If you’re struggling with hair loss, and you’re leaning toward exploring the path
leading to a hair transplant, you may be wondering which hair restoration option is right for you. A simple google search will deliver a slew of solutions all promising to stop and even reverse hair loss. How do you know which of these can live up to its promises, and which one should be your choice?
The first step is selecting a licensed, experienced, and trusted hair restoration surgeon – one with whom you can discuss your goals and decide which method will achieve your goals while delivering permanent, natural looking results. Let’s look at two of the most common procedures used today: FUE and FUT. At least you’ll have a good head start toward taking that big step to a more confident you.
What is an FUE Procedure?
During an FUE (follicular unit extraction) transplant, each follicular unit is harvested from a donor area in random fashion so that thinning of the donor area is minimized. This is done through microscopic circular incisions on the scalp and can be performed manually or robotically.
FUE is a great option for those with thinning or balding at the front or top of their head, have a soft scalp, or minimal hair in the donor area.
Benefits of FUE
- Unmatched Precision – Utilizing robotic FUE allows for selection of the healthiest and strongest follicles in their natural groupings, leaving the rest of the hair from the donor area undamaged.
- Natural Looking Results – Because individual follicular units are harvested from the donor area, there is no linear scar left behind. The result is natural looking and feeling hair that you can cut and style however you like.
- Minimal Pain – FUE is an outpatient procedure that requires only local anesthesia. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.
- Quick Recovery – FUE typically requires less post-operative restrictions than other methods, allowing people to resume most of their daily activities within a couple of days.
What is an FUT Procedure?
FUT, or follicular unit transplantation, involves removing a long, thin piece of tissue from the back of the scalp then removing individual follicular units from the strip. The wound is then closed leaving behind a thin scar line.
For those with significant balding around the crown who are looking to achieve maximum fullness and volume from a hair transplant, FUT is generally the recommended method.
Benefits of FUT
- Higher Follicle Survival Rate – During harvesting, the protective tissue remains intact for better quality and more robust grafts than other methods.
- Natural Looking Results – Hair is transplanted in small, natural groupings so the result is fuller, more natural looking hair. The very thin linear scar in the donor area can easily be concealed with surrounding hair making it virtually undetectable.
- Manageable Recovery – Recovery usually lasts between 10 and 12 days; pain medication may be prescribed to those experiencing pain and swelling of the donor area.
- No Additional Scarring – No matter how many subsequent procedures a patient needs, only one linear scar is left behind. However, FUE leaves behind a small scar with each harvested follicular unit.
That’s a lot of information to absorb, right? And no doubt leaves you with several unanswered questions. Well, that’s just part of what we’re here for: DiStefano Hair Restoration Center. Today, we invite you to join us a free consultation where we’ll answer all your questions and get you started on the path to a new and more confident you.
