FUE vs FUT in a NW4?

Question

I am considering a hair transplant (I'm a NW4/5) and have consulted with the best surgeon in the United States. He suggested 3500 grafts via FUT or 2000/2500 via FUE, focusing on the frontal/mid-scalp region. Later, he said, I can go for a second FUE procedure to focus on the crown to fill out more mid-scalp. He basically left the choice of FUT / FUE to me. My concern with 2500 FUE grafts is that it won't make much of a dent. But I hate the FUT scar which, when shaved, is obvious. Thoughts?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

FUE is just a harvesting method.  It does not relate to results.  If you want to keep your hair very short you may want the FUE.Discuss your goals and expectations with your doctor and have a long term plan.  Even with STRIP or FUE method you will need more than one surgery to achieve your goals.  High number of FUE harvesting (3000- 4000+) over your life time may leave you with donor hair depletion.  Which means you will see patchy skin when you get your hair cut very short.  This may be worse than a STRIP scar.

Michael Vories, MD · Answer

If your donor area can support 3500 grafts FUT then it can support 3500 grafts FUE. The downside to FUE is the very short hair cut, and the downside to FUE is the linear donor scar. It is really that simple.

John Kahen, MD · Answer

More times than not we are able to get a ton more grafts by doing the FUT over the FUE procedure for our patients. Than again it depends on your goals and expectations. This is a lifestyle choice. Half of our patients choose the FUE and half choose the FUT. If you are limited in donor and you need more area of transplantation i would recommend the FUT. If you have great donor area and you have a smaller area of transplantation than the FUE. Although, you have not provided any pictures of your loss so I am not able to make an accurate assumption. Our FUT procedures and suture lines are extremely small and clean. Sometimes our patients come in and we are not able to fine the line. You can wear your hair at a 2 or 3 on the clippers without noticing our suture lines

David Perez-Meza, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Great question, keep in mind that, donor harvesting with donor strip and/or FUExcision is ONLY one step of the hair transplant surgery and it is ONLY related which technique will be used to harvest the grafts. The strip technique with great closure = a liner scar and FUExcision technique = micro-circular, and sometimes hypo pigmented scars. Each donor harvesting technique has pros, cons, side effects and complications. The surgical plan of 3,500 grafts will vary according surgeon's experience and technique and patient's goals and expectations inc luring donor area availability. If you are concerned about which # of grafts and donor harvesting technique is the best option for you, I will suggest a 3rd opinion of a experienced hair restoration too. Good luck.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Depending upon your donor density, you are generally limited to the number of FUE grafts as defined below

FUE vs FUT in a NW4?

Answers (5)

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