Beyond hope for hair transplant?

[uncomfortable man]

Hey everyone,
So lately I have seriously been considering saving up for a hair transplant after reading such success stories as Jotronic and LondonLad (both of whom were around my level of baldness- NW5a). I was relatively hopeful, that is until upon further research whereby my eyes were opened to a host of possible problems that have since instilled the seeds of doubt. I know that with any procedure there are risks, I guess I just didn't realize how much of a tightrope act it can be (especially at my level of loss). For instance, not having enough donor hair to cover future loss or even get full coverage initially, not responding to the meds or even getting adverse side effects, shedding, shockloss issues and what if the grafts don't take or deteriorate over time? I really want my hair back, but I don't want to be tens of thousands of dollars in the hole and stuck with mediocre results that I won't be able to fix with a quick buzz anymore due to the scars. I am really conflicted because if it goes well, then it would be a dream come true but if fails then I will be stuck in a nightmare that is worse than my current situation with little to no recourse.
I have included a picture so you can see what I'm working with (or without in my case) and help you determine weather or not I am beyond hope for a hair transplant. Thank you for your attention.

 

[Lucky_UK]

What are your sides like UM? and how old are you?

 

[uncomfortable man]

My sides are fine, I suppose. I'm 33, but you already asked me that in another thread.

 

[Lucky_UK]

Sorry UM

Perhaps getting a consult with a clinic will decide whether or not you are suitable, I think FUE may not be an option for you, if your sides are solid then there is a chance you should be ok for hair transplant

 

[uncomfortable man]

They can't transplant from the sides, too many veins. They take it from the back (everyone knows that). But yes I intend to send that and maybe one other pic to H&W and Dr. Feller and see what they have to say. I will post their responses on this thread as well.

 

[HatPrisoner91]

Definitely good luck with that man.

 

[s.a.f]

It would be interesting to see what your hair looks like grown out, since you are not shiney slick bald there is alot of stubbly areas and if these could grow they would help alot to reduce the amount of grafts needed. But it would be important to use meds to hang onto that hair because you can see a classic NW6 outline developing.
BTW they do take donor from the sides the strip goes across the back and up in a smiley fashion above the ears. A good length strip is 30+cm long!
A good well lit pic of your donor area would give us some idea of how suitable you are eg your donor density.

 

[uncomfortable man]

When I run my hand over the top of my head I can still feel alot of vellus hairs there (practically invisible hairs) and I know they can't transplant where there is already a hair, no matter how diminished it is. It is this reason that I was shocked at what Gillenator said in another thread about shockloss. If the native hairs are diminished around the transplanted hairs (especially in diffuse thinners like me) then the vellus hairs can just die due to shockloss. This wouldn't be such a bad thing if I had an endless supply of donor hairs because I could just get those dead follicles replaced in a future session and wind up with some killer density but this is not the case and is in fact just another pitfall I might face. I will have a picture taken of the sides and back of my head to give you guys a good idea of what my donor region may provide.

 

[uncomfortable man]

hope this is sufficient...

 

[HatPrisoner91]

If that is the case, the areas where I have like no hair are good for hair transplant?

 

[uncomfortable man]

If you have enough donor hair to strategically fill those areas HP, then yes.

 

[Lucky_UK]

When I mentioned your sides I didn't mean to transplant, many doctors look at the sides to see if there is any thinning / miniturization as this is a red flag and means you are not suitable for hair transplant.

Looking at your pics UM, apart from looking good with a buzz cut, in my opinion you could probably have enough donor to cover the top, so long as you don't wan't a NW1 hairline, this is from looking at other guys with similar loss, you are no worse off than Jotronic or London Lad.

 

[s.a.f]

I'd get on meds straight away if I was you. Looking at the your donor area on the negative side your density looks average at best, but on the positive side it does seem to be holding up well (very high on the sides and at the back) and this can save an awful lot of grafts.

 

[metalheaddude]

I don't think you're beyond help at all. Just go for it man! Just make sure you goto a reputable surgeon. Id send your pic to Dr Feller. He is a very honest free thinking guy with exceptional surgical skill. But best of all he is not in it for the money. He will tell you in brutal honesty of your true prospects.

Good Luck.

 

[uncomfortable man]

Thank you Lucky and S.A.F., that is very encouraging news for me. I will be happy with NW2 maybe even NW3, anything beyond that would be pushing it imo. I am moving back to California in a matter of weeks and I plan on getting a job and getting on the meds a.s.a.p.. This is a good thing because in the time it will take me to get the money, I should already be well adjusted to Propecia. Should I start with a low dose or go straight for the higher dose or should I take finasteride/Proscar instead- what is the difference anyway? I know only 2% experience sides and I am aware of the hypochondriac factor (think placebo) so I will condition my mind to believe that I am in the 40% that actually experiences regrowth! That, a healthy lifestyle, positive attitude and I will be straight. I will be sending those pics off to the clinics today and keep you guys informed as to the doctors response. Again, I appreciate your input guys.

 

[ITNEVERRAINS]

I think your donor looks real good, I could see you having enough for 3 sessions.

 

[dd11856]

I think you would definitely benefit from a hair transplant. But you really need to get on meds first. That is my biggest regret - that I didn't start on meds full-time when I could have saved a lot of my hair.

 

[uncomfortable man]

Again, I think an explanation of the difference between Propecia, Pro-Scar and finasteride would be beneficial. Do I need a prescription for these drugs?

 

[Follically Challenged]

Again, I think an explanation of the difference between Propecia, Pro-Scar and finasteride would be beneficial. Do I need a prescription for these drugs?

Propecia is 1mg finasteride and Proscar is 5mg. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finasteride

To answer your question about prescriptions, you don't need one if you order over the internet from out of the country, you do need one if you get it from in the country.

 

[uncomfortable man]

I just had a depressing realization. Once I get a job I am required by law to pay child support, roughly $340 a month. I know this doesn't sound like much, but this is going to postpone my projection date for earning enough to pay for this hair transplant. I feel like I am never going to be able to generate enough cash. I am pretty depressed about this, but my child comes first right?