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Old 08-07-2005, 08:55 PM   #3 (permalink)
majik_6
narcissist
 
Location: looking in a mirror
Honestly hair transplants are a big thing that you really need to research before making any decisions. It's a procedure that can restore a balding man's confidence (and hairline) but it's not perfect and it's not without risks.

If you're experiencing hair loss, check out some of the wonderful hairloss forums on the big ol' web. See if your thinning/recession matches the patterns of Male Pattern Baldness.

If you haven't already, check into some of the MUCH less invasive treatments. The only two PROVEN treatments right now are Finasteride (commercially known as Propecia) and Minoxidil (commercially known as Rogaine). These are two good products that can slow down, halt, or (occasionally) reverse hairloss.

Hair restoration surgery is not the be taken as the first step. It's a relatively safe surgery (as far as cosmetic surgeries go) but it's still surgery with real risks and rewards.

First off though, I would recommend looking past the doctors you hear advertised on TV and check out some of the more talented surgeons that you don't hear as much about. There are a select few surgeons who are very talented at restoring some semblance of coverage and density to those who have experienced hair loss. However, it's not a cure and it's not cheap. Most people who want good results end up doing multiple surgeries (either to keep up with further loss or to refine hairlines or add additional density).

**edit** I just noticed you mentioned Hair Club for Men. It's not a surgery center, it's actually a hairpiece company. And from what I've heard a lot of people don't care for their services and results.

I'm not trying to discourage you from having the surgery (it's something that I eventually plan to do if my hair continues it's current path) but I do advise taking the time to research surgeons and techniques. Learn about the new techniques (Follicular Unit Tranplants, Follicular Unit Extraction, Lateral Slit Technique) and learn to identify the inadequacies of old-school methods (Plugs grafts, Micro/Mini Grafts, Scalp Lifts, Scalp Reductions, Flap Surgery, etc).

Sorry to be so long winded, but this is a topic that I do a decent amount of reading and research on.

Some examples of top-class hair surgeons (not to say that these are the only talented ones, just some that I respect and thought of off the top of my head):

http://hassonandwong.com/

http://www.wolfhair.com/

http://www.forhair.com/bio.htm

Good luck on figuring this whole thing out. If you have any questions or just want some support/opinions/resources/etc feel free to message me.
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