22 years old - Considering hair transplant. FUE or Strip? [pics attached]

[dustiest]

Hey everyone. I am 22 years old and have been losing my hair since about age 16. I have been on finasteride for almost three years and minoxidil twice daily for two years.

My hair loss seems to have halted, and I may have even regrown a little bit in the crown region. I don't feel like my hairline itself is horrible, but it looks extremely thin on top when grown out at all.

I am looking into a hair transplant since I haven't lost any hair in over a year and I really want to get it done while I am still young and can enjoy it. I am probably going to get my hair transplant done by Dr. Sara Wasserbauer (any experiences?).

I have attached pictures and was wondering which type of surfer, FUE or strip, you all think would be best for me (and maybe how many grafts I would need). Thank you very much in advance!

 

[s.a.f]

Have you tried using concealers?

 

[dustiest]

I have not. But I am looking for a more permanent solution if possible.

 

[s.a.f]

Yes but concealers would be a lot cheaper easier and without the hassle of surgery.
I could never advise a hair transplant to a 22 yr old. But concealers could offer a solution until you are in a more suitable position for surgery.
A tiny amount of fibres could give you the look of a pretty full head of hair.

 

[Nene]

The whole point of not getting a transplant at an early age is to make sure that the final balding pattern is accounted for, and that grafts can be spread conservatively instead of packed into the temples or wherever the balding first begins. In his case, he will be Norwood 6 within 2 years or so. What would be the point of waiting for a hair transplant if thats what he wants to do?

 

[s.a.f]

The whole point of not getting a transplant at an early age is to make sure that the final balding pattern is accounted for, and that grafts can be spread conservatively instead of packed into the temples or wherever the balding first begins. In his case, he will be Norwood 6 within 2 years or so. What would be the point of waiting for a hair transplant if thats what he wants to do?

Well in that case, by the time the first hair transplant grows in he'll already be needing another hair transplant. He'll end up having 1 hair transplant a year for the next 4 yrs ($10'000's spent) and at the end he'll run out of grafts before the job is ever completed. And thats if he's lucky enough to find a good surgeon, one who wont talk him into dense packing a low hairline because its easier for him to do.

 

[dustiest]

I haven't lost any more hair in over a year. It's still not a good idea?

 

[agent00]

I wouldn't bother with one at your age. I'm a little bit older (27) and I don't think I want to get a hair transplant until I'm in my 30s. This is partially due to economic reasons as well as curious to see how far my hair loss will progress with the current meds I'm on now.

You should try concealers as one poster pointed out. They are a lot cheaper and they really can do wonders. As the guy who hosts The Bald Truth pointed out, Ron Popeil pretty much ruined concealers for men in North America.

I wish I knew about them when I was your age, I would have been more likely to venture outdoors without a hat

 

[Nene]

The whole point of not getting a transplant at an early age is to make sure that the final balding pattern is accounted for, and that grafts can be spread conservatively instead of packed into the temples or wherever the balding first begins. In his case, he will be Norwood 6 within 2 years or so. What would be the point of waiting for a hair transplant if thats what he wants to do?

Well in that case, by the time the first hair transplant grows in he'll already be needing another hair transplant. He'll end up having 1 hair transplant a year for the next 4 yrs ($10'000's spent) and at the end he'll run out of grafts before the job is ever completed. And thats if he's lucky enough to find a good surgeon, one who wont talk him into dense packing a low hairline because its easier for him to do.

I agree he shouldn't get a hair transplant tomorrow. However, if he does progress to Norwood 6 soon, which I suspect he will, wouldn't you agree that there is no point in waiting if thats the route he decides to take? I'm more responding to your blanket statement that you "could never advise a hair transplant to a 22 year old." Surely a norwood 6 22 year old is just as good candidate as a norwood 6 35 year old.

 

[s.a.f]

If someone was NW6 at 22, :shock: I'd expect they were heading for NW7 not long after. And as we know NW7 is beyond fixable by hair transplant.
I also dont think that most 22 yr olds are mature enough to make the decision and deal with the whole surgery experience.

 

[Nene]

If someone was NW6 at 22, :shock: I'd expect they were heading for NW7 not long after. And as we know NW7 is beyond fixable by hair transplant.
I also dont think that most 22 yr olds are mature enough to make the decision and deal with the whole surgery experience.

Fair enough.

 

[Ozai]

Hey Dustiest!
if you don't mind the question.. how much does Dr. Sarah charge for FUE? I couldn't find any info on her website.

Also, do you think she's good? have you done your diligence on this?

Thanks buddy!
Ozai, NYC