HT and Age

[Highlander]

I've had a few consultations from different doctors, and a fair few have suggested that I wait until I'm older before undergoing any HT. My question is though, if I have halted the hair loss, why should I continue waiting? If finasteride and minox are working for me, what is the point of holding out for this magic number?

I've had a couple that said they would perform a HT, but the ones I would prefer to go with (cheaper / more results on the Internet) have asked me to wait. This has led me to considering going with one of the more 'iffy' ones and getting a minor HT of 1-1.5k grafts, then later on going with one of the better ones for a top-up if I want.

Is this a dangerous strategy? The way I see it, since I'm only filling in the temple region, it can't go that wrong, surely? If it looks unnatural I can fix it later with another surgeon, and being in the temple region, it would be covered by my hair anyway.

Some general thoughts on this would be good, as I'd really like to put my receding hairline behind me as soon as possible.

[2020]

how old are you and at what norwood?

[chrisis]

Can't really comment without more info about yourself and a pic would be even better.

[intel]

I'm almost 25 and I am getting a FUT transplant from a reputable doctor recommended on these forums. How old are you? I started balding at 16 and wanted a HT earlier as I hit 21 but waited a couple yrs

[Highlander]

Originally Posted by intel

I'm almost 25 and I am getting a FUT transplant from a reputable doctor recommended on these forums. How old are you? I started balding at 16 and wanted a HT earlier as I hit 21 but waited a couple yrs

Sorry for the late reply. I'm currently 20 years old and just started taking finasteride (yah for the Shed!). Since fin caused me to lose ground around my hairline I'm now a NW2 on one side, and NW1 on the other. I'm hoping this all stabilises in the new few weeks. Thankfully my hair is thick and I have a bit more to give because it because a problem. For now I'm just wearing my hair longer.

Right now I'm on fin and minox. Looking to start nizoral 2%. My hair loss began with Accutane, not age. So that is another thing to consider.

[gillenator]

Highlander,

I just read your comments regarding Accutane starting the hairloss and because of that, I strongly advise that you first get physically examined for a formal diagnosis of MPB. If Accutane is the sole reason for the loss then hairloss meds may be inappropriate for you IMHO. I have seen and heard of this before with teens and young men that have used Accutane.

Many HT doctors look for miniturization of the existing hair to confirm MPB before they prescribe finasteride. Do you have men with MPB in your family on either side?

[Highlander]

Originally Posted by gillenator

Highlander,

I just read your comments regarding Accutane starting the hairloss and because of that, I strongly advise that you first get physically examined for a formal diagnosis of MPB. If Accutane is the sole reason for the loss then hairloss meds may be inappropriate for you IMHO. I have seen and heard of this before with teens and young men that have used Accutane.

Many HT doctors look for miniturization of the existing hair to confirm MPB before they prescribe finasteride. Do you have men with MPB in your family on either side?

I went to a doctor (actually a very knowledgeable derm in my country who also is a Professor) and he said the following:

Hair density and thickness are totally normal.
Hairs aren't falling out when tugged or rustled. In other words, they aren't weak or something.
I probably have TE as a result of taking accutane, which can be a result of Accutane. Along with early onset of MPB.

He said I could avoid meds completely if I wanted, but if I wanted to do something that I should take Fnasteride. I opted to take Fnasteride at 1.25mg per day.

If the issue is entirely related to Accutane, then based in my readings my options are basically just to wait a few years and see if things sort them out. Either way, since fin isn't giving me sides I don't think there is any problem in trying. Especially since my hair loss pattern is that of MPB and not a typical overall thinning as is usually common with TE. Leading me to believe accutane has caused an early onset of MPB, not a prolonged form of TE.

[gillenator]

Highlander,

Thanks for your reply which sheds additional light in your case. And I agree that it could have advanced the progression of your MPB, maily because of the Norwood pattern of loss that you are seeing.

I have heard of TE a number of times as a result of taking Accutane.

Glad to see that you are now taking the most effective med addressing your MPB. And it also appears that your derrm understands the differences.

Wish you well in your journey!