Linear or FUE: Which Type is Right for Me?

Categories: FUE, FUT2.9 min read

By: Anderson Center for Hair

Anderson Center for Hair is the leading hair restoration practice and hair surgery center in Atlanta

Any time you’re looking to have an elective surgery, it’s important that you do your research and consult a trusted doctor before you make your decision to ensure you are proceeding with the right type of surgery for your specific situation and needs. In hair restoration that means deciding between a linear hair restoration or an FUE hair restoration. No matter how small the procedure, you should be aware of the best plan of action and be willing to follow through with the necessary care. For hair restoration procedures, you should see a surgeon who can differentiate between the different types of hair loss as this will affect their recommendations for your procedure. In order to partake in either surgery, it’s imperative that a surgeon clear you as a candidate.

We offer both a linear strip procedure and a Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) procedure. In addition, we will thoroughly explain the difference between both surgeries and why we recommended them.

Linear Strip Procedure

In this procedure, a surgeon removes a strip of scalp and then closes with stitches. If the patient has a viable donor area, a surgeon can perform this procedure on the majority of candidates. You should note that this procedure leaves a linear scar on the scalp. If the patient has longer hair, they will likely not have an issue with a visible scar. However, you are more likely to notice some scarring if you enjoy short, buzzcut-like haircuts. With an experienced, board-certified surgeon, this scarring will be minimal despite your hair length, but it’s highly recommended that you seek out an experienced hair restoration surgeon. The skin of the scalp is thicker than anywhere else on the body and is more prone to scarring. You don’t want to trust your head to just anyone.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Procedure

This procedure utilizes technology to remove a single follicle for transplantation with no scalpels or stitches needed. With our ARTAS robot, we can safely and efficiently conduct this procedure. It sounds great, right? While it’s certainly a viable option, it’s not the best option for all patients. In preparation for this surgery, the patient must shave their hair to about 1/32nd of an inch. For some patients, this doesn’t sound so bad, but for others, it’s not viable option given their work and social obligations. If you cannot imagine a scenario where you’d ever have a buzzcut so short that you could see your scalp, harvesting using this FUE method might not be the best option for you.

When to Choose Neither Linear or FUE Hair Restoration

Hair restoration isn’t for everybody, and we strongly encourage you to speak with a surgeon about your concerns and your goals to make sure hair restoration is right for you and then to determine if a linear or FUE hair restoration would be best for you. Sometimes it might even be the right choice to forego hair restoration. Whether you’re too young right now or just not sure about the procedure, we want you to have complete peace of mind regardless of what your choice is. You can always revisit the idea at a later time.

Are you interested in learning more about the possibility of hair restoration? We would love to help! Dr. Ken Anderson and Dr. Daniel Lee are available for consultations at our Avalon and Atlanta offices. Simply click here to schedule a consultation.

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Dr. Lee and his staff did a great job. I was especially impressed by his knowledge, professionalism, and – most of all – honesty. This is the first time I’ve ever had any kind of elective surgery, so I did quite a lot of research on who I wanted go to for this procedure. Anderson Center for Hair was very highly recommended on many different websites, and Dr. Lee and his staff did not let me down. I’m very thankful for what he and his team did for me, and I would highly recommend him for any hair restoration surgery.

Brandon G., Google Review

The consult, quote, and transplant day were all seamless. I had gone to a consult at one of the “hair transplant chains” and did not feel comfortable, so went to Dr. Anderson. The outcome is much better than I had expected with just one transplant. I am so pleased; I am going back for a second round to add even more fullness.

Scott P., Google Review

I recently had my second hair replacement surgery with Dr Lee at Anderson Hair. My first surgery 12 months prior was so successful I went back for more – after all, more is better when it comes to hair, right?

These folks are friendly and professional. Keisha, Kia and David make up an awesome team. I was made to feel comfortable, welcomed, and relaxed. The team cares about the quality of the work they do, and it shows. They also do a great job of following up several times after the surgery. This is the place to get your replacement procedure!

Dr. Lee and his team were incredibly professional and very courteous. I have nothing but good things to say about the entire procedure, from pre-op to post-op. Before the procedure, Dr. Lee worked with me to make sure that I achieved a hairline I loved. The day of the procedure went incredibly smoothly, and I barely felt anything. Since the procedure, I’ve been contacted three times already by the team to make sure everything is going well. Couldn’t be more pleased!

Brian W., Google Review

Great hair transplant results from a true professional. Excellent work. Dr Anderson is superb at his craft. I got great results with highly professional service. The procedure delivered a step change in appearance for me. The concerns over this procedure – looking bad, causing too much pain, having noticeable scarring – were just not true for me. Highly recommend this doctor.

Dr. Anderson was great. He answered all my questions before the procedure. And performed the procedure with great care and precision. I didn’t have hardly any pain or discomfort during the procedure or after. I would highly recommend Dr. Anderson to anyone.

I am only 10 days out since my procedure. So far I am very pleased with the results. I didn’t experience hardly any pain, swelling or bruising. My transplant and donor areas are healing nicely. Everyone at Dr. Anderson’s office was wonderful. They answered all my questions and took great care of me while I was there. It isn’t cheap but I believe you get what you pay for. So far I am extremely happy and would highly recommend Dr. Anderson and his staff to anyone considering a hair transplant.

As a practicing surgeon, I am well-versed in finding doctors who are highly ranked in their field. Dr. Anderson is that physician – among the best of the best for hair transplant procedures. In fact, I traveled across the country to see him. I recommend Dr. Anderson to any and all persons interested in any sort of hair transplantation wholeheartedly and without reservation.

Warmhearted629410, RealSelf Review

This was my second transplant. It was basically to fix the hair transplant that I received from another clinic. The process was very easy. Dr. Lee talked me through the entire process and answered every question I had. My results have been great so far and Dr. Lee has responded to every text message that I’ve sent him. Can’t wait to see the full results.

I was very satisfied with the experience. Dr. Anderson was both knowledgeable and personable. The staff was proficient and made every effort to make me feel comfortable. Highly recommended to anyone who is considering the procedure. Aftercare instructions were thorough and easy to understand. Dr. Anderson made himself eminently available throughout the process.

Dr. Lee and his staff are great! I was hesitant and doubtful at first of getting a hair transplant surgery. I was unsure of the results for the price. After many days and months spent researching I decided to go with Anderson center for hair and Dr. lee. Dr. Lee was very compassionate and understanding when dealing with the patients needs/expectations my experience was great the procedure was almost painless and the after care instructions are clear. Dr lee is very patient and made sure all my questions were answered. My experience was great and I’m excited to see how my new hairline grows in!

Dr. Lee was extremely professional and helpful. He answered all of my questions in great detail and took the time to answer any concerns about the recovery process. My overall experience was great! Dr. Lee’s team was very friendly and attentive. I traveled from NYC to have my FUE performed by Dr. Lee, and I couldn’t be more pleased with my decision. I highly recommend Dr. Lee and look forward to seeing the results in the coming months.

Devin G., Google Review

I’m a 55-year-old practicing male physician living in Tallahassee, FL. After extensive research on hair reconstruction, I chose hair transplant at the Anderson Center in Alpharetta, GA. For years, I have been experiencing a receding hair line and crown loss. I’m not a particularly vain person, but when it comes to losing my hair, I wanted to slow down the balding process.

Dr. Anderson and his team were excellent to work with. From the initial consultation to day of procedure, every step was explained thoroughly. After just one week, I am noticing new hair growth and no scarring from the donor site which is hidden under my pre-existing hair. If you are concerned about losing your hair and have the finances for hair restoration, I highly recommend Dr. Anderson and his group.

Dr. Ken is an exceptional surgeon. So good, in fact, that the surgeon who removed my stitches in Hong Kong after my procedure said, “You must have paid a ton for this procedure; the surgeon did a fantastic job.”

I truly had a great experience with Dr. Lee. Really easy and a lot better than I initially thought. I am about 2 months out since I had the linear procedure. I get compliments all the time on how well he did the back and front of my head. He takes his time, explains everything, and had more bedside manners than any doctor I have ever me. He even gave me his personal cell phone number. The back healed with NO visible scar at all. And the front is already starting to slowly grow.

Dr. Lee and his team are outstanding. If you are considering treatment for hair restoration, I would strongly recommend Dr. Lee. I had researched a number of clinics nationally and felt confident that the team at Anderson would be the best option. The team exceeded my expectations, and you can place your trust in Dr. Lee to help you in achieving the results that you seek. I came from out of state and am very glad that I did. I had a linear procedure and from the actual grafting to the sutures, everything was completed with precision and diligence.

Dr. Anderson was very kind and compassionate. He was very professional and put me at ease throughout the entire procedure. I found his technique to be far superior to any of the other 5 physicians I visited.

I am a 48 year-old physician who had a prior procedure at a different facility in Atlanta. This time I chose Dr. Anderson’s clinic and the experience ,by far, exceeded all of my expectations. He and his staff were very professional and accommodating. I would highly recommend him to all of those interested in pursuing hair restoration.

Dr. Anderson and his team were recommended to me through a friend, although I live in Florida. From start to finish, they were outstanding and far exceeded my expectations. The correspondence pre-procedure and post-procedure made the process much smoother. I am 10 months post-transplant and the results are amazing. I would unequivocally recommend Dr. Ken Anderson and his team.

Justin S., Facebook Review