Introduction
Strands of hair falling out each time a person touches their hair is a worldwide concern but not a major issue. However, losing a significant volume of hair and getting bald patches on various areas of your scalp can be due to several underlying conditions, including stress, medical conditions, or genetics.
Hair loss rates are significant in males as well as females, and people have considered getting artificial hair for ages to restore their confidence and enhance their appearance. However, unlike conventional hair transplant methods, which generate a doll-like appearance, modern techniques are gaining popularity for their natural results.
FUT and FUE are the two primary hair transplant techniques, that produce guaranteed results when done by a professional surgeon. However, each technique holds its own recovery time and benefits and understanding the differences between these methods is necessary for making an informed decision.
This article performs a detailed FUT and FUE Hair transplant methods comparison and helps you identify the Difference between FUT and FUE, to make the right choice when deciding to get your new hair.
Understanding FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
The FUT hair restoration method is commonly known as the strip harvesting technique. During this procedure, a strip of hair is taken from the hair-rich areas of your scalp which is mostly the lower back of your scalp. This strip full of follicles is precisely dissected under a microscope to ensure each graft is protected and viable.
Small incisions are made on the hair-thinning areas of your scalp and implantation of the healthy follicles is then performed in this recipient area.
Key Features of the FUT hair transplant:
- A follicular unit transplant will harvest a higher graft yield in a single session making it a one-time solution for individuals stressed due to severe hair shedding.
- This procedure is considered to be the Best hair transplant technique for individuals seeking a permanent solution for hair thinning, loss of hair density and extensive hair loss.
- FUT hair transplant will take less time as a set of grafts will be extracted within the strip of the skin.
Understanding FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
The FUE hair transplant technique involves the process of finding individual follicular units with about 1-4 hairs that are directly harvested from the donor area using a micro-punch tool to extract follicles one at a time.
After the precise plucking of the follicles, the implantation of grafts into the recipient area is performed.
Key Features of FUE Hair Transplant Technique:
- This procedure is a minimally invasive technique, where the scalp is not cut open and there is no need to apply sutures on your scalp to close the wound.
- In follicular unit extraction, there is no linear scarring as small circular scars are present which are also suitable for shorter hairstyles.
- People who are willing to keep shorter hairstyles can enjoy the FUE hair transplant as there is only minimal scarring without the need to hide the scars.
- This procedure also extracts the required number of follicles which is best for covering a specific area and generates results which adjust naturally with the hair growth.
Advantages of FUT and FUE
To understand the difference between FUT and FUE, let’s take a look at the advantages of both procedures.
FUT hair transplant Advantages
- The results of this technique are seen in producing higher graft survival rates due to the precise dissection of grafts under a microscope, ensuring the health and safety of the grafts.
- This procedure is also Ideal for covering larger areas of baldness as huge numbers of hair grafts are transplanted.
- A FUT hair transplant is a cost-effective procedure because it is associated with lower cost as compared to FUE. During the FUE hair transplant technique, the total cost is estimated per graft whereas FUT is a more affordable technique.
FUE hair transplant technique Advantages
- In this procedure, the donor area will have dot-like scars which require no extra concealing techniques as they are barely visible.
- This is a non-invasive procedure hence it comes with a shorter recovery time and less post-operative discomfort. This means you get to enjoy a comfortable recovery time and a quicker healing process.
- FUE can also be used for facial hair transplants which include sensitive areas like beard and eyebrows due to its meticulous harvesting of follicles for these areas.
Disadvantages of FUT and FUE
When searching for the Difference between FUT and FUE techniques it is crucial to know the disadvantages that come with both of these techniques as well as to choose the technique that suits you the most. So let’s explore them:
Disadvantages of the FUT hair restoration
- While getting an FUT hair transplant brings you voluminous hair, this procedure will leave linear scars on the donor area which may be noticeable with shorter haircuts. So with this procedure, you are restricted from styling short hairstyles if you are insecure about scarring.
- You will experience a longer recovery time compared to the FUE hair transplant technique because your donor area has surgical incisions and stitches will take time to heal.
- This procedure also holds the potential for post-operative discomfort due to sutures. You might need to take extra care during the healing process to avoid any complications.
FUE Disadvantages
- The FUE hair transplant technique is a time-consuming procedure, due to the large graft counts. The harvesting of individual grafts makes the process lengthy.
- A competent surgeon will mostly charge for their skills during the detailed extraction of the hair follicles. So this procedure holds a higher cost per graft compared to FUT.
- Whereas a FUT hair restoration technique does the job in a single session, the FUE hair transplant technique will offer a lower graft yield during one session. This procedure may not be effective for people suffering from widespread hair loss.
Key Differences Between FUT and FUE
The difference between FUT and FUE lies in their methodologies, the duration of the recovery period, the marks left after the procedure, and the cost. Let’s perform a detailed FUT and FUE Hair transplant methods comparison to find which can be the Best hair transplant technique in your case!
- Methodology: During the FUT hair restoration method, strip harvesting is done to extract numerous follicles which are then separated from each other delicately and implanted in your recipient area.
However, FUE involves applying local anaesthetic to the parts constituting healthy hair and performing individual extraction of hair follicles with punching tools. - Scarring: Scarring is a significant concern. When you get done with the procedure you need to ask yourself if will you be affected by the scar left or if you will embrace it with your whole heart.
- A FUT hair transplant will leave a linear scar whereas if you consider getting a FUE hair transplant technique done you will get dot-like scars which you don’t need to worry about. You can keep any hairstyle you want to!
- Recovery Time: To extract your follicles, a FUT hair transplant will cut open your scalp and close it with sutures. Your scalp with take longer healing time in this case.
- However, FUE hair transplant will slightly penetrate your skin and harvest the required follicles one by one. You will get rapid healing without the need of extra care and sensitivity in your donor area.
- Cost: FUT is generally more affordable for larger graft sessions. However, transplanting numerous grafts for hair thickening with an FUE procedure may demand a lot of time and hard work and this is why you may need to be a heavy amount as the price is calculated per graft.
- Suitability: FUT is better for extensive baldness. However, FUE is the Best hair transplant technique for minimal hair loss or facial hair transplants. By extracting follicles and transplanting them onto your face, you can fully cover your beard or eyebrows with.
Choosing the Right Technique
Still confused about the choice even after thinking about the Hair transplant methods comparison? Give a detailed thought to these factors and then select the Best hair transplant technique.
Factors to consider when choosing between FUT and FUE:
- The extent of your hair loss plays a crucial role. If you are suffering from baldness all over your scalp, a FUT hair transplant will bring you the heavy and voluminous hair you have been wanting for so long. However, for covering small patches, FUE is the Best hair transplant technique.
- What is your Desired hairstyle? If you want to keep shorter hair, then an FUE hair transplant should be considered as the slight scarring won’t interrupt your styling techniques.
- However, FUT hair restoration is recommended when you need to maintain long hair as you can easily conceal the linear scar that develops right after the procedure.
- What is your budget? If you are looking for affordable options then FUT hair transplant is your best choice. However, if money is not an issue then go for the modern FUE hair transplant technique.
- What are your recovery time preferences? If you want to get back to work immediately and you can not offer yourself elongated rest durations then getting an FUE would be the Best hair transplant technique for you. However, if you can give yourself special care after the treatment, then go for FUT hair restoration.
For a better and more detailed Hair transplant methods comparison, it is better to consult a qualified hair restoration specialist for personalized advice according to your hair type and medical history.
At Harley St Health Care Hair Transplant Clinics, we offer free consultation sessions with our GMC-registered surgeons.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Some myths have developed misconceptions among individuals who are eager to explore the Best hair transplant technique for them selves. Let’s burst this bubble of myths and explore the truth behind each hair restoration technique.
MYTH: FUT always leaves a visible scar.
FACT: The FUT hair restoration does leave a scar but it is not always visible! This is because highly expert surgeons allow your new hair growth to take over the scars, through a technique known as trichophytic closure, which easily reduces the scar visibility.
Moreover, your hair length can also minimize the appearance of these scars. Long or mid-length hair can cover these scars conveniently. With efficient post-op care, you can also fade the scar in no time!
MYTH: FUE is painless.
FACT: Whereas the FUE hair transplant technique is a minimally invasive procedure, discomfort is still expected during this procedure and common side effects like swelling, redness and tenderness will occur during the healing period,
MYTH: One technique is universally better than the other.
FACT: No Best hair transplant technique completely fulfils the requirement of each factor. The perfect choice depends on what kind of results you expect, the speed of the healing journey you want, your budget and your hairstyle preferences.
Which Technique Is Best for You?
The Difference between FUT and FUE lies in not just one, but several aspects. The FUT hair restoration has a slow healing period and leaves a linear scar but is the Best hair transplant technique in the case where you want to cover an extensive bald area of your scalp at an affordable price and get rid of the hair loss problem at once.
When discussing the FUE hair transplant technique, you don’t need to worry about scarring and the fear of a surgeon opening your scalp won’t take over your thoughts because a micro punch tool will do the job without any incisions required. Moreover, you can heal quickly but you need to invest a good amount for these procedures.
Despite doing your own research, consulting an experienced surgeon to choose the best method for individual needs is necessary. At Harley St Health Care Hair transplant Clinics, our surgeons have a proven track record of successful results through FUE and FUT hair transplant techniques.
The transformative impact of hair restoration on confidence and appearance is major and selecting a clinic which introduces you to outclass surgeons who can recommend you the Best hair transplant technique can change your life forever!
