FUE vs Strip Hair Transplant

FUE vs strip hair transplant – pros and cons.

As a doctor who has performed strip hair transplants since 1996 and FUE hair transplants since 2003, Dr Rogers believes there are advantages and disadvantages to both techniques. The question is which is the best hair transplant for that patient? Having had both methods of hair transplant himself, Dr Rogers is very well qualified to guide you.

(FUT) strip hair transplant

In terms of results, strip hair transplants produce more grafts, more quickly and more consistently than FUE transplants. This also makes them cheaper in the long run. So if you need lots of grafts (more than 2000), it is very important to consider the strip method.

However, the downside for some patients is that strip removal leaves a straight line scar in the donor area. For most men, this is not a problem – it normally heals well and is easily hidden with a clippers grade 3 or longer hair cut. It tends to heal very well indeed after the age of 40 and generally we wouldn’t advise FUE in most men above this age.

FUE hair transplant

But if you are younger (20’s), like grade 1-2 hair cuts or are known not to heal well, then FUE might be a better option. FUE leaves little white dot scars where the hair is removed. These are more easily hidden even with a short hair cut. But FUE hair transplants are still surgery, they still leave some visible changes if you shave your head and there are downsides too. FUE, because it is a “blind” method, is slower, less consistent and ultimately cannot produce as many grafts. It is also more expensive.

Dr Rogers opinion

“For me, experiencing both hair transplant techniques was enlightening.

Overall, I preferred the strip method: the extraction was quicker and in some ways, the recovery also quicker. My hair was able to cover the stitches immediately and the donor area felt more back to normal more quickly. The FUE was more visible both immediately and for the next 2-3 weeks until the redness had faded and the hair had grown long enough to cover it. However, the strip was more painful for the first few nights than FUE. But counterbalancing that, the FUE donor area remained somewhat uncomfortable in a “prickly, itchy sort of way”) for about 3-4 weeks, which I didn’t expect. Then again, I was able to get back in the gym after just one week whereas I advise two weeks for the strip method.”