Can a Norwood 3 Vertex go through with a full transplant throughout the entire scalp to avoid meds? (Photos)

Question

Male, 28 years old. I have had side effects from finasteride and minoxidil and won't consider them. I would like to do something about my progressive hair loss. Norwood 6 is present on both sides of my family after age 50. Is it possible to do a 4000-4500 graft mega session throughout the entire scalp (zone 1 through 2, 3, 4) to deal with progressive loss in advance as well as current loss? I'm ok with a slightly thinned top and higher densely packed hair line but I would like some long lasting solution. Would this work?

Amir Yazdan, MD · Answer

Thank you for the detailed question, photos and family history. A hair transplant can restore the frontal hairline and help frame the face, as well as fill in the vertex to restore density and volume. Depending on the number of grafts needed, the procedure may be split into two parts. Every patient is different, I would recommend a formal consultation with an experienced, board-certified hair restoration surgeon who can examine your hair loss patterns in-depth.

Anthony Bared, MD, FACS · Answer

It does not appear that you would benefit from such a large initial procedure at your young age and the pattern of hair loss.  With an initial procedure, I would focus on restoring the frontal hairline and density to the frontal forelock area and placing some grafts into the crown.  I would recommend 70% of the grafts to be placed into the frontal area and the remainder can be placed in to the crown.  This would provide you with the most coverage as well as allowing your hair loss to naturally progress to then re-assess as you get older given that you are not taking medical therapy to slow down the hair loss.  In this manner, it will help to restore the hairline and frontal area without burning bridges as the hair loss progresses.  Also, given your age and not taking finasteride you are at higher risk for shock loss of the miniaturized hairs from a large procedure.

Michael Vories, MD · Answer

I would suggest to focus the grafts in the crown and the hairline. It takes a lot of grafts to fill in a crown like yours, so I would suggest a 4000 FUE graft case, with 2000 grafts focused in the crown, and 2000 grafts focused in the hairline and frontal forelock.

Cem Payasli, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your photos and questions. 
I observe the hairline disappearing. With 4500 - 5000 grafts, your priority is for the hairline. After the hairline is formed with 2000 grafts, 2500-3000 graft densification studies can be performed in the peak region. 
Your hair will look better than the old version. Technically I recommend the sapphire fue technique.
Best Regards

Matt Tahsini, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. This is a tough one....you’re 28 years old and I completely understand why you want a transplant. However, at your age you run the risk of future hair loss and is you deplete your donor area now you’ll be out of luck if you need a procedure in the future. Please think long and hard about what you want to do and when. Please find a doctor that has your best interest at heart and doesn’t tell you what you want to hear. Best wishes.Dr. T

Can a Norwood 3 Vertex go through with a full transplant throughout the entire scalp to avoid meds? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Sapphire Fue Technique

Answer: Sapphire Fue Technique

Answer: 28 years old

Answer: 28 years old

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Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can a Norwood 3 Vertex go through with a full transplant throughout the entire scalp to avoid meds? (Photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Sapphire Fue Technique

Answer: Sapphire Fue Technique

Answer: 28 years old

Answer: 28 years old

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.