Several small or few larger FUEs

[pstolen]

Hi!

Due to thinning hair i had an 1100 grafts FUE procedure 2 years ago. My hair has continued thinning and I am now considering having a new procedure.

But I wonder if I should do a small procedure now, or if I should wait and do a more comprehensive procedure later.

In general, what are the pros and cons regarding small vs. larger FUE procedures?
Is there any disadvantage to performing several small treatments?

Thank you for all answers

[John P. Cole, MD]

In strip procedures, which I do not recommend, you should perform larger procedures to reduce the complications. Larger FUT procedures are more efficient than smaller ones. In FUE it does not matter if you do a large procedure or a small procedure. Both are equally efficient. However, one must not always do a large FUE procedure. If you are toward the maximum potential harvest from your donor area, you should keep the procedure small to minimize the potential that you over harvest the donor area. With finer hair, one has to be more cautious than with coarser hair.

Having said this, I do not recommend FUT procedures under any circumstance.

[pstolen]

Thank you for answering my post John!

What are you thinking about when it comes to coarser hair versus finer hair? Is it the ability to cover the receiving area or is it the ability to cover the donor area (hide the scars)?

I really appreciate your help! Thank you

[pstolen]

I also was wondering if the ability to achieve high density is reduced when having several small FUEs vs larger FUEs. But, as i read your answer, there is no such problem regarding having several small FUEs?