FUE / FUT

[wolfsatplay]

HI Everyone,
I am a NW5 and looking to get a HT in December...I have been consulting with a few Dr's.but I still have a question: (Yes, I should've asked the Dr's)
Say, I was to get a session of 4000 (2 days) FUE with a top FUE Dr. Then go back in a year for another session to add into the crown (assuming i had enough donor hair). Where would that hair come from? A different area then the original spot where the FUE hair was taken?
If I know I want to get a 2nd session down the road, does it make a difference If I choose FUT or FUE now?
Hope that makes sense.

 

[mars]

4000 grafts should and prob will be spread over the enitire donor area, dont feel shy in specifying to the doc that this is what you want done. One year later the whole donor area should be used again but with alot less taken, maybe 1000 tops for the second session. This is assuming you have that many fue's available to begin with.

I would concentrate of the first session right now, in one years time see what you have left via fue and what you have available via fut, then decide whats more important a scar and more grafts or no scar and less grafts.

 

[wolfsatplay]

Thanks for your reply mars! By donor area, you mean where the hairs are being taken from. So I'm assuming, a year later it would be the same area (which depending on the area will make it look thinner.
Maybe I'm not understudying but it seems FUT would get more hair in a smaller
area (taking into account it would leave a scar.

 

[mars]

Yes where the hairs are taken from. Your donor area will not look visably thinner if you go to a proper doc, i believe 25-35% is what is extracted per sq cm, one needs to loose 50% of their hair for thinning to be visable. Fut is better bang for your buck for sure, but i would always recommend someone tap out their fue then take it from there.

 

[wolfsatplay]

Nicely explained. Makes sense. Thank you mars!

 

[Hattingen Hair]

Hi wolfsatplay,

mars is correct in his description of how FUE should work in respect of density changes.

FUE higher NW cases rely heavily on a good donor starting density to ensure that future planning can be made. As the surface area remains the same with FUE but the density of hair decreases it is important that your first procedure can also sustain any future work that is required.

For example, an average donor hair density of 75 FUcm2, and say your FUE safe zone when shaved down to check for miniaturisation is 30cm across and 7cm high; if you removed 30% of the follicualr units it would give you around 4700 FU ´s.

As mars said FUT will give you "bang for your buck" hair terms. This is reasonable to assume as it is likely 4000 plus could be removed in one session, if combined with FUE closer to 6000, if alone and a second FUT session later around another 2500 plus, and then FUE in the region of another 2000 plus could be removed without over harvesting and leaving you with options if your hair loss progressed further.

A large first FUE session if 30% is removed will drop your donor hair density down to around 52 FUcm2, if you walked into most doctors with a starting density of 50 they would say you were a non candidate, and even after an initial HT it would leave you with few options for further restoration.

hope it makes sense, best wishes

 

[wolfsatplay]

Thank you for this. Much appreciated.

 

[Westcoaster]

I'm a firm believer in achieving the most coverage possible first time round when you're a high Norwood, I believe in your case Strip would best suit. Have a 4000 plus strip to maximise coverage, then utilise fue to fill in areas where needed.

 

[wolfsatplay]

Thanks Westcoaster, It seems most of the advice I am getting is in agreement with you; strip would be best. I just have to get past thinking about the scar - even though it will hopefully not be seen because I wear my hair longer. Is 4 weeks off long enough for the suture to heal sufficiently and cover it with hair overtop...??

 

[ziggs11]

With FUE being as efficient as it is now, I just cant see a reason to carve a strip scar into the back of your head on your first HT.

 

[wolfsatplay]

Well it all comes down to what technique is going to get me the most coverage. From everything I've read, and they're very close but FUT seems to get you to 5% to 10% more coverage...And with an average at best donor supply, that makes a difference.

I'm hoping to get 4400 Grafts for my first session and anything over 3600 with FUE your taking more of a risk with damage to donor area, etc - whereas with FUT it's pretty straight forward, except for the scar which really scares me.

It's so weird, just when i think i've decided on a technique, I second guess it.
If someone can convince me that I can safely get a 4200 FUE in a one go
(2 day session) and get equal results, considering my limited donor supply, I will listen....This decision is so difficult, it's becoming sickly comical!!




Correct me if I am wrong. If someone can convoke me otherwise

 

[Dazzster26]

Hi Buddy
I have to be honest when I went for my first HT I was going to get the Combo FUE /STRIP so I could maximize the graft count and get it done in one session , the Dr and Patients Advocate advised me against this because I had been to concerned about the scar in the communications process over the few months before I went , when my density was taken the Dr then told me that 3600-4000 FUE could be possible however they took 3050 grafts and I went back for a second procedure 8 months later and they took 1203 grafts for the crown , today I have seen so many strip scars and some are just so thin its hard to even see them , you have to be sure 100% in your self what you want and a good Clinic will advise you the best , I know were your coming from and your concerns , I agree with Mars and I would go for FUE because you sound like myself concerning the Scar , I wish you all the very best with one of the biggest decisions of your life because its going to be life changing keep positive

Cheers

D

 

[Prohairclinic]

Taking over 3500 fue is possible from an average donor.
However shock loss in the donor area is likely and it can be
A serious issue. Therefore experienced fue clinics rarely go up to 4000 grafts or more.

 

[wolfsatplay]

Thanks Dazzstaer236, appreciate it.

 

[Westcoaster]

4 weeks is sufficient for a strip scar to heal with existing hair covering it, maybe you need to visit at least two FUE Doctors, have your Donor area assessed for possible graft numbers, if the 4000 is achievable then you will have to decide on which method is for you, if however your Donor has insufficient numbers to achieve the desired look you may have to go strip.