2500 FUT or 2250 FUE with Dr. Diep (pics included)?

[motegam]

Some background:

• 28, Male
• Hair loss noticeable since 21 
• Hair loss seems to be heavy diffuse thinning, combined with hairline/temple regression  
• Started finasteride and am currently on it for about 2 months 
• Asian hair, fine, thin

Got on a call with Dr. Diep and he quoted two options: 2250 FUE ($17,000) or 2500 FUT ($13,000). 

What would this forum recommend? 

Some thoughts and questions:

1. As a diffuse thinner, I'm weary of my donor area being overharvested during FUE. I'm open to multiple surgeries over time. Thus, FUT seems better. 
2. I'm seeing a lot of people being quoted ~3000-3500 grafts for FUT. I was only quoted 2500 FUT. Any theories why?
3. After seeing Diep's YT videos and being located near his office, I am excited to choose Diep. However, there are a few negative reviews about him on this forum. Should I exercise caution and look into another doctor? Diep seems to specialize in hairline and I definitely need one. 
4. How bad is Diep's FUT scar? After surgery, is it particularly gnarly and eventually heals into something more acceptable over time? I live with family and don't want to come home sporting a bloody, mangled scar. 
5. Any Asians who did FUT or FUE with Diep and would recommend? I am desperate to look for success stories for people similar to me and my loss pattern. 

I could write an essay on how miserable this HL process has been, but I'm happy to have this forum and look forward to everyone's input and help. Thanks!

Edited September 13, 2021 by motegam

[Gokuhairline]

danm...yeah bro welcome aboard but also do it for you not for anyone else including family. who cares what they say, if anything they should support you. and if you have those types of funds go for it, don't think and sooner is better. my 2 cents .

[Future Hair Doc]

First, welcome to the community.

I suggest you use both finasteride and minoxidil consistently for at least 1 year to gauge your progress and hopefully at least stabilize your hair loss. I would then consider surgery and I suggest 3000 FUT grafts. You can get more grafts via doing a few sessions of FUT and then going for FUE.

Regarding scars...it depends on the patient characteristics with respect to wound healing, scalp laxity, and the skills of the surgeon. Some surgeons, such as @Dr Blake Bloxham have FUT scars that are basically invisible.

As always, feel free to reach out anytime 

[shami26]

Did you only consult with one doctor? In my opinion, you should consult with at least 10 doctors so you can get a better idea of your case.

[Gatsby]

1 hour ago, Dr. Suhail Khokhar said:

First, welcome to the community.

I suggest you use both finasteride and minoxidil consistently for at least 1 year to gauge your progress and hopefully at least stabilize your hair loss. I would then consider surgery and I suggest 3000 FUT grafts. You can get more grafts via doing a few sessions of FUT and then going for FUE.

Regarding scars...it depends on the patient characteristics with respect to wound healing, scalp laxity, and the skills of the surgeon. Some surgeons, such as @Dr Blake Bloxham have FUT scars that are basically invisible.

As always, feel free to reach out anytime 

This!

[motegam]

1 hour ago, Dr. Suhail Khokhar said:

First, welcome to the community.

I suggest you use both finasteride and minoxidil consistently for at least 1 year to gauge your progress and hopefully at least stabilize your hair loss. I would then consider surgery and I suggest 3000 FUT grafts. You can get more grafts via doing a few sessions of FUT and then going for FUE.

Regarding scars...it depends on the patient characteristics with respect to wound healing, scalp laxity, and the skills of the surgeon. Some surgeons, such as @Dr Blake Bloxham have FUT scars that are basically invisible.

As always, feel free to reach out anytime 

This is good advice, thanks. So I suppose there's no point doing a hair transplant if fin/min doesn't stabilize my hair loss?

Edited September 14, 2021 by motegam

[Melvin- Admin]

In my opinion, FUT is the way to go, check out @Cahustler thread he looked almost identical. 

[Britanium]

So many Drs to consider, have you seen the forums recommended list:

https://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-transplant-surgeons.asp?sr=HRN-MOB

 

[motegam]

On 9/14/2021 at 7:53 AM, Melvin- Moderator said:

In my opinion, FUT is the way to go, check out @Cahustler thread he looked almost identical. 

Just to get me started on research, do you know any FUT specialist transplant surgeons? I've been reading of Bloxham and will do research on him. Diep is still my first choice, but there have been a few concerning threads about him as of late...not what you want to read when you're about to drop 13k and risk your head haha

Edited September 17, 2021 by motegam

[Gatsby]

Have you looked at Hasson and Wong?

[motegam]

On 9/17/2021 at 1:04 AM, Gatsby said:

Have you looked at Hasson and Wong?

@Gatsby So far, I have consulted with Dr. Bloxham (and Diep). Bloxham quoted me 3k FUT grafts, and said I'd likely need 2 operations total to cover my entire scalp. He honestly seems like a standup guy. 

H&W have not gotten back to me since filling out their online form.