Decision Time

**gmonasco** · 08-01-2012, 10:50 AM

When you say "hair unit," do you mean a conventional toupee/hairpiece, or an extended-wear hair system that is bonded to your scalp?

**aim4hair** · 08-01-2012, 11:56 AM

Originally posted by ejd1984

I 95% sure I'm going with a transplant, and have a few questions.

Currently I'm about a class 6, and wear a hair "unit", and I'm thinking of doing the transplants in stages over the course of a couple/three years (cost considerations). Starting next spring.

Can I have the transplants done in reverse order? Back (crown) to front(hairline), while still waring the hair unit - until I reach the final hairline stage?

I know it's doubtful that I can get 100% density in the crown area (save donor hairs for front hairline), but I would hope for at least 50% density.

Thoughts? Comments?

As an nw6 patient, do you have enough donor supply to cover all balding areas ?

**gillenator** · 08-01-2012, 12:42 PM

The answer is yes however possibly consider starting in the front and working towards the crown. A partial system/unit is less detectable when it's in the mid scalp transending to the crown.

It also allows you to make sure you have enough donor in the frontal zone to meet your minimum threshold of your goals. In other words, you want to be sure that you do not run out of available donor for the highest visual impact area which for most of us is the frontal zone.

**topcat** · 08-01-2012, 01:06 PM

Definitely agree with Gillenator here. I wouldn't start backwards as you may opt to leave the crown bald.

Frame the face with a mature hairline and let it go thin as you move backwards. It's a much better look.

**ejd1984** · 08-01-2012, 02:11 PM

Thanks for everyone's comments, REALLY helpful.

I understand starting from the front, and working back, while slowly decreasing density, but I still want to try for some form of coverage/density in the crown area as well.

As far as crown coverage in relation to available donor area, I'm at nearly the same exact amount of hair loss that this member (I may have about 5-10% more on the sides & temples), and I'm VERY impressed with his final results (including the crown).

**carl1983** · 08-02-2012, 02:44 AM

I'd agree with the other comments regarding starting from the front. The last thing you need is to look in the mirror every day, having spent significant sums of money, and feel your hairline is wispy.
Have you spoken to a HT surgeon about expectations graft wise?
The results you linked to are very, very impressive alright.
I'm 2 weeks on from my experience with Hasson & Wong and It's results like those that sold me on them in the first place...patiently waiting now!
Best of luck with it all anyway.

**ejd1984** · 08-02-2012, 07:13 AM

Originally posted by carl1983

I'd agree with the other comments regarding starting from the front. The last thing you need is to look in the mirror every day, having spent significant sums of money, and feel your hairline is wispy.
Have you spoken to a HT surgeon about expectations graft wise?
The results you linked to are very, very impressive alright.
I'm 2 weeks on from my experience with Hasson & Wong and It's results like those that sold me on them in the first place...patiently waiting now!
Best of luck with it all anyway.

I guess I'll be back to wearing a hat for 6-9 months after the procedure - no big deal.

Right now I'm doing some preliminary research. If/When I have it done, it'll be next February/March.

Right now I'm trying to find a good HT surgeon in the Baltimore/DC metro area.
(any suggestions?)

**Maradona** · 08-02-2012, 07:16 AM

Originally posted by ejd1984

I guess I'll be back to wearing a hat for 6-9 months after the procedure - no big deal.

Right now I'm doing some preliminary research. If/When I have it done, it'll be next February/March.

Right now I'm trying to find a good HT surgeon in the Baltimore/DC metro area.
(any suggestions?)

HT is a life changing decision. Trying to find a good surgeon in your area is not the way to go. You have to look on a national level or even an international level because there is no going back.

You have to be willing to travel if it's necessary and not rely on the 'the best in your area'.

Be very careful and if it's necessary travel across the ocean to find the best HT doctor you can get.

**ejd1984** · 08-02-2012, 07:59 AM

I'm going to initially start local, and slowly spread out over the fall and winter before I make the final decision.

Also, I'm thinking of staring on Spectral DNC-L now, to gain some additional density before the transplants. Would this be also be helpful?

**gillenator** · 08-02-2012, 12:14 PM

Originally posted by ejd1984

Thanks for everyone's comments, REALLY helpful.

I understand starting from the front, and working back, while slowly decreasing density, but I still want to try for some form of coverage/density in the crown area as well.

As far as crown coverage in relation to available donor area, I'm at nearly the same exact amount of hair loss that this member (I may have about 5-10% more on the sides & temples), and I'm VERY impressed with his final results (including the crown).

You may sustain further loss in the crown as time goes by because MPB is progressive. Then you have to have more donor to fill in those areas that recede away from where the transplants are.

Being our donor is limited, it is wise to manage enough donor for the visually high impact area which is the frontal third because we do not have enough scalp donor to go around.

Something to think about.

**Maradona** · 08-02-2012, 12:18 PM

Originally posted by gillenator

You may sustain further loss in the crown as time goes by because MPB is progressive. Then you have to have more donor to fill in those areas that recede away from where the transplants are.

Being our donor is limited, it is wise to manage enough donor for the visually high impact area which is the frontal third because we do not have enough scalp donor to go around.

Something to think about.

Love your name bro.

OP, this guy is right. That's why you want to find a TOP Surgeon. Some of them can only half the grafts others can to give you the same look.

Time, travel and money should not be an obstacle for an HT decision ! Keep that in mind : ) .

**ejd1984** · 08-03-2012, 08:59 AM

Originally posted by gillenator

You may sustain further loss in the crown as time goes by because MPB is progressive. Then you have to have more donor to fill in those areas that recede away from where the transplants are.

Being our donor is limited, it is wise to manage enough donor for the visually high impact area which is the frontal third because we do not have enough scalp donor to go around.

Something to think about.

I've thought about that as well. I'll make a final decision once I talk to a few HT surgeons, and get thier feedback.

If I do get a fair amount now to fill in the crown area, and the outer boundary starts to recede over the next 10 years, hopefully by that point there will be other treatments that will help.

Plus, it seems that my rate of hair loss had leveled over over the last 5-7 years, and may be generally settled in.

Or if I just need to used some form of minoxidil daily to have some coverage in the crown, I'm fine with that. That's why I'm starting on that now (6-9 months) prior to the projected HT surgery.

**gillenator** · 08-03-2012, 02:30 PM

Good for you! There are times that the rate of loss can vary. It can appear to subside for several or more years and then resume a faster progression.

The hairloss meds can bring further stabilization to the rate of the progression of MPB. Effective hairloss meds can buy us time and keep us in hair longer!

**ejd1984** · 08-04-2012, 10:10 AM

I've got a curiosity question (that popped into my little head):

Will a HT also stimulate regrowth in some dormant and adjacent hairs?