What are the Differences between Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

FUE is a modern, advanced hair transplantation technique in which a highly qualified hair transplant surgeon uses a specialized extraction instrument to extract hair follicles from the donor area, which is usually the back of the neck. The extracted hair follicles are then transferred to the recipient area, after which the surgeon punctures the scalp area that receives the grafts with the help of a specialist micro surgical needle. At a specific density, these grafts are inserted into the recipient area at an angle to make them appear like a natural hair pattern.

In FUT method, hair is extracted from areas such as the back and sides of the scalp and transplanted to the balding areas. The procedure is performed under anesthesia and the donor strip is cut into individual follicular units leaving behind a long, linear cut. Then, the hair transplant surgeon makes tiny holes in the scalp so as to carefully place the follicular unit grafts.

FUT is a less preferred procedure over FUE as no patient likes a long, linear scar on the scalp. In FUE, it is possible for the surgeon to take hair follicles from areas such as the chest, beard, etc. which isn’t the case in FUT. Although both FUE and FUT aim to get same result, FUE is a less invasive procedure as compared to FUT.

The healing time after FUE is usually less than 7 days, and the procedure causes little to no post-surgical pain and discomfort. On the other hand, FUT can take much longer to heal. Also if a large bald area is to be covered with multiple strips, FUT is a much more time consuming surgery where the gap between two procedures is almost one year. In case of FUE, the second surgery can be performed after two months itself. Moreover, FUE is a more surgeon-based procedure compared to FUT which is assistant-based.

While both FUE and FUT are popular hair loss treatments, it is extremely important that the surgeries are performed under the strict guidance of highly qualified and best hair transplant surgeons with rich expertise in carrying out the procedure. Hair restoration surgery can be a life-changing procedure for any individual. So if you’re suffering from hair loss problem, go for it.