Last updated on July 12, 2024
Hair transplants have become a popular solution for achieving a fuller head of hair, thanks to the permanent results they deliver for both men and women. However, with different hair transplant techniques available, it’s crucial to understand the options to find the best fit for your needs. This article delves into the two main hair transplant methods – Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) – exploring their pros, cons, and suitability for different scenarios.
What is a Hair Transplant?
Hair transplants work by extracting healthy hair follicles from a donor area on the scalp, typically the back and sides, and transplanting them to bald or thinning areas. This allows for permanent hair growth in the recipient area, and is a permanent solution to hair loss caused by female and male pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia. The two main techniques used are FUT and FUE.
Follicular Unit Transplantation or FUT is an older, more traditional hair transplant method. While it can be more affordable, it is not suited to everyone and results in a linear scar at the donor site.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
FUT, also called follicular unit strip surgery or a strip hair transplant, is a traditional hair transplant technique. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
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Strip Removal
The surgeon removes a thin strip of scalp skin from the donor area. The size of the strip depends on the number of grafts needed.
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Follicular Unit Dissection
The removed strip is dissected under a microscope into individual follicular units containing 1-4 hairs each.
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Recipient Site Preparation
Tiny recipient sites are created in the bald or thinning area using a blade or needle.
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Graft Implantation
The extracted follicular units are meticulously placed into the recipient sites, ensuring proper direction and angulation for natural-looking growth.
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Scalp Closure
The donor area is stitched closed, leaving a thin linear scar.
Pros of FUT:
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Cost-effective
FUT can be a more cost-effective option for extensive hair loss due to the ability to harvest a larger number of grafts in a single session.
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Proven Technique
FUT has a long history of successful outcomes, making it a reliable choice.
Cons of FUT:
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Linear Scarring
The procedure leaves a linear scar at the donor site, which might be noticeable depending on hair length, although talented doctors can make this as minimally visible as possible.
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Limited Donor Area
FUT procedures will deplete the number of hair follicles in the donor area, limiting future transplants.
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Recovery Time
The scalp requires more recovery time due to the strip removal and suturing involved.
At Hair Doctors Australia, we believe FUE is the best hair transplant method for most patients. It offers almost no visible scarring, faster recovery times, and more natural looking results.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
FUE is a minimally invasive hair transplant technique. Here’s how it works:
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Follicular Unit Extraction
Individual follicular units are extracted directly from the donor area using a specialised punch tool. This leaves behind minimal scarring.
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Recipient Site Preparation
Similar to FUT, tiny recipient sites are created in the bald or thinning area.
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Hair Follicle Implantation
The extracted follicles are meticulously placed into the recipient sites for natural-looking growth that blends seamlessly with surrounding hair.
Pros of FUE:
Minimal Scarring
A FUE hair transplant leaves minimal scarring at the donor site – essentially just small spots where the donor hairs are removed – making it a good option for those who prefer a shorter hairstyle.
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Faster Healing
Recovery time tends to be shorter compared to FUT due to the minimally invasive nature of this hair restoration method.
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More Flexible Donor Area
Because you don’t need a concentrated area of hair follicles, FUE allows for harvesting hair from a wider donor area, including the sides and back of your scalp.
Cons of FUE:
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Cost
FUE can be more expensive than FUT due to the time and effort involved in extracting individual follicles.
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Longer Procedure Time
Extracting individual follicular units can take longer than harvesting a strip, potentially leading to a longer overall procedure time.
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Donor Area Depletion
Similar to FUT, repeated FUE procedures can deplete the donor area, limiting future transplants as there may not be enough hair bearing scalp. However this tends to not be as dramatic as with the strip method.
Choosing the Right Hair Transplant Method
The best hair transplant method depends on several factors, including:
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Extent of Hair Loss
FUT hair transplants can be more suitable for extensive hair loss due to its ability to harvest a larger number of grafts.
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Scarring Concerns
If you are concerned about scarring, FUE hair transplantation might be a better choice due to its minimally invasive nature.
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Donor Area Availability
If the donor area is limited, FUT might be preferable as it can harvest more grafts at once.
Hair Transplant Cost
FUT is often more than FUE hair transplantation, so budget may be a deciding factor when looking at a hair restoration procedure. However, it is important to speak to your hair loss clinic as many offer financing plans for hair transplants. At Hair Doctors, we offer payment plans from $35 per week.
At Hair Doctors Australia, we specialise in the FUE hair transplantation technique, and have performed countless successful procedures – you can see the before and after results right here. We are known for our discretion, superior results, luxurious clinical environment and the highest level of skill.
Consulting an Experienced Hair Transplant Doctor
A crucial step is to consult a qualified hair transplant doctor who can assess your scalp health, hair loss pattern, and overall goals. They will recommend the most suitable method based on your individual needs and discuss the entire process, including potential risks and recovery expectations.
A consultation with a qualified hair transplant doctor at Hair Doctors at our Sydney clinic or Melbourne clinic is the best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for a hair transplant procedure. Our team can assess your individual situation and discuss the best course of action for achieving your desired results. Contact us today for more information or to find out more about our affordable payment plans. You can also get an online quote here.
FAQs
Are hair transplants a permanent solution for hair loss?
Yes, hair transplants offer a permanent solution for hair loss. The transplanted hair follicles are genetically resistant to further balding, meaning the newly grown hair will be permanent. However, hair loss can continue in the non-transplanted areas, so maintaining existing hair might be necessary. You can see before and after photographs here from our FUE hair transplant clinic to see the results of a successful hair transplant.
What are the risks associated with a hair transplant?
Hair transplant procedures do carry some risks. However, these risks are minimal when you use a reputable hair transplant clinic and the procedure is carried out by a qualified and experienced team.These can include:
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Infection
Proper sterile technique minimises this risk.
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Bleeding
Bleeding can be controlled with pressure and medication.
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Scarring
While there is almost no scarring with a FUE hair transplant, FUT can leave a linear scar.
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Unnatural Hair Growth
Improper placement of grafts can lead to unnatural-looking hair growth.
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Donor Area Depletion
Repeated procedures can deplete the donor area, limiting future transplants.
What is the recovery time after a hair transplant?
Recovery time varies depending on the technique used. FUT typically requires a longer recovery period due to the strip removal and suturing. With a FUE hair transplant, recovery is generally faster due to the minimally invasive nature. Expect some redness, swelling, and scabbing around the transplanted areas for the first few days. Most patients can return to work within a few days to a couple of weeks after a hair transplant. Your doctor will provide you with detailed post-procedure instructions, including how to wash your hair and when you can resume exercising without damaging your transplanted hair.
What are the long-term maintenance requirements after a hair transplant?
Following a hair transplant, DHT blocker medications or growth factor therapy might be recommended to help maintain existing hair and prevent further hair loss. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and managing stress can also contribute to overall hair health.
About The Author
Dr. Ossman Ashraf
In 2009, Dr Oz graduated from the University of Dundee, UK with a qualification in Men’s Health and Aesthetic Medicine. He then furthered his qualifications in medical education and is currently the Medical Advisor/Educator for MOSH, Australia’s leading online Men’s Health platform. He is accredited by the London Hair Restoration Academy and specialises in using the most up-to-date micro FUE extraction and DHI implantation techniques for transplant surgery.
Hussein B
After years of research, calling and consulting with different hair transplant surgeons across Sydney, I can definitely say Hair Doctors Australia is the best in the business. If you’re after qualified hair transplant surgeons who actually put their patients best interests first, look no further.
Samuel Levi
From the first initial consult, to my first day of surgery I can not highly recommend the team here at the Bondi clinic enough. So professional, and friendly, plus answered every question and worry I had, that was running through my mind. It made the entire process seamless. I’ll be recommending them whole heartedly to anyone who was in a similar situation to me, and wanting a hair transplant.
