Guys.
Still debating FUE vs STRIP. I have no doubt from this forum that STRIP results can be truly fantastic and that with tricho closures the scars can be minimal and undetectable up to a #2/3 buzz-cut. What I would like is experience from HT patients and experienced forum members of the following:

1) Any permanent pain or numbness?
2) Any stretching of scar?
3) Any other long term side-effects of the surgery?
4) What does the surgery actually involve? ie how deep is the cut? How much bleeding to expect and for how long?

I am willing to take the plunge but just want to understand the potentail risks as well as the upsides. I have no doubt that this is a tried and tested procedure but just want to prepare for all eventualities.

Thanks guys

PerfectFit,

Good questions.

1. This is a rare but potential risk. I have had three strip surgeries and only on the third one did I have elongated numbness. It did take up to 6 months or so - but everything is back to normal. I know there are some hair transplant patients I've talked to that have seen not so reputable doctors and have complained about longer term pain.

2. Stretching of the scar is another potential risk which is why following your hair restoration's post op instructions, especially regarding physical activity is important so as not to strain the area.

3. Many of the long term risks such as shock loss (donor and recipient), months of recipient area redness, permanent scarring are both found in FUE and Strip. I have seen one case where there has been longer term infection and some permanent shock loss from the donor area being overtaxed/stretched. This was due to a number of factors that are not typical.

4. what are the various techniques in hair transplantation, and how do they work?

I have also listed additional risks of STRIP in my Strip Verses FUE article.

Here is an article I wrote strictly on hair transplant risks.

Best wishes,

Falc

Hi

I am a post op 3 HT guy with none of these issues. If you go to coalition doctor,you minimze these risks as the docs are top notch.

I too have none of those issues....

I have had both procedures. I like strip better. I was afraid of it at first, but you get a lot bigger transplant for your dollar. FUE usually does not require stitches, which I liked as I wanted no one to know I did this. My doc used absorbable, which worked just as well.

About strip-it didn't hurt-same as FUE. I just am getting a better result-I am 19 weeks post op now, so the final result isn't here yet.

I asked my doc if he could make the strip at the sam epoint as the FUE's were taken, and he said he usually does that to minimize scarring. I get my hair cut close, not a buzz, but close, and the barber is yet to notice it is there. I can barely tell it is there. Keep in mind that there are some variables-the doc who works on you, your skin, etc. It i sdifferent for everyone. I hope that helps.

O, I askec the doc how much I bled through the entire thing, and he said it was about enough to halfway fill a small syringe, 5 cc's of blood, I think. Very minimal.

Thanks guys - very helpful posts.