So I'm on track to go in for a transplant (I'm a NW5), but my dilemma is deciding between two different surgeons, each one with a different approach:
Surgeon A thinks I could yield a significant number of grafts in a single session due to my very high scalp laxity. However, I'm concerned that the surgeon uses staples to close the donor area (I need anywhere from 3-4,000 grafts for decent results) and that this will result in a noticeable scar and might use up the donor area, in case I need to go back for more some day. Also, I've only done an online consultation with this doc; he hasn't seen my hair in person.
I had a personal consultation with Surgeon B, who also thinks I have high scalp laxity. However, he was able to examine my scalp and is concerned that the area above my ears is not as dense as the back; thus he only wants to harvest from the back. Plus, his approach is conservative; he wants to do the first session of 1500, let the donor area heal and the transplants take before doing a second session about a year after the first. Also, he closes with sutures; he says this minimizes scarring and he would never use staples.
My questions: what's the conventional wisdom on a) single session vs. multiple sessions, b) staples vs. sutures c) and choosing a doc based on online consult vs. personal.
I should note that both docs have good reps; I'm really just trying to make an informed choice by weighing their different approaches. Hoping folks on the forum may have some pearls of wisdom to share. Thanks.