Is hair loss preventing you from living life to the fullest? Perhaps early hair loss makes you appear older than your years, or thinning hair makes you feel overly self-conscious? The good news is that two different types of surgical hair restoration techniques are gaining recognition for their ability to help men and women restore their lush locks and self-confidence.
Keep reading to understand more about these different types of hair restoration, and then view our full gallery of FUT and FUE hair transplant before-and-after photos to see actual patient results.
What Is FUE Hair Transplantation?
FUE, or follicular unit extraction, is a minimally invasive surgical hair restoration technique. It uses a “punch” tool to extract single healthy hair follicles from an inconspicuous donor area with good hair density. The individual grafts are then transplanted into the targeted hair loss area.
Benefits of FUE:
- Its small incisions result in minimal scarring.
- There are no sutures to remove.
- Patients experience minimal discomfort and less downtime.
- It creates natural-looking results.
What Is a FUT Hair Transplant?
FUT, also known as follicular unit transplantation or the “strip method,” involves the removal of a healthy strip of scalp tissue from the donor area, usually located at the back of your head. The hairs are dissected from the strip and transferred to targeted hair-loss areas. This approach may require stitches and leave a linear scar.
Benefits of FUT:
- Allows for a higher yield of hair grafts and maximum coverage during a single treatment.
- Generally, it’s the most cost-effective harvesting method.
When Will I See My Hair Transplant Results?
Both FUE and FUT hair restoration offer gradual, natural-looking results. In the weeks following your procedure, the transplanted hair shafts will fall out, but new growth will be visible about 3 to 4 months after treatment. Achieving your desired hair restoration results can take up to 9 months to a year.
FUE vs. FUT Hair Transplant: Which Method Is Best?
Each procedure offers benefits and limitations, so there is no single “best” option–just the option that is better for your needs and preferences.
FUE typically leaves tiny, circular “dot-like” scars, while FUT leaves a linear scar. Therefore, the FUE technique for harvesting is generally more popular for men and women with short hairstyles because it leaves less noticeable scarring.
Patients receiving FUE typically recover more quickly than patients using FUT hair restoration. FUT patients must avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks until their sutures are removed. However, FUT offers a higher yield of grafts during a single session, making it an appealing option for men or women with more severe hair loss.
FUE is a more cost-effective approach for patients concerned about budgeting for their procedure. Some patients also benefit from combining hair transplant techniques or pairing FUE with PRP injections to achieve optimal results.
Schedule a Consultation
Your needs, concerns—and even your hairstyle—can play a role in determining which hair restoration treatment is right for you. Take the next step toward restoring your hairline and self-esteem by exploring your options with our board-certified plastic surgeons. Request a consultation online, or call us at (980) 949-6544 to schedule an appointment.
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