The least invasive but less effective treatment would be minoxidil (rogaine). The most invasive but likely most effective treatment would be a hair transplant.
Thank you for the excellent question. Finasteride is very effective. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Propecia or generic finasteride slows hair loss in 88% of men. It stimulates regrowth in about 66% of men as well. Finasteride can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took finasteride in clinical trials: ejaculation problems, breast tenderness, rash, decreased libido* (sex drive), and erectile dysfunction. A 2017 study of 3177 men showed a 0.7% incidence of side effects while the hair growth continued to improve with negligible problems.
Thank you for your excellent question. Your donor area does not appear to be too thin in the pictures you have provided. You should be able to have a hair transplant with donor area of that density.
Hi, thank you for the excellent questions! You do not have to shave the recipient area if you have a 2nd hair transplant. Yes, you can do a second FUT. It is likely they will chose a 2nd donor site away from your first donor site (the scar from the 1st donor site would compromise the quality of donor tissue for the 2nd transplant otherwise). With FUT, it should not thin out the hair in the donor area since both scalp tissue and hair is removed (no change in density in the donor area, unlike with FUE). Yes, unfortunately shock loss would still be an issue with a 2nd hair transplant. However, fortunately, the loss is temporary and the hair will grow back.
Thank you for the excellent question. This is completely normal and the hair will grow back (not permanently lost).
