Assessing donor prior to travel.

[bonkling]

This may be a question that needs to be fielded by the doctors that browse these forums: but is there any tool, method, or means, for someone to assess their donor area prior to travel?

For some of us that live in Aus, NZ, and so on, a 20+ hour flight, plus all the accompanying expenditure, is a real commitment. 

Does anyone know if using say, a microscope camera, or visiting a dermatologist, would allow one to see if their donor is appropriate?

I understand doctors use a Densitometer, or microscope to see if the donor is thinning (different hair profiles, different colours, etc) and it would be great for people to have the means to conduct this locally, prior to travel.

Or, alternatively, would photos of magnified scalps be useful for surgeons moving forward?

Thanks all.

[VicTNYC]

Maybe get a consultation with a local HT doctor first and see what they say of your donor area, you don’t have to inform them that you’ve booked a procedure with another doctor if they don’t ask.

[bonkling]

6 minutes ago, VicTNYC said:

Maybe get a consultation with a local HT doctor first and see what they say of your donor area, you don’t have to inform them that you’ve booked a procedure with another doctor if they don’t ask.

That's a good idea.

Mind you, given the reputation of docs in my area, they will probably say I'm a great candidate regardless 😂

[VicTNYC]

2 minutes ago, bonkling said:

That's a good idea.

Mind you, given the reputation of docs in my area, they will probably say I'm a great candidate regardless 😂

Yeah, that’s a possibility they could blow smoke to make a buck, but still might be worth a go if it’s a free consultation.

[Dr Blake Bloxham]

Bonkling, 

It is definitely a good idea to have the donor evaluated locally. It will be useful information to use on future consultations, and it is always good to get multiple opinions. 

[Kiwi Guy]

Great topic, I'm in New Zealand and this is something I consider all the time. I wouldn't waste my time going to any local "HT docs" because the industry is almost non existent here. From the sounds of it online consultations are the next best thing to an in person consult with an expert so try there first bro... I've got my first of 3 consults while I'm in North America coming up at the end of the month, whoever gives me the most info and seems genuine gets my money and time basically.