Strip or FUE for me?

[Krangstein]

Which is better, Strip or Fue? I have talked to Feller and he recommended strip for 2500 grafts. I am a nw3 with the crown starting to thin but I was hoping for a FUE but Feller says I am not an FUE patient. I don't know why he'd say that, other doctors have said I am, well known and respected Doctors. What do you think? I am into acting so I might have to cut my hair shorter? The big scar won't do. I thought Feller was an FUE doctor too? I really want him cause I am very impressed with his work.

[mattj]

Dr Feller is a FUE doctor, but I believe he feels that strip is superior overall, and that FUE is better for smaller procedures than you would need. Perhaps he or spex will weigh in.

[Krangstein]

He already has. He's been very friendly actually. Would you guys rather recommend Feller's strip or Cole's FUE? Please advice.

[Winston]

Strip is strip and FUE is FUE. They are just two different ways of harvesting grafts. If you really don’t want to scar from strip then don’t have one. In general if you go to either doctor you will have a great hair transplant, but if you are unwilling to live with a strip scar then don’t go for it just because it's suggested to you. I’m sure Dr. Feller has his reasons for not wanting to do an FUE on you so you should consider those also. Don't do anything that you are not conformable with.

[Krangstein]

I understand. But Feller tells me I have great donor and that a wouldn't even see the liner scar because my hair would cover it. I guess I am trying to understand who important the scar will be. I don't plan on buzzing my hair but I would need to wear my hair short. Dr seems to think I can wear my hair short. What do you think?

[Don'tDoIt]

If you want to keep the option open to have a short hair style, then DO NOT get a strip procedure.

I had a strip procedure and now I am stuck with this strip scar in the back of my head. I HATE this strip scar. You sound like you would also hate having a strip scar. Don't get one!

[mattj]

Don'tDoIt, I know you mean well, but not all transplants are equal and yours might not represent what the top surgeons are achieving.

My perception is that the vast majority of patients of the most reputable doctors are very pleased with their results, and those who undergo strip (the vast majority of that majority) don't have any trouble with the scar. These days they can be hard to find even with short hair. Sure, they're visible when the head is shaved, but guys can wear their hair clipped pretty close at the back without displaying evidence of surgery.

[Spex]

One side of the story is always a good read but lets just balance this out with some facts a little.I believe i know who your are so I will add additional info that you for whatever reason left out.

Dr Feller based this opinion based ONLY on the pictures shown to him, your age, your loss pattern and the fact you are strongly against taking meds to prevent against further loss.

We suggested you take a step back and wait it out rather than rushing in based on this.

Your pictures highlight that further loss is somewhat inevitable especially if your not prepared to take the meds given also that YOUR goal and i can quote your demands with regards to the surgery for others to gain a better idea here which kind of puts you out of FUE 's capacity. As i tried to explain to you over the last 15+ emails. Potentially what you want and what you actually need are different. Be very careful of being told what you want to hear is my advice especially in your desperate and vulnerable state.

By all means if you only want FUE feels free to go for it and all the very best and i truly hope it works out for you - but Dr Feller based on the pics shown and the demands you set will not take you on as an FUE patient.

I can gladly post your pictures here for others to give you there opinion. Also if you are consulting with "FUE only" clinics of course they will recommend you FUE.






Very best

Spex

[Krangstein]

No, actually I have changed my mind completely. At first I was very much against strip because of the scar. People kept telling me not to do it. I do realize now, that the people who were telling me to do FUE were people who had had a HT done by a not-so-talented doctor. Everyone I have spoken to who has used Feller is not only happy about the results, but say he is the very best of the best. I have yet to hear one negative word about this doctor. So I am convinced now. Feller is my doctor. Spex, thank you for all the information you have given me over the last 15 emails or so. You have such a great custumer service and you don't give me yes and no answers. And btw, those pictures you sent me were amazing. You couldn't see any scars and all the guys wore their hair really short. I'm impressed. I'll email you soon. Again. Thanks.

[truthbetold]

BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING READ THIS!

Anyone considering to do a strip procedure will possibly be making the greatest mistake of their life!! I know. I've been there and done that. If you are a younger patient under 30, you should be wary of doing any procedure at all, whether FUE or Strip. I would caution you to stay away from any doctor who generally recommends strip over FUE. There are many misconceptions out there about FUE and Dr. Cole has put a very informative video out combating such myths on his website. He has done over 8,000 strip procedures but since introducing his CIT/FUE around 2002, he has tried to stay clear of doing anymore strip procedures--for good cause-- and has done a few thousand CIT procedures since.

I personally regard Dr. Cole has one of the few honorable doctors out there who is genuinely concerned about doing what is best for the patient and not what is easy for him or best for his wallet. Watch his video's, read through his blogs and forum, educate yourselves and do not make the same mistake as me. I had my strip procedure at 19 and have since dedicated myself to helping inform others and preventing them from making the same mistakes I made.

Before you make one of the biggest decisions of your life, make sure you do all the research you can and choose what you feel confident in being the best route for you. That includes speaking to those who have been through what you are thinking about doing. All the best and good luck!!

[Don'tDoIt]

I think that truthbetold is 100 per cent correct. Personally, I hate my strip scar. I will never be able to wear my hair short without it being noticeable. That line across the back of the head is NOT covered by my hair unless I wear it long. I wish I had not been so foolish.

Thank you, truthbetold, for telling us your story.

Thinking of a strip procedure? Don't do it. You do not want to be stuck with that scar.

I would take that one step further and say do not get FUE either. Just be happy with yourself. I wish someone had given me this advice before my hair transplant.

Why didn't I get such advice? Because I told NO ONE before I got it done. That is where you can do things differently from those of us who are hair transplant veterans. Tell someone close to you that you are thinking of a hair transplant. Chances are, they will be against the idea. Listen to them. They care about you. Don' do it!

[Mr. 4000]

I finally took the leap and regret doing it.

I had strip done and have had nothing but problems, physically, cosmetically, and of course emotionally because of the results and money spent.

I won't get into details, but a goo to great result will put you at easy and poor result will lead you down a long road. This is where I am right now.

I thought I pick a great doc, traveled to ensure I was not taking any short cuts, and still had a very botched job. Bosely may have done better but I don't want to start making accusation either.

I will need to get things fixed. One and done is what I wanted and a good surgeon could have done it easily. But it didn't happen.

I regret the strip procedure now. Without a doubt and will only go FUE to fix it.

I hope my doc is honest and refunds some of my money if thing don't improve, but I'm late so I don't think they will. I will consult with him soon to see what he is willing to do to help me through the mess he put me in.

[Winston]

Whether you have a strip hair transplant or an FUE hair transplant there will always be stories of people who had poor outcomes. There are also many people who report great results, but unfortunately the disappointed people are sometimes the most vocal on the forums.

Mr. 4000 can I ask what happened to you? Do you have any pictures?

[Mr. 4000]

Whether you have a strip hair transplant or an FUE hair transplant there will always be stories of people who had poor outcomes. There are also many people who report great results, but unfortunately the disappointed people are sometimes the most vocal on the forums.

Mr. 4000 can I ask what happened to you? Do you have any pictures?

I'm still trying to figure out what the f happened to me, lol....

Sorry I can't, it would compromise any ability to get this corrected, just know this even some of the better rep docs can do very poor work.

I have plenty of pictures, but I can't show then at this time.

I'm sorry, but in time I will post everything, good or bad.....

The only thing I would add is that the fix will not be strip and there are many reasons why.

[Winston]

I understand and I hope you get the resolution that you are looking for. Please keep us posted!