Both methods leave scarring behind plain and simple. Closing techniques such as the trico closure can definitely diguise a thin linear scar but never eliminate it.
And don't be fooled by these "claims" that FUE does not leave visible scarring because I've seen many, many pics to date and the mid to larger cases can and DO show scarring and/or motheaten donor zones, etc, etc. I will concur that the smaller FUE sessions are harder to detect. And the reality of it all is that most patients who have male pattern baldness and then later elect to have hair transplant surgery will need and want "thousands of grafts" over their lifetimes. How many patients that have male pattern baldness can get by with 1200 grafts or less over their lifetimes? Not many, if any. So try to think of the big picture. Do you really think that upwards of 4,000 plus extractions from your donor zone won't show scarring? :roll: Think again my friend...And especially when your scalp tans in the summer months? The back of your head can look like a honeycomb from the contrast. I've seen it all too often.
Here's the bottom line. And I always feel like I'm repeating myself on this point. Any patient needs to recognize that whether you do FUE or strip, the chances of buzzing down to a number one guide or shaving the scalp without showing effects of hair transplant surgery is very remote. The exceptions are extremely few.
It's very possible to keep a thin linear scar hid with 1/2 inch plus hair length. But FUE is different. Density in the donor zone can be compromised and depleted to the point that it looks so thinned out that guys start putting BH back to replenish their donor zones. That's like paying twice for the same procedure!
I strongly encourage you to think in terms of your needs "over your lifetime" because that is in your best interest!