4000+ FUE grafts possible?feasible?sensible? Please suggest!

[shane13]

Dear members,

I am 30 yrs old and want your help to let me decide between a FUT or a FUE proceudre.

Initially I was sure of FUE but then research indicated that FUT would be better for my case (large session) and now again leaning back towards FUE especially after hearing of large impressive FUE sessions like johnny24 (http://www.hairrestorationnetwork.co...arh-india.html). One of the leading FUE surgeons has confirmed to me as well that he can do a 4000+ FUE single session (over 2 days) for complete coverage.

I cannot afford to take any meds with side-effects (fin etc.) at this stage. Also, I am thinking more from a long-term perspective of keeping some donor grafts for any future requirement incase of further progressive balding.

Please do suggest as I want to book my HT soon and get it done within this year in India.

Eagerly awaiting your responses.

My pics are here: Hair Restoration Social Network - Hair Loss Patient Blogs

Cheers!

[jobber1900]

Hi Shane, not going too much into FUE vs FUT, I would say that there is one thing for sure with larger FUE sessions - fair bit of swelling for few days post surgery. I havent gone through a procedure but have seen a few threads. I am not much an expert so wouldn't say too much else. All the best.

[shane13]

Originally Posted by jobber1900

Hi Shane, not going too much into FUE vs FUT, I would say that there is one thing for sure with larger FUE sessions - fair bit of swelling for few days post surgery. I havent gone through a procedure but have seen a few threads. I am not much an expert so wouldn't say too much else. All the best.

Hey jobber1900,

If I get a good yield and coverage at the end of the HT, I really don't mind a swollen head for a few days

Thanks for your suggestion.

Cheers

[Future_HT_Doc]

Are you still contemplating between FUT and FUE, or set on FUE and simply looking for surgeon recommendations?

[shane13]

Originally Posted by Future_HT_Doc

Are you still contemplating between FUT and FUE, or set on FUE and simply looking for surgeon recommendations?

Hi Blake, I am sure about the surgeons, but confused between FUT and FUE.

If there is only a marginal difference in a FUE yield (over FUT) for a 4000+ session, I'd prefer FUE.

Do share your inputs keeping in mind the thoughts that I captured in my introductory post.

Thanks

[MAGNUMpi]

HI shane13,
In my research I've found that people say that doing 2 FUE sessions of 2000 maximum, with 8 months between them is smart. This allows the scalp to heal so you don't lose too many grafts to scalp trauma.
People do seem to feel that FUT yield is better than FUE (but you'll have the scar).
In your posts you seem pretty interested in coverage.
I would choose a great FUT surgeon for best possible results if you dont mind the scar, or go 2 sessions 8 months apart with a great FUE surgeon.
Cheers,
Magnum

[Future_HT_Doc]

Hi Shane,

Frankly, I would recommend FUT over FUE for a case of this magnitude. While the technical yields are very similar (both upwards of 95%), I'm not sure these conditions hold true when entering cases of this size. What's more, it takes a skilled and highly practiced FUE physician to perform a 4,000 graft transplantation, and this variable may cost additional time, money, surgical days, and could still result in a lower yield in the end.

Again, there are always pros and cons to both procedure. With FUT, especially a large FUT session, you're going to have the linear scar. Excellent physicians can make these very manageable, but there is no way of getting around it (with FUT). If this is something that you cannot accept, then you'll really need to start doing some careful FUE research (which we all can help with).

However, just analyzing your case from the very basic level - 4,000 total grafts needed (your estimate), high NW patient, covering a diffuse area, unable to take preventive medications, I personally believe FUT will provide a more complete result.

Did the surgeon who agreed to the 4,000 graft FUE procedure (which, as I'm sure you're aware, is very, very large) have any examples of cases of this magnitude (4,000 + grafts on a high NW patient)?

[MAGNUMpi]

Did the surgeon who agreed to the 4,000 graft FUE procedure (which, as I'm sure you're aware, is very, very large) have any examples of cases of this magnitude (4,000 + grafts on a high NW patient)?

Good/smart question.

[waitforanagen]

I would totally vote for FUT for a case this large.

I am still do not understand why people want FUE for a huge number of grafts.

Correct me if I am wrong, but with either surgery, for a case this big, you will have to have some hair to cover scarring either from FUE or FUT (i.e. shaving your head clean is out of the question). So given this, I would rather have 1 thin scar to deal with than LOTS of little scars scattered about the back of my head.

[s2thoudriver]

Go for FUE. You are at the upper limits at 4k grafts for a single day session, but a highly skilled and experienced FUE surgeon will have no problem with this.

The other chap who was at the hospital having FUE when i was had just over 4,000 grafts and got great coverage. I have seen pics since and he is growing well, with no side effects.

Swelling is minimal and with the correct facial massage techniques is barely noticeable after the procedure.

Rob