Elite Coalition Member
About
Been fixated that I'm losing hair like many men, since my teenage. Well, today I can say I wasn't back then. Later in my thirties I started using minox but today I am not sure I needed to... well can't ever tell what would have happened had I not. In the last year since I turned 50, I am noticing more shedding than I am used, lest I still use minox. I find myself counting hairs in the shower tray and trying to convince myself that it can't be happening. But pictures are unforgiving. And I must admit that I am. Three choices... do nothing and lump it; buzz down all I have to spite my mirror; or do something. I am chosing the 3rd option. Been researching and reading in every galaxy of the net. Had a few consultations too. Now I booked my HT for the coming September and I have started the countdown... a strategy of frequent haircuts, gradually going shorter and shorter to prepare for the after effect and going back to work. I am planning to return after 3-4 weeks. I am trying to keep my HT very discreet. I must thank Spex and also Acrobaz for his detailed dossier of his progress, and all the many others who have shared their experience. I would not have even had the slightest motivation to search into modern HT and venture into this quest. I hope I will not regret it. I suppose everyone has this slight fear of the risks. But ... no risk no reward (no loss either usually - but in our case, further loss is a certainty! LOL)
My Surgical Treatments to Date
HT carried out by Dr Alan Feller September 3rd 2013
My Non Surgical TreatmentsMinoxidil 5ml twice daily since last 15 years or more.?
Bald Class
Norwood stage 3 Vertex
In terms of the receding hairline, stage 3 vertex balding is a less drastic version of stage 3.
However, people experiencing stage 3 vertex balding will also begin losing hair on the crown of their head. This often starts as one small bald spot.
Waves of denial and worry
Can't really tell but I used minox 5ml since the last 15 years
Yes! Good choice of surgeon, lest myself hailing from Europe it is a hassle traveling to NYC and staying there till staples were removed. I could have travelled back and got the staples removed from hometown clinic but did not want to risk. Took the opportunity to dredge NY :)
2 years down the line I can say I'm happier because I suppose I could have grown practically bald. My top frontal part is acceptably dense even if I understand that to cover the top of head one needs around 7-9000 grafts. My disappointment was the crown which is becoming a bit of a sore spot for me. For this reason I have decided for an FUE with Dr Feriduni this time in Belgium and again with Spex's support. Had I known that FUE was possible for mega sessions I would have chosen FUE for a mega session. No pain, minimal discomfort. Just need to buzz the full head down. The Doc extracted 800 grafts for the crown area and this with full compassion towards my wish to camouflage the shaven strips at the back. Excellent job. Still need to wait 6-12 mths to tell whether I'm happy with results. But hoping for the best.
Only used minox so I can't really help here. Dr Feller did not seem to be a raving fan of Minoxidil and I left his clinic with hopes I could get off it. Reality is that 2700 graft for the top is only good if I kept the resident hair. I'm still uneasy playing with hormones using Finasteride. I am told that that Finasteride is being manufactured in gel form for topical use. Not scientifically proven but there are several experiences suggesting it works.
As for the choice between FUT and FUE, I would go for FUE. It is way less painful. Recovery is superior to FUT. No scar. One can decide eventually to shave the full head with nothing to show.
BUT... It's imperative to research extremely well especially on choice of surgeon and clinic. Read blogs and experiences. The capability of the surgeon is reflected in genuine happy clients. I did extensive reading and my first choice of clinic was Dr Feriduni. Unfortunately he did not take me for my first HT as he prudently pointed out the risk of shock loss of my resident hair. Wanting to still risk, I went for my second choice Dr Feller. Both are good choices. Dr Feriduni is super professional with pre-op consultation lasting more than an hour, taking pics, counting hair follicles , plotting to scale, calculating a reasonable harvest, establishing priorities, strategizing... Professional! FUE was done by him. Team is superb. Post-op medication pack with serum, spray, oil and pills all in a branded premier package. Kudos!
Like many men growing bald is not a pleasing experience. Some might say just buzz it off. I prefer grooming myself. So HT which I did whilst I still had hair, lest thinning steadily, did give me back confidence I wanted. I work among elite executives. A head of hair, a nice suite and especially clean smart shoes are my hallmarks.
Knowing is not enough... we must apply
Willing is not enough... we must DO
