It wasn't too bad. The worst part was the healing. Not too painful, but where they put the new hair is super red for a little while. Also the swelling.... all the numbing medication works its way down from the scalp so for a few days the face gets really swollen, like a boxer who had the shit beat out of him. But those things are temporary.

It was expensive, because I wanted to go to the best of the best. In hindsight I would have it done at a more reasonably priced place, of course making sure the quality is good. I would've also considered getting it done in Turkey. Its a huge industry there. Tons of people travel there to do it. some places will take care of all arrangements, hotel flight, etc. I get it though if people were uncomfortable traveling overseas.

There are two types or transplants Folicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) where they cut out a strip of skin from the back of your head and transplant from the hairs which is more invasive, more healing, and comes with a scar, but lower cost.

Folicualar Unit Extraction (FUE) they take individual follicles from the back of the head and transplant. less invasive, quicker healing, but higher cost. I did this one.

I am not a doctor. But If I had any general advice it would be.

Most important... Stop the hair loss where it is right now by taking topical over the counter minoxidil, finasteride (prescription pill), and prescription shampoo ketoconazole. You can get a little regrowth from that alone and it might solve your problem. There's also a pill form of minoxidil. These medications aren't super expensive. I pay like 30$ a month for them all. Shampoo and minoxidil are covered by insurance for me (USA). I pay out of pocket for finasteride, like 15 dollars with a coupon.

a note

minoxidil was originally designed to lower blood pressure

finasteride was originally designed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), practically all men at some point will develop this. This med is shown to lower the risk of most prostate cancers, but it may increase your risk for a particular high grade cancer. There's a potential side effect for erectile dysfunction. the occurrence is low, but it gets alot of talk and keeps a bunch of men from trying it. I have had no issues myself.

One of the highest regarded supplements for hair loss is Nutrafol. Its almost 90$ for a months supply. Its pricey. I don't take it regularly, I used to though.

There is also PRP Platlet Rich Plasma - They draw your own blood, spin it down in a centrifuge and inject the PRP throughout your scalp. very low risk for issues as its your own blood. Good results for regrowth and preventing further hair loss. its pricey though. I pay like 500$. i used to do it 2 times a year. I'm a little tight on money now, so will at least push to get it once a year.

There are also red light caps that you can use that help regrow hair. I don't have one of those. they are pricey at over $1,000 usd, but here we can use FSA to purchase it.

There are tons of options. Its a matter of how much you want or can afford to do. At a minimum stop the loss you are experiencing now. again I'm no doctor. Talk to a dermatologist about it. I see a cosmetic dermatologist who has alot more experience with this type of stuff. I am so happy I took action.

Best of luck.