FUE vs FUT - Procedure, Advantages, Procedure and Healing

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Home / FUT hair transplant / FUE vs FUT - Procedure, Advantages, Procedure and Healing

Posted on : March 01, 2021 | Category : FUT hair transplant | Author: John Kahen

Balding is embarrassing and awkward for anyone. Fortunately, there are procedures to curb it. Follicular Unit Transplant(FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction(FUE) top the available techniques in the market today. Both are highly recommended due to the high success rate yet they are different as far as transplant is concerned. This article looks at FUE vs. FUT.

Hair transplant surgery is more advanced today than ever, and the techniques are more innovative and less invasive for the patient. During a hair transplant consultation, the surgeon typically goes over the entire procedure with the patient. This also includes the type of technique. So, what exactly is FUE and how is it different from FUT?
Hair transplant surgery is more advanced today than ever, and the techniques are more innovative and less invasive for the patient. During a hair transplant consultation, the surgeon typically goes over the entire procedure with the patient. This also includes the type of technique. So, what exactly is FUE and how is it different from FUT?

Apart from the fact that FUT is an older skill than FUE, the transplant method contradicts the two. While FUT hair transplant involves the removal of crown tissue from one side of the head to an affected area, FUE focuses on taking single hair strands and transplanting them to the balding area. 

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): What is it?

Follicular Unit Transplantation refers to hair transplant surgery in general. It is the most common technique in hair transplant surgery today, where each follicular unit is carefully transplanted into the bald area. With FUT, the surgeon and technicians take a strip of skin from the back of the scalp that is not affected by DHT, carefully dissect the hairs into follicular units that contain anywhere from one to four hairs - and then those follicular units are transplanted into the balding area. FUT hair transplant Los Angeles is more advanced today than hair transplants in the past, and transplantation is one of the most crucial steps of the procedure. The degree to which the follicular grafts are transplanted is important for natural growth and the degree of the incisions on the balding hair where the hairs are transplanted. Although FUT has been around since the 19th century, it has undergone many tweaks and improvements.

FUT Technique

Here is a step-by-step look at FUT Transplant

1. They are cutting out tiny strips of scalp tissue. These strips are usually taken from donor sections of the head not affected by balding. 
2. They are then cut into smaller individual hair units under a powerful microscope. 
3. These units are then transferred to the bald area. These smaller follicular grafts consist of several hair strands.  

In FUE vs. FUT, it is important to note that once the tissue strip is removed, the donor area is stitched, creating a barely noticeable scar. However, scarring on the recipient area might be very conspicuous. On the upside, FUT is known to give the best results in the long term.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) differs from FUT in how the follicular grafts are extracted. In FUT, the grafts come from the strip of skin removed. But in Follicular Unit Extraction, the follicular grafts are extracted individually from the donor area and then transplanted. FUE can be used for smaller sessions and is much less invasive, as the scars are virtually undetectable. At our hair transplant clinic, the surgeon specializes in creating tiny tiny punch incisions that are 1 mm in size. This means the incisions will be very small and when healed, will be undetectable.

FUE Transplant Technique

FUE hair transplant, considered contemporary, is slightly different from FUT as it is built on punctured holes on the scalp instead of tissue strips. FUE involves: 

1. Individual hair follicles measuring 0.75mm-1mm are collected from the donor sections.
2. The doctor creates small needle-like punctures on the bald scalp. 
3. These harvested follicular strands are then 'planted' in these punctures. 

Since it doesn't use strips but individual hairs, FUE is significantly effective thanks to many follicles. Also, the needle-like holes and the small incisions made while harvesting limit visible scarring. This makes it convenient for those who want to return to their normal lives and those who prefer shorter hairstyles. However, they will have to spot a bandage or gauze for a number of days.

Unfortunately, it takes a considerable amount of time, sometimes equating to numerous visits to the doctor. An extensive procedure also might mean thinning hair if the donor follicles are insufficient. The entire procedure can also be automated at the doctor's discretion.

Advantages of FUT and FUE

Before choosing which method works between FUE vs. FUT, it is best to better understand the pros and cons. A visit to a doctor should provide an extensive explanation so as to make an informed choice. This article seeks to provide some of the answers.

Benefits of FUE 

1. FUT hair transplantation surgery takes less time. On average, a patient will be operated on for a maximum of 12 to 8 hours.
2. With FUT transplant, hair yield is higher since the tissue has been focused on healthier donor zones. This gives the patient a fuller hair appearance after healing.
3. It's the best choice if you require multiple grafts. FUT allows multiple surgeries as the donor area is preserved after surgery.
4. Shaving is not necessary before shaving. This is an advantage as it allows the patient to cover the linear scars afterward.
5. It has the highest success rate in one session of a transplant. It is estimated to have upwards of 96% success.
6. FUT is less expensive if compared to FUE.

Read More: How Much Does A Hair Transplant Cost?

Benefits of FUE

1. It leaves little to no scar post-surgery. Since it's individual follicles that are being injected into the scalp, it is less likely to see visible scars on the treated or donor area.

2. It takes little time to heal. It takes 3-5 days to heal completely and resume normal day-to-day activities.

3. Patients with taut scalps can undergo FUE hair transplants. There is no stitching involved and no stretching of the skin.

4. A surgeon does the majority of the work. This minimizes the use of technicians.

5. No need to visit the doctor post-surgery since there are no stitches to be taken out.

6. It can be used to correct scars left behind by hair transplants.

7. It is easy to control quality as the surgeon chooses the best from a healthy donor zone.

Which way for the patient? : FUT Vs. FUE 

From the description above, a patient needs to know which of the two suits their needs. As stated before, a doctor should be able to determine which procedure to go with after a detailed examination. Both are highly recommended; nonetheless, knowing beforehand will save time.

FUT hair transplant can be done on any patient with very few exceptions. Patients who need a large section of their heads treated qualify for this method. Young people with no sign of certain balding also make the best candidates. Others who qualify for FUT include: 

• Those are looking for the best results after the transplant.
• Those with thinning that line.
• Patients that don't mind coming in for a follow-up.
• Patients who have long hairs at the back and sides of the head.

Smart Fue Hair Transplant Los Angeles is restrictive to some patients as opposed to FUT. However, this is the best option if one is comfortable with wearing short hair. Other patients who might be best suited for this procedure include:

• Those with tight scalps cannot accommodate the stretching of the scalp for stitching.
• Patients who underwent strip surgery need a transplant to cover linear scars caused by said procedure.
• Aged patients who have shown signs of balding.
• Patients that need just one surgery.

Also, you can Read: Everything You Need To Know About Beard Transplant

Similarities: FUT Vs. FUE

FUT and FUE are different but share some similarities. In both cases, a donor region is required in which healthy hair grafts are taken. It is not just health that is paramount but longevity as well. Extracted hair must have the ability to continue growing after being implanted. In order to ensure high yield and better success rates, the harvested hair follicles should be handled with care to avoid infection and maintain quality. In both cases, the proportion of hair should be 'injected' in a way that incorporates into the existing hair. The implanted hair should not stand out. Qualified technicians and specialized surgeons use appropriate hair extractors to ensure the work is done perfectly. 

Difference: FUE Vs. FUT

FUE and FUT differ in a number of ways and will be categorized below:

Cost

FUE tends to be much more expensive compared to FUT. Whereas FUT used hair tissue strips, the time taken to implant individual hair strands and the expertise and care were taken in order to achieve the best results justify the higher cost. Needless to say, cheap is expensive. Cost should not be a reason to forgo quality, especially in relation to something as sensitive as hair and appearance. If a doctor is convinced that FUE would be what is best for a patient, it is advisable to overlook the cost because it is a long-term investment. Don't gamble with it.

Time

FUE hair transplant Los Angeles takes a considerable amount of time to implant. Extracting individual hit strands needs articulation and skill for them to be successful. A wrong move could damage the harvested hair strand and eventually fail the procedure. 

Although FUT takes a shorter time to extract and implant, don't term success is volatile as the hairs are not individually chosen according to viability and health. 

In the long run, FUT tends to be more time-consuming than FUE since one will most likely undergo more than one surgery for FUT hair transplantation.

Healing

Both procedures require some days for healing. However, FUT takes longer, an average of 10 days or not longer. The intrusive nature of the procedure is a factor in how long the healing process takes. Painkillers should be at hand throughout this process due to the pain and sensitivity in the operated area.

FUE takes a shorter healing time. Approximately 3 to 5 days until a patient is able to enjoy everyday living without discomfort. It is rare to have pain after an FUE hair transplant. Because of tenderness and occasional pain, patients are advised to rest for the duration of healing or at least avoid labor-intensive activities.

Graft Quality

In both cases, quality grafts can be obtained from donor zones. However, Fut  has a higher chance. FUT extracts tissues and cuts them into transplants under a microscope. Chances of survival are higher since damage to the follicles is reduced by a great margin. 

FUE depends on the accuracy of the surgeon as they harvest hair follicles. Any damage to the follicles will deem them unusable, reducing the chances of survival. Usually, there is an 85% chance that the graft will grow as expected as far as FUE is concerned. FUT has an advantage of 10% over FUE.

What is Best for Me?

Hair transplant specialist Dr. John Kahen will review everything during the consultation and scalp analysis to determine the right procedure for the patient. FUE is a very intricate and detailed technique requiring a skilled surgeon who truly understands and achieves artistry in hair restoration.

Results

In the end, results are key. Both transplant procedures yield acceptable results. It all depends on the expectations of the patient. Some do not want to shave. FUT is the best option in such instances since long hair can hide stitches and eventual scars. At the same time, those with no issue with shaving can settle for an FUE hair transplant since the scar tissue is next to nonexistent. 

Both techniques offer the best results, especially with technological advancement and experienced manpower. Some will say one technique is better than the other, but it is clear to see that the result does not differ greatly.

Conclusion 

The pair share a long list of similarities and an even longer list of differences. Nonetheless, FUE hair transplant has the upper hand in terms of benefits. These include: 

• Versatility in hairstyles since one can wear their hair short or long differences rience is less painful than its counterpart.
• It takes a shorter time to heal.
• It is initially costly, but additional FUT sessions make it much more expensive.

Ultimately it is a decision in the hands of the patient, but the doctor's recommendation should not be disregarded. Visit a qualified doctor and get the best diagnosis as well as services.

Beverly Hills Hair Restoration(BHHR) is a leader in hair restoration. Dr. John Kahen heads this great institution and prides himself on patient satisfaction. By talking to them and understanding their needs before recommending and ultimately operating on them.

Quality and satisfaction are our talking call at Beverly Hills Hair Restoration(BHHR). You can contact us for any queries or make an appointment with us. You won't be disappointed.

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