Hey everyone,

I am 23 and have been losing hair for about a year now to the point where it has become noticeable. I've noticed that many of believe that I am too young to get a trasplant in the next couple of years, and so was wondering if there was anyone around my age that has gotten a transplant with an excellent result? Also, I've used propecia for 3 months without any beneficial results. Should I stop using it? Any other suggestions to slow my hair loss?

3 months is not long enough to give up on Propecia yet. Think of it as a long-term treatment. Even if you do decide to get a hair transplant at some point, you should stay on Propecia before, during and after your hair transplant, because it will usually help you retain your remaining "natural" hair, and that is crucial. The more natural hair you can retain, the better. Hair transplants do not prevent baldness. Also, the supply of donor hair is limited, and will not be enough to cover a completely bald head.

It seems like you are just beginning to learn about hair transplants. If I were you I would look at the list of recommended doctors, and read each of their websites from top to bottom. Especially the websites of Dr. Shapiro and Dr. Bernstein.

Be careful and think things over carefully. A hair transplant is permanent, and getting one is a big decision, as big a decision as getting married. Except you can't divorce a hair transplant.

I see that you are from California. You might try consulting with Dr. McAndrews or New Hair Institute, and see what they say.

I was about 25 when i got my first transplant. I was very happy that I did it. It was a minor one with a small amount of grafts but it was worth it for me. Now I'm 33 and just had another transplant done today. I got 2100 follicular unit grafts implanted. The surgery went great and although this just took place today, I was very happy with the process. I went to one of the best known Transplant surgery places called Shapiro Medical Group in the Minneapolis area. They did a fantastic job.

Forgot one more thing. Keep using Propecia. My doctor today told me it really does work. It may not grow hair but it is a huge prevention of what you got falling out. I stopped it myself two months ago because after using it for 5 years, I didn't think much was happening. After only two months, I noticed some loss and the condition of my existing hair was really week. I'm back on it now!

ARFY is correct! You have not given Propecia an adequate trial. I takes mosr people at LEAST 6 months to see their hairloss slow and 12-24 months to judge what type of regrowth you might have.
Hair Transplantation for someone who is young, needs to be approached cautiously. You need to be fully informed and educated on the procedure. It's pros and cons fully explained. Any work you do now, will be with you forever.
In someone as young as you are, I would suggest following a frontal forelock pattern. I would recommend NOT transplanting the temporal recession and stay away from planting the vertex (crown). Obviously seeing you in person is the only way to determine if you are or are not a candidate for transplantation.
Dr. Brad Limmer/jal

Dr. Limmer