Am I a candidate for a transplant?

[jim1973]

I am relatively new to the thought of a possible transplant.  Many of the posts I see have to do with restoring a hairline.  My hairline has been receding since 19 years old (49 now) and so I'm used to a receding hairline.  That said, it has started to recede again recently after being stagnant for many years and I don't want to be completely bald.  I'm also seeing thinning on top that I hadn't seen until the last 2 years.  I've been on Propecia and Rogaine for many years now.  Given the amount of hair loss I've experienced, (and the fact that I likely will always keep my hair as short as it is in the pictures), am I a candidate for a HT?  Any recommendations for a surgeon with experience similar to my scale (I think 4a)?  I've been researching different surgeons but don't see that there is a true expertise in specific types of Norwood scales.  Would either the FUT scar or FUE holes be visible with keeping a haircut this short?  My donor area in back seems thick, although sides of my head are thin.  Do most people with a transplant grow hair longer to help cover up any residual evidence of the HT?  Sorry for all of the questions but this seems like a very knowledgeable group who can enlighten me.  Any advise or recommendations you can provide will be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.  

[1978matt]

Absolutely you could have a HT.  Something like 2000-2500 in the front and 'bridge' area. 

I think you would be best going FUE if you want to retain this sort of short hairstyle.

Just avoid doctors who don't spread out the extractions well enough.

You might have to go back in 10-15 years to sort out the crown.  Also, consider Avodart/DUT if doctors are willing to prescribe it.

[Melvin- Admin]

You are absolutely a candidate, you are slightly worse off than @1978matt check out his threads. 

[jim1973]

@1978matt Was recommended to follow your threads.  Can you find one that would be relatable to my situation?  Starting point and current look?  Appreciate it. 

[NARMAK]

8 hours ago, jim1973 said:

I am relatively new to the thought of a possible transplant.  Many of the posts I see have to do with restoring a hairline.  My hairline has been receding since 19 years old (49 now) and so I'm used to a receding hairline.  That said, it has started to recede again recently after being stagnant for many years and I don't want to be completely bald.  I'm also seeing thinning on top that I hadn't seen until the last 2 years.  I've been on Propecia and Rogaine for many years now.  Given the amount of hair loss I've experienced, (and the fact that I likely will always keep my hair as short as it is in the pictures), am I a candidate for a HT?  Any recommendations for a surgeon with experience similar to my scale (I think 4a)?  I've been researching different surgeons but don't see that there is a true expertise in specific types of Norwood scales.  Would either the FUT scar or FUE holes be visible with keeping a haircut this short?  My donor area in back seems thick, although sides of my head are thin.  Do most people with a transplant grow hair longer to help cover up any residual evidence of the HT?  Sorry for all of the questions but this seems like a very knowledgeable group who can enlighten me.  Any advise or recommendations you can provide will be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.  

If you feel things are starting to slip, then there's a good opportunity for you to start adding in Dutasteride to your regimen. Initially you may start to notice more shedding again which is apparently common, but if you are not doing so, i would also recommend adding Nizoral shampoo with 2% Ketoconazole or similar and Microneedling once a week with a derma pen at 1mm to 1.5mm. 

You'll probably be surprised at how well that little extra change could help you but ultimately its up to you if you want to do so. I personally think if you are already so committed to Minoxodil then adding Microneedling with the studies showing how much more boosted results are is a no brainer. 

[Mike10]

you are a candidate. just be aware that you will have to go back at a certain point as Fin did not halt your hair loss 

[Eugenix Hair Sciences]

13 hours ago, jim1973 said:

I am relatively new to the thought of a possible transplant.  Many of the posts I see have to do with restoring a hairline.  My hairline has been receding since 19 years old (49 now) and so I'm used to a receding hairline.  That said, it has started to recede again recently after being stagnant for many years and I don't want to be completely bald.  I'm also seeing thinning on top that I hadn't seen until the last 2 years.  I've been on Propecia and Rogaine for many years now.  Given the amount of hair loss I've experienced, (and the fact that I likely will always keep my hair as short as it is in the pictures), am I a candidate for a HT?  Any recommendations for a surgeon with experience similar to my scale (I think 4a)?  I've been researching different surgeons but don't see that there is a true expertise in specific types of Norwood scales.  Would either the FUT scar or FUE holes be visible with keeping a haircut this short?  My donor area in back seems thick, although sides of my head are thin.  Do most people with a transplant grow hair longer to help cover up any residual evidence of the HT?  Sorry for all of the questions but this seems like a very knowledgeable group who can enlighten me.  Any advise or recommendations you can provide will be appreciated.  Thanks in advance.  

You are a good candidate for hair transplant. The fact that you are on finasteride is a good thing. You would require around 3000 grafts for your transplantation procedure. You would have to keep the hair on the donor area a little longer than in the pictures. The scars are microscopic, however, the absence of hair in the donor area is visible.

[1978matt]

10 hours ago, jim1973 said:

@1978matt Was recommended to follow your threads.  Can you find one that would be relatable to my situation?  Starting point and current look?  Appreciate it. 

I think another Matt is a closer match to what you require.  Here is his first HT:

He had a couple of additional HTs after that to make refinements and add density.

[Melvin- Admin]

I have to disagree with Matt, his hair was much more like yours, than the other Matt. The other Matt has a lot more hair, you are missing the entire frontal third, as was 1978Matt. 

 

[Doron Harati]

Yes you're a suitable candidate, for age 49 your donor looks stable, roughly estimate you'll need 3000 grafts minimum, I think you can have 3000-4000 grafts on 1st session, depends if you'll choose conservative or aggressive hairline, looks you're NW4a stage.