Am I a good candidate for a hair transplant at 26-27 w/ minor hairline and temple recession?

Question

26 year old considering a hair transplant in the next year or two to restore my hairline. 3 hair loss specialists in the last 6 months have told me that I am a good candidate for FUE/FUT (quoting 2000-2500 grafts). I've been told that given that my loss isn't aggressive, the nature of my hair, and my age, I am unlikely to reach a high Norwood. I've tried taking finasteride twice at different doses. I had side effects each time. I'm prepared to get more HTs down the line. Am I a good candidate?

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. Based on your photos, the 1500-2000 grafts might be good option for you, but it would be wrong to say something for sure. You should see a board certified surgeon. You can then plan the process together and discuss the results. I wish you all the best.

William Woessner, MD · Answer

You are a good candidate as far as type of hair loss and adequate donor area. As you acknowledge, however, due to your young age, you are likely to need a second transplant in the future. Especially since you are unable to take finesteride.

Joseph MacDonald, MD · Answer

It sounds like you have done your due diligence. There are a couple of concerns however that should be addressed. 
1 - you say that your hairloss isn't aggressive yet you are needing up to 2500 grafts to restore just your hairline. That's actually a lot. Be sure that your surgeons are not going to put on a hairline that is too low. What that means for me is will you look age appropriate with that hairline when you are 50? How about 70? Many men in their 20's find this a difficult concept and certain surgeons in my opinion will give the patient whatever they want, even if its not in their best interest. 
2 - you are not taking finasteride. Nothing else will slow down the balding process like finasteride. You say you are not likely to reach a high Norwood however no one has a crystal ball and many surgeons would be quite chagrined to see how wrong they were if they could see their patients, like yourself, 50 years from now. Without finasteride I would be even more conservative with hair transplantation. I would highly recommend you go on at least something to attempt to stabilize your hair. 
I you are in the Sydney area then I would recommend meeting with one of my respected colleagues, Dr. Knudsen, whom I trust will give you honest advice. 
All the best,

Prima Tossaborvon, MD, MSc · Answer

To see if you're a good candidate for hair transplant, it would be great if you can provide some photos so that I can better understand your situation. There're many factors, for instance, baldness class, donor area and etc, to consider. So, those 3 specialists you have met should be ones who give you answers as they met you in person.

Baubac Hayatdavoudi, MD · Answer

A great first step would be an online consultation. Often you can submit photos to top hair restoration surgeons for a complimentary evaluation and assessment. This should help lead you in the right direction. Having multiple consultations with different doctors will let you know your best options.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. By your description, it sounds like you would be an appropriate candidate for a hair restoration procedure. I still urge you to get a consultation with a hair restoration expert to get on a long term hair preservation program. There are alternatives to oral finasteride including topical finasteride which is often combined with minoxidil and either a retinol or steroid, low level laser therapy, and PRP injections. You need a long term plan to preserve and restore your hair.I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore.

Amit Gupta, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Good evening and Thank you for your question, Minor receding of hair line and temple is quite natural as one ages. Better comment can be made after having a look at your picture and we do care of this receding temple pattern in our transplants so that we can give a more natural and age commensurate hair pattern to the patient.Best Regards, Dr Amit Gupta

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Wcam,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. I suggest that you start Finasteride (if you are able to do so) and Minoxidil, as they are the only two medications for hair loss approved by the FDA. Both medications have different mechanism of action, and I usually recommend both medications to my patients. Other adjuncts include low-level laser light therapy, PRP, stem cell, or other regenerative medical treatment. Also, you will want to ensure that you are not taking any medications that could be contributing to your hair loss. The main objectives with the combination treatments are to stabilize your hair loss, increase your existing hair fiber diameter, and stimulate some hair regrowth. After those options are completed, I recommend hair transplant, including FUE or FUT. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 – 2018
  
BeautyAdvisor Top Contributor

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

First, if I were to see you, I would get a HAIRCHECK test which would measure the bulk of your hair in different parts of your scalp. What I would want to know if there is hair loss undetected to the eye that might indicate early balding elsewhere. Yes, at your age, a hair transplant of 2000 grafts is reasonable but you need a Master Plan to make sure that you have the donor hair to cover all future possible hair loss scenarios.

Am I a good candidate for a hair transplant at 26-27 w/ minor hairline and temple recession?

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