Hair Plugs Vs Transplant: Are Hair Plugs The Same As Transplant

11 December, 2024 | Hair Transplant | Author : Shveta Virmani

Hair loss has been a problem among individuals for a long time. And across the years, there have been various methods to get back a thick mane of hair. Whenever people are discussing hair restoration, there tend to be some questions as to whether hair plugs vs transplant make sense. 

While a prominent clinic like MedLinks offers top-notch hair transplant procedures, it is always better to be aware of yourself. You may be confused and asking questions like, are hair plugs the same as transplant? This blog will aim to distinguish between the two and guide you about what would be the best for restoring your hair.

Understanding Hair Plugs

Hair plugs were, in fact, some of the earliest interventions tried in hair restoration. This method was developed in the 50s, where circular punches of scalp or skin, most of which possessed hair, were excised, normally to a diameter of 4mm. These plugs, which are small balls of skin containing some 30 follicles, were transplanted into the bald regions.

Although this technique was effective at the time, it only produced clustered and lifeless looks, what could often be described as ‘doll hair’. Gradually improvements in technology led to this method becoming highly useless. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) today are way more successful and natural-looking than plugs.

What Is a Hair Transplant?

FUE is just a single technique used in hair transplantation where individual hair follicles are transplanted from one area of the body to another. While plugs are inserted haphazardly, there is some attention to detail and believability in today’s hair transplants. The clinic always employs 1 to 4 follicles containing grafts that are compatible with the existing hair.

Two main techniques dominate the field today:

• Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT): It entails taking a strip of skin from the back of the head, dissecting the follicles under a lens, and implanting them singly.
• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE): FUE involves the extraction, and transplantation of each follicle separately and results in lesser scarring and quicker healing.

Such techniques help achieve proper growth patterns in hair. It is, therefore, challenging to determine which hair is transplanted and which hair is natural.

Hair Plugs vs Transplant : Key Differences

If you are asking, are hair plugs the same as transplant? Then, here’s a breakdown of the major differences. 

Plugs: Transplants: Can Hair Plugs Be Replaced by a Transplant?

If you had plugs in the past and you are not satisfied with the outcome, then current day transplants will assist. Now and then, people ask for a plug removal to rectify incorrect processes that may have been performed previously. This involves the delicate process of removing the plugs and placing better ones in follicular unit extraction, more commonly known as FUE or Follicular unit transplantation, more commonly known as FUT. 

FUE or FUT can go over the clumpy look of plugs and make the appearance look much more natural. However, success is highly dependent on one’s availability of donor hair follicles. Prior surgeries make your choices restricted due to overharvesting. A skilled surgeon can make you regain your confidence because he or she is able to mix the transplanted hair with the existing hair.

Thinking of opting for a hair transplant in India? The country has international quality standards and highly qualified professionals for such procedures.

Modern Transplants vs Hair Plugs: Why the Shift?

Plugs have been replaced by modern transplants due to improvements in technology as well as changes in the perception of the patients. This is evident from the hair plugs vs transplant table in the previous section.

These plugs might have given rise to today’s techniques, and while they did have some benefits, they also came with problems, very long recovery time, poor cosmesis, and scarring. In the contemporary world, transplants entail the most comfort to the patients with the least invasive and natural appearances.

Why Modern Hair Transplants?

When comparing hair plugs vs transplant, modern methods stand out for several reasons:

• Natural Results: Transplants replicate a natural hair growth pattern.
• Minimally Invasive: FUE is carried out in small punches; hence, it causes very little pain, and the healing process is very fast.
• Permanent Solution: Once the follicles have been transplanted, they grow like other hair follicles.
• Customisable: Treatments are specific to the individual’s hair texture, the rate of growth, and the intended look of hair.

Conclusion

In simple words, the answer to Are hair plugs the same as transplant? Is that plugs are actually transplants but of an older generation sort. Plugs, earlier used in hair restoration surgery, are no longer necessary as methods such as FUT and FUE exist with improved outcomes and more. Those who want to try hair restoration, better get advice first from an expert for the best course of action.

FAQs

1. What is known as plug hair?

Plug hair, or hair plugs was a hair transplant method created during the 1950s where large sections of skin are removed. These are then implanted in the bald areas.

2. Are hair plugs the same as transplant?

Hair plugs were a form of hair transplant. In a hair plug, the hair follicles are collected from a donor. A transplant is the actual process of transplanting the follicles in the respective bald area. 

3. Are hair plugs successful?

Yes. Hair plug transplants had a general success rate of around 75 % to 95 %.

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