FIT Risks?

Don Reverso

Some basic questions from a curious man: Are there any long term risks associated with FIT? Has this method even been around long enough for us to know? Can the extractions cause damage to surrounding hairs when extracted? (be it shock loss or permanent loss)

drcole

FIT has been practiced since 2002. We have not seen any damage to the surrounding hair follicles. FIT will cause a decrease in hair and follicle density in your donor area because the follicles are moved from the back and sides to the top of the head where you are loosing hair. We have seen one case of temporary shock loss in the donor area out of 1000 patients. We have also heard of one other reported case of donor area shock loss that reveresed itself over time. In other words, shock loss is very uncommon with FIt and it is reversible.

Don Reverso

Since this has only been done since 02, is it safe to say that we do not know the possible long term effects. Again, I have much faith in this and am not trying to speak negative, just trying to do my research. (which I didn't do before my strip) Do you have any thoughts as to if there could even be any long term effects? Thank you for all of your help. These boards are very informative and helpful.

drcole

Dr. Ray Woods pioneered the first verision of FIT. He did not give it a name. He began his pioneering work in the early 90s. In 2001 Bill Rassman began his work on FUE or follicular unit extraction. He did not have any complications, but he did not enjoy much sucess.

Hair transplant surgery has been around since 1958 or earlier.

Strip surgery leaves a linear scar in the donor area. FIT does not. We do, however remove follicular units. This reduces your density in the donor area. You will not have as much hair there. This is the long term complication of the procedure. We could always solve this problem by relocating the follicles from the top of the head back to the donor area.

FIT is not like strip surgery or scalp reduction surgery. It does not carry their risks. Given your concerns, however, i think it is always a good idea for you to fully research the procedure, give it time, and only when you are fully comfortable should you consider surgery by FIT or other method. There is never anything wrong with waiting. i can assure you that i will have a much better procedure every year. Patients who came to us in 2004 comment today how much more efficient we are now than we were in the past. Waiting will never harm you.

Don Reverso

Thank you for an informative classy answer.

forhair

In other words, We highly recommend for anyone who is consurned about hair restoration to meet patients in person...or to explore our patient gallery and the FIT photos section of the forum until he will feel 100% confident and ready to use hair restoration as the solution to restore his hair.