FUE or FUT: Which is the best hair transplant option?

Everyone wants to have great-looking hair. Naturally, beautiful hair is a blessing. Unfortunately, not everyone gets to enjoy this blessing for a lifetime. Some people start losing hair as they age while others may lose hair due to other reasons. But whatever the reason, the outcome is the same. People tend to feel sad, under-confident, and frustrated when they start losing hair leading to baldness. Fortunately, the cosmetic industry has made several developments in the past decades. So, now people suffering from hair loss can undergo an FUE hair transplant or FUT hair transplant.

These two major types of hair transplants have been in use for a while. However, people still get confused about which is the best option.

In this article, we will discuss the differences, procedures, benefits, and risks associated with both options. Continue reading to decide the best option for hair transplants.

Hair Transplant Techniques

The two primary techniques used for hair transplant are:

1. Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)
2. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

Below we have discussed the two techniques in detail.

• Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)

In a Follicular Unit Transplant or FUT, the surgeon removes a linear strip of skin from the donor area. Generally, the donor area is the backside of the scalp. The removal process is invasive and requires local anesthesia. However, it does not take long and normally finishes in about 15-30 minutes.

On this strip, there are several tiny hair follicles. These hair follicles are then extracted from the strip to be implanted in the recipient area. The recipient area is the one where hair loss is occurring or where there are bald spots.

The surgeon will implant the extracted hair in the recipient area very carefully and with precision. He/she will then close the donor area with sutures.

In FUT, after the transplant process completes and new hair starts to grow, a linear scar will remain. This scar is due to the strip that is extracted for hair follicles. Although the scar can be hidden under the hair, some people don’t want a linear scar at the back of their heads. Due to this reason, people try to opt for an FUE technique.

Benefits of FUT Hair Transplant

A Follicular Unit Transplant or FUT has several benefits. Some of the benefits of FUT are:

1. FUT is the best option for extracting the maximum number of hair grafts.
2. This technique provides maximum fullness.
3. If someone wants to keep their hair long, this technique is the best.
4. The linear scar is at the backside of the scalp which can be easily hidden under long hair.
5. A FUT procedure doesn’t take too long to complete. In most cases, the procedure completes in about 4-12 hours.
6. The cost of a FUT hair transplant is much less than an FUE hair transplant.

• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

In a Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE, the surgeon extracts the patient’s hair follicles individually from the donor area. The extraction process is meticulous and time-taking as compared to FUT as follicles are extracted one by one. Usually, it takes around 1-4 hours for hair follicle extraction.

After completing the extraction process, the surgeon uses a tiny needle or scalpel and makes incisions in the recipient area. He/she will then implant each hair follicle carefully in the recipient area.

In FUE, the surgeon normally shaves the recipient area. Moreover, there is no visible scarring in FUE as in FUT. Hair follicles are extracted one by one which leaves tiny scabs that are be removed after some time on their own. They can be easily hidden under the hair, too.

Benefits of FUE Hair Transplant

A Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE has several benefits. Some of the benefits of FUE are:

1. The scarring in an FUE hair transplant is minimal. Usually, only tiny dot-like scars are left which are hardly visible.
2. Due to minimal scarring, patients are free to keep their hair as short as they like. Scars are almost invisible so they won’t show under short haircuts.
3. As scarring is minimal, the recovery period is short.
4. It only needs a small number of grafts to work.
5. Patients can go back to their normal activities sooner than in FUT.

Risks and Complications with Hair Transplant

Just like any other surgical procedure, hair transplant also has complications associated with it. These risks are involved in both FUT and FUE techniques.

The most common risk factors include:

• bleeding
• infection
• swelling
• bruising
• crusting
• numbness or lack of sensation
• itching
• inflammation or infection of the hair follicles, known as folliculitis
• shock loss
• sudden but temporary loss of transplanted hair
• unnatural-looking tufts of hair

These minor side effects are usually temporary and go away in a few weeks. However, if something persists for longer than the expected time, patients should consult their doctor immediately.

The Best Hair Transplant Option

Choosing the correct procedure for hair transplant is very important. Otherwise, it can yield more harm than good.

The above-mentioned details can help in making the decision but they are not the final words. Ultimately, your doctor is the best option for you. He/she will guide you properly about different techniques and choose a suitable option for you.

The patient’s job lies more in finding the right surgeon than choosing the right technique. If you can find an experienced surgeon, half of your job will be done. He/she will take care of everything else from performing the procedure to giving aftercare guidelines.

So, the patient should focus their energy on finding the right surgeon. He/she will then analyze the patient’s health condition, medical history, family history, and other related information. The patients must be honest with their surgeon if they want the procedure to go smoothly. They should let the doctor know about their expectations from the procedure beforehand. They should also inform them about any allergies or special conditions that they may have. This information is helpful for the surgeon in making the right choice about the technique.

Looking for an FUE hair transplant or FUT hair transplant in Dubai? Fill the form below to schedule a free consultation session. Hair Transplant Clinic Dubai is one of the most popular clinics in Dubai that offers FUT and FUE hair transplants. So, give us a call or visit our clinic today.