Deciding between FUT and FUE methods lead to many questions. In this guide, we’ll help you learn more about the different types of hair transplant procedures, including the advantages, expected results, costs, and ideal candidates for each. A personalized consultation will ensure the best outcome for you.
Types Of Hair Transplants: How Many Are There?
There are several types of hair transplant procedures available, each with its own approach and technique. The main types of hair transplant procedures include:
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): FUE is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique where individual hair follicles are extracted from the donor area (usually the back of the scalp) using a specialized punch tool. These follicles are then transplanted into the recipient area (balding or thinning area) one by one.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): FUT, also known as the strip method, involves removing a strip of scalp tissue from the donor area. The strip is then dissected into individual follicular units, which are transplanted into the recipient area. This technique leaves a linear scar in the donor area, which can be hidden by surrounding hair.
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI): DHI is a variation of the FUE technique where the extracted hair follicles are implanted directly into the recipient area using a specialized implantation tool, without the need for creating recipient site incisions beforehand.
What is a FUE Hair Transplant?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a type of hair transplant procedure that involves the individual extraction of hair follicles from the donor area and their transplantation into the recipient area. It is a minimally invasive technique and is known for its natural-looking results.
During an FUE hair transplant, the surgeon uses a specialized punch tool (ranging in diameter from 0.6mm to 1.0mm) to carefully extract individual hair follicles from the donor area, which is usually the back or sides of the scalp where the hair is genetically resistant to balding. The donor area is typically shaved or trimmed short to facilitate the extraction process.
Once the hair follicles are extracted, they are carefully prepared and sorted under a microscope to ensure their viability and quality. Then, tiny incisions or recipient sites are made in the balding or thinning area where the hair will be transplanted.
Using meticulous techniques, the surgeon or their team manually implants the extracted hair follicles into the recipient sites, taking into consideration the natural hair growth patterns and aesthetic goals. The process is repeated until the desired density and distribution of hair are achieved.
One of the main advantages of FUE is that it does not leave a linear scar in the donor area like the strip method (Follicular Unit Transplantation, FUT) does. Instead, FUE leaves tiny round scars that are often not noticeable, especially when the surrounding hair is kept at an appropriate length.
Recovery time after an FUE hair transplant is relatively shorter compared to FUT, and the procedure is generally associated with less discomfort and faster healing. The transplanted hair follicles will shed within a few weeks after the procedure, but new hair growth should start within a few months.
It’s important to consult with a qualified hair transplant specialist to determine if FUE is the most suitable procedure for your specific hair loss condition and desired outcomes.
What is a FUR Hair Transplant?
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), also known as the strip method, is a hair transplant procedure that involves the removal of a strip of scalp tissue from the donor area and the subsequent transplantation of individual hair follicles into the recipient area.
During a FUT hair transplant, the surgeon first identifies a suitable donor area, typically located at the back or sides of the scalp, where the hair is genetically resistant to balding. The donor area is usually trimmed, and local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
Next, the surgeon surgically removes a thin strip of scalp tissue from the donor area. The size and length of the strip may vary depending on the number of hair follicles required for transplantation. After the strip is removed, the surgeon carefully sutures or staples the incision, leaving a linear scar that is typically covered by the surrounding hair.
The strip of scalp tissue is then dissected under a microscope into individual follicular units, which consist of one to four hair follicles. These follicular units are meticulously prepared and sorted for transplantation.
Meanwhile, tiny incisions or recipient sites are created in the balding or thinning area where the hair will be transplanted. The surgeon or their team then carefully implants the individual follicular units into the recipient sites, taking into account the natural hair growth pattern and desired aesthetic outcome.
After the procedure, the transplanted hair follicles will enter a resting phase and shed within a few weeks. However, new hair growth should start within a few months, and over time, the transplanted hair will grow naturally.
Recovery from a FUT hair transplant typically involves a longer healing time compared to the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method. The sutures or staples in the donor area are usually removed after about 10 days, and some temporary numbness or discomfort in the donor area may be experienced.
It’s important to consult with a qualified hair transplant specialist to determine if FUT is the most suitable procedure for your specific hair loss condition and desired outcomes.
Which Hair Transplant Method Is Best?
Both procedures are an excellent option for men and women struggling with hair loss. When choosing between FUE or FUT, you should discuss with your surgeon which method is best suited for you.
During the consultation process, you and your doctor should discuss your goals and expectations, the number of follicular units required to achieve your desired coverage, and your hairline’s final design. This will help you and your surgeon decide which method of hair transplantation is best for you.