My Dad lost his hair at an early age so early on I was watching my hairline wondering if I was next in line.  I started noticing some thinning in my late teens, but fortunately it progressed pretty slowly.  Nonetheless I couldn't visualize myself as George Castanza and wondered what the progression would be for me.  Being a technical person by nature I began to investigate all of the medical treatments/options.  I really wasn't keen on taking pills or applying lotions to my scalp particuarly as both options are a lifelong commitment.  I had seen some pretty impressive marketing pieces on the "state of the art" hair transplant procedures and began to explore that a bit. I first went to a seminar put on by a St Louis Dr who had one of his patients with him and upon close inspection I was unimpressed.  I thought "this is the best work you can do"??  Next I flew to Chicago and visited the Bosley Clinic as they seemed to be the industry leader and from their marketing video were capable of some pretty remarkable results.  I met with a "hairloss consultant" for the first 1/2 hour and then a Bosley Dr for a few minutes to see if I was ready to book my case.  The facility was impressive, but the process left me feeling like this was a hair transplant mill, more concerned with locking down their next scalp.  I understand their "consultants" are on commission (no wonder they charge so much!!!).  Needless to say I did not schedule a procedure.  I talked with a local KC Dr but his patient results were not as good as what I had seen and he seemed to only place about 1500 grafts per session. Next I talked to Dr Norwood in Oklahoma (the guy who developed the Norwood scale).  His results were pretty good, but he was really brash and short in our conversation and was grooming a new associate and I didn't really want a "rookie" doing my case.  I found the Hair Transplant Network and began to read alot of the postings and web blogs.  I also did some pretty extensive internet research on hair transplants and top US surgeons.  I had read some good things about Dr Scott Alexander and corresponded with several of his patients who had all gotten excellent results.  Most important to me was his Follicular Unit Graft and lateral slit techniques, both of which achieve very natural, undetectable hairlines.  I flew out to have a consultation with him and found him to be just what I expected.  He was very personable, knowledgeable and realistic about what surgery can achieve. I looked at several patients he had done as well as the ultra thin scalpels that he has custom cut for his technique.  I left feeling confident in his abilities and my decision to finally take the leap.  I then had to sell my wife on it, who didn't really think that I needed to do anything about my hairloss (bless her).  So she gave me the go and I made an appointment for December.  I wanted to do it over the Christmas holidays so I could try and stay under the radar as much as possible.  I'm not the least bit ashamed to tell anyone what I have done, I just prefer to do it after the results not immediatly after the procedure.

Didn't really care too much until recently.  Now as I see pictures of myself I am surprised how thin my hair looks these days.  The preop photos particularly shocked me when I saw the top of my head.....yikes, bring on the hair!!!!

Just recently began Minoxidil (Rogaine Foam) in the crown to try and keep what I have and/improve the back

While I am only 9 days out, I was really pleased with the ease of the procedure and with my surgeon choice.  Dr Alexander was great as was his staff!

For me I was either going to keep my hair short and embrace what I had or give the transplant a go.  The "creative" comb-overs I have seen are laughable at best.  You aren't fooling anyone with that and are actually drawing more attention to your hair (in my opinion). 

Not yet :-) but I look forward to a year from now where I plan on going on the modeling circuit (just kidding, I'll keep you posted on my results and degree of satisfaction)

This is a very important decision as is most cosmetic/surgical procedures.  You should do a significant amount of research before scheduling a procedure.  Cost and location should be irrelevant to finding someone you are very confident and comfortable with.  This forum and others have been invaluable to me both pre and post op.