Understanding the Cost of FUE Hair Restoration
Two of the most popular methods of hair transplants available today are the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) methods. The major difference between the two is how we extract the hair follies from the specified donor area. The implantation of the extracted hair follicles is very similar in both methods. Similar tools and techniques work in both situations. Another major difference between the two methods is the cost of FUE compared to FUT. The cost of FUE is higher than that of the FUT technique in most situations.
There is a great deal of controversy in the hair transplant industry over which method is better. Or if the term “better” is even an accurate comparison. It’s difficult for proponents of either method to agree on what the term “better” means. Some say better means a quicker procedure time, and therefore FUT is better. On the other hand, others claim that FUE is better because there is less scarring and post-procedure discomfort. Then you have the penny pinchers who say FUT is better simply due to the greater cost of FUE procedures.
To really nail down why the FUE is more expensive than FUT we need to break down just how different the two procedures are. We will also take a look at situations where a FUT procedure may be a better option than FUE and visa versa.
Follicular Unit Transplantation Procedure
The FUT method has been around a lot longer than FUE. FUT replaced the old “hair plug” method that dominated the hair transplant industry for decades. FUT was first introduced to the hair transplant industry back in 1995 by Dr. William Rassman right here in Lost Angeles CA. Since then, FUT has been a mainstream hair transplant technique that has been producing natural-looking results for patients worldwide.
The very first step when performing a FUT procedure is the application of a local anesthetic so that the entire procedure is painless. Then the surgeon will extract a whole strip of hair-bearing tissue from the donor area, which is usually from the back and sides of the scalp. This step is known as “graft removal.” After this process is completed the scalp along the donor area will be sutured back together.
Then, the “slivering” is begun. This is when the doctor will divide the hair-bearing scalp into “slivers” that are approximately 1mm thick using binocular microscopes. Then the “slivers” will be dissected into the individual hair grafts that contain 1 to 4 hairs per graft.
The final step in the FUT procedure is the placement of the dissected hair grafts. The surgeons will make tiny incisions in the area of the scalp affected by the hair loss. Then the doctor will transplant the hair grafts into the incisions. The grafts that contain only one hair are placed along the frontal hairline, with the grafts containing two or more placed behind the hairline as needed.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Procedure
The FUE hair transplant has been said to require much more skill and experience than the FUT method on the part of the surgeon performing the surgery. FUE uses specialized equipment and requires a great deal more time than the FUT technique. Invented in 2003, FUE has gradually become more popular that the FUT method. Although the cost of FUE is greater than a FUT procedure.
A FUE procedure does not require sutures as each individual hair follicle that is to be transplanted is extracted by itself, instead of in “strips” like the FUT method. An FUE clinic will use a special 1mm micropunch tool, under 2.5 to 5x magnification. This is done by scoring the scalp with the sharp side of the micropunch containing the hair follicle that is to be extracted. Then using the dull side of the micropunch, the surgeon twists and loosens the hair follicles. Meanwhile, an assistant applies counter pressure to the skin so that the micropunch slides easily into the skin and under the bulb of the hair follicle. That way it comes loose without damaging the root. (Dua, 2010).
The FUE extraction method clearly takes much more time to perform than the FUT method. After the extraction, the implantation is very similar to the FUT transplant as the individual follicles are implanted into the scalp in areas and angles that replicate the naturally growing hair.
How FUE and FUT Results Differ
The results from the two different procedures look very similar, from outward appearance the only cosmetic difference comes down to scarring in the donor area. During the FUT process, a large strip of tissue is extracted from the donor area and then the scalp is sutured back together. This leaves a long linear scar along the base of the skull. For individuals who leave their hair long the back, this scar is nearly invisible. However, if the patient wishes to have their hair short in the back, the scar is readily apparent.
The FUE extraction process will leave small, pinprick-like scars where the hair follicles were extracted. These scars are difficult to see unless you look close up, and even with short hair they blend in easily with the remaining hair in the donor area.
Another difference in the two procedures is the amount of post-procedure discomfort that is experienced by the patient. With the FUT method, patients will feel much more discomfort after the surgery due to both the scalp and the incision along the donor area healing at the same time. The FUE method is “suture less” and there is no incision that needs to heal after the surgery.
The Cost of FUE compared to FUT
Due to FUE taking much more time to accomplish it tends to be more expensive. Another factor that must be considered when discussing the price of your hair transplant is how the FUE method is much more precise in the extraction phase then FUT. At least, it is so long as your surgeon is competent and skilled with hair extraction tools of the trade. If you are comfortable with keeping your hair long in the donor area forever, then the scar caused by a FUT procedure may not bother you. However, if you want a choice of having a short hairstyle at some point, you may want to consider paying the higher cost of FUE.
While the FUT method is cheaper, there may be situations where it would be a better choice as well. One of the limitations of the FUE transplant is the difficulty in covering a large bald area of the scalp. If the patient suffers from advanced stages of hair loss, the FUE method could take an extraordinary amount of time to complete. Many patients even need multiple sessions to see the best results possible. With the quicker extraction process with FUT, it is sometimes a better choice for late-stage baldness. On the other hand, some patients benefit from both procedures combined.
It would be difficult for us to give a solid price difference between an FUE and a FUT procedure here. The price of a hair transplant depends largely on how many grafts you will need. That’s true for both a FUT and an FUE procedure as well as the area that you live in. To get actual quotes for a hair transplant you must sit down with a doctor. This hair specialist conducts a thorough examination in order to determine how many grafts you will need and approximately how long the procedure will take, among other factors.
Best Hair Transplants Los Angeles Has the Lowest Cost of FUE Around
Here at Best Hair Transplant Los Angeles, we have revolutionized the hair transplant Los Angeles pricing structure. We don’t overcharge our patients just because we operate in Los Angeles. On the contrary, we offer the highest quality FUE and FUT hair transplants available anywhere. We’ve perfected the art of keeping our overhead low. In return, we pass on the savings, offering the very best cost of FUE to our patients.
All of our doctors and surgeons here at Best Hair Transplants Los Angeles are FUE and FUT specialists. They do hair transplants as their major practice and are experienced and knowledgeable in every aspect of hair transplant surgeries.
If you’ve noticed your hair loss recently or are suffering from late-stage baldness you’re not alone. And if you’re looking into possible hair restoration solutions, your journey ends here. Or at least we sure hope so! We have helped hundreds of people get their hair and confidence back. We can help you too! So ditch that hat or wig! Contact us today and set up your complimentary consultation with one of our specialists and get the very best cost of FUE surgery around.
The Cost of FUE is Affordable in Los Angeles
Best Hair Transplant is the best place to schedule your hair transplant in Los Angeles. We’ve helped both men and women regrow their lost hair. But don’t take our word for it. We suggest learning as much as possible about hair restoration. Do so prior to making a decision on how to address your hair loss. Not every procedure is right for everyone.
At Best Hair Transplant, we’re proud of our results and happy to provide hair restoration services. Additionally, we’re proud to make hair transplants affordable and help you save money on a variety of hair transplants.
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1970 S. Prospect Ave., Suite 2
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(213) 403-0455
