Guys,

I think Jason is being very realistic as to what can be accomplished with FUE which honestly, brings me to one of the key points I've been trying to make with FUE all along.

And here it is...

On average, there is more available donor hair supply via strip than FUE. Thus, in order to get the most coverage and density, patients typically have to go for strip.

Now let me explain why...

I happen to agree with Jason that taking 20 to 25% of the FU/cm2 is optimal to minimize scarring. I also happen to agree that extracting more than 4000-5000 follicular units from the safe zone on the average patient will increase the risks of visible scarring. This falls in line with what I've heard from many reputable physicians that I've talked to regarding their approach to FUE, including all FUE clinics.

This is precisely why I still believe FUE should only be considered for patients in the lower Norwood levels and at little risk of progressing to advanced stages of hair loss.

Remember that the only real advantages to FUE is the elimination of a linear scar and faster healing time. So in order to keep scarring at a minimum (assuming the patient has healed well), it's important not to extract too hairs per square cm from the donor.

Some have argued that patients can go for strip after they've maxed out their grafts via FUE. But I say...what's the point? You've now most likely spent a lot more money only to end up with the strip scar you tried to avoid in the first place.

Some have argued that patients who have FUE have more flexibility to shave their head and forget about their hair if they choose. Again I say...what's the point? Why not save yourself the tens of thousands of dollars and just shave your head if you're going to forget about your hair.

I think recommended physician makes a great point in the article I published "Is FUE the Solution for Young Hair Loss Sufferers" that no matter which procedure patients choose, they need to consider it a permanent solution and plan long term. Anything else is a waste of time, money, and precious donor hair.

I want to add that I'm not anti-FUE. However, I feel that lately, there's been a great deal of misunderstandings about what FUE can realistically accomplish and I think we ought to keep any false expectations in check.

Best wishes,

Bill

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To learn about how I restored my hair, view my my hair loss website.

Remember, true beauty radiates from within, not from the skin.

I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions and views shared are my own.

For me Bill, I would rather have 4,000 grafts from FUE over the frontal 2/3rds and a bald crown, than 6,000 grafts from strip and with a thin crown.