Fue vs. fut HAIR TRANSPLANTS
Modern hair restoration features two different primary surgical methods, each of which is appropriate in different situations. The procedures are follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT).
We offer both methods at Hair Restoration of Lehigh Valley, along with non-surgical treatments, to ensure that we have the right solution for a patient’s individual needs. Both FUE and FUT are each appropriate for certain types of hair loss. We will discuss those options during your initial consultation along with your overall goals, desired hairline, the number of hair follicles to be transplanted, and your donor hair thickness.
What is the difference BETWEEN FUE AND FUT?
The number of hair follicles harvested and transplanted at once is the key difference between FUT and FUE hair transplants, along with how the hair follicles are harvested. As a result, FUT procedures tend to be a little faster to perform while FUE procedures tend to heal a little quicker.
WHAT IS FUE?
Individual hair follicles are harvest from the donor area of the scalp in a follicular unit extraction (FUE) transplant. Donor hair is typically taken from the back and the sides of the head. The follicles are then transplanted to the recipient area. Because each hair follicle is transplanted individually, the scars are tiny, dot-like, and heal quickly. This is why people usually say that FUE incisions “leave virtually no visible scars.”
FUE procedures can be performed manually or with robotic assistance for advanced precision. At Hair Restoration of Lehigh Valley, we utilize both cutting-edge surgical options: NeoGraft® and the ARTAS Robotic Hair Restoration System.
Because individual hair follicles transplantation takes more time, FUE procedures may involve a few two- to four-hour sessions. They are also performed under local anesthetic.
The ARTAS Robotic Hair Restoration System® is state-of-the-art technology, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to create a natural-looking hairline with complete precision. The ARTAS® system’s 3-D imaging technology allows your doctor to design a new hairline that looks completely natural and maximizes the use of your donor hair follicles.
The ARTAS® system analyzes your natural hair distribution, which allows your doctor to select the best donor follicles by analyzing individual hair density, angle, orientation, and hair growth direction.
NeoGraft® is a no-touch FUE hair transplant procedure. An automated wand handpiece is used in place of a scalpel to harvest donor follicles and transplant them in the recipient area. In fact, NeoGraft® is often used to camouflage scars from prior FUT procedures.
Advantages of FUE Hair Restoration
- Quicker healing time than strip procedures.
- Tiny, circular scars instead of linear scars.
- Shorter downtime after surgery.
- Excellent option for those with poor hairdensity or soft scalps.
- More comfortable than methods that have larger incisions.
WHAT IS FUT?
In a follicular unit transplantation (FUT), a small strip of hair follicles is removed from the back and sides of your scalp. The small strips of hair follicles are split into grafts of 1-3 hair follicles which are grafted to the recipient area. FUT surgeries are performed manually under a local anesthetic. FUT procedures are usually done in one session of four to eight hours.
Advantages of FUT Hair Restoration
- Faster surgical procedures.
- More hair follicles can be transplanted at once.
- Maximum fullness for balding crowns.
- High follicle survival rate.
- Usually less expensive.
Talk to Lehigh Valley About Our Hair Restoration Options
Dr. Patel and his experienced team of professionals are excited to get you started on your hair restoration journey. Our treatments offer noticeable, permanent, thicker, visible hair growth. Book your consultation today to learn more about what is causing your hair loss and discover the best treatment plan for you.
