Designing a new hairline.

[Coopman]

Well i've finally decided on my plan of action in respect of hair transplants. My objective is to undergo a total of 3-4 hair transplants in the next 5 years.

Obviously one could question why not just undergo 1-2 procedures in this timeline. But i want to stay in control of my destination and by having smaller procedures i can stop at anytime, should i ever reconsider how much more hair i want.

In the attached image below is a close up of my hairline pushed back. As you can see the frontal forelock is intact (although not as dense as it once were) which gratefully enables me with some styling options and also provides cover to the receded area. My plan for my first hair transplant is to have a 1000(approx) Fue procedure. (in the archives i think someone called stingray had a similar procedure at BHR). In this procedure the frontal hairline will not be lowered just be reinforced and the hairline to the sides will be lowered to reduce the exposed temple area. In terms of hairline im looking at something similar to Daniel Craig (James Bond).

Now 1000 grafts is not a lot of grafts, but my plan is to leave a small gap between the new hairline and the existing which can be covered by hair styling once growth is achieved. This will then lead to a 2nd hair transplant to fill in this small gap and to add additional density to the frontal third.

Just a little background about me, im 36. First signs of hairloss at 13/14. Temples receded to a NW2.5 at 18 with thinning crown noticeable from 16. However since the age of 21 my hair has barely changed, just slightly less dense. Family history which i seem to be following is that all family members have a slow variant of MPB, usually hitting NW5 in 50s/60s and never progressing beyond. Despite the NW5 history my family history also suggests the frontal/extended forelock is retained but with less density into 60s/70s.

I would be grateful if any of you experienced posters whom have already had hair transplants would like to express their views on my plan for my proposed 1st HT, any positivity or negativity in respect of my plan particulary in leaving a small gap between the new hairline and existing. Although this will be addressed in my 2nd HT.

Many thanks for anyones insight.

 

[Bigmac]

Hi Coopman.
I think your plan sounds ok if this is what you want, with smaller surgery it's easier to conceal the fact you've had anything done.For your hairline I would not leave a gap as this guarantees you need more surgery, get the hairline done with a thin natural appearance, density can be added later if you wish.

 

[janna]

There's nothing wrong with your plan to go about it conservatively. I agree with bigmac that the gap between your new and existing hairline isn't the best idea. I too would would put some grafts there to produce at least a less dense hairline for now and you can add more grafts later to thicken it up as you please. Good luck with your goals!

 

[Coopman]

Janna/Bigmac

Many thanks for your input. My head knows you are right, but the devil inside me is telling me that my option of leaving a small gap will create better immediate visual results.
I think im going to go with my plan, but fill the gap less densely with some additional grafts after taking your advice. Thanks it was exactly what I needed to be told and it is exactly what some of the Clinics on here have said to me.
I would assume an additional 4-500 grafts would fill this area although less dense, but this can be addressed later?

 

[janna]

Yes, approx 500 of the 1000 grafts for the frontal hairline will give a decent coverage. I really believe you'll end up happier with this plan.

 

[topccat29]

I like you plan of going very slow and being able to walk away very much. Keeps you safe.

I do not like the idea of leaving a small gap. I would raise the hairline in the proposed area if necessary but not leave a gap. It's not possible for me to view the picture so I am just going by your description.

Best wishes to you.

 

[baldasabadger10]

I think the slow FUE approach is a good idea too. Hairloss at 14 must have sucked bigtime.

 

[Bigmac]

Forgot to ask are you taking or tried any of the meds.

 

[Coopman]

Janna
Thanks for your further comment.

TC
Thanks i always respect your comments, i will fill that gap less densely and then i can address it further in HT no.2.
Your comment of making the hairline slightly higher intrigues me. My reasoning is that having had receded temples since i was 14, it is virtually impossible for me to imagine how my hair would look like grown out 12mths post HT and because of this i may be imagining that my hairline (around the temple areas) actually does not need to be as low as i may think. Hence why im grateful for everyones comments. I certainly do not want to be a NW1, i just want the look of having receded temples that resembles a mature hairline.

Baldasabadger
Yeah man it sucked bigtime starting the baldness process at 14! All my friends having cool haircuts and i was the kid at 16 whom was becoming incredibly experienced at mastering the art of the combover to disguise my thinning areas.
I was fortunate that when i got to 18 my hairloss seemingly stabilised at NW3 with thinning crown/vertex area and has'nt changed much since then except overall mild density reduction.

The slow FUE approach is purely down to the fact i can save £5000 per year and due to this i wont be breaking the bank and also i can design my hair transplants to take into account;-
1. If i suddenly lose any native hair i can adapt my future plans.
2. If i no longer wish to proceed with further transplants, i can stop without the need for further surgeries that may be required if i took a different approach.
3. I need approx 4000-5000 grafts to get me to where i want to be. (the photo above doesnt show my crown/vertex which although has coverage, is very thin and there is a big risk of shock loss. If i done 5000 grafts in 2 procedures then this would be a huge immediate financial outlay and if something were to go wrong or not quite according to plan im not going to be sitting pretty. Plus my GF would go mad if she knew how much money i were spending.

 

[janna]

Coopman wrote:

I would assume an additional 4-500 grafts would fill this area although less dense, but this can be addressed later?

Don't see why you wouldn't be able to address it later.