Comparing FUE and FUT
At Southwest Plastic Surgery, Dr. Frank Agullo offers both FUE and FUT techniques for hair restoration to the scalp, brows, scars, and facial hair. Each type of grafting technique has its pros and cons.
The Difference Between FUE and FUT
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) are basically different methods of ‘harvesting’ hair. Both serve the purpose of isolating hair follicular unit grafts from the scalp for a hair transplant. So while FUE and FUT are often compared as two completely separate procedures, this is not exactly true. The main procedural difference is that in FUT the follicular unit grafts are harvested in a long thin strip from the donor area, whereas in FUE the grafts are extracted individually. The results of the hair transplant procedure are the same with both techniques.
Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)
Follicular Unit Transplant is generally chosen for larger hair transplants, with 3,500 grafts or more. It is a simple and cost effective method because it doesn’t involve a lot of incisions. FUT is also a much faster procedure than FUE, again mainly due to the lack of many incisions made. Additionally, FUT does not require shaving the back of the head.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Follicular Unit Extraction is inherently an advanced form of harvesting hair for a transplant procedure. The main advantage of FUE over FUT is that instead of a relatively large, long scar, it creates tiny scars that don’t pose a cosmetic problem. Hence you can keep your hair very short after an FUE without worrying that the scars will show. The healing time of the donor area is also lower than that of FUT. There is also less post-op discomfort in the donor area. Compared to FUT, FUE entails less pain and blood loss.
Which is Better?
In most cases, FUT has a clear advantage. The grafts are invariably of a higher quality, and a higher quantity can be transplanted. Furthermore, the surgeon is able to isolate the grafts with minimal trauma and without hair disfigurement.
Because FUE requires the donor area to be shaved, it may not be suitable for people who want to resume work right away. On the other hand, FUT may not be suitable for people who want to resume/indulge in strenuous activity right/soon after the procedure.
If time is of particular importance, then FUT is a better option than FUE. While FUT requires a single session, FUE can take multiple sessions over two or more days.
FUE is recommended for people with a higher risk of donor scarring. These include young people, athletic and/or very muscular people and those whose scalps are either very loose or very tight.
Both FUT and FUE can be used to transplant hair to eyebrows, beards, and moustaches. With FUE, the fine hair from the nape of the neck can also be used for transplanting it to the eyebrows or even the hairline.
Dr. Agullo will often combine both methods of harvesting to obtain greater number of grafts.
Which one is for you?
Choosing the suitable method for your hair transplant is important. During your consultation Dr. Agullo will help you determine which technique is best for you. Setup your appointment today by contacting us.
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