Advice on possible HT

[Tom80]

Hi I am new to this Forum and seeking your valuable views on my case. I join some information below. Many thanks for your help.

Age: 41
NW level: NW2 (estimated by Drs)
Hair loss pattern: Corner recession which started at about age 24. Other areas remain unaffected.
Hair loss prevention treatment: PRP (since 5 years) and MSM.
Hair loss medication: N/A. I do not intend to take these.
Goal: Close corners in conservative manner (not lower whole hair line)

 

[Bigmac]

Hi Tom. It’s hard to see how much recession you’ve had in the temples as the angle of the picture doesn’t show the loss accurately. If I were to hazard a guess going by what I can make out I’d say 1000 grafts would be adequate.
Hair loss can accelerate as we age, even if it seems to have progressed slowly and stopped. Having a transplant without preventative meds increases the chance you’ll need another if you do lose more. It`s something I’m sure you’re aware of. In your situation though there’s a good chance you won’t lose much more hair. Your donor looks good, your crown looks good so I would say you`re a candidate for what you want doing which is a sensible approach.
Your hair looks good as it is. So, only you can make that decision if you want surgery or not.
What were you advised by the clinics you contacted?

 

[Tom80]

Hi,thanks for your response. Your assessment is pretty close as Drs estimated between 1000-1500 grafts. You also touched on a few interesting points which came up during consultations I had with well regarded Drs (3 from IAHRs). They all assessed that I am a very good candidate. However, interestingly, one of them advised against surgery as he believed it to be unnecessary. On the topic of HT without meds, there were some mixed views:

- 2 Drs thought that they do not know where I would be in the mid term (3-5 years) without medication. They also had doubts about PRP as it is not FDA approved. When inspecting my hair more closely, they started to backtrack a little bit. Oddly enough, they then suggested continuation of PRP but to add Minox as additional treatment. I found the consultations a little confusing.

- 2 other Drs thought that having a HT with just PRP was fine in my case as they viewed hair loss progression is a lesser concern for me. However, in the long term I must always be prepared to have further work.

I believe that the 2nd opinion is likely the valid one.But the assessment of the one Dr who disadvised surgery caught me by suprise. I guess it also comes down to whether the surgery can go unnoticed (unshaven) and achieve enough density in one pass. I do not know if you have any additional thoughts in relation to these points.

 

[Bigmac]

PRP does work for some people. You may be one of those people. Not being approved by the FDA to treat hair loss is not really applicable. Oral minoxidil is not approved as a treatment for hair loss but is prescribed by many doctors.
If you were to go ahead with a surgery just keep a watchful eye on your hair as you can always decide later about meds if you do suffer further thinning.

 

[Tom80]

PRP does work for some people. You may be one of those people. Not being approved by the FDA to treat hair loss is not really applicable. Oral minoxidil is not approved as a treatment for hair loss but is prescribed by many doctors.
If you were to go ahead with a surgery just keep a watchful eye on your hair as you can always decide later about meds if you do suffer further thinning.

Thanks again. Yeah I guess the PRP is working. After doing a lot more research the last few days, I decided to not undergo a HT. The reason would not be so much rapid hair loss, I think I am fine on that until at least much later. It is the post op phase (temporary shock loss of the surrounding areas), the possibility of an imperfect outcome even with a good Dr and the long term commitment. On balance, it is for me personally at this stage just not worth.

 

[Philw]

U are taking a big risk not taking meds
As i know ive had 3 hair transplants all i had was a receding hairline
Ive now thinned around and behind the transplants making my hair look crap
I was like u nah to meds, i wont get thinner
How wrong was i
If i was u dont have any hair transplant surgery at all
Stick to other things like meds, etc etc
U might even get a result from non surgical treatments that make it look like u have had a transplant
Be carefully mate if u dont prevent and just go ahead with a transplant there is a good chance u will look worse off

 

[Bigmac]

I think you’ve made the correct decision because having a HT is a big step and you should be fully confident you want to go ahead. Doubts can lead to disappointment if your expectations aren’t met.

 

[Tom80]

U are taking a big risk not taking meds
As i know ive had 3 hair transplants all i had was a receding hairline
Ive now thinned around and behind the transplants making my hair look crap
I was like u nah to meds, i wont get thinner
How wrong was i
If i was u dont have any hair transplant surgery at all
Stick to other things like meds, etc etc
U might even get a result from non surgical treatments that make it look like u have had a transplant
Be carefully mate if u dont prevent and just go ahead with a transplant there is a good chance u will look worse off

Hi Philw, I have already decided that I will not undergo a HT.

I do not know the specifics of your case but I just think that every case has to be assessed on its own merits. Again, I am NW2, alreadyage 41, stable and on a prevention treatment with PRP since several years. There is no need for meds.

 

[Philw]

Hi mate
Sorry just been reading the post
Just thought u was looking at a transplant?
Ok stick 2 what ur doing its working
DONT HAVE A TRANSPLANT if ever u think u might need one down the line
Good luck with it all

 

[Tom80]

Hi mate
Sorry just been reading the post
Just thought u was looking at a transplant?
Ok stick 2 what ur doing its working
DONT HAVE A TRANSPLANT if ever u think u might need one down the line
Good luck with it all

Hey Philw, thanks for your advice. I think your experience is very important and needs to be shared. It reinforces my decision.