Should I Choose Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) or a Strip Hair Transplant?

The following response was posted to our Hair Loss Social Community and Discussion Forums by Ailene Russell, Clinical Supervisor for Dr. Jerry Cooley who is a member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians:

I found that follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS) is very affordable: less then half the cost of follicular unit extraction (FUE). I know how they are different and I know that FUE is the preferred method. However, I need your advice as to which method I should choose, considering the cost benefit trade off.

In my opinion, if you don’t plan to shave your head, the method of harvesting is not an issue and I have seen many FUE procedures that, if the head were shaved, would be obvious.

Many things depend on the individual’s body and the way it heals and the contrast between skin and hair color. If you harvest 3 to 4 thousand FUE grafts and shave the head, it looks a little diffusely thin at best and the small round white scars can be more apparent. If it is a small procedure, this is not usually an issue except the contrast question.

Sometimes it is a matter of less expense with a strip but please research. This has to be a good decision for you that you can live with. Both will give you hair where you don’t have it now! No hair restoration physician can absolutely know how you will heal but most want the best for their patients.

Ailene Russell, NCMA
Clinical Supervisor for Dr. Jerry Cooley
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David
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.

To share ideas with other hair loss sufferers visit the hair loss forum and social community.

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