I am a 32 year old software programmer. By birth I had very fine but thin hair. At around 22, I started loosing my hair & now grown practically bald around temple & crown region. From looks, I have what diff. sites show as norwood-4 or 5 male pattern baldness.

I am planning to join MBA next year & want to get this procedure done later this year, basically to regain "10 lost years" :). I am applying for sabattical from current job around in Nov.

My Questions

1) I have looked though various sites & would like to get ballpark expense for complete procedure at your clinic, both with & without strip extraction.

2) I'll also like to understand, if you suggest medications to avoid baldness for future for my case.

3) Will hair falling due to "shock"; post transplant make me look a lot different from my current looks.

4) Will I grow hair, in time for MBA session in Mar/Apr'05, assuming I get operation done in Nov?

5) Is Hair texture going to be similar to original hair in the area?

6) Approx. how many grafts/sq. cm. are planted in a typical operation?, Do you go for "illusion of full hair" ( believe 20grafts/sq. cm) or more than that, again in a typical operation?

7) What do you think is the most realistic scenario for me ? Would you be able to restore my hair back to a norwood 3, 2 or 1 ?

8) Any other comments or advice would be appreciated.

I value your time to these replies, which will help me take a decision on a very important decision of my life.

Regards
Hans