Pattern similar to mine?

[rabbit]

Hey there, 

Forgive me for the lengthy post. I'm new to this forum and to HT in general. I'm 27 years old, nearly 28, but I have had a poor hairline pretty much my entire life and a history of MPB in my family. I felt like starting from the age of 18 or so, my hair situation began to deteriorate more quickly, especially near the crown of my head where it feels like it is most noticeable. I have also always had pretty fine hair on the top of my head. Starting probably around the age of 22 or 23, I started taking finasteride orally but even after a few years, I never noticed much of a difference. Eventually, I started noticing sexual side effects as well and I stopped taking it. I've been meaning to start using finasteride/minoxidil topically perhaps to sidestep the sexual side effects but haven't started that yet. Recently I've been doing my research strongly considering HT but I have several questions and I would love to get the opinion of those with more experience and knowledge than myself. 

• Has anyone seen a pattern similar to mine? What would this rate on a NW scale? Are there any good examples of people with similar pattern/age having good results that I can look at and learn from?
• Does anyone have recommendations on surgeons in the US? I am located in the NYC area but I spend a pretty good amount of time on the West Coast as well, and besides I'm willing to travel pretty much anywhere within the country for a good surgeon. I am flexible on cost and would prefer to stay within the country if possible
• Recommendations on FUT vs. FUE for my case? I am leaning towards FUE because I don't like the idea of a more visible scar, but I'd love to hear more opinions

 

 

[Turkhair]

Norwood 3 crown

Check out forum recommended list

FUT leaves ugly scars. You’re 28 wait out until you turn 30 to see if you progress to bald.

[SeanT1]

Personally had a transplant at 25, FUE.  Happy with the results, it's important to stay on finasteride so the transplanted hair and existing hair doesn't recede further.

 

[A_4_Archan]

Imo important scenarios for a successful surgery are

1 - You can go for a surgery when you are able to halt or at least really slow down the progression of baldness through medication or if it happens naturally at some point 

2 - if you already left with no ground to loose 

You are not in the 2nd scenario and i think you are not even in the 1st one...first try to fix the progression issue through medication and other non surgical therapies after consulting a good surgeon and than think abt the surgery after 1 year if the progression stabilise ....

If you go for HT at this point and implant new hairs and if you keep on loosing your existing hairs than again in a year or two you will be in the same situation as you are right now...you will keep on chasing your hairs...so i would say consult a good doctor first and get on to medication 

[rabbit]

These are really helpful responses. Thanks everyone - I'll prioritize getting on some treatment for now until things seem to have stabilized more before revisiting what the right HT approach is for me.