First post /advice

[steve_39uk]

Hi, New on here, liking the site, good source of advice.
I'm 40, pretty lucky in terms of hair loss as not had any real HL until I was about 35, now I'm thinning at the front and a receded hair line.
So decided to look into a HT to thicken up before it gets worse. (it will thin out further with age along the top at a guess)
Today I had two consultations, both said that I'm an excellent candidate in terms of age and doner area.
Saw Dr Shahmalak at Crown Clinic Manchester, other at DHI Manchester also.
I'm going for FUE as I don't want scarring or the risk of, i'm looking at 2400 grafts.
The price is about 3k difference between DHI and Crown.
Just wondering what people think re price difference and DHI Manchester?
I've seen mainly negative stuff about both !!
I did actually speak to Dr ~Shahmalak, he did the consultation, where as at DHI
a consultant did it, (he was very helpful I jight add)
Im advised to grow hair long so section at back can be used to shave and extract. I want maximum healing and don't really want people know I've had it done.
Cheers
Steve

 

[ziggs11]

You should probably look into more than two clinics, and consider visiting Belgium or US/Canada as well.

 

[Nightowl]

Hi Steve, the price difference could be FUE v FUT, FUE being more expensive. If both are FUE quotes I'm not sure why the difference. Don't know much about Dr Shamalak, however DHI have some patients on this forum whose results look impressive. If you're in the Manchester area you could check out Farjo clinic to get a third opinion.
FUE will produce scar tissue, depending on punch size and the skill of the person extracting the grafts this can vary greatly.

 

[steve_39uk]

Hi Guys,
Yes I hear good things about farjo.
I just want the best results (as im sure we all do)
I'm leaning towards the FUE, not keen on the cutting,
My donor area is good so Im not so worried about scars although I suppose it could show if I reach a decent age and my hair goes very thin all over!!
I'll book in at Farjo for a third consultation.

Im in the Notts and Manchester seems to be the easiest place t get too. I don't really fancy going abroad if im honest.

 

[ziggs11]

You're going to have people carving up your skull - you should keep all options on the table.
There's plenty of guys who can tell you what happened when they chose a local option for the sake of convienience.

 

[steve_39uk]

I hope my head isn't going to used as a hog roast carvary!!
but I see your point, i'm gonns try and book in at Farjo I
think.
I'll take a look at their results also.
Not seen many had hair experiences here yet !

 

[steve_39uk]

Here's my head now.

After reading a few posts I'm wondering if I should try propecia etc before I go down the HT route.
If I could preserve what I have or even enhance it that would suffice I could always go for a HT in the future.
I've never used ay products on my hair before though.
Any advice on what's best to try?
The Crown clinic tried to sell me some propecia, it was quite expensive but they said the quality varies greatly

Steve

 

[Bigmac]

Hi Steve,
Trying Propecia and maybe Rogaine for a year whilst researching is a good option in my opinion, you will learn a lot and if you're a good responder to the meds you may never need to have a Ht.
There are some good examples of patients using the meds in the medication section.
Regards Bm.

 

[bullitnut]

I agree with Bigmac. If you are a good responder to the meds you could completely stabilize your loss, which would create a better starting point for a transplant...... or you might even decide you don't need a HT. You say you would be happy if things stayed the same....with meds this is certainly possible. I would have a play with some Nanogen fibres, because with the amount of hair you have left you could get a fantastic look.

 

[steve_39uk]

Thanks for the advice guys,
When I saw Dr Shahmalak he said I could have the HT then use Propecia as I may thin further towards crown, cant save the hair lost already.
I've looked in the HE shop and would go for a 6 month supply but don't want to buy such a large amount (finestride) in case it doesn't agree with me.
Can I get a smaller amount ? and I take it the finestride is good stuff ?
Thanks

 

[baldasabadger10]

It's good stuff and a reliable source.

 

[DHI]

Dear steve_39uk,

I will agree with Bicmac & Bullitnut. First you should try on Finasteride and Minoxidil as your hairloss problem can be treated. If there are no side effects then you can avoid hair transplant and regain your confidence.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Bigmac]

Yes if you can avoid a Ht all the better.
All products in the shop are from the genuine suppliers.

 

[Bigmac]

I hope the meds work for you, let us know how you get on.

 

[salvar]

Definitely start with the medication first to stop the hair loss, so many advantages of stopping the hair loss and strengthening your hair, less shock loss, easier to see where the hair is needed and etc. I would advice from doing the surgery before that, if you dont stick with the medication the surgery plan could be slightly different, six months should be enough.

Propecia\Finasteride is not expensive, the online shop here on this forum is selling it for £150 years supply if I am not mistaken but you will have to divide the 5mg tablets down, if you wont want to bother with that there are plenty of other suppliers selling 1 mg Finasteride tablets.