Treatment Protocol?

[tedwuji]

I heard Spencer Kobren say on the radio show that men should not get a strip procedure before age 35.

Anyone have thoughts?

[tedwuji]

Joe says age 30 is a good threshhold for FUT safety.

[tedwuji]

These are very tough questions to answer. In my experience, I think most doctors will at least say that 25 is a general threshold to consider but, as with anything, caveats exist. The idea is that FUE is "safer" so younger patients can be accepted but I've got mixed feelings about that. A bad result is still a bad result, regardless of the technique. One thing that I've learned is that the technique is irrelevant when you're talking to a patient that feels "butchered" and that includes FUE patients. The bad FUE results of today are no different, psychologically, than the bad plug patients of thirty years ago. I'm currently in regular contact with multiple patients that have had FUE and are in various states of depression due to unnatural results, over harvested donor zones, or a combination of effects.

For strip, I think 30 is the threshold, especially now with the negative image it has in the market. Most patients considering strip now, in 2016/2017 are doing so only because they've really thought long and hard about what it involves and the side effects that are unique to strip alone.

https://www.baldtruthtalk.com/threads/25614-22-Year-Old-Seeking-Hair-Transplant-Advice?p=244387&highlight=#post244387

Well said Joe Tillman.

[tedwuji]

I wouldnt think there really is a set age as it is based on your own physiology and circumstances.


However, if you are balding fast in your 20s and a Norwood 4 by 24, then id wait at least over 35 to see how this is headed or if it stabilizes. Then decide if you are comfy with a procedure and if any meds work on you.

If you are receding very slowly and still holding ground well at age 30 the you may consider one around that time.

Some decisions may need to be made depending on hair loss in your family overall.

Its best if you do not have to get a procedure, but if you do and the circumstances are right, then age 30+ should be a good starting point imo.


I know some known docs that did fut to kid out of high school. This was for a natural hairloss case. That id disagree with.

Yes i am well aware all people are different but for example some doctors simply will not work on balding men under age 25. Its a fast rule of thumb for some very renowned AHLA surgeons. I think 35 would be safe for almost anyone to decide if they are a candidate or not.

[Sean]

I wouldnt think there really is a set age as it is based on your own physiology and circumstances.


However, if you are balding fast in your 20s and a Norwood 4 by 24, then id wait at least over 35 to see how this is headed or if it stabilizes. Then decide if you are comfy with a procedure and if any meds work on you.

If you are receding very slowly and still holding ground well at age 30 the you may consider one around that time.

Some decisions may need to be made depending on hair loss in your family overall.

Its best if you do not have to get a procedure, but if you do and the circumstances are right, then age 30+ should be a good starting point imo.


I know some known docs that did fut to kid out of high school. This was for a natural hairloss case. That id disagree with.

[tedwuji]

In general, what is the ideal age for a hair transplant?

What is the age which ethical surgeons would unanimously agree it is "safe" to get a transplant assuming no donor thinning or any other abnormal occurences? I.e. a good transplant candidate.

Just looking for maybe an average age as everyone is different. I am guessing it is around 35 as Spencer Kobren said he doesnt recommend any guy get FUT under 35 on the radio show before. Thoughts?

[tedwuji]

Over 6 years on finasteride.

[tedwuji]

.

[tedwuji]

Good. Your hairline is fine.

Yeah, it would be nice if it was a tad lower (1-2cm) but this is not an unmanageable scenario from a style or aesthetic point if view. Thanks.

[Zdude]

Good. Your hairline is fine.

[tedwuji]

Glad I did not get a transplant. Content with my situation.

[tedwuji]

Without getting into too much details I still experience your first side. My ex even commented on it. Seems like it's not one of the sides that goes away.

Yeah the medical literature documents that one pretty well. Oh well, gotta take the pros with the cons i guess.

[JohnMPB]

Without getting into too much details I still experience your first side. My ex even commented on it. Seems like it's not one of the sides that goes away.

[tedwuji]

What side effects exactly do you experience if you don't mind?

I feel like as im now getting up in age, my sex drive isn't what it used to be compared to my late teens early twenties. But it also makes me wonder how much fin is affecting it.

Oh and BTW I always tried to use Rogaine twice a day, I left that part out.

Sorry for late reply, been busy.

Finasteride makes semen watery and maybe erections 10% less frequent but stil feeling pretty good these days. No complaints from women!

[JohnMPB]

What side effects exactly do you experience if you don't mind?

I feel like as im now getting up in age, my sex drive isn't what it used to be compared to my late teens early twenties. But it also makes me wonder how much fin is affecting it.

Oh and BTW I always tried to use Rogaine twice a day, I left that part out.