Hair transplantation may not be the appropriate first step for someone in early stages of hair loss, in poor health, experiencing excessive hair loss or for an individual with unrealistic expectations. A delayed approach to hair transplantation for a young male, even when the young man is distressed by his hair loss and has expressed a desire for immediate hair transplantation may be the right approach. Individuals who have health issues should discuss the risks of surgery with their primary physician before consulting with Dr. Niedbalski. Individuals with extreme hair loss (known as class 7 – see male hair loss) are rarely candidates for hair transplant. Finally, patients with an unrealistic expectation of the result or the impact the result will have on their life or lifestyle may not be a suitable candidate for hair transplantation.

Alternatives to hair transplantation can provide cosmetic improvement until hair transplantation is likely to result in a satisfactory, long-term cosmetic outcome. A man or woman who begins to lose hair in his teen-age years or very early twenties finds themselves developing a "middle-age look", twenty years too early. The change in appearance can be a cause of great concern and even emotional distress. The "look" that a young person presents to friends, colleagues, business contacts and potential sexual partners can make or break their success in the social and business worlds-or they may believe this to be the case, with negative effect on his self-esteem.

Issues that affect the decision for early hair transplantation:

Family history of male pattern hair loss-
A young person whose close relatives have advanced pattern baldness is at high risk for experiencing moderate to severe hair loss as he ages. Undertaking hair transplantation immediately may have the negative effects of depleting the supply of donor hair [the hair at the back of the head that is used for transplantation grafts] before the young person’s hair loss has completed its course, and placing transplanted hair inappropriately if the transplanted grafts end up being "islands" in the middle of balding scalp. 

Patient's pattern of hair loss-
Hair loss that begins at an early age is not predictive of how much hair will eventually be lost, or the eventual pattern of hair loss. Recession of hair in the temporal area (on the forehead, above the temples and eyebrows) may proceed no further, extend over time to include more of the forehead, extend over time to include the forehead and vertex or crown of the head, or extend over time to the maximum degree of male-pattern baldness.

Hair transplantation started too early may eventually negate the long-term cosmetic benefit of hair transplantation.  What can you do if you're not ready for hair transplantation? A young man concerned about his early hair loss will usually be offered alternative options for cosmetic improvement, if he or she is urged to accept a delay in hair transplantation. Dr. Niedbalski will advise the young person regarding the best options for retaining cosmetic appearance while awaiting hair transplantation.