Not a Candidate for a HT?

[r132]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Would anyone venture to say what a "conservative" expectation would be for someone like me should the possibility of a HT be put back on the table, in light of my soon-to-be NW6 hairline down the road?

Would NW3 be possible?

I realize there are numerous variables involved, but just wanting to see what people think in terms of " conservative expectations" for future consults. I've been reading through the pics and posts on here and I will say that some of the photos/work performed by some docs is far greater results than I would expect from a HT, so I believe my expectations by default are on the conservative side to begin with.

Perhaps the surgeon I previously consulted with believed I was shooting for an NW2 or something above and beyond, which I will be the first to say I'm not. I would even be content to maintain what I have for the future with small amounts added to the recessing peaks in front, not sure if that would be possible though.

[Dr. Lindsey]

There are a variety of reasons you may not be a candidate.

Some people come in at a young age, want a youthful hairline which won't look good as they age or perhaps have a strong family likelyhood of winding up a NW7....they need to wait. I see this weekly and offer meds and followups yearly. I'd guess a fair amount just go elsewhere and get surgery, some successfully, some not-as I see a few back when they have a problem.

Others simply have very little donor hair and can't get a lot of coverage. They are not necessarily excluded...but its important to have frank and documented discussions about what they are likely to achieve and what they are not likely to achieve...so that they can make an informed decision. Its critical the doctor and patient figure this out. We just did a second case on a nice fellow who I initially told was not a good candidate. After lots of discussions, we did a first case and got 2200 grafts of fairly sparse hair and gave him thin, but still coverage of his frontal 1/4. He just got 1700 last week and I think his donor area is done. And he won't be a great show candidate BUT he's delighted. He says even the thin coverage has allowed him to take up competition dancing and meet lots of people that he was too shy to talk to before. BUT just as easily if he'd have thought he'd have had a great head of hair, he'd be dissappointed now.

Others have medical reasons not to proceed. We just had to turn down the perfect candidate due to an unusual immune deficiency problem.

Still others simply have unrealistic goals.

Finally there are patients who are not a match for a particular doctor.

Medicine should not be all about kneeling at the alter of the almightly dollar, but rather about doing the right thing as best as you can.

I agree with the recommendations above, it doesn't hurt you to have a second opinion from a top doctor. If 2 or 3 tell you you are not a candidate...well they may be right. Simply ask why.

Good luck.

Dr. Lindsey

[534623]

I agree with the recommendations above, it doesn't hurt you to have a second opinion from a top doctor.

... also from top doctors on other hair loss forums, I think:

[dex89]

... also from top doctors on other hair loss forums, I think:

That man has a valid point.

[baldee]

about a year ago I also was given the bad news that I am not a candidate for transplant. The reasons being:

• Did not respond to medical therapy.
• Too young (23)
• Norwood 6/7 pattern
• Low Donor density

I decided to shave it off and forget about it. Yet once again I find myself in this forum! Sorry for hijacking your thread, but yes some of us are simply forsaken.

[gillenator]

about a year ago I also was given the bad news that I am not a candidate for transplant. The reasons being:

• Did not respond to medical therapy.
• Too young (23)
• Norwood 6/7 pattern
• Low Donor density

I decided to shave it off and forget about it. Yet once again I find myself in this forum! Sorry for hijacking your thread, but yes some of us are simply forsaken.

baldee,

Keep coming back because you never know when something new may manifest. I respect your thoughtfulness about your own situation, and your knowing your own limitations even if that means no procedure.

I started researching this field 32 years ago in 1980 when there was no internet. I never ever thought the field would have progressed to where it is today including the meds.

Your participation is still appreciated.

[baldee]

Gillenator,

I don’t know why I keep returning, most likely it’s because I cannot accept myself as being a bald person. My negative sentiments towards the hair loss community are certainly not beneficial to the community. I feel that the hair transplant treatments available are a complete utter failure. Helping a 50 year old NW3 regain his NW1/2 hairline isn’t really an achievement, yet this is the bread and butter of most transplant surgeons. Obviously my perspective is very biased by ignorance of youth. Don’t get me wrong I appreciate the efforts of the community in educating the public with regards to hair loss, but in cases such as mine the only offering is fake sympathy/empathy.

It is difficult to understand how painful it is spending your youth burdened by severe hair loss. I am sure there will be future advancements in the field of hair loss but by that time it will be too little to late, as I are already socially scarred.

[drybone]

Baldee

The doctor I did the HT with indicated to me that they can clone hair shafts but they will not grow . So give it 5 or 10 years and I bet they will have advances in cloning by then.

With cloning everyone will have enough donor hair .