Rejected for HT by Manual (UK). What now?

Looking for advice/encouragement.

So after having a phone consult with someone from Manual last week, and then sending photos for the surgeon to evaluate, I’ve just received a call informing me that I’m not a viable candidate for a hair transplant due to my hair loss being diffuse thinning, and the risk of shock loss to existing hairs.

After gearing myself up to pull the trigger and finally set a date for the surgery after several years of considering getting it done, I’m pretty gutted to be rejected, although I appreciated their honesty.

I’ve previously spoken to Elithair in Istanbul and Dr Patty’s team in Bangkok, both of whom were happy to book me in, each recommending 3000-3500 grafts. Elithair has some mixed reviews, but Dr Patty seems to be widely celebrated. But now I’m questioning whether getting a successful transplant is actually possible. Or would it be a painful waste of money, and maybe leave me worse off?

I’ve been on meds for years. 7 years on Min, topical for 4 years (on and off), then oral 2.5mg daily for the past 3 years. I started oral Fin daily 5 years ago, and then switched to Dut 0.5mg for the last 3.5 years. I initially responded really well to topical minoxidil (huge regrowth), but since then nothing has seemed particularly effective at growing the hair back, and it feels like I’ve continued to thin out. Maybe I’m a non-responder to oral, and should switch back to full topical, both min and fin/dut?

I’ve also had blood work done and had my thyroid checked, all normal. I’ve been doing PRP every 4-5 weeks for the past 8 months. I’m using Nizoral 2x week, caffeine/Mane shampoo other days. I’ve started dermastamping (Dr Pen) again (weekly with topical min applied afterwards), and am also now using a LLLT cap for 20 mins daily. I take vitamins (biotin, zinc, vit D, selenium, fish oil).

Basically throwing everything I can at the problem to see if anything helps. Also stopped vaping, and I’m not a heavy drinker. The only thing I haven’t done is a scalp biopsy, which I might do soon, although it feels like I’m really clutching at straws.

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had success with a transplant from a similar starting point, especially if in the UK and can recommend a surgeon. If it’s just not possible, then I imagine it won’t be long before I just shave my head, although I’d love to avoid that.

Any suggestions or advice would be very welcome.

Looking for advice/encouragement.

So after having a phone consult with someone from Manual last week, and then sending photos for the surgeon to evaluate, I’ve just received a call informing me that I’m not a viable candidate for a hair transplant due to my hair loss being diffuse thinning, and the risk of shock loss to existing hairs.

After gearing myself up to pull the trigger and finally set a date for the surgery after several years of considering getting it done, I’m pretty gutted to be rejected, although I appreciated their honesty.

I’ve previously spoken to Elithair in Istanbul and Dr Patty’s team in Bangkok, both of whom were happy to book me in, each recommending 3000-3500 grafts. Elithair has some mixed reviews, but Dr Patty seems to be widely celebrated. But now I’m questioning whether getting a successful transplant is actually possible. Or would it be a painful waste of money, and maybe leave me worse off?

I’ve been on meds for years. 7 years on Min, topical for 4 years (on and off), then oral 2.5mg daily for the past 3 years. I started oral Fin daily 5 years ago, and then switched to Dut 0.5mg for the last 3.5 years. I initially responded really well to topical minoxidil (huge regrowth), but since then nothing has seemed particularly effective at growing the hair back, and it feels like I’ve continued to thin out. Maybe I’m a non-responder to oral, and should switch back to full topical, both min and fin/dut?

I’ve also had blood work done and had my thyroid checked, all normal. I’ve been doing PRP every 4-5 weeks for the past 8 months. I’m using Nizoral 2x week, caffeine/Mane shampoo other days. I’ve started dermastamping (Dr Pen) again (weekly with topical min applied afterwards), and am also now using a LLLT cap for 20 mins daily. I take vitamins (biotin, zinc, vit D, selenium, fish oil).

Basically throwing everything I can at the problem to see if anything helps. Also stopped vaping, and I’m not a heavy drinker. The only thing I haven’t done is a scalp biopsy, which I might do soon, although it feels like I’m really clutching at straws.

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s had success with a transplant from a similar starting point, especially if in the UK and can recommend a surgeon. If it’s just not possible, then I imagine it won’t be long before I just shave my head, although I’d love to avoid that.

Any suggestions or advice would be very welcome.