FUE vs Strip
The older strip method of hair transplantation has now largely been replaced by the minimally invasive newer FUE method. While the strip method does have some advantages for patients who require very large numbers of grafts in one session, it also suffers from some serious disadvantages. In the strip method a strip of skin is cut out of the back of the head using a scalpel and the scalp is then stitched back together. This causes:
Post operative pain
Higher risk of infections
Longer healing time
Linear scar on the back of the head
Of greatest concern to most patients is the scar left by removal of the strip. This greatly limits the choice of future hair styles as the hair must be kept long in order to conceal the scar.
With the FUE method there is no linear scar to conceal so the patient has the freedom to wear their hair much shorter if desired.
Recovery from FUE is also much faster with many patients able to resume their normal activities within days with no visible signs of surgery and no need for follow up appointments for removal of stitches or staples as with strip surgery.
