Comparison of FUT and FUE Hair Transplant

Regarding hair transplantation, two popular techniques are available: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), which took the world by storm in the early 1990s, and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), invented in 2003. Both methods are effective, but they differ in several ways.

What is FUT Hair Transplantation?

In FUT hair transplantation, a donor strip of hair is removed from the back of the scalp, dissected under a microscope and then the hair follicles are transplanted to the desired location. This technique requires stitches, which are removed after ten days. In addition, it takes four to six weeks for the scar to heal and may leave a linear scar.

What is FUE Hair Transplantation?

FUE hair transplantation is a relatively new method that involves extracting (harvesting) individual hair follicles (one by one) from the donor area using a micro-punch device. The extracted follicles are then transplanted into the recipient area. The recovery time is shorter than FUT, and there is no linear scar, but miniscule circular scars might be visible.

FUE vs. FUT: Which One is Better?

Scarring

FUT hair transplant may leave a linear scar on the back of the head, whereas FUE hair transplant may leave tiny, barely visible circular scars. So, if you are concerned about scarring, FUE is likely a better option.

Recovery Time

FUE hair transplant has a shorter recovery time than FUT. With FUE, you can return to work within a week, while with FUT, it may take up to two weeks.

Donor Area

FUE hair transplant can extract hair follicles from any part of the body, while FUT hair transplant requires a strip of hair to be removed from the back of the head. If you do not have enough hair on the back of your head, FUE would be a better option.

Cost

FUE hair transplant is more expensive than FUT because it requires more time and expertise.

Quality of Grafts

FUE and FUT can produce high-quality grafts if performed by a skilled surgeon. However, FUT can result in a higher yield of grafts per session because it allows the surgeon to harvest significantly more hair follicles in one go.

Consult a Hair Transplant Specialist to Determine if FUT or FUE is Better for You

Since FUT and FUE are equally effective hair transplant techniques for treating hair loss, choosing between them depends on your specific needs and preferences. For example, FUE may be a better option if you are concerned about scarring. On the other hand, if you need many grafts, FUT may be a better option.

To determine which method is best for you, meet with Elite Hair Transplant Center’s qualified hair transplant surgeon, Dr. Obaid Chaudhry. He can evaluate your case during your consultation and recommend the appropriate technique. Call us to arrange the meeting today.