Dr Lam's Hair Restoration Forum

Hello Dr.Lam,
I have had thin temples since I was about 18 years old, maybe before but never noticed until I grew out my bangs and had my father tease me. I am now 41.
The hairs are baby fine and short and a few have fallen out more recently.
All other hair is intact and no one really knows about my insecurity with my hair because I never show it pulled back. I hate it wet...so I don't swim...it also looks worse when I sweat... It just goes back too far in the temples...there are still fine hairs there, so I can camoflage it well with my bangs (which have two cowlicks in them to boot!) Now that there are a few gray hairs appearing, my cowlicks are getting really unmanageable because the greys are wiry. I want to pull my hair back but I am afraid of showing my temples. I have red, straight hair. Pretty thick everywhere else. My daughter (she's 9) seems to have the same hairline as me, as well...could this just be an unusual family hairline... naturally?
I saw a hair specialist here in Ontario Canada...and he says he would put in 600 micrografts (isn't that about 1000 altogether?).
I am concerned about the scar at the donor site, which he said would be about 10 cm for me. Could I lose hair there from shock loss? What about shock loss at the recipient site? Will I lose the existing hairs there (the baby fine ones). I really just want him to create a natural hair line especially in that small triangle area by the temple. Does 600 micrografts sound about right?
I have wanted to do this for YEARS.

hi,
obviously, i cannot directly answer your questions since i do not have photos to review. however, if it is just a temple issue, i think about 300 to 500 grafts a side sounds reasonable. however, i have to see where your hairline is and whether you need other work in the central density etc. also, the two hardest things to do well are a female hairline in general and a temple. angles of hairs must be perfect to create a natural result that appears feminine, combable, and natural. watch my videos on that subject. most surgeons do very few female patients. our practice has moved up to about 30% female, which i think is pretty rare across the world to have that.

honestly, if the donor area is harvested with very high precision and significant tumescence to protect nerve and blood supply and careful harvesting, with possibly a trichophytic closure, the wound should heal seamlessly. as far as shedding, yes that is a major concern for women particularly if there is any thinning. if it is just a female hairline lowering or temple lowering, then the odds are a bit better. in any case, i typically like several months on 5% (male strength) rogaine over all areas including the donor area. if you would like to set up a phone consultation with me, just call my office to arrange that when you are ready. 972-312-8188. hope that helps as a start.
best
sml