What do HT surgeons look for when estimating a patients final class of baldness?

laxity
age
donour quality
expectations
family history & potential future balding pattern

youngguy24-

IMO........while there are many things that can help indicate what your final stage on the Norwood scale will be, "Where will I end up being on the Norwood Scale" is kind of the $64,000 question.

One of the key factors involved is time. I had my first HT at age 38 after 15 years of gradual hair loss (I was around a Norwood 4). My Dad also experienced loss at about the same rate as me, however, he lost his hair from front to back...........I lost my from back to front.

I believe, if you allow enough time, the ultimate loss pattern will have formed which aids in devising a plan of attack. Otherwise, it's really a guessing game.