Hair loss affects millions of people every year, and it’s no wonder that hair transplant techniques have become increasingly popular in recent years. Two of the most common methods are Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT).
Here, we will take a closer look at FUE vs FUT and discuss which one may be the best option for you.
Types Of Hair Transplant
As we know hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves extracting hair follicles from one part of the body (known as the donor site) and implanting them into an area with thinning or balding hair (known as the recipient site). There are different types of hair transplant techniques that can be used, including:
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
- Scalp Micro Pigmentation (SMP)
- Robotic Hair Transplant
- Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)
What is FUE Hair Transplant?
Follicular Unit Excision or Extraction is a full form of FUE, and it has two versions of methods for natural hair growth. One is Known as Manual FUE, where physicians operate the surgery using devices to extract the hair follicles. Another one is called Robotic FUE, where an ARTAS robot does the hair transplant and is optimized accurately for harvesting but under the supervision of a physician.
This robotic procedure is (Wikipedia) FDA-approved for precise accuracy and to complete harvesting steps correctly.
Both transplantation procedures require harvesting per follicular unit from the scalp. Little grafts or particular follicles are harvested from the back of the head and seeded in the recipient area in small holes.
Surgeons or roboticists use high-rated microscopic circular incisions to remove the hair follicles and implant them into the recipient site. Tiny punches are instructed for new hair growth. The grafting and placing gently over the affected site come later on the list.
However, the scalp will be covered with bandages after completing the surgery to prevent germs from interacting through the air.
The donor area is severely affected as it might get infected or occur puss, so experts suggest keeping it covered until the site isn’t healed perfectly. You will go through transplanted hair loss, but the hair will inherently grow after four months.
Pros
- Minimum pain during recovery
- Stitches aren’t needed
- Linear scarring disappears
- Without scar appearance, short hair is possible
- Quick recovery procedure of donor area
Cons
- Yielding of hair is less
- Much more costly compared to FUT
- Shaving requires large sections from the back and side of the scalp or head
- Need a long time to complete the hair transplant
Success Rate: FUE hair transplants yield a 90% graft survival rate. Robotic FUE transplants boast a near-perfect success rate of 100%.
What are the benefits of a Robotic FUE Hair Transplant?
This procedure has different benefits compared to FUT in comparison to which method takes the lead. So let’s check out why people choose robotic FUE over FUT.
High-Quality Grafts
ARTAS FUE technology allows individual hair follicles to detect with 3D analysis and perfect calculation for high-quality grafts. During the procedure, the robot can choose the best match for successful hair transplant and harvesting.
Painless Procedure
While performing an FUE transplant, surgeons use anesthesia to decrease the pain. It’s a short precaution, as FUE isn’t invasive compared to FUT. But minimal distress is experienced among some patients before and after the surgery.
Less Scar
FUE treatment takes the follicles randomly from the donor area, so it is less affected and offers less scarring. Even FUE allows people to maintain short haircuts from the back without any hesitation of visible scarring.
Excellent Results
Compared to FUT, the FUE procedure is much better as it won’t leave any linear scar on your scalp. The FUE uses natural transplanting and harvesting that pumps your look more natural, and you can keep your hair short or long without any second thought.
Minimum Recovery Time
Recovering after the FUE hair transplant is more accessible as no scalpel or stitching is utilized in this treatment. You will return to your life routine within a few days of rest.
What is FUT Hair Transplant?
Follicular Unit transplantation is a complete form of FUT, and this method is applied as a linear strip excision technique. It is also considered a “strip Method.” because the hair is taken from the rear of the head or scalp.
The FUT technique starts the process by stripping the skin, which is extracted to collect hair grafts. In addition, surgeons remove the individual follicular units by using a stereo-microscope dissection device for this method. It takes a few inches to cover more recipient areas in less time.
Firstly, the donor site where the strips are gathered is stitched entirely and proceeds further for plantation. Divided into small sections to plant other areas, but it might leave a linear scar.
Through surgical tools, this section is divided accurately and begins the implantation process at the recipient part. It takes three to four months for follicles to grow as the implanted hair will inherently fall out for better growth.
Pros
- Affordable than the FUE procedure
- Fantastic results in the shortest time
- More significant hair transplant is easier by extending the hair graft
- Mostly FUT is best for an ample of people due to medical reasons
Cons
- Long hairstyle is needed to cover the scar
- Discomfort while recovering
- More extended healing period than FUE
- Stitches are part of this procedure
Success Rate : Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) success hinges on the doctor’s know-how. A skilled practitioner can achieve a superb success rate of 95-98%.
What Are The Benefits Of Fut Hair Transplant?
The exciting facts about FUT that you can’t find in the FUE procedure are mentioned below.
Minimum Scarring
As per the survey, most patients reported that FUT left one long scarring on the back of the head. Despite the FUE transplant mark is round and a little hole scar due to harvesting individual follicle unit technique.
Natural Appearance
Invasive surgeries left scars, but FUT transplant has only 1mm or might be a lesser scar. It leaves a linear mark on the skin but can be manageable with long hairs. Due to the FUT procedure, implant hair in groups of around 1 to 4 to give a more natural and fuller appearance.
Comfortable Recovery
FUT takes a minimum of 10 to 12 days to recover fully. As per reports, some patients experience discomfort due to swelling. The painkiller is prescribed to patients to calm the pain after FUT surgery due to the strip of scalp removal procedure for hair transplantation.
High Survival rate of Follicle
To transport hair, FUT selects the best harvesting area with strong and healthier follicles. This procedure leads to the grafts with the precaution of harvesting follicles by protecting tissue for high-quality results. The hidden reason is that most people with minimal hair growth or weak hair are recommended for FUT transplantation.
What is the Difference Between FUT V/S FUE?
There are numerous differences between the two hair transportation methods, such as expense, time of recovery, and success rate. Reading the section below will enlighten you with all the unfolding answers.
Time of Recovery
FUT can cover larger grafts within less time, that’s why this treatment takes much time to recover. The invasive treatments take longer to heal, and FUE takes individual follicles to transplant. That’s the reason it takes five to seven days maximum to recover.
According to Wikipedia, FUT surgery takes around two weeks to dry the scar completely. In addition, due to stitches, the donor site of FUT is more sensitive and needs extra care compared to FUE hair transplantation.
Success Rate
Undoubtedly, both technologies show outstanding results with effective hair growth, but some factors might matter. Expense and recovery are the top facts that you must look into.
The success rate of FUE transplantation is around 90% as per the survey, but the Robotic FUE method is outstanding and holds 100% survival rates.
On the other hand, FUT transplant success rates are between 95 to 98%, as you know that the crucial part of the natural hair cycle begins after hair follicles fall out.
Both surgeries depend on the surgeon’s experience, skill, and knowledge to perform accurately.
Moreover, aftercare is crucial for your recovery as it can prevent damage to the follicles. There are specific treatments to ensure the protection of implanted follicles for better growth. Always go for top-notch surgeons where you get the best service even after the surgery. Most clinics offer aftercare and stay connected through calls to overboard clients to resolve emergencies.
Total Expense
Comparing FUT and FUE procedures by cost makes it easier to decide which is more reasonable. Corresponding FUT and FUE procedures by cost makes it easier to choose an excellent option.
According to a survey, Turkey, Poland, and Spain are the most popular countries for hair transplants. The FUE is more costly, around $4000 to $15000 for each session. Although FUT’s average price is approximately $4,300 to $8000, including HST, it offers a double hair transplantation system than Robotic FUE.
This treatment lasts around eight hours, whereas FUT lasts only 4 to 6 hours. However, the price might differ depending on how much the transplantation is needed, graft size, and time consumption. FUT gives faster results within budget, so it might be a more approachable treatment than FUE surgery.
FUE vs FUT: Which Is Better
You can choose either FUE or FUT hair transplant methods to combat hair loss. The right one for you depends on a few factors.
If you have to thin or balding in just the top front of your head, a FUE hair transplant is a good choice. FUT hair transplant is ideal if you need more grafting done.
FUE leaves less visible scarring but yields less hair to transplant, whereas FUT yields more hair but leaves visible scarring. And also count on both hair transplant costs. In terms of pricing, FUE is more expensive rather than FUT.
Both methods are suitable for anyone experiencing hair loss. Talk to your doctor to decide which one is best for you. Discuss your goals and expectations, and the number of units you need for coverage. This helps you choose the best hair restoration method.
We already discuss the whole procedure of Fue and Fut. And We hope it will sound good to you to decide which one is best.
Verdicts
So there you have it. The choice between FUE and FUT comes down to various factors, such as the degree of baldness, the number of grafts required, and your preference for scarring. And the decision is best made in consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon.
