Hello all,
I feel like I've learned a lot by pouring over the info on this blog and researching surgeons and wanted to pick the brains of those who've debated FUT vs FUE as a second surgery option. I had my first surgery in 2009, a FUT strip procedure done by Paul Shapiro in Minneapolis (roughly 2,000 grafts). It turned out decently but I hated the recovery time for the strip, the tightness, the scarring, and the fact that I can't cut my hair down to a much shorter degree than I could before the surgery.
With that said, my temples were barely touched and have receded considerably since the first surgery (which was the main reason I elected for a HT in the first place). I am ready to opt into my second procedure but would much rather go with FUE. I was booked to do so with Erdogan in Istanbul this month but didn't have the cash funds in hand to make it happen. While I'm waiting to save up...
Is it a poor choice to move from a strip surgery to FUE since I already have the damage done from the first surgery? I would also be adding some hairs into the original donor scar from the first surgery so I can cut my hair a bit shorter - I realize that FUE produces scarring too, but not in a large line. Figure about 2,200 grafts maximum for this surgery.
Will FUE take away from the hair count of my future donor hair pool? How much less of a yield can one expect with FUE?
I will likely need another procedure years down the line as the hair on top starts to thin out more, so overall donor hair is a consideration
Is there anything else I need to consider?
If FUT is really my best option for a second surgery, do they use the same scarline for surgery 2? Can the overall scar be reduced? Thank you for any input you can offer. I am looking forward to making a decision and enjoying a nice hairline once again!