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Starting my FUE journey, need advice to avoid pitfalls


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Been losing hair since last 10-12 years, now 44 yrs old. Looking back should have accepted it early on but was too vain to do so and started using Toppik which worked well for my appearance and ego. But with my hairline succumbing to genetics and age it's becoming embarrassing every now and then.

 

 

I've dug myself a hole with Toppik as very few know about the lack of hair and the 6-8 months before I see decent growth is going to be interesting. But it gave me a pass for 10-12 years so I can't complain too much.

Considering FUE now. I don't have very lofty or agressive goals but an age-appropriate hairline and top with a balding crown should work.

 

 

I'd like to keep my hair short, as short as possible, have never had long hair even back in the day. It's always been #1-#2 at most on the sides and #2 on top. I've had online consultations with two doctors, both top doctors in this field, will provide names once I decide on whom to go with. I'm not worried about that selection as they're both very good.

 

And I have asked these questions from the doctor but nothing like having this forum provide valuable insight.

 

My questions are:

1. How short can you really go after FUE?

2. How accurately can a doctor predict final Norwood scale?

 

My pics are attached in my profile. I've had doctors say anywhere from 5000 to 6000 grafts with a conservative hairline and a thinning crown look.

 

Thanks much!

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Edited by vainenough
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  • Regular Member

Your hair looks a lot longer than a #2 in the photos...but you can go to a one or two after the FUE scars heal in about a year or so.

 

I think about a 4 is optimal on this sides while healing. Mine is healing as we speak.

 

Looks like you have had pretty aggressive hair loss up to age 44. One would have to honestly assume you are on the way to at least a NW 6 if you are not on Fin.

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  • Senior Member

Welcome to the forum. After assessing your hair in person and at the age of 44 a Doctor should be able to give you a fairly accurate assessment of your final Norwood pattern from sight alone. If using magnification he can see even easier the miniaturizing hair compared to the permanent zone. However hair loss is unpredictable.

 

How short you can go after fue depends on a number of factors, skill of the surgeon, size of the punch, hair density and characteristics of the donor zone. Skin tone and healing ability and perhaps most importantly what % of the donor hair/area is harvested.

 

Most patients can wear their hair short after FUE once fully healed whether it would be a grade one or two after surgery depends on the above factors. It sounds like you have realistic expectations and I wish you all the best.

---

Former patient and representative for Hasson & Wong.

 

Dr. Victor Hasson and Dr. Jerry Wong are esteemed members of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians.

 

My opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hasson & Wong.

 

 

My Hair Loss Website - Hair Transplant with Dr. Hasson

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