Just got my first Transplant Consultation

[jwilly]

Hello all,

I'm a 31 yo with a receding hairline. Generally thinning in the vortex as well, but not so bad yet. I've been getting shorter "spiky" haircuts so that my randomly textured hair can "randomly" reduce the visibility of my receding hairline But it's the beginning of a comb-over type of habit, and that's not a path I feel like going down!! So it's come down to . . . transplants or shaving my head. I'm not ready to shave my head just yet, so I'm looking at transplants while I have the cash.

I went to my first consultation today with IAHRS surgeon in Pasadena, CA (Dr. Paul McAndrews). We worked out a plan and I was very impressed with his office and what he had to say. I really got the impression that he could give me exactly the best treatment for me. He also put me on Propecia to keep my hair that I still have in my head.

That said . . . I was blown away by the price tag . . . $9 per graft!! I don't need very many . . . he recommended 1,600 . . . but that totals $14,400!! I was expecting it to be expensive, but that's over TWICE what I was considering paying.

Is that too much to spend? I was impressed with the facilities and think this guy could do a great job. But I'm having a hard time swallowing the price tag and want to make sure that I'm not being taken advantage of.

Have any of you used surgeons in SoCal that were less expensive yet absolutely perfect professionals? I am actually willing to spend it if I have to, but I obviously want to keep my money in my pocket if I can.