FUE vs. FUT – Which one is better?

For many men, recognizing that they are experiencing hair loss can be stressful, so much so that some experience anxiety, even depression. It takes a certain measure of courage to decide to do something about it.

If you are experiencing hair loss, there are two modern surgical hair transplant procedures available: Follicular Hair Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT). Transplant procedures are permanent. Both FUE and FUT have benefits and disadvantages that only you and your hair transplant surgeon can weigh to decide which is right for you.

Follicular Hair Extraction (FUE)

A skilled surgeon, with the use of specialized machines or instruments, will extract grafts of single follicular units from an area on the scalp not prone to hair loss. After harvesting the t hair transplant team then inserts these units into the recipient site on the scalp.

Advantages

  • No stitches, minimal scarring in follicle donor areas or recipient sites.
  • Follicle donor area retains natural appearance.
  • Less post-procedure discomfort
  • Longer procedure session time but slightly shorter recovery/healing time.
  • Strenuous exercise can be performed shortly after the procedure.

Disadvantages

  • A much greater harvest/donor area is needed (requiring shaving the area) for FUE when compared to FUT.
  • Depending on the technique used, damage to the follicular units may occur at a higher rate.
  • May require more than one session to achieve desired results.
  • It is usually more costly.

Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT), also known as “Strip” procedure

 

FUT has been the proven gold standard for hair transplant surgery for over two decades. FUT differs from FUE in one key aspect: unlike FUE, in which follicular units are extracted from the scalp directly, the surgeon removes a strip of scalp from the donor site and then microscopically separates each follicular unit from that strip.

Advantages

  • A smaller donor area is required compared to FUE.
  • Less chance of damage to follicular units, thus higher quality grafts.
  • Requires one session, because up to 4,000 grafts can be harvested.
  • Comparatively less expensive.

 

Disadvantages

  • The procedure leaves a linear scar, but with a skilled surgeon, that scar should be invisible with normal length hair.
  • Because there are sutures, recovery period is slightly longer.
  • Is not recommended if the patient wishes to shave the back of his head (military personel for example) .

Dr. Abraham Armani is a nationally recognized hair restoration expert, and has been repeatedly awarded the “The Patients’ Choice Award.” To learn more about your options call Dr. Armani’s office for a consultation at (972) 2- ARMANI. Meet with him to see which hair restoration therapy or procedure is right for you.