My Hair Loss Story.

[Terry]

Hi everyone, I`ve been sitting on the side lines for several years and decided its about time I joined sharing my hair loss story.

I first noticed my hairs falling out more than usual some years ago when I was going through a stressful period in my life. I put the loss down to stress and forgot about it for a while until I sorted my personal issues. I got my life back on track, my low self esteem was a thing of the past, then I began to notice my thinning hair more. I visited my family doctor who advised the most probable cause was the stress and said don't worry it will grow back. Fast forward 4 years..... My hair loss has progressed quite extensively.

I`m now 38 years old with substantial loss in the frontal half with a thinning crown. As you can see in the pictures I`ve attached... my hair or lack of it does not look good. Recently I decided to try Finasteride, purchased it from the online shop on here (thanks). Two months ago to be exact, no adverse side effects. Fingers crossed it helps me out.

Browsing patient and clinic results on here I estimate I need somewhere in the region of 3000 - 4000 grafts to fill the bald area`s and strengthen the crown... is this about right ? Not too sure which method will provide the best bang for my money, both Fue and Fut are producing good results. Something I need to research more into.

I`m wanting to have a procedure towards the end of this year... this gives me enough time to have several consults, collate all the information and decide which way I`ll go.

I`d appreciate any feedback on how many grafts you think I`ll need.

Thanks in advance.

Terry.

 

[FutureFue]

I would say that is about right, 3000 to 3500 in the front, and 500 to 1000 in the crown. If I was you though, I would just address the front and see how the crown responds to the meds. It is not so bad atm that it needs surgical intervention, and the front is the priority and will give you the most mileage in terms framing your face and impacting on your looks. Have you thought about which docs you like the look of yet?

 

[Terry]

Hi Future Fue, I'll have been on Finasteride approximately 11 months by the end of this year which should give a good indicator on my response in the crown... If I can keep as is I'd be happy but welcome any new growth.
Thanks for your suggestion on which approach you'd undertake. If the crown stays as is I'd go for the front only with a view to addressing it at a later date.
As for clinics !! I'm not too sure yet. I like Rahals dense hairlines but fear that would use up too much available donor. Shapiro's hairlines are quality with fewer grafts and a lesser density. I'll probably consult with both and severalothers who offer Fue and Fut

 

[garageland]

Hi Terry,

Welcome to the forums. I would stick with the meds and see how that pans out before deciding what to do in the crown. It is not in bad shape and if you are stable then you could put some grafts into that area but the overall cosmetic benefit will be much lower than what you will get from rebuilding up the front.

It depends on what you are looking to do with the hairline, if keeping the forelock at the same height that you have now and rebuilding the temples, frontal area and blending into the mid scalp you could use between 3500-4000 it depends again how far the thinning does extend and what your final hair loss pattern looks to be and your available donor for either procedure. I would look to have some in person consults and online ones to get a good overview of your situation.

Good luck.

 

[Coopman]

Terry

I am about a year younger than you and your hairloss pattern is virtually identical to mine.

Firstly start using Rogaine foam you may get some awesome results from it after 4-5months and just in time for summer.

Have you used Concealors? You mentioned hairloss is affecting your confidence. Concealors can make a significant improvement to your appearance and if done correctly you should not get busted. Dont cake it on.

Because the frontal center part of your hair is still retained, with a small amount of thickening spray there are many different styles you can adopt for your hair.
I see you stick your hair up at the front, i do the same. If you stick it down it will make your hair less attractive.

I would suggest you try concealors such as Mane and Toppik and see what works best for you.

In respect of hair transplants, i would first try Rogaine for 6 months. It will not take a lot of regrowth and thickening of existing hair to get a good visual improvement. If of course you are a good responder. You could become a solid NW3 with just receded temples.

 

[Bigmac]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
I agree with what the other members have said, give the meds a try and consult with a few clinics. Hopefully you get some regrowth.As for the amount of grafts, I'd guess around the 3000 mark.Good luck.Bm.

 

[Terry]

Thanks for the opinions guys... I will add minoxidil to my regime as its easy enough to apply and who knows I may grow some hair. Which is best the foam or liquid ? My job involves a lot of activity and sweating which rules out concealer, I literally have my hair going from one extreme to another... from dry to wet, back to dry numerous times throughout the day.
The general consensus is 3000 - 3500 grafts which is what I'll budget for.

 

[Dazzster26]

Hi Friend

I have to agree with the other members with the meds, try the Rogaine Foam and Finesteride combination and see how you go by your set date with the clinic , dont be surprised if you see hair growth in the frontal 3rd as well as the crown with the medications just looking at you loss I would say 2700 Grafts in the front and 800-1000 grafts in the crown.

All the very best




Dazz

 

[Coopman]

Foam drys in about 5-10mins. the liquid will leave your hair greasy and take 1-2hrs to fully dry

 

[Terry]

I've orders 4 months supply for £55.00 from the online shop on here... Boots are offering 3 months for £60.00. Got myself a good deal, hoping I get some new hair.

 

[Bigmac]

Good luck Terry, hope you're a good responder. Keep us informed how you get on.

 

[Terry]

I'll definately keep you updated... the forum has helped me immensely, its only fair to give something back.

 

[Westcoaster]

Terry you should take a look at the 3888 result Garageland posted in the doctors section to see what can be achieved.

 

[Terry]

Thanks Westcoaster I had a look... It's an amazing result. If I achieve that I'd be very happy.