Trial FUT

[baldymcgee]

Does anyone know if there are downsides to a "trial FUT" session?

I've been recommended 4000 FUs and, given my eventual pattern of loss, would likely need another 1-2k.

But, given the risks of FUT (and the yield concerns of FUE -- cost isn't a major concern) I'm considering a "test FUT".

Basically, a session of FUT that would leave a scar of maybe 2 inches in length that I could use to get a feel for yield, shockloss, and so on.

Plus, if it turns out badly, then I still have the shave/buzz option -- I figure I can explain a 2 inch scar as the result of a fall or a sports injury.

A 2 inch by 1/2 inch FUT area should yield about 500 grafts. Is a trial of this size enough to get good information from? Are there risks or concerns that I haven't considered?

Edit: Ideally I'd like to use a doc who doesn't require recipient-area shaving. I can't spend the next 2 years of life with a shaven recipient area (over multiple procedures).

[gillenator]

Many reputable docs do not require shaving the area down. Obviously the more existing hair there is within the proposed recipient area, the more critical it becomes for the surgeon to see the natural direction and angles of the existing FUs to avoid transection.

In addition, 500 grafts should be sufficient for a trial session. Just be sure to have the area where the new grafts are placed is well identified so the regrowth can be accurately monitored for yield and regrowth. It will also provide you a sample of your surgeon's artistic abilities.

Best wishes to you in your procedure.

[35YrsAfter]

Does anyone know if there are downsides to a "trial FUT" session?

I've been recommended 4000 FUs and, given my eventual pattern of loss, would likely need another 1-2k.

But, given the risks of FUT (and the yield concerns of FUE -- cost isn't a major concern) I'm considering a "test FUT".

Basically, a session of FUT that would leave a scar of maybe 2 inches in length that I could use to get a feel for yield, shockloss, and so on.

Plus, if it turns out badly, then I still have the shave/buzz option -- I figure I can explain a 2 inch scar as the result of a fall or a sports injury.

A 2 inch by 1/2 inch FUT area should yield about 500 grafts. Is a trial of this size enough to get good information from? Are there risks or concerns that I haven't considered?

Edit: Ideally I'd like to use a doc who doesn't require recipient-area shaving. I can't spend the next 2 years of life with a shaven recipient area (over multiple procedures).

If you have settled on strip. Be sure to go to a good doctor. I know Dr. Wong does great work. Today, we had a patient in who was previously a patient of Dr. Griffin in Atlanta. This was among the best strip work I have seen. His strip scar was very thin and the areas where the grafts were placed looked completely natural, the way it should. Considering the volume of repair cases Dr. Cole sees, it's great to see excellent work and patients whose lives have been improved rather than messed up.

An issue to consider with strip is the marrying of different hair directions and disrupting the natural hair caliber gradation in the donor area. Please mention this to the strip doctor you settle on and see if he can find an appropriate area of donor without extremes in hair direction and caliber.

35YrsAfter also posts as CITNews and works at Dr. Cole's office
Cole Hair Transplant
1045 Powers Place
Alpharetta, Georgia 30009
Phone 678-566-1011

[tedwuji]

Does anyone know if there are downsides to a "trial FUT" session?

I've been recommended 4000 FUs and, given my eventual pattern of loss, would likely need another 1-2k.

But, given the risks of FUT (and the yield concerns of FUE -- cost isn't a major concern) I'm considering a "test FUT".

Basically, a session of FUT that would leave a scar of maybe 2 inches in length that I could use to get a feel for yield, shockloss, and so on.

Plus, if it turns out badly, then I still have the shave/buzz option -- I figure I can explain a 2 inch scar as the result of a fall or a sports injury.

A 2 inch by 1/2 inch FUT area should yield about 500 grafts. Is a trial of this size enough to get good information from? Are there risks or concerns that I haven't considered?

Edit: Ideally I'd like to use a doc who doesn't require recipient-area shaving. I can't spend the next 2 years of life with a shaven recipient area (over multiple procedures).

You're altering donor density, scalp laxity, and risking shock loss.

You would lose the option of a buzz cut. You will have a linear strip scar.

I would not have a "FUT trial session".