The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) site has posted a great comparison of the strip harvesting and FUE techniques. Here’s the first paragraph from the article:
Ten years ago the use of follicular unit extraction (FUE) was advocated as an alternative to traditional strip harvesting of the donor tissue. The use of the technique has been slow to be accepted as a new standard. Many physicians have, in fact, tried the technique but with markedly varying success. The recent promotion of mechanical devices and powered follicular extraction devices has sparked renewed interest and controversy regarding this method of harvesting. A great deal of discussion by physicians, ancillary personnel, and the general public has occurred on the Internet and multiple media sources about the value of FUE versus strip harvesting and vice versa. Sadly, many of the claims of “superiority” of the newer technique seem more related to marketing and self-promotion rather than a clear scientific evaluation.
Read the full text — Comparison between Strip Harvesting and Follicular Unit Extraction: A Fair and Balanced View
The article discuss the donor area, scarring, graft survival, technical skills required, costs, complications, and much more. It’s a very complete guide to hair restoration techniques, so I wanted to bring attention to it here!
Paid advertisements (not an endorsement):
In my personal opinion, for patients, who really try to avoid ALL disadvantages of both techniques (FUT/FUE), HST may be, in fact, THE solution for those seeking a safe and perfect way to restore ALL their hair, without any disadvantages:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20388024
Here is what e.g. Dr. Mohebi Parsa, MD, recently said to this topic:http://ushairrestoration.com/blog/2010/08/multiplication-of-hair-by-dividing-hair-stem-cells-is-it-possible/
Concerning the “ISHRS” itself, IF all their concern is really dedicated HT patients healthiness, in my personal opinion – and this is NO JOKE! – normally, they honestly would feel COMMITTED to seriously evaluate such studies and advancements, instead of trying to hide and/or to blame them.