Specialized Case — Are My Goals for FUE Realistic?

Hello doctor Rassman. I know you have answered similar questions like this one before however I would still appreciate some information. I was thinking about getting a hair transplant about two years ago so I went to Bosely but decided not to go through with it on account of the sales people and how I did not believe they cared about my best interest. I have done a lot of research on the many different surgeons and techniques available in the field of hair transplantation. I have come to the conclusion that if in fact I was to opt for a hair transplant, follicular unit extraction will be my best option and only if performed by a highly qualified surgeon such as yourself and a few other qualified surgeons (all members of ishrs). I am currently a norwood 6 receding hairline, loss in crown, and diffuse thinning (typical mpb)and more than likely will advance to a norwood 7 as I age. I have been shaving/buzzing my hair for the last two years and am ok with it. I have begun shaving it recently due to more loss in the frontal region.

I have real specific goals for my hair loss and am a little unsure whether or not my goals are realistic. I wish to add hair along my receded hairline (not lower it) so that it may be more defined but still mature, and go back to buzzing my hair to a #2 or #1. Eventually I know my hair loss will progress so I still wish to have the option of shaving my head but still have a vague hairline. Basically what I want is to have a noticeable hairline buzzed and/or shaved. My main concerns of course are future hair loss and scarring. As long as it looks natural as I age and cannot be detected, I am fine even with limited coverage. I understand that fue is not completely scarless however since I am looking for coverage rather than density, my hope is that less grafts can be used sparsely to create a sort of illusion of stubble on the front and frontal mid portions of the scalp without risking over scarring. I hate to throw this in there but I heard that one may to minimize scarring is to add body hair to the donor area at the same time the grafts are dissected. Although it yields a lesser success rate than that of head hair, it may be a good idea in this particular situation as a filler as I am all for more coverage if possible.

I realize that the only true way to answer this question will be to examine me and do the fox test to see if this can even be accomplished, but lets say hypothetically that I am a good candidate for fue. Can this be accomplished? I would definitely prefer some hair on the top of my head than none even if shaved. Thank you for your time Dr. Rassman. I will be sending this message to two other ishrs surgeon members for their opinions.

P.S.-If you need some pictures to get an idea of where I am ,that is my hair loss, feel free to ask. I will be taken some soon.

It’s really hard to tell if what you’re asking for is even possible for you. So yes, please send extensive pictures (and reference this post). If you have adequate density and are becoming a Norwood Class 7, you will need a careful analysis of the various Master Plans with a transplant. This is far too complex to cover here and elements of this have already been discussed by me on other posts. After sending me your photos, arrange a free telephone consultation with me (310-553-9113) and I will then cover as much as I can without seeing you, since I assume you are not near either of my California offices. If you can make it to California, that would even be better for an in-person examination.