What Is FUE vs FUT Hair Transplantation? Are you debating a hair transplant, but uncertain which approach is optimal for your needs? The two most popular methods are FUE and FUT. Both offer excellent results. However, there are differences between them that can make one more suitable than the other in certain cases.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the answer to the question What Is FUE vs FUT Hair Transplantation? and – what they involve, their risks and complications, as well as aftercare tips to ensure your success with either procedure.
So if you’re wondering about FUE vs FUT when it comes to restoring your hairline or scalp coverage – read on.
Table of Contents:
- What is a Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Transplant?
- What is FUT Hair Transplant?
- Comparison between FUE and FUT Hair Transplants
- Risks and Complications Associated with Both Procedures
- Aftercare Tips for Both Procedures
- FAQs in Relation to What is FUE vs FUT?
- Conclusion
What is a Follicular Unit Extraction Hair Transplant?
FUE hair transplants are minimally-invasive procedures where follicular units from a donor area are placed in the recipient area. The hair restoration surgeon accomplishes this using a special tool to extract the grafts.
And the process takes a very long time. After all, you have to extract thousands of grafts and then place each one back in another place. All with the utmost precision are care possible! The newly-transplanted hair grafts stimulate once-dormant hair in the areas they have been absent in. Later in the process (or the “hair restoration journey”, the patient’s new hair begins to grow in again.
So you’re wondering what is FUE vs FUT and what the differences are between the two procedures? Well, it boils down to the method. Essentially, how do we end up with the donor grafts? As we said above, the FUE procedure uses a tool to extract grafts one by one.
However, when you get a Follicular Unit Transplant FUT procedure, a strip of your scalp is actually removed by the surgeon. After that, the patient’s head is sewn back up. Then the portion of skin and hair the surgeon removed is now sliced into tiny pieces. Those pieces then end up in the recipient area of your scalp! Crazy, right?
What Does FUE Stand For?
FUE stands for “follicular unit extraction”. This refers to the process of extracting individual hairs or small groups of hairs from an area with healthy hair growth (the donor site). Then the surgeon transplants them into areas where there is baldness or thinning present (the recipient site).
This type of hair restoration procedure has gained considerable traction in recent years, owing to its minimally invasive nature, speedy recovery period, and outcomes that look highly natural.
FUE hair transplantation is a medical method used to re-establish lost or diminishing strands of hair by taking healthy follicles from one part of the scalp known as the donor region and moving them to another area where hairloss or thinning is noticeable.
The area we place the extracted grafts is known as the recipient area. This is actually true of both FUE and FUT procedures. During this surgery, each follicle is carefully extracted using a special “punch” shaped like a pen. This device expertly removes the full hair graft in a precise way where there is little damage or irritation resulting from the process. Once removed, these grafts are then transplanted into tiny incisions made in the recipient area of the scalp. That’s it!
The Benefits of Receiving an FUE Hair Transplant
One major benefit associated with FUE hair transplants is that they offer more natural-looking results than other types of procedures such as strip harvesting or flap surgery. Additionally, since no stitches are required during this type of procedure, the patient experiences less pain, heals much faster, and comes out of the operation without a scar on the back of the head.
Furthermore, because only local anesthesia is needed during this treatment there’s less risk involved when compared with general anesthesia used in some other types of surgeries. While it’s rare that patients receive these types of anesthetics, it is possible. However, the vast majority of patients will receive localized pain management injections.
Upon leaving, they’ll also receive a prescription for a small number of pain meds to help them deal with the inevitable discomfort that comes along with having their head poked and sliced and picked and prodded at.
Why Patients Choose One Over the Other
Finally, when we’re talking about what is FUE vs FUT, scaring is a big difference between the two procedures as well. And that’s a direct result of the other main difference between the two methods. The cutting and removal of a piece of the scalp, which, in turn, leaves a scar. This is one of the main drawbacks of the FUT procedure. This scar is one of the reasons patients typically opt for FUE over FUT procedures. At least when they have enough hair to be picky and make that choice themselves.
Patients typically experience minimal, if any scarring after undergoing an FUE transplant. They’ll see a large number of tiny scabs form after the procedure concludes. That’s because your head was poked, pulled at, sliced, and stuffed with follicular bundles of hair. Thousands of times in both areas! However, as long as the patient can resist the urge to pick at the FUE scabs, they’ll fall of within a week or so. Then, you’ll look completely normal again.
On the other hand, the removal of the strip of skin for FUT requires sutures to close the gap. As a result, FUT patients end up with a scar on the back of their heads.
Ultimately, FUE Hair Transplant is a minimally-invasive technique that offers a potential long-term solution to hair loss, helping to restore lost follicles. It’s the procedure most patients request and the one we perform most frequently here at our clinic in Redondo Beach.
Now, let’s explore the differences between FUE and FUT Hair Transplants in more detail.
What is a FUT Hair Transplant?
A FUT Hair Transplant is a surgical procedure similar to the FUE that involves the removal of a strip of hair-bearing skin from the back or side of the head. Unlike the FUE hair transplant, the FUT does not use a punch tool. Instead, it removes a full piece of skin to retrieve the necessary donor grafts. The harvested tissue is then divided into individual follicular units, which are transplanted to balding areas on the scalp.
This hair transplant technique has been employed for a long time, providing results that appear natural with minimal scarring.
FUT Hair Transplant is a surgical process wherein donor hair follicles are extracted from one region of the scalp and transplanted to an area with hair loss or thinning. The donor hairs are removed as a single strip, cut into much smaller pieces, and then implanted into the tiny incisions made in the recipient site.
Benefits of Choosing a FUT Hair Transplant:
One advantage to this method over other types of hair restoration procedures is that it allows for larger amounts of grafts to be transplanted at once, resulting in fuller coverage than what would be possible with other techniques such as FUE (follicular unit extraction). That’s because the FUE procedure is limited by the number of grafts that can be extracted in a session.
You must remember that with the FUE procedure, each follicular bunch that’s removed from your head does not grow back. So if you were to harvest too many FUE grafts, the back of your head is missing too much hair and it may look quite strange.
On the other hand, because the FUT procedure opts to remove an entire section of skin, you’re able to utilize graft available on the strip. After all, the area is sutured up after the strip removal. Therefore, you won’t have any area where hair density is an issue.
Save on Hair Transplant Costs By Choosing FUT Instead of FUE
Additionally, the FUT procedure is a great option for anyone looking to save money on their hair transplant. That’s because the FUT procedure takes less time to complete, as the first half of the FUE process removing thousands of grafts is cut out completely. That means less time spent by the surgeon and the surgical team removing thousands of grafts, one by one, all by hand.
FUT Hair Transplant is a reliable and safe procedure that can give you the desired results, but it’s important to compare the costs, recovery times, and results of FUE vs. FUT hair transplants before making a decision – so let’s take a look at how these two procedures compare.
Comparison between FUE and FUT Hair Transplants
FUE and FUT hair transplants are two of the most popular procedures for treating hair loss. FUE and FUT hair transplants can deliver great results to both male and female patients. However, when choosing between them, it is wise to perform a literal cost-benefit analysis.
Cost Comparison between the Two Procedures:
The cost of an FUE procedure is typically higher than that of a FUT procedure due to its more complex nature. An FUE transplant requires more time and skill from the surgeon, resulting in higher costs.
On average, an FUE transplant can cost anywhere from five to fifteen thousand dollars. This depends on the number of grafts and the expertise level of the surgeon you seek out. Of course, there are more expensive options available should you have a particular surgeon or clinic perform your surgery. But the numbers presented here are accurate for industry averages.
A FUT procedure is generally less expensive than an FUE transplant with prices ranging from $3,500 to $8,000 depending on some of the factors mentioned above.
FUE & You
With an FUE procedure, patients typically take 7-10 days off work or any strenuous activities while they heal; whereas with a traditional strip method (FUT), patients may need up to 14 days of rest from work and other taxing activities.
Generally speaking, since no incision is made during an FUE procedure scarring tends to be minimal compared to a traditional strip method where linear scars can occur along donor sites due to removal of skin tissue containing follicles used for harvesting grafts during surgery.
When it comes to hair transplant procedures, FUE and FUT are both viable options that offer different advantages; however, potential risks and complications should be considered before making a decision. A closer examination of the hazards and issues connected to each procedure should be conducted.
Risks and Complications Associated with Both Procedures
Potential Risks and Complications with FUE Procedure: The FUE hair transplant procedure is a relatively safe and minimally invasive surgical procedure, but there are some potential risks and complications that can occur.
These include infection, scarring, numbness or tingling of the scalp, temporary swelling or redness at the donor site, itching around the transplanted area, and shock loss (temporary shedding of transplanted hairs).
In rare cases, patients may experience cysts in the donor area or an allergic reaction to anesthesia.
It is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications associated with both FUE and FUT procedures, but by following the proper aftercare tips you can ensure a successful recovery from either procedure.
Aftercare Tips for Both Procedures
Aftercare Tips for a Successful Recovery from an FUE Procedure:
It is important to follow the aftercare instructions given by your doctor in order to ensure optimal results from your FUE hair transplant procedure. Following the FUE hair transplant, it is necessary to maintain cleanliness and dryness of the scalp.
Avoid any strenuous activities or contact sports that could cause trauma to the transplanted area. You should also avoid swimming and sun exposure for at least two weeks following the procedure. It is advisable to don a cap when out in the open during this period of time, for extra precaution.
Additionally, it is important not to scratch or rub the treated area as this can lead to irritation and damage of newly transplanted follicles.
You may experience some swelling, redness, itching, scabbing, or bruising around the donor site which should subside within several days post-procedure. If symptoms remain after a week, it is advisable to contact your doctor right away in order to receive proper treatment.
In addition, antibiotics may be prescribed in order to prevent infection of the wound sites caused by bacteria present on skin surfaces prior to surgery.
Aftercare Tips for a Successful Recovery from a FUT Procedure:
The same basic principles apply when recovering from a FUT hair transplant procedure. However, due to the differences between these two procedures, a FUT requires a bit more care and caution at first. After all, the FUT procedure is a more invasive surgery that removes a strip of your skin and requires stitches. This means that, unlike the FUE, FUT patients have a larger wound to care for and keep in mind.
Patients must also take special care to not wash their scalps too vigorously nor use harsh shampoos containing chemicals that could be damaging to the delicate new grafts placed into recipient sites. Engaging in any of these actions can cause severe irritation and even lead to permanent scarring. Even the potential loss of an entire batch of recently implanted hairs altogether!
Additionally, patients must refrain from engaging in any type of physical activity including exercise, lifting heavy objects, running, jumping, etc. until instructed otherwise by their hair transplant physician. The doctor might even recommend wearing protective headgear at certain times to protect against accidental bumps and knocks or other forms of unintentional trauma potentially causing harm to the newly transplanted follicles themselves.
FAQs in Relation to What is Fue vs Fut?
Which is better FUE or FUT or DHI?
The answer to which hair transplant technique is best depends on the individual’s needs and goals. FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing individual follicles from the donor area and transplanting them into bald or thinning areas.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) is a more traditional approach where a strip of skin with healthy hair follicles is removed from the donor area, dissected into smaller grafts, and then transplanted into bald or thinning areas.
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) uses special tools to directly implant each graft in its exact location without shaving any part of the scalp. Ultimately, all three techniques can be effective for restoring lost hair.
However, it’s important to consult with an experienced doctor who can help you decide which option would be most suitable for your specific situation.
Is FUE more expensive than FUT?
Yes, FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is more expensive than Fut (Follicular Unit Transplantation). This is because FUE requires a greater amount of skill and precision to extract individual follicles from the donor area and transplant them into the recipient site.
Additionally, FUE takes longer to perform than FUT, resulting in higher costs for patients. Just like any other service work you pay for, whether a mechanic, a plumber, or a lawyer, time is money. Consequently, when your procedure takes longer, expect to pay more. It’s as simple as that! Ultimately, it is up to the individual, their doctor, and their financial means to determine which option will be most suitable.
Does Fut give more grafts than FUE?
Fut and FUE are two different hair transplant techniques. Both involve taking healthy donor follicles from the back of the head and relocating them to areas where balding has occurred.
While Fut typically involves removing a strip of skin with follicles attached, FUE is a more advanced technique that removes individual follicles one at a time.
The number of grafts used in each procedure can vary depending on the patient’s needs, but generally speaking, Fut offers more grafts than FUE due to its larger area for harvesting.
Is Fut more effective than FUE?
The answer to the question of whether FUT or FUE is more effective for hair transplants and hair restoration procedures depends on the individual. Both approaches can provide a lasting solution; however, it may be that one works more beneficially than the other for some individuals.
Generally speaking, FUT offers a higher success rate with fewer complications while FUE provides less scarring and faster recovery times. It is essential to seek the advice of an experienced practitioner in order to ascertain which technique would be most suitable for your individual circumstances.
Now You Understand What Is FUE Vs. FUT & The Differences in These Common Hair Transplant Procedures
In conclusion, when considering a hair transplant procedure, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of each respective surgery. You need to do research and understand what is FUE vs FUT so you can make the best decision for yourself after your complete your consultation. Additionally, before making a decision, it is essential to go over the potential risks and issues that could come with either of these techniques with your physician. It’s also important to follow aftercare instructions for whichever procedure you choose in order to ensure successful results.
Financial Aspects to Consider
Finally, be realistic about your finances and if your financial situation is not in the proper place to afford a hair transplant, now may not be the right time. I know that’s not what people want to hear but it has to be said for the patient’s benefit. Luckily there are financing options offered at many hair transplant clinics. However, keep the costs of taking on a large amount of debt for a cosmetic procedure.
While we don’t want to talk you out of paying for our services, for your own benefit, do not take on debt that you can’t afford to pay off. Remember that you’ll also be responsible for interest payments on top of the principal balance. What I’m saying is that you don’t want your hair transplant to be a negative thing that puts you into debt or causes problems that cause you more harm than good. We want your hair transplant to be one of the best choices you’ve ever made and we want you to be stoked with the results.
Ultimately, whether you decide on an FUE or FUT hair transplant will depend on your individual needs and preferences. No matter which option you choose, these procedures can help restore the look and confidence you’ve been searching for.
Something to Keep in Mind
Just a quick note before we wrap this up. We always recommend listening to your doctor and the staff when it comes to the procedure you end up selecting. While in the end, it’s up to you, remember that the people who you’ve hired are professionals. They’re experts in the field. They’ve performed thousands of hair transplants on people of types, ages, sexual orientations, races, and on heads of all shapes & sizes. It’s a good idea to listen to what they have to say.
A surgeon and clinic trusted by the community with a track record of satisfied patients and plenty of reviews very likely have your best interests in mind when they make recommendations. This team knows what works and what doesn’t. They know who’s a good candidate for hair restoration methods of various types. They understand which one might be better for which situation. And most importantly, they know who’s NOT A GOOD CANDIDATE.
If your prospective surgeon suggests one procedure over another, listen to them. If they tell you that hair transplantation is not a good option for you, listen to them! Especially if they’re telling you that they’re not comfortable performing a transplant on you. Of course, feel free to get a second opinion as well. The choice is ultimately yours.
Best Hair Transplant
1970 S. Prospect Ave., Suite 2
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(213) 403-0455
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