FUE or FUSS !! Which one to choose?

[andelee]

Good morning all, hoping I can receive some positive feedback on which option will best suit my requirements.

35 is my age, my temples have receded the past 5 years leaving a distinct V shape hairline, my hair has always been on the thin side which equates to a lower density donor area; However as the rest of my hair is thinner I should not require as many grafts to get close to my natural density, a double edged sword if you will.

I had 2 consultations 12 months ago, first one I was not impressed as they wanted to book me in right then without checking if I was taking preventative medications, they had a quick look at my hair combing through it and advised I would need 2000 plus grafts with the Fue method. A discount was offered if I signed the dotted line but being in sales myself I decided this was not right. I said I`d need time to think it over and left.

Second consultation was much more professional; they advised me on Finasteride and Minoxidil foam, explained possible future loss and how they will plan for this. They also estimated approximately 2000 grafts but gave the option of Fue or Fuss, Fuss being the cheaper option. They told me to take some time and think about what I want to do.

I`m happy to go ahead with the second clinic but not sure which option to go for. I`ve read that Fuss will give you a better result in terms of yield as the transection rates are lower but there is a risk of scar stretching, I like to keep my hair at a #4 which may make the scar line visible.

Fue my other option will eliminate the Fuss scar but create white dot scars with the possibility of a higher transection rate resulting in wasted precious donor grafts. Some clinics are claiming very low transection rates whilst others say it can be as high as 40%.

The second clinic I consulted said it could be around 15% transection depending on my skin texture, one other thing they did mention regarding Fuss is the transection rate could be higher as I may have up to 15% of grafts in Telogen phase rendering them invisible to the technicians when they refine the strip.



So, that's my dilemma. Which option to choose.

I`d like to know which option you chose and if you`re happy with your choice.

Best

Andelee.

 

[Bigmac]

I`ve had both procedures and happy with the results I received from them. As you know both options have the possibility of leaving scarring be it a linear or white dot scarring. The choice really comes down to what you would prefer as both options in the right hands can produce a good result.

It sounds like you`ve made your mind up on the second clinic you consulted with, do some research on their results and try to speak to some patients for feedback.

Good luck.



Bm

 

[andelee]

Thanks Bigmac. Its hard to choose between the two as both produce good results. The patient results from both types look great. How was your recovery with both types of surgery?

 

[janna]

Andelee,

Few things......

1) You shouldn't have a problem shaving down to a #3 guard after a strip (fuss) surgery and quite possibly down to a #2 guard. We tell our patients to expect to clip to a #3 but may get lucky to be able to a #2 if he`s got good physiology. 2000 grafts is a modest size session and the width of the strip shouldn`t create much tension but it`s still good to be prepared for anything.

2) I agree that strip (fuss) technique will indeed achieve a better yield but I don`t agree that strip technique will render higher transection rate than FUE due to the telogen phase.

3) Anyone getting 40% transection rate should stop performing surgery dead in their tracks ))N_)

 

[andelee]

Thanks Janna. Which option would you recommend for 2000 grafts assuming I`m a candidate for either procedure?

I also think 40% transection is very high, most clinics quote around the 10 - 15% mark with some claiming 5% and lower.