The STRIP method is one of the most common hair transplant methods available on today’s market.
While the STRIP method is time and cost efficient, it leaves behind a scar and can also cause numbness in the same area.
While each hair transplant clinic has their own specific procedures, the STRIP method involves a linear incision where a strip of hair-bearing skin will be removed from the donor area, where after the skin will be sutured together, aiming to achieve the smallest possible linear scar. The patient is under a sedative at this point. Hair follicles are then removed from that strip of skin and transplanted into the receiving area. The doctor creates a significant amount of tiny openings, as many as hundreds or thousands. This is where the new hair follicles will carefully be placed under magnification, one by one.
A quality doctor will make an effort to restore the hair the patient once had, mimic a normal hairline and try to create a natural look. The surgery is completed in a few hours and the patient can leave the hospital the same day. Afterwards, the patient might see some small scabs in the receiving area. These scabs can be compared to pimples and will fall off in a week. Stitches are removed after about ten days and a thin scar will form at the donor area. This scar can be hidden by surrounding hair, which can cover it to some extent. Keeping the hair short increases the visibility of the scar. In addition to a scar, there is a risk of temporary or permanent loss of feeling in the donor area, where the strip was removed. The new hair will grow normally and continue to do so.
The main advantage of choosing STRIP as your hair transplant method is that more hair can be transplanted in a shorter time, and the procedure will be less expensive than other methods. While some individuals are fine with having a scar, there are many who feel regretful, as the scar becomes more visible over the course of time, as hair loss continues.
After a STRIP the client should avoid exercise for about 30 days, and the skin needs to heal for about 12 months before a new operation can be done.
Though the STRIP method involves surgery and usually leaves behind a visible scar, it is a faster and more cost effective solution than other methods. And a successful STRIP procedure is carefully performed and difficult to spot.
Consider the STRIP method if your goal is to treat hair loss with a large number of grafts in a shorter amount of time. A hair transplant doctor will offer a consultation where hair loss is evaluated and a specific plan is discussed. It is only during a consultation that the doctor can tell you if the STRIP method is right for you or if you should consider a different approach.
Photo via hairtransplantcenter
