Does My Head Need to Be Shaved for FUE?

Dr. Rassman,

Thanks you for the informative site; I have been following for years.

I am 27 years old and thinning on the crown and top of my scalp. I have been on finasteride for 4 years and, while I have had success slowing the process, it definitely did not stop it. I have been in to see Dr Hasson in Vancouver several times, since I live in Vancouver. I did not make the decision to do a HT, and he recommended that I didnt, but that I increase my finasteride does to 2.5mg/day. But like I said, it has not reversed any loss. And while I hold my breath for a permanent cure, I realize that may not be any time soon as well – 5 years ago it was allegedly supposed to be available in 5 years!

Anyways, the reason for my email was to ask a few questions regarding FUE. If I am going to get a HT, I want to ensure that I get the best possible treatment/option for myself.

1. Do you have to shave the donor/recipient areas for surgery? It is important to me to keep any surgery I have quiet…to the best of my ability.

2. What cost would I be looking at? From past consultations it was estimated I would need 2500-3000 grafts

3. What timeline would I be looking at? Like I said, I live in Vancouver, so there would be travel involved.

4. What impact would the transplant have on my native hairs in the area?

I realize it is next to impossible for you to answer most of these questions without seeing me, but Im just wondering in general, from your past experience. Thank you again for all your hard work and dedication. It is much appreciated.

Considering that you had an opinion from a good doctor who recommended not having surgery, you should take such advice into your thinking. I don’t quite follow how you can be told you need 3000 grafts but that you shouldn’t have surgery. So unless I read your email wrong, then pursuing a hair transplant is probably not a good idea at this time. I will nevertheless answer your questions:

1. You need only to shave the donor area. For small procedures, shaving can be striped as shown here.

2. Costs of FUE at NHI is $8/graft.

3. You need to set up an appointment to be examined. Send us good photographs with frontal views and top down views. Be sure to wrinkle your brow (lift your eyebrows) on the frontal view. The waiting list extends some weeks. There is travel reimbursement available.

4. If you are using finasteride, a hair transplant most likely will not have an impact on your existing hair, unless there is extensive miniaturization present. This is clearly a real risk.