Background: 27M, NW2, been on finasteride for 6 years with excellent results. Looking to increase density and for minor regrowth along hairline and vertex.
I went to see a well-reviewed hair transplant surgeon today for a consultation. I felt a little stupid because he said my hair loss was basically not noticeable and I have a normal mature hairline (although he barely looked). Interestingly he said a NW2/mature hairline wasn't even really hair loss. He recommended I add minoxidil 5% foam 1x/day if I wanted to add something. He also said about 65% of people respond to his PRP+Acell and it is effective so that could be an option.
The issue is that when my hair is clean, dry and styled my hair thinness/loss is not really noticeable. However, when wet or greasy it is very noticeable, particularly at the vertex. I know this is a great situation to be in and am lucky that I responded so well to finasteride. However, it still bothers me.
- I would rather pay the $1k+/year to do a treatment that doesn't require a daily regimen. The cost is not that important for something that could work.
- It seems that getting PRP while I still have decent hair (but definitely have male pattern baldness) would be better than waiting until it's eventually worse?
- I am really worried about the shed I would have to go through with minoxidil or PRP. Does anyone know if a PRP shed is less likely or less severe?
- I have read that if there is a PRP shed it starts after 6 weeks and could go for another 6 weeks.
- Is it possible that PRP could make my hair worse (after possible initial shed)?
Any thoughts welcome. In reading people's experiences with PRP, most negative ones seem to be with people who are not on an anti-androgen, which I would not expect to work well. Also if you have any questions about finasteride or my experience, feel free to DM me.
I went to see a well-reviewed hair transplant surgeon today for a consultation. I felt a little stupid because he said my hair loss was basically not noticeable and I have a normal mature hairline (although he barely looked). Interestingly he said a NW2/mature hairline wasn't even really hair loss. He recommended I add minoxidil 5% foam 1x/day if I wanted to add something. He also said about 65% of people respond to his PRP+Acell and it is effective so that could be an option.
The issue is that when my hair is clean, dry and styled my hair thinness/loss is not really noticeable. However, when wet or greasy it is very noticeable, particularly at the vertex. I know this is a great situation to be in and am lucky that I responded so well to finasteride. However, it still bothers me.
- I would rather pay the $1k+/year to do a treatment that doesn't require a daily regimen. The cost is not that important for something that could work.
- It seems that getting PRP while I still have decent hair (but definitely have male pattern baldness) would be better than waiting until it's eventually worse?
- I am really worried about the shed I would have to go through with minoxidil or PRP. Does anyone know if a PRP shed is less likely or less severe?
- I have read that if there is a PRP shed it starts after 6 weeks and could go for another 6 weeks.
- Is it possible that PRP could make my hair worse (after possible initial shed)?
Any thoughts welcome. In reading people's experiences with PRP, most negative ones seem to be with people who are not on an anti-androgen, which I would not expect to work well. Also if you have any questions about finasteride or my experience, feel free to DM me.