Dermatologist Appointment And Question About Accutane

[HNMB]

Hey everyone,

I just a dermatologist earlier last week and I have two questions regarding what I went over with him.

1. I showed him my hair and told him I've been experiencing some recession and noticed some thinning up top (feels thinner and I've been seeing more scalp in the mirror when my hair is wet or under direct light). My temple peaks especially have taken a hit over the past year, they used to be almost vertical now they're at a strong angle and visibly thinning. However he took one look at my hair, told me I have great density and completely disregarded my concern despite me noticing some clear recession. What should I do from here? Start treatments on my own? See another derm? I've attached pictures to the post so you guys know what I'm talking about. To me it appears worse in person than in these pictures but I tried my best to get multiple angles, both with and without flash.

2. For my acne he suggested I start accutante. However I've heard numerous stories about it leading to hair loss, and in those prone to male pattern baldness, permanent hair loss. Is this a legitimate concern, and as a side note, does anyone have any experience with this medication? Any other side effects?

Thanks.

Now:

~3 years ago when I just started noticing some hair loss:

 

[HNMB]

Bump

 

[Mushu]

Hey, it does appear you've receded some. Your best bet is to visit another derm and provide these your before and after pictures showing your concern. Let the derm know you'd like to try Finasteride(its fda approved for hairloss) and you understand the risks. No reason for them to deny you

I wouldn't jump on minoxidil yet and assess how well fiinasteride is working for you and if the receding/thinning slows down. Of course, keep an eye for further recession.

I have no experience with accutane, can't help you there.

 

[HNMB]

Hey, it does appear you've receded some. Your best bet is to visit another derm and provide these your before and after pictures showing your concern. Let the derm know you'd like to try Finasteride(its fda approved for hairloss) and you understand the risks. No reason for them to deny you

I wouldn't jump on minoxidil yet and assess how well fiinasteride is working for you and if the receding/thinning slows down. Of course, keep an eye for further recession.

I have no experience with accutane, can't help you there.

Thanks for the reply, seeing another dermatologist will be tough because of insurance and timing. I'm debating about going on minoxidil for a few months/years and pray that a treatment comes out by 2020.

 

[Mushu]

Thanks for the reply, seeing another dermatologist will be tough because of insurance and timing. I'm debating about going on minoxidil for a few months/years and pray that a treatment comes out by 2020.

What is the time span of your recession(how aggressive have you noticed it is)? Most that use minoxidil do get some regrowth, but without an anti androgen, it may lose its effectiveness over time and you won't keep those gains. You'll also be stuck using it for life.

It doesn't appear you have aggressive hair loss, so you may stay at your current norwood, which appears to be a 1.5.

 

[HNMB]

What is the time span of your recession(how aggressive have you noticed it is)? Most that use minoxidil do get some regrowth, but without an anti androgen, it may lose its effectiveness over time and you won't keep those gains. You'll also be stuck using it for life.

It doesn't appear you have aggressive hair loss, so you may stay at your current norwood, which appears to be a 1.5.

I first started noticing some recession in early 2014, but it was slow up until last year. Over the past 12 months is when I really began to notice a change and a bit of diffuse thinning up top. The way my face is framed even this small recession really throws everything off balance, my temple peaks really framed my face, so anything to help that grow back will be wonderful.

 

[ManinBlack]

I wouldn't risk accutane. I personally have heard too many horror stories about people losing their hair with it. Heck, I didn't even know they still prescribed it, I thought it was discontinued because it gave some people bowel disease as a side effect. Anyway becoming a Norwoodcel is much worse than having bad acne imo. Have you tried other less serious treatments for acne like creams before? Did they not work?

 

[HNMB]

I wouldn't risk accutane. I personally have heard too many horror stories about people losing their hair with it. Heck, I didn't even know they still prescribed it, I thought it was discontinued because it gave some people bowel disease as a side effect. Anyway becoming a Norwoodcel is much worse than having bad acne imo. Have you tried other less serious treatments for acne like creams before? Did they not work?

I've tried everything man. I actually had clear skin a few months ago after 3 years, but got ankle surgery and the recovery caused some me to break out again (and along with it my hair thinned out even more). I'm using some a retanoid right now which is working well, but not 100%.

 

[Unlucky93]

I've tried everything man. I actually had clear skin a few months ago after 3 years, but got ankle surgery and the recovery caused some me to break out again (and along with it my hair thinned out even more). I'm using some a retanoid right now which is working well, but not 100%.

Have you tried benzoyl peroxide/differin/epiduo with lymecycline?

 

[HNMB]

Have you tried benzoyl peroxide/differin/epiduo with lymecycline?

I've tried all those except Lymecycline (but I've tried other oral antibiotics).