Great thread GG
1.) Would retin-A have similar side effects as accutane? I ran into significant issues with accutane. I'm curious about this one for eyes though. My gf has dark circles/bags and is actually considering a blepharoplasty for the bags and possibly filler for the darkness.
2.)Haven't looked into Dysport much. I guess with it being smaller molecules you need more units? 135 units of botox would be a ton.
Interesting dysport / botox didn't work sufficiently for your glabellar lines....I find that I've had less success giving botox to patients with deep 11's, and at times if I give a lot there it almost seems to cancel out some of the effects on the frontalis. You mentioned yours were deep furrows already so I suppose that makes sense
3.) Do you think the microneedling would help your hair without the dutasteride? I know one guy who is very big on microneedling WITH minoxidil, not sure if it would be worth the effort solo. I'd be open to any non-pharmacological intervention.
You mentioned it's important for your career, can I assume you've made a side business outside of your primary vocation as an MD?
Looking young is definitely important to me, while balancing health. I'm opposed to 5-AR drugs like fin and dut, just personal choice. But I've already had a hair transplant at 30 lol so I'm kind of fucked there if I decide never to take them. At best I'll be able to get diffuse global coverage and make it look decent with hair fibers. Not ideal, but I'm just opposed to more drugs at this time. I've recently reduced my TRT regimen from 120mg with an AI all the way down to 70mg with no AI. Hoping that helps both hair and skin.
I've also been using a vitamin C + retinol + hyaluronic acid product on just one side of my face for the last 6-9 months to see if I can tell a difference. I would say there is a very slightly difference on the side I've used it on, my horizontal forehead lines are a little less obvious but that's about it. Keep in mind I'm young so less to compare but nothing like what you'd get from botox. Perhaps I'll try retin-a there as well.
Id be careful usingthings like vitamin C...there have been plenty of case reports of issues with that during or immediately after microneedling.
What kind of issues are we talking there?