your HT procedures, you'll more than likely need more than one procedure.

[TakingThePlunge]

Welcome manderson!

 

In reading over your thread and viewing your pics, I have to share my gut feeling that hair transplant surgery may not be the best choice for you at this time.

 

For someone your age and with your degree of hair loss who has been comfortably shaving his head for years, you may find that even a best case outcome does not meet your expectations and shaving will be forever off the table.

 

As HTsoon stated above, you'll need to stay conservative and leave the crown sparse. This is a great compromise for guys that can't live with the shaved look or who are a bit older.

 

That said, I would never discourage anyone from seeking consultations and you're headed in the right direction with Hasson & Wong. They''ll give it to you straight.

 

Please keep us updated on your plans. Best of luck!

[Ganderson]

Htsoon- do you think that I have enough donor hairs to get coverage? Assuming money not being an issue, and I've seen mega sessions done by H + W, could I get 6-7000 grafts, and build from the front to the back, and then use a combination of SMP and FUE to get coverage in the crown?

 

Why not have SMP prior? Only within the current hair line at least? Would is mess up the surgery potentially?

 

 

David- thank you! It's great to be here!

 

I know I won't have a very low hairline, all I'm looking for is coverage and I'm comfortable with multiple procedures... Do you think I have enough donor on the sides etc to achieve 10k grafts over two fut's? Should I only do fue and go with the buzzed look and fill in with smp? It's something I want - you're right, I've been shaving for a great deal of time, but really feel like it's been hurting me and not helping....

 

Could I just ask the doctors to assume that my pattern has gone slick bald, and to build backwards from their over two mega procedures?

[Ganderson]

Yes you're headed to Norwood 6 especially since you're 27, H&W are quality docs you'll get a good result, looks like you have some nape thinning (retro alopecia) common with high norwoods you'll have to use your grafts wisely, build the front leave the crown sparse, I don't recommend getting SMP until after you've finished your HT procedures, you'll more than likely need more than one procedure.

 

 

 

Also, regarding the nape region - I'm not sure if you're referring to this, but the hair below the actual hair line- I've gotten that area ''lasered' with laser hair removal as I got sick of shaving it so frequently (the hair was extremely thick and shaving it once every 5 days started getting tedious). Otherwise, hope it's not something too serious

[hairthere]

I would not recommend doing SMP prior to having a HT. You want your surgeon to have as clear a field of vision as possible. SMP could muck that up. Also, the incisions would likely ruin a lot of the SMP which is injected at a very superficial depth.

 

I would also caution against going for that many grafts in one sitting. You run the risk of a poor scar (believe me, I've seen it). You also might not be able to go back to shaving your hair the length it currently is.

[Al - Moderator]

The problem with a case like this is that even if the hair transplant provided good coverage, since you've been buzzing or shaving your head since you were a kid, you can't even be sure that you'll like your look with longer hair. Then you'll want to buzz or shave again and you really won't be able to pull that off due to the scar in the back.

 

I think I would go with an average size FUE session first for the frontal area and then let that grow out and see if you like it. You can always add more later.

[Ganderson]

You guys are awesome, thanks for the advice + help so far.

 

You make a valid point - I guess it comes down to the fact that the shaved head gives me a "cool look" but not one that I would like to have anymore.....at this point, as long as I get coverage and it doesnt look weird, having my hair long enough to style it somehow will be a huge benefit for me!

 

Do you guys think that H + W would leave me with a poor scar if I get a ton of grafts in one session? How many grafts would I need to cover this area in totality, and how many does it appear that I have? (I know, these arent easy questions to answer)

 

The SMP is really just for density. I dont want them to make an artifical hairline, I don't want to shave my head and have the little dots everywhere, I just think it makes sense to keep the scalp/hair contrast as minimal as possible, and I know that I won't see any growth for a few months, so at least for the next year I'll be dealing with what I have....

 

As I just have super thin hair everywhere right now ( on top ) and its obviously going to go at some point completely, cant I request from my surgeon to assume that its slick bald (maybe take pictures prior to the SMP and have them just go over the zones completely? I may be missing something!

[Melvin- Admin]

Htsoon- do you think that I have enough donor hairs to get coverage? Assuming money not being an issue, and I've seen mega sessions done by H + W, could I get 6-7000 grafts, and build from the front to the back, and then use a combination of SMP and FUE to get coverage in the crown?

 

Why not have SMP prior? Only within the current hair line at least? Would is mess up the surgery potentially?

 

 

David- thank you! It's great to be here!

 

I know I won't have a very low hairline, all I'm looking for is coverage and I'm comfortable with multiple procedures... Do you think I have enough donor on the sides etc to achieve 10k grafts over two fut's? Should I only do fue and go with the buzzed look and fill in with smp? It's something I want - you're right, I've been shaving for a great deal of time, but really feel like it's been hurting me and not helping....

 

Could I just ask the doctors to assume that my pattern has gone slick bald, and to build backwards from their over two mega procedures?

 

 

It's hard to tell how good your donor is just from pictures, you'd have to schedule a one on one consult with a surgeon so they could measure your density, on average most men have 6-7k lifetime grafts, I don't think I'd do more than 5,000 in your case, although you have a clear Norwood 6 pattern, you still have quite a bit of native hair, what I would do, is stay conservative now, 4-5000 grafts would make a huge difference especially in the front 2/3rds of your scalp, I would lightly dust the crown with some grafts just enough so that the transition from front to back is not abrupt. SMP should be done once you're done with all surgeries, because you want the surgeon to be able to clearly see what the balding area is. Also, are you on minoxidil or fin? I recommend getting on some form of hairloss med prior to surgery to help with shock loss.

[Ganderson]

It's hard to tell how good your donor is just from pictures, you'd have to schedule a one on one consult with a surgeon so they could measure your density, on average most men have 6-7k lifetime grafts, I don't think I'd do more than 5,000 in your case, although you have a clear Norwood 6 pattern, you still have quite a bit of native hair, what I would do, is stay conservative now, 4-5000 grafts would make a huge difference especially in the front 2/3rds of your scalp, I would lightly dust the crown with some grafts just enough so that the transition from front to back is not abrupt. SMP should be done once you're done with all surgeries, because you want the surgeon to be able to clearly see what the balding area is. Also, are you on minoxidil or fin? I recommend getting on some form of hairloss med prior to surgery to help with shock loss.

 

 

HTsoon thanks for the input. BTW i looked at your story, do you think we have similar patterns? The timeline feels pretty similar, in terms of age and progession, I had a similar experience with propecia, which sucked.

 

Your results look great....if i could get those results, i would be pretty happy. You arent slick bald yet with your native hair though are you? How different will it look when you are?

 

The truth is, ive looked at thousands of pictures, and have read a million different posts, and i still have no idea what i would look like with a transplant, whether its 2k or 6k grafts. I feel like if i use the max, somethine like 8-10 k grafts to cover the areas i have now, add some smp for contrast, and have a bank of beard hair (at least 2 k grafts, very ample hair). Am i reaching? Has this been done?

 

Can people tell your hair is "off"? Does the illusion change in water, will my gf be able to tell? I don't think i care about any of this,I just want to know - I have no magic expectations, I just want to look normal, and like a young guy, because I am one.

[Melvin- Admin]

HTsoon thanks for the input. BTW i looked at your story, do you think we have similar patterns? The timeline feels pretty similar, in terms of age and progession, I had a similar experience with propecia, which sucked.

 

Your results look great....if i could get those results, i would be pretty happy. You arent slick bald yet with your native hair though are you? How different will it look when you are?

 

The truth is, ive looked at thousands of pictures, and have read a million different posts, and i still have no idea what i would look like with a transplant, whether its 2k or 6k grafts. I feel like if i use the max, somethine like 8-10 k grafts to cover the areas i have now, add some smp for contrast, and have a bank of beard hair (at least 2 k grafts, very ample hair). Am i reaching? Has this been done?

 

Can people tell your hair is "off"? Does the illusion change in water, will my gf be able to tell? I don't think i care about any of this,I just want to know - I have no magic expectations, I just want to look normal, and like a young guy, because I am one.

 

Yea I'd say we're pretty similar I had about the same amount of hair at 27, that was the year my hair really started to get bad. I'm sure you're feeling the same way at this point. I'm not slick bald yet, I'm not sure how different it will look, I stay on minoxidil and nizoral shampoo it's maintained the native hair I had quite well i recommend doing the same for yourself, it's a shame about propecia but it's ok you an still have surgery just need to plan well.

 

I think less is more with diffuse thinners like you and me, my first surgery was only 1,850 grafts and it made a difference, second surgery was 2,120 grafts I'm only 4 months post op, the difference it's making is huge, my third surgery I'm planning will be next year to address the lateral humps and sparse coverage for the crown.

 

Just so you know hair transplants are not miracles, yes the density will appear different with water in your hair or under strong lighting, people can't tell I've had anything done though, I've been lucky my surgeon is good at hairlines it looks pretty natural. My gf knew I've had both procedures, it's best to have full disclosure with your significant other, it's noticeable for the first two weeks of surgery. So unless you can wear a hat at work I recommend getting at least 2 weeks off of work.

 

You'll look young, except the crown will have to be sparse, because of your age and extensive hairloss, the crown will likely be skin bald in the future, the necessary grafts to cover such an area is high, there's no use in using up grafts for the crown, frame the face, address the lateral humps, lightly dust the crown, that way you'll have an acceptable look now and I'm the future as well. FYI you have more hair than me, I've only had 4,000 grafts, if you'd be happy with my result, there's absolutely no need to get more than 5'000 grafts right now, plus your hair to skin contrast is better than mine, I have medium light skin with dark hair, the contrast is not good so I need more hair for it to look as good as someone with light hair light skin or dark hair dark skin.

[Ganderson]

Yea I'd say we're pretty similar I had about the same amount of hair at 27, that was the year my hair really started to get bad. I'm sure you're feeling the same way at this point. I'm not slick bald yet, I'm not sure how different it will look, I stay on minoxidil and nizoral shampoo it's maintained the native hair I had quite well i recommend doing the same for yourself, it's a shame about propecia but it's ok you an still have surgery just need to plan well.

 

I think less is more with diffuse thinners like you and me, my first surgery was only 1,850 grafts and it made a difference, second surgery was 2,120 grafts I'm only 4 months post op, the difference it's making is huge, my third surgery I'm planning will be next year to address the lateral humps and sparse coverage for the crown.

 

Just so you know hair transplants are not miracles, yes the density will appear different with water in your hair or under strong lighting, people can't tell I've had anything done though, I've been lucky my surgeon is good at hairlines it looks pretty natural. My gf knew I've had both procedures, it's best to have full disclosure with your significant other, it's noticeable for the first two weeks of surgery. So unless you can wear a hat at work I recommend getting at least 2 weeks off of work.

 

You'll look young, except the crown will have to be sparse, because of your age and extensive hairloss, the crown will likely be skin bald in the future, the necessary grafts to cover such an area is high, there's no use in using up grafts for the crown, frame the face, address the lateral humps, lightly dust the crown, that way you'll have an acceptable look now and I'm the future as well. FYI you have more hair than me, I've only had 4,000 grafts, if you'd be happy with my result, there's absolutely no need to get more than 5'000 grafts right now, plus your hair to skin contrast is better than mine, I have medium light skin with dark hair, the contrast is not good so I need more hair for it to look as good as someone with light hair light skin or dark hair dark skin.

 

 

Thanks man. Very helpful info - and kind of relieving. It doesn't feel great handling this stuff (on my own), and having people share their experience helps a lot.

 

I know I have some native/thin hair still there, but rogaine will only maintain it for a limited amount of time right? (Based on what i read)

 

Having a thin crown is fine....I think that a few thousand grafts, along with SMP for contrast, and maybe 2k of beard or body hairs should probably take care of it? I mean, if youre suggesting the frontal 2 zones with a bigger procedure, maybe I can leave the crown sparse and do a larger FUT procedure, and wait 8 months and do a body beard several thousand crown transplant? and then maybe one more down the road combined with SMP, I should be "OK" and appear to not experince much hair loss, just thin hair?

 

Think thats an ok plan?

[Melvin- Admin]

Thanks man. Very helpful info - and kind of relieving. It doesn't feel great handling this stuff (on my own), and having people share their experience helps a lot.

 

I know I have some native/thin hair still there, but rogaine will only maintain it for a limited amount of time right? (Based on what i read)

 

Having a thin crown is fine....I think that a few thousand grafts, along with SMP for contrast, and maybe 2k of beard or body hairs should probably take care of it? I mean, if youre suggesting the frontal 2 zones with a bigger procedure, maybe I can leave the crown sparse and do a larger FUT procedure, and wait 8 months and do a body beard several thousand crown transplant? and then maybe one more down the road combined with SMP, I should be "OK" and appear to not experince much hair loss, just thin hair?

 

Think thats an ok plan?

 

Well minoxidil just like propecia will only maintain hair I wouldn't say a limited amount of time, but yes it won't maintain it forever, both meds don't cure Balding, but either way it's best to use it because the less hair you transplant now the better.

 

Id say the crown right now would be good with 1,500 grafts, body hair I'm considering transplanting the donor area, my goal whilst may not be possible I still have to consult some docs, is to thin my donor area transplanting as much hair possible to the scalp,then once it's completely thinned out, transplanting some body hair to the donor area, whilst using smp, I wear my hair short on the sides so the difference between native and body hair wouldn't be visible. But since you're doing FUT I think it's best to use body hair for the strip scar. Other than that I think it's a good long term plan you have, seeing as your expectations are realistic, I don't see a problem wth getting a procedure done now, consult with H&W and others like rahal, shapiro etc.

[1978matt]

Can you grow your hair out to at least half an inch and post pictures of your donor area? The quality of that area will largely dictate the outcome.

 

Hey everyone,

 

I've been looking through the site for a very long time, and have learned a lot from everyone here - so first of all, thank you!

 

I'm looking for confirmation as well as opinions from you guys, since it seems like this is the most dependable community to ask advice from!

 

I have been shaving my head for the past 15 years (since i was 12) and started having the desire to grow it out in the past few years (right when my thinning started) and couldn't deal with the bald spots and how old I looked. I've never had a problem shaving it, as I'm 6 4 and have played basketball my entire life, the look made sense.

 

So, I've saved up some money, and have thought about doing the following, and just wanted the communities thoughts and validation (or alternatively, tell me if its not a good move)

 

1. I believe I am headed towards a Norwood 6

2. I would like to first get SMP done just to address the discoloration and patter forming for my short haircut, but also to have existing density after my first transplant while it grows in

3. I would like to go to hasson and wong, or another doctor performing large mega-fut sessions (based on my loss patterns, I will need to maximize available grafts + quality of grafts, they seemed like the best choice based on the results I saw and FUT is also based on my skin laxity, which is EXTREMELY high)

4. I don't know what I want filled in or how, but think that they will be able to help?

[Ganderson]

This is from 2 months ago, does this work? (I don't know if the donor area is defined, do you think it is/what are all of your thoughts on the pic?)

[Ganderson]

Can you grow your hair out to at least half an inch and post pictures of your donor area? The quality of that area will largely dictate the outcome.

 

Not sure if its 1/2 inch, but this is the best I had!

[1978matt]

This is from 2 months ago, does this work? (I don't know if the donor area is defined, do you think it is/what are all of your thoughts on the pic?)

 

Thanks. It looks like it is probably stable but I'm no doctor. You should look to get an in-personal consultation even if it means spending some cash on an airfare.

 

If you're looking for maximum grafts then maybe Hasson & Wong is the place for you. I would have thought you need about 6000 grafts ideally.

[Ganderson]

Thanks. It looks like it is probably stable but I'm no doctor. You should look to get an in-personal consultation even if it means spending some cash on an airfare.

 

If you're looking for maximum grafts then maybe Hasson & Wong is the place for you. I would have thought you need about 6000 grafts ideally.

 

When you say 6k, do you think that even if i have further loss I will be "good" with 6k? or 6k for now, and more later?

 

My plan was to max out, (because I thought my pattern was clear) in the next 2-3 years and just go over the thin areas as if there was no hair there. Good or bad idea?

 

My moms side has 0 loss, but my dad (65) is a norwood 5 (his hair loss was WAY more delayed than mine, had a full head at 35), his brothers are all varying norwood 6's, some that are standard and some that go all the way down to the 6/7 range.

 

Can we see where I'm headed and is that the way to tackle it?

[1978matt]

When you say 6k, do you think that even if i have further loss I will be "good" with 6k? or 6k for now, and more later?

 

My plan was to max out, (because I thought my pattern was clear) in the next 2-3 years and just go over the thin areas as if there was no hair there. Good or bad idea?

 

My moms side has 0 loss, but my dad (65) is a norwood 5 (his hair loss was WAY more delayed than mine, had a full head at 35), his brothers are all varying norwood 6's, some that are standard and some that go all the way down to the 6/7 range.

 

Can we see where I'm headed and is that the way to tackle it?

 

Take the advice of the likes of H&W. If you have super laxity like you say you have you might have 10,000 grafts...

 

...but you have to bear in mind you could end up NW7 in the future and may need to fill in future exposed bald areas (on the sides) in order to maintain a natural appearance.

 

It would be a good idea to always have 2,000 grafts in reserve.

 

6,000 would probably be enough to the edge of the crown, then another 1,500 on the crown.

 

It may still be worth taking finasteride just to slow any possibility of progression to NW7.

[JON86]

I agree that considering your pattern you should keep the graft count on the conservative side. I would also suggest maybe trying the meds for six months. If you are a good responder to finasteride it will make a huge difference. Don't rush into this emotionally take time and do your research. I would suggest meeting with more than one doctor and get a few opinions. Some doctors only see dollar signs and will try and rush you into surgery. Be smart about this. There are some very good ethical doctors out there but you need to do your research. Make sure that in a consultation your future loss pattern is discussed. Make sure your donor hair is evaluated. Yes there are doctors out there that do surgeries without looking at donor hair. I have had two consultations with two doctors that did not even look at my donor hair. If that happens run. H&W is a good place to start consulting but I would also do a few others and compare opinions. If considering fut I would also consult with Shapiro and Konior.

[Ganderson]

I agree that considering your pattern you should keep the graft count on the conservative side. I would also suggest maybe trying the meds for six months. If you are a good responder to finasteride it will make a huge difference. Don't rush into this emotionally take time and do your research. I would suggest meeting with more than one doctor and get a few opinions. Some doctors only see dollar signs and will try and rush you into surgery. Be smart about this. There are some very good ethical doctors out there but you need to do your research. Make sure that in a consultation your future loss pattern is discussed. Make sure your donor hair is evaluated. Yes there are doctors out there that do surgeries without looking at donor hair. I have had two consultations with two doctors that did not even look at my donor hair. If that happens run. H&W is a good place to start consulting but I would also do a few others and compare opinions. If considering fut I would also consult with Shapiro and Konior.

 

I guess the important thing for me to know... Is there a chance I become a 7, or is my pattern basically set? I want to do a conservative HT, know I need fut to cover large areas, am fine with a not aggressive hairline, understand that I need at least 2 procedures and it will cost me at least 40k from one of the top doctors..... But, is this all for nothing, am I a 6 or a 7, and will I have the donor....... I'm pretty frightened right now!

[Melvin- Admin]

I guess the important thing for me to know... Is there a chance I become a 7, or is my pattern basically set? I want to do a conservative HT, know I need fut to cover large areas, am fine with a not aggressive hairline, understand that I need at least 2 procedures and it will cost me at least 40k from one of the top doctors..... But, is this all for nothing, am I a 6 or a 7, and will I have the donor....... I'm pretty frightened right now!

 

manderson that is the million dollar question, I think from looking at your pictures, your norwood 6 pattern is clear, but a miniaturization test of the donor area is your best bet. From what i've read most men who are destined to be norwood 6 or 7 can see the pattern by the age of 30, so I think if you were to be norwood 7 you'd be able to see a pattern that shows miniaturization in a norwood 7 pattern. Of course there is no guarantee, and I don't think any doctor can or will guarantee you anything. It's a gamble I took and so far ill be turning 31 and my pattern hasn't changed since I first noticed it at 28. That's why I think it's best to be conservative right now, use the grafts only necessary to address your current hair loss, and save your donor hair in case you may need more transplant down the line, that way you'll have a clearer understanding of how or where you need to transplant grafts. Like I said, I wouildn't use more than 4-5,000 grafts right now. Try and maintain your hair with lipogaine and some form of Ketocanozole shampoo, incorporate microneedling (dermaroller) as well. It should be noted also that the norwood chart, is not a progression chart, it is basically a chart in which you fit in with your pattern according to Dr. Rassman.

 

Dr. Rassman quoute "

 

"We can try to make an intelligent guess with miniaturization studies and our clinical medical experience, but it is not a science and there are no guarantees in predicting hair loss. Generally, the worst balding patterns hit men before they are 30 years old and I find that most balding patterns can be predicted by ages 26-30 based upon early signs of thinning evidenced by miniaturization studies. On occasion I have seen men start balding in their 40s and 50s, although very rare.

[Ganderson]

manderson that is the million dollar question, I think from looking at your pictures, your norwood 6 pattern is clear, but a miniaturization test of the donor area is your best bet. From what i've read most men who are destined to be norwood 6 or 7 can see the pattern by the age of 30, so I think if you were to be norwood 7 you'd be able to see a pattern that shows miniaturization in a norwood 7 pattern. Of course there is no guarantee, and I don't think any doctor can or will guarantee you anything. It's a gamble I took and so far ill be turning 31 and my pattern hasn't changed since I first noticed it at 28. That's why I think it's best to be conservative right now, use the grafts only necessary to address your current hair loss, and save your donor hair in case you may need more transplant down the line, that way you'll have a clearer understanding of how or where you need to transplant grafts. Like I said, I wouildn't use more than 4-5,000 grafts right now. Try and maintain your hair with lipogaine and some form of Ketocanozole shampoo, incorporate microneedling (dermaroller) as well. It should be noted also that the norwood chart, is not a progression chart, it is basically a chart in which you fit in with your pattern according to Dr. Rassman.

 

Dr. Rassman quoute "

 

"We can try to make an intelligent guess with miniaturization studies and our clinical medical experience, but it is not a science and there are no guarantees in predicting hair loss. Generally, the worst balding patterns hit men before they are 30 years old and I find that most balding patterns can be predicted by ages 26-30 based upon early signs of thinning evidenced by miniaturization studies. On occasion I have seen men start balding in their 40s and 50s, although very rare.

 

I get that i guess ive been a little obsessed lately, looking super close in the mirror everyday, often for a little longer than i would like.....

 

I noticed that my crown bald spot extends to my sides a little bit. Initially i thought it was just the top that was going down, but it looks like on my sides pictures you can see some thinning - just wanted to make sure that you saw that when you called me a norwood 6? I talked to Hasson and wong the other day and they thought i was fine for the procedure i wanted, so did 2 other doctors ive spoken to, but im scared, and feel like this board is the only place that has nothing to gain from me so i trust it the most!!

 

If im going to be a 7, or i cant get full coverage, ill shave it bald. But, if I can, im fine with fut and spending money and all that good stuff......wish there was a better way to know these things.......................

[Melvin- Admin]

I get that i guess ive been a little obsessed lately, looking super close in the mirror everyday, often for a little longer than i would like.....

 

I noticed that my crown bald spot extends to my sides a little bit. Initially i thought it was just the top that was going down, but it looks like on my sides pictures you can see some thinning - just wanted to make sure that you saw that when you called me a norwood 6? I talked to Hasson and wong the other day and they thought i was fine for the procedure i wanted, so did 2 other doctors ive spoken to, but im scared, and feel like this board is the only place that has nothing to gain from me so i trust it the most!!

 

If im going to be a 7, or i cant get full coverage, ill shave it bald. But, if I can, im fine with fut and spending money and all that good stuff......wish there was a better way to know these things.......................

 

It's hard to say I'm not sure what your expectations are, full coverage, that depends on other things besides just grafts, hair characteristics i.e coarseness,thickness. What's rarely mentioned is head size, if you have a really big head and you're a Norwood 6-7 now you're talking about covering a large area with adequate density. I know your searching for assurance and peace of mind. I'm not sure anyone can provide that to you, as you know you're advanced in hairloss at a young age, getting surgery is going to be somewhat of a gamble, I can only share with you my own experience, it's a gamble I took, if you're satisfied shaving your head I don't see a reason in even considering hair restoration. Your concerns are valid, but no one can with 100% certainty predict the future of your hairloss, the best you can do is take preventive hairloss meds like fin and minoxidil. Sorry man I wish I could provide the assurance you desire but it wouldn't be true.