Considering Restoration - Honest Opinions And Advice Wanted

[Blueberry]

Hi everyone,

I'm a 27-year-old male from continental Europe. I started noticing hair loss at around age 21-22. Since then there haven’t been any rapid changes but a slow progress that I notice when comparing the status quo to earlier pictures.
I used minoxidil infrequently for around 3 years. I eventually stopped using it because I found it annoying to use and concluded that it does not tackle the problem at its root anyways (based on what I read, at least).
About half a year ago I started taking finasteride (1mg/day). I have not noticed any change in my hair status yet. I don't know if that is because of the finasteride or because it was too little change to notice.

My hair loss has bothered me for a while but I feel that I am now at a point where it becomes more noticeable and I think about it far more often than I would like to. Therefore, I am considering restauration. My goals would be to a) fix my current zig-zag shaped hairline and turn it into a more natural looking hairline and b) have more density in the vertex area. My hairline has always been high and I am not expecting a lower one than the one I currently have.

• What's your general opinion on my situation?
• Am I a suitable candidate for a transplant?
• If so, what would you advise me specifically?
  
• If not, when might be a good point in time or would you generally advise against it?

Any input is very much appreciated!
I included a few pictures of myself as well as of my father and grandfather (mother's side) for reference.

 

[topcat]

Your hair looks good now. Maybe consider it in 5- years and by then other options may be available.

 

[hanginginthewire]

I only skimmed your post and glanced at the pics but I would stick with propecia for awhile. Hold off on a transplant. Your hair looks good now and transplants (in their current incarnation) are last resort.

 

[DoctorHouse]

Your hair looks good now. Maybe consider it in 5- years and by then other options may be available.

You are a NW3 but you can disguise it well with your current hair style. If you feel you are ready then look into a transplant. But your current hairstyle allows you to still look like a "full head".

 

[Blueberry]

Thanks for the replies!

You are a NW3 but you can disguise it well with your current hair style. If you feel you are ready then look into a transplant. But your current hairstyle allows you to still look like a "full head".

Maybe it does, but only if the hair is placed just right. That of course makes me anxious about the wind blowing it in the wrong direction, someone touching it, the hair getting wet, etc. :/

What would be the concrete benefit of waiting?

 

[spring15]

"continental Europe" .. I chuckled.

Anyway I would go for it, utilise your looks in the prime years of your life. You are a good candidate for a transplant and it would be a weight off your shoulders getting it.

 

[DoctorHouse]

Thanks for the replies!

Maybe it does, but only if the hair is placed just right. That of course makes me anxious about the wind blowing it in the wrong direction, someone touching it, the hair getting wet, etc. :/

What would be the concrete benefit of waiting?

There really is no major benefit of waiting other than for new treatments but who knows when they will be here so if you are ready do your research and go for it. If I were in your position I would not wait if it bothers me everyday.

 

[topcat]

See at least 10 hair transplants in person with someone that has similar hairloss. Also viewed at least 10-20 stories and pictures online where young guys today have been devastated. You will have to dig deep. That kind of balances it out and you understand the risk.

Forums can be both good and bad. When the discussion goes too much in one direction it can become like a consumer magazine which is basically a purchasing catalog. This is done with screen names created simply to encourage you so just be careful. It’s like the B-girls decades ago that worked the night club scene.


Anyone who has been in the night club business would know some operators use B-girls. B-girls are women that look like customers but actually work for the club. They are there to create action and make the place look like it's happening. When the poor suckers come in they start spending money. So take everything you see online with a grain of salt. Much of what you see are the B-girls of the hair transplant industry simply working.

The B-girls of the hair transplant industry also serve to comfort young guys that come back who clearly have issues. They talk it down basically hand holding and changing the diaper.............not a good place to be in if you are that young guy.

I would still suggest waiting..............technology is moving way to fast but do what you think is best for your own future. Keep us updated.

 

[Pequod]

I would only do it if you can go to one of the top hairline experts. Otherwise it is not worth the risk at this point. Your donor hair looks excellent so you should have no problem getting good grafts.

 

[Blueberry]

I would only do it if you can go to one of the top hairline experts. Otherwise it is not worth the risk at this point. Your donor hair looks excellent so you should have no problem getting good grafts.

harline expert = renowned doctor?
I have seen a few scary pictures and read enough that I decided to only go to a top doctors if I am ever doing it. Thinking of how much the entire thing would cost me is painful but fortunately it would be possible for me to afford it. Unfortunately, there aren't any of those doctors where I live so I want to gather a few options online first.
So far I have sent my pictures to Hasson & Wong for evaluation because I have been very impressed with their work. They consider me a viable candidate and recommend ~2500 grafts focusing on the front. I currenlty lean very strongly towards FUE and I understand that they are newer to that than other doctors. I have yet to research if that is a relevant factor.

I will try to get more opinions and compare. Given they all earn their money doing hair transplants, I assume it won't be possible to get a perfectly neutral opinion though

See at least 10 hair transplants in person with someone that has similar hairloss. Also viewed at least 10-20 stories and pictures online where young guys today have been devastated. You will have to dig deep. That kind of balances it out and you understand the risk.

If you have come across these kind of stories/picture, please send me a pn. How do you find and meet such patients?
I am very much interested in getting a balanced view.

Forums can be both good and bad. When the discussion goes too much in one direction it can become like a consumer magazine which is basically a purchasing catalog. This is done with screen names created simply to encourage you so just be careful. It’s like the B-girls decades ago that worked the night club scene.[...]

What you say makes a lot of sense, I will keep that in mind.