Hi Global,
Hey, thanks for the kind words. Wow, you have really done your homework! That's great to see. The 1,000 FUE extractions really won't make a problem for the appearance of your donor zone. And your goals are very realistic and attainable. The end result? You'll be happy with the result and your expectations will be met.
Of course I have no idea what your virgin density levels are but Dr. Wolf can give you an estimate on the approximate total number of grafts available. He'll probably give it to you both ways, what he thinks he can safely get with FUE compared as to what he could safely get with strip.
FYI, I have been starting to receive more pics of patients who had tricho closure methods in their strip procedures and I am absolutely amazed at how well the thin linear scar is disguised with hair growing through it. Some of these guys are already buzzing down to a number 2 guide and it's extremely difficult to see the scar. Obviously I know what to look for compared to what the average person sees. But it's at the time when the hair grows through and there is no redness lingering when it's very hard to notice. But as you already know the results can vary. And the pics I am comparing are patients who heal very well, no raised scars, no lingering redness, etc.
My point is that I have seen patients with 3,000 plus FUE extractions taken from the scalp compared to ones who had 3,000 grafts taken by strip with the trich closure employed. And I'm comparing those pics that have buzzed down to at least a number 2. Believe it or not the FUE dots show more than the disguised thin linear scar in many cases. And of course there are some strip patients that I felt were more noticable. Your hair to scalp color contrast is going to help you so that's also a good factor. The FUE patients that have wide color contrasts and tan very well tend to show more spots IMO.
I feel you will have good success with the FUE approach because you are not really concerned with your crown. That also puts you in a more favorable situation because your donor area will not be over harvested.
BTW, say hello to Dr. Wolf and Ivan for me! Dr. Wolf is both talented and ethical so you are in good hands. :wink: