Hey guys I will definitely keep the updates coming. I remember someone saying to approach this like a science project. Take lots of photos at regular intervals and let the results speak for themselves. I'm glad to have taken monthly pictures along the way because from 5 to 6 months I didn't notice any change but by looking back I can see there has been some definite improvement. I haven't had anyone come right out and ask about my hair but the "balding" comments have stopped. It's really interesting that no one notices! I wonder if any other thinning guys at work wonder if something's up? If asked I would probably say propecia and leave it at that. I haven't told anyone except my HTN buddies and not one person has said anything, even friends and family that have known me for years!

As far as my shocked hair returning it's hard to tell. I notice the front is thinner than the rest but I do feel some stubble and can see lots of shorter hairs there so the good news is hair is growing but I can't tell if it's transplanted or shocked hair coming back.

I have to say a lot of credit is probably to the finpecia I've been on for about a year and a half now. Comparing the pre propecia to now you can easily see how the quality of the hair has improved quite a bit. I'm just glad I did something when I did. I'm sure if I wasn't on the meds I would be looking pretty thin today. I still have some paranoia about my hair but mostly I'm at ease and it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders not worrying about it every second, every gust of wind, every strong light, etc. I think the dollars spent for surgery were well spent, while other friends my age are spending it on new cars and other unnecessary things, I'll keep my paid off car and spend it on something more important that will give me way more satisfaction than a new car!

Hey guys thought I would post the 1 year update pictures from my recent visit at SMG. I met with Matt and Dr. Ron and we all agreed the progress looks very good. However I've still been using dermmatch to give a fuller look which I'd like to get away from. I have a meeting scheduled with Dr. Paul to discuss the possibility of a second session. I'd like to make another pass to the same area as the first surgery hopefully going into the front area of the crown this time. I'd also like to do some hairline work to close the temples and do some lowering to the left side hairline which is uneven with the right side and bothers me somewhat. I hope with another 2000-2500 I'll have a nice full look that will allow me to ditch the concealer and experiment with different hair styles. I now see what everybody means by "hair greed!"

That looks great. Quite the difference between 6 months and a year.

Hey Slick,
Looks great with only 2,094 for practically your whole head. I recently had a procedure done with Dr. Ron Shapiro, I received 2,054 in the front third. I hope my results come in as good as yours, did you use anything to help the healing in the scar? Looks great bud....

Slick,

Congrats on your results. This is natural and subtle work from Dr. Paul. Glad to see it, hope you are pleased!

Slick,

Thank you for coming back and posting your 1 year post op pictures. Clearly there is a difference even from 6 months until now. You must be thrilled!

Are you going to be going back to get more work? I noticed in one picture you mentioned the desire to lower your hairline.

Falc

At 6 months you will now start to see the BIG results coming in . You light hair color is surely a benefit as well ..

Slick,
Your growth looks very good.I am encouraged by your pics,because I also had only 2000 FU's on my 1st sugery in June.For only 10 weeks I am looking forward to 6 months and I hope to have similar results.

Happy Growing,
Scott

Guys, keep in mind you will continue to have cosmetic results up until about 14 months.. Some docs say longer but for me it is about 14 months of considerable improvement.

These results are great and IMO also demonstrate the value of how the propecia has made the hair appear healthier. If we had examples like this of someone using a laser, it might limit the debates.

NN

Hey all thanks for the positive comments guys. I met with Dr. Paul today to talk about a possible second session. Goals are doing some minor temple work and to increase density overall. My hair looks very good laying flat but I'd like some more density to try different hair styles. I'm about 5'7, not a tall guy by any means so the overhead view is important to me. Plus being a younger guy I have a lot of friends who get a kick out of messing up my hair so there are times when I feel it's still too thin for me. Overall I think the Dr. and I came up with a pretty good game plan. I won't be getting a low broad hairline like most of my friends, but we do plan to put a small amount (~50 grafts) into the temples to square them up more. Dr. Paul stressed these hairs may end up looking odd someday when I recede more so I may end up needing to get them removed later on. He told me to think this over carefully and decide if this is something I really want to do. The rest of the plan involves starting 3-4cm behind the hairline and working backward to the front of the crown. Hopefully this will make my hairline look lower by reducing the see through effect I have now if my hair isn't laying flat. The good news is that my donor is better then I thought (100+ sq/cm) so density is very good but he also stressed that this may not be the case later in life as the donor area thins as we age. We talked for a good hour and made quite of bit of drawings on my scalp so I know exactly what he would be willing to do. He said this a bit more agressive then they usually go so again shockloss could be a concern. It does look like most of the shockloss did come back so that was good to hear but it's hard to tell for sure. I haven't set a date yet and will probably have to wait a few months to get my finances in order but I think this is something I want to go ahead with. Still planning to think this over some more before making any decisions. Will definetly post back if/when I set a date.