Hair restoration advice

[LT3D]

Hi all,

I've been following this forum for some time now, doing research into hair restoration and reputable doctors. A little bit of a background from me. I started losing my hair around 21 years old. It became noticeable around 23-25, and by 27 or so, I started shaving my head. At 35 I decided to go all in with meds (oral dutasteride and topical monoxidil) and see how much of my hair I could regain. This was 2 years ago, and at 37 now, I've regained a decent amount of hair back. (I've added one before picture and also my current pictures).

My thoughts are, ideally, I'd like to get one procedure (not keen on multiple trips) from a budget clinic (Gur, Yaman, etc.). For me, having hair is great, but with that said, it's not that high on the priority list (financially speaking). It's something that I'd get done and move on with my life.

Having said that, do you guys think it's wise for me to get a transplant? What NW would you classify me as? How many grafts would I need total (I've added a pic without a haircut to show my donor)? Any input on which doctors would be best for me? Should I wait another year or longer to see what else I can get out of the meds? 

I appreciate any input!

[Hairwolf]

You responded well to the meds- fair play. Gur or Turan would be a good choice ( one is more aggressive than the other apparently). Yaman is hit or miss these days so couldn’t confidently recommend.

Another great, value for money choice-who I went to- is Dr Laorwong. He could definitely give you a one and done.

Edited March 6 by Hairwolf

[Gatsby]

You have had a great response to the meds. However looking for one hair transplant based purely on price could cost you much more in the long run. The surgeons in Turkey you have chosen though are good ones. But rarely is surgery a one and done over the lifespan. 

[LT3D]

2 hours ago, Hairwolf said:

You responded well to the meds- fair play. Gut or Turan would be a good choice ( one is more aggressive than the other apparently). Yaman is hit or miss these days so couldn’t confidently recommend.

Another great, value for money choice-who I went to- is Dr Laorwong. He could definitely give you a one and done.

Thanks for the recommendation, I'll definitely check out Dr Laorwong. It's too bad about Yaman. I remember he had pretty decent results a few years back.

[LT3D]

1 hour ago, Gatsby said:

You have had a great response to the meds. However looking for one hair transplant based purely on price could cost you much more in the long run. The surgeons in Turkey you have chosen though are good ones. But rarely is surgery a one and done over the lifespan. 

Thanks for the input. Ultimately, I'm not sure if I'll need a second surgery. But I'm trying to thread the needle with a budget-friendly doctor who can also move a decent amount of grafts. At the same time, I do wonder if I should wait longer to see if I can squeeze out more results from the meds. 

[Hairwolf]

1 hour ago, Gatsby said:

You have had a great response to the meds. However looking for one hair transplant based purely on price could cost you much more in the long run. The surgeons in Turkey you have chosen though are good ones. But rarely is surgery a one and done over the lifespan. 

Yes one and done might be a bit optimistic I think rather get one for coverage and then a smaller one for improved density. Anyway the meds have opened up a lot of potential here so yes stay on them and see if you can boost further 

[LT3D]

46 minutes ago, Hairwolf said:

Yes one and done might be a bit optimistic I think rather get one for coverage and then a smaller one for improved density. Anyway the meds have opened up a lot of potential here so yes stay on them and see if you can boost further 

So maybe wait another year or so, for a total of 3 years of dut and min?

[Hairwolf]

Oh didn’t know you were already on it so long. After 2 years you are ready for a HT. Your results would be at their peak now.

[jjalay]

Basing your decision about the doctor you want to choose for your ht in price range is not really a good idea. Have you considered fut or a combination of fut and fue. This might make it possible to get full coverage in one surgery. Doctors like laorwong, pathomvanich in thailand and hattingen hair in switzerland are good options for this.

[LT3D]

4 minutes ago, jjalay said:

Basing your decision about the doctor you want to choose for your ht in price range is not really a good idea. Have you considered fut or a combination of fut and fue. This might make it possible to get full coverage in one surgery. Doctors like laorwong, pathomvanich in thailand and hattingen hair in switzerland are good options for this.

I hear that, but ultimately, most people (myself included) will use budget as one of the main deciding factors. Otherwise, we'd all go to Pittella or Zarev or Sethi, etc. At the end of the day, there is a limit on how much I'm willing to spend on this procedure. It's a nice to have, but not more than that. My family, house, retirement, etc. are much higher on the priority list than hair. And I think with today's options, I can reach a balance between a budget-friendly doctor and good results. Afterall, that's the reason why some of these doctors are on this forum.

In terms of FUT, I've considered it in the past, but with the advancements today and the doctors' proficiencies with FUE, I no longer would consider it.