Transplant candidate?

[robbie25]

Hey I've been reading around, and come across several references stating something along the lines that only certain types of people qualify for hair transplants.

What do they mean by that exactly?

Will the surgeon refuse to do it? It's not exactly an invasive procedure, is it?

My situation is, I've got a decent head of hair, but a receding hairline. I was hoping to have some sort of surgery to lower my hairline. Other then the hairline though, my hair is pretty thick and full. Would I not be able to get this done?

TIA

[Havok]

they consider things like scalp laxity, density of hair in donor area (back of the head), coarseness of hair etc. also need to think about how much hair you will lose in the future and set your expectations accordingly.

the only way you will know for sure whether you're a good candidate or not is to go and speak with a hair restoration doctor in person.

[robbie25]

Thanks for the reply. I guess what I was asking was, will they take one look at me, and say "oh, you're not a candidate, you're hair is fine"

I'm probably about a 2 on the Norwood scale, but I still would like to make my forehead less prominent.

So you're saying they won't necessarily do that?

[mattj]

Some doctors are more conservative than others. Any decent surgeon will take into account things such as your age, rate of loss, state of mind (are your goals simply unrealistic) and family history before agreeing to surgery. They will also prefer to see that you are making successful use of hairloss treatments such as Propecia.

Basically decisions are made on a case by case basis. Unless you are very close to your chosen surgeon (or surgeons if you have a shortlist) it would be best to begin by passing on your photos and information. That way, if they definitely don't consider you to be a candidate you will know without wasting time travelling.

[kanyon]

So if you don't respond to Fin or Minox are you unable to get a transplant?

[mattj]

So if you don't respond to Fin or Minox are you unable to get a transplant?

I wouldn't go that far. Like I said, it would be a case by case basis. It would depend on what that lack of response to the medication meant for the individual patient. If he is balding rapidly then he isn't going to be a good candidate.

[Havok]

there is a good reason why hair surgeons are less willing to restore juvenile hairline as hair loss can progress significantly over the years. if you just have mature hairline and have no sign of further hair loss beyond NW2 then you'd be a great candidate. if you're slowly heading towards NW5/6/7 then it's a different story. you may feel inclined to restore your previous hairline but you'll be singing a different tune if your hair loss becomes more aggressive.