Which Method of Hair Restoration should you choose? Learn more about Strip versus Neograft Hair Transplantation
According to Dr. Finger and many other articles written about the Strip method, it is exactly what it sounds like. It is when a physician takes a strip of skin from your head to harvest hair for transplant purposes. It sounds and looks worse than it really is and it is not only a very reliable procedure it is also the best way to get to the sweet spot of your donor zone. This method is also the one to choose if the patient needs or wants to get the maximum number of follicular units (hair follicles) in one session. The safe donor zone that has the best quality and most density is at the back of the scalp. If they have a horseshoe of hair around the back and sides of their scalp ( AKA George Jefferson) there is an area of higher density where the hair is a bit thicker and healthier than the rest of the head.
During the traditional Strip procedure, a strip of hair and scalp from the back of the head is removed, which is called the donor site and is usually the section of the scalp that contains the thickest hair. The two sections of the divided scalp are sutured, so naturally, that downtime for patients is minimal. Once the section of donor skin and hair follicles is removed from the scalp, units of one to four hair follicles are then removed from the donor strip. These follicles are inserted into the desired area to move up a receding hairline or simply create more density. With NeoGraft’s automated FUE technology, the strip method for hair restoration is no longer the only option for long-lasting hair restoration, but before we discuss FUE, let us elaborate on the Strip Method first.
The Strip Method explained
The Grafts recovered for the FUT Strip Method or FUE Neograft Hair Transplant are the same, the difference is simply the method of retrieving the grafts from the donor site. NeoGraft Providers and FUE (ONLY) Hair Clinics are selling the No Scar method as the only solution to men and women that may be ideal candidates for the Strip method too. It takes a skilled, experienced surgeon to complete the Strip Hair Transplant, whereas the FUE Neograft method does not require a Surgeon.
Why we offer both Hair Restoration Solutions
Unlike the strip method, Neograft is easy to sell and it is exactly what most patients under pressure choose. A picture of a bad strip scar and they just closed the deal. Hair Restoration Savannah offers both FUT Strip Method and Neograft because Dr. Finger appreciates the availability of both procedures and both methods have advantages and disadvantages.
There are patients that have one opportunity to get maximum grafts because their donor site is limited. These patients may be better suited for the Strip Method. In addition, if performed skillfully the linear scar is inconspicuous.
NeoGraft’s FUE method is a minimally invasive procedure that actually removes hair follicles individually instead of in an entire strip of scalp. The donor follicles are removed from a full section of hair using a 1mm punch. This punch makes a tiny circular incision surrounding each hair follicle, and the follicles are removed using pneumatic pressure, or suction. Once the desired number of hair follicles are removed, these donor hair grafts are then implanted into the recipient site as with the FUT Strip Method. As hair follicles are implanted in the treatment section of scalp, the exact position of each hair follicle can be controlled. The follicles are initially removed individually, so they may be implanted individually with the 1mm punch, often resulting in a more precise and natural hairline. This innovative hair transplant technology is a great alternative to the traditional “strip method” of hair restoration, however, not everyone is an ideal candidate says, Dr. E. Ronald Finger our Medical Director and experienced Plastic Surgeon.
Two Hair Restoration Methods Which Should You Choose? NeoGraft or Strip?
The first step is to find out how severe your hair loss is and what method will better suit you. Dr. Finger’s experience will allow for proper diagnosis and recommendation based on your individual circumstances.
Medical History, cost and a variety of other reasons will prompt the patient to prefer one or the other procedure. Dr. Finger will ultimately determine a realistic goal and he will base his recommendation on a variety of factors. Some patients still prefer the strip method because the initial graft amount is not limited to 2500, given the donor site has a healthy amount of hair. As discussed in this article there is also a way to harvest more hair during the strip method, which is important when dealing with an advanced case of hair loss. The scar produced on the back of the head (donor site) where the hair is harvested from, will go unnoticed if your head is not shaved or if the hair is not extremely short. If you opt to have hair restoration with Dr. Finger in Savannah, you are in good hands because he specializes in suturing techniques that leave minimal scarring.
Neither the FUT Strip Method or the NeoGraft Method requires general anesthesia. NeoGraft is performed by our experienced hair technicians and patients can completely relax during their hair transplant procedure. Dr. Finger is present during the initial consultation, during the procedure, and during post-op visits. NeoGraft’s technique requires no incisions, no sutures and leaves no linear scar. Downtime is minimal and slight swelling of the scalp and soreness is to be expected but does not usually last for more than 5-7 days. The patient should be able to return to work within no more than 3 days, according to how discrete the patient wants to be. Ask Dr. Finger about details concerning post-operative care for both Hair Restoration methods. Neither procedures require general anesthesia. With the strip method, you will have no visible signs of a hair transplant at the donor site if you have hair covering the scar, and the sutures are usually removed within 10 days of the procedure.