Dr. Feller,

When I had my 2800 FU's this past February, the doctor who performed my FU process when very fast when creating the recipient sites. In reading other posts on this site, this seems to be the norm.

My question is, during a second FU process, is this the norm? I would think it would be much slower as to not accidently damage a FU transplant from the first go around. Plus, trying to create some additional density by inserting new FU's in between the previous transplanted FU's would seem to require additional care when creating the new recipients sites. Would my assumptions be accurate?

Thanx

midnite

Yes Midnite, you are correct.

It usually takes me longer, alot longer, to place sites in the second go around, especially if there is considerable leakage of blood from the newly created sites (don't get frightened though, the bleeding can be as small as a few thimbles worth to obscure the field enough to slow me down)
This is another reason why I like to hit one area with high density and get it over with. This way I don't have to go back into the first area on the second surgery. I might hit the front part of the hairline to touch it up on a second go around, but I don't have to dance too much in between the last group of grafts.

My usual M.O. is to hit the front with everything I've got, and then when I do the second surgery, usually in the top or crown, I can work in a virgin area obviating the need for me to be careful about transecting grafts. In the end it is faster and safer.

If your 2800 was placed over a fairly large area, then I would imagine the slit placement may take two to three times as long on the second procedure. To give you an idea, under ideal conditions, it takes me an hour and 15 minutes to numb the skin and place 1800 slits on a virgin scalp in the front.

Good luck

Dr. Feller
www.fellermedical.com