If you’re planning a hair transplant, you’ve probably heard about different techniques such as FUE and FUT. These seem to appear similarly, but they can vary quite a bit about what they can offer for your results. To know which type you should go for, understand how each technique works.
In this blog, we will break down the primary hair transplant techniques and how they influence your results so you can select which approach is most suitable to your own hair restoration process.
The Two Main Hair Transplant Techniques
There are two primary techniques used in modern hair transplants:
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
Both procedures involve transplanting hair follicles from a “donor area” (typically your own scalp in the back) to areas of thinning or baldness. The distinction lies in the way these hair follicles are harvested.
Follicular Unit Extraction:
FUE hair transplant in Birmingham is another latest and highly sought method of hair transplantation. Individual hair follicles are removed directly from the donor area, using a small punch tool. These follicles are then implanted into the thinning or bald areas.
How FUE Works:
The surgeon makes a tiny incision, around each follicle, using a punch tool.
The follicles are then carefully removed and prepared for implantation. This is done on the recipient site, but small punctures are made where the follicles will be inserted.
How FUE Affects Your Result:
More natural appearance: Since FUE transplants individual follicles, it tends to be much more natural, especially with regard to hairline design.
Near impossible to spot any scarring: FUE will leave tiny, dot-like scarring that will be imperceptible on your scalp, especially when you have short hair.
Faster recovery: Recovery is relatively faster in FUE compared to FUT because the incisions are relatively tiny.
Great for small areas: FUE works well for patients who have small areas of hair loss or prefer shorter cuts.
Multiple sessions: Some patients may require additional sessions, depending on the sizes of the areas of hair loss that must be covered.
FUT or the strip method: This process involves stripping of skin from the donor area. The strip is divided into small units that contain hair follicles, which are to be planted in the balding areas.
How FUT works
The surgeon removes a strip at the back of your scalp.
The strip is divided into smaller grafts, and every graft contains hair follicles.
The transplants are carried out in the recipient area just like with FUE.
Impact of FUT on Your Results:
Larger areas covered: FUT enables one to take large quantities of hair follicles within a single session; thus it works out perfectly for big balding patients.
Linear scar: A linear scar will occur from the FUT procedure located at the back of the head. However, a longer hair may possibly hide the scar.
Higher percentage of follicle survival: A higher percentage of follicle survival has characteristically been seen with the FUT procedure since follicles spend very little time outside the body.
Longer recovery: Since FUT requires a broader cut, recovery may be longer than if it were FUE.
FUE vs. FUT: What’s Best for You?
Your choice between FUE and FUT depends on the level of hair loss, your hair, and much more about your lifestyle. Here’s where both methods compare with each other in key areas:
Scarring :
FUE: Small round tiny, small, round leaves that can hardly be seen.
FUT: Leaves a linear scar and the hair goes in all over to mask the scar.
Recovery Period:
FUE: Quick recovery with pain at minimum.
FUT: Takes longer time with a larger incision.
Degree of Hair Loss:
FUE: Best for small sized hair loss or those patients requiring fewer grafts.
FUT: Suitable for patients having greater hair loss, especially in one session where more grafts can be transplanted in that particular session.
Cost:
FUE: More costlier due to the fact that it is a time-consuming method of taking every follicle one by one.
FUT: It is relatively cheaper because it allows one to take more grafts at one time.
Other Techniques and Factors That Will Determine Your Hair Transplant Outcome
Besides FUE and FUT, there are other techniques and factors influencing your hair transplant outcome.
Robotic FUE: A few clinics utilize state-of-the-art robotics to have the FUE procedure done on their patients. This tends to provide higher precision and less time for the surgery.
Quality of donor hair: The better hairs in the donor area determine the ultimate result. Stronger and healthier follicles always give better results.
Surgeon’s skills and experience: A surgeon’s skills and even experience can ensure better results finally. A very skilled surgeon can create a very normal hairline to ensure the placement of the follicles remains adequate.
Best Results for Optimum Outcome
Whether you opt for strip harvesting, FUT, or the FUE technique, optimum care and reasonable expectations will guide you to the best results of your hair transplant. Here’s what awaits you,
Gradual Results: Hair growth after the transplant occurs gradually. Some might take months to fully grow the transplanted hair.
Post-Surgery Care: Your aftercare instruction from the surgeon determines success in a transplant. You will be asked to keep the scalp clean, avoid strenuous activities, and take any prescribed medications.
Final Results: Most people tend to see the full effect after 9–12 months, at which time most of the hair seems to emerge naturally into your own existing hairline and scalp.
Conclusion
The appropriate hair transplant in Birmingham technique depends on the individual’s needs and the desired outcome. For minimal scarring and faster recovery, there is FUE, and for patients requiring vast coverage, the best bet is FUT. Be this as it may, hair transplant success depends on the choice of an experienced surgeon and a post-treatment care routine regardless of the techniques adopted.
If you are located in Birmingham and look forward to hair restoration, then make sure you find a suitable hair transplant surgeon who can walk you through the procedure to provide you with the best possible results.
