A Brief Guide to the Differences between FUE and FUT Hair Transplants
It is natural to lose hair over time, but premature thinning of hair or baldness can be traumatic. Because it can drastically affect one’s appearance, it can and usually negatively impact one’s confidence and self-esteem. It can also give you an aged look and alter how others perceive you. Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have resulted in various hair loss solutions. Among them, two techniques - Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) are popular. While your hair transplant surgeon is the best person to recommend the technique that will work the best for you, you should understand the most important differences between the two techniques. It will help you to make a more informed decision on the most suitable technique for your unique needs:
Understanding
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
FUE is a negligibly
invasive technique of hair transplant surgery. The surgeon extracts
the hair follicles one by one from the donor area, usually the sides or back of
the scalp. The hair follicles are transplanted into the recipient area where
hair loss has occurred. This method is popular for its precision and lack of
linear scarring. It allows patients to maintain shorter hairstyles. The transplantation
success rates are also comparatively higher.
Understanding
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
FUT or strip
harvesting, involves the surgeon removing carefully a strip of skin with healthy
follicles of hair from the donor area. The surgeon dissects the strip into
individual hair follicles for transplantation. While FUT is a popular and
effective method, it involves more visible scarring and longer healing time.
Main
differences between fue vs. fut hair transplant
Harvesting
Method: In the FUE method, the surgeon extracts
the hair follicles directly from the donor area using a specialized micro-punch
tool. The surgeon can pick and choose only the hair follicles suitable for
transplant. The extraction can also be scattered, which allows the procedure to
have a minimal impact on the hair extraction site's appearance. In the FUT
method, the surgeon extracts a strip of skin with healthy hair follicles from
the back or sides of the scalp. The surgeon dissects the strip into small
sections containing one to four hair follicles and transplants them into the
recipient site.
Scarring:
The scars left behind by the FUE process are minuscule and scattered over the
donor area. It means they are less perceptible, and patients can sport shorter
hairstyles confidently without worries about the scars being seen. However, FUT
leaves behind a linear scar due to the skin strip removal. The scar may be
visible even if the surgeon does a good job of closing the incision.
Recovery
Time: Since FUE has less surgical impact, it
allows patients to recover more quickly. The discomfort after the procedure is
less and they can resume their usual routine faster. Comparatively, the FUT
procedure requires more healing time, and the patient experiences more
post-operative discomfort.
Conclusion
The choice between
FUE and FUT hair transplant techniques depends on various
factors. These include the extent of hair loss, personal preferences, and the
budget. Consulting with a qualified hair transplant specialist is crucial to
determine the most suitable technique based on individual circumstances.
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