Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) vs. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
At Chicago Hair Institute, we work very closely with patients to ensure that they get the treatment they need to have a head of hair that looks its very best.
Follicular unit extraction (FUE) surgery has become very popular with patients, though follicular unit transplantation (FUT) can also yield excellent results.
Let's compare the two and see which one might be best for you.
About Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a process in which individual follicular units are taken from the donor area of the scalp. This is done rather than taking a strip of tissue from the donor area to be placed in the bald spot of a person's hairline. A tiny precision instrument helps hair restoration specialists remove follicular units from the donor portion of the scalp, which account for tissue that yields groups of 1-4 hairs.
The Advantages of Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
The advantages of follicular unit extraction (FUE) include:
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Lack of visible linear scar in the donor area like strip harvesting
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Faster healing times in the donor area
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Reduced discomfort in the donor area
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Can theoretically be used on facial hair and body hair
Ideal Candidates for Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
The best candidates for follicular unit extraction (FUE) are men who suffer from male pattern baldness or some form of permanent hair loss of the scalp. Typically follicular unit extraction (FUE) yields better results for patients who are younger, who are very muscular or athletic, or have scalps that are very loose or very tight.
About Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
Like FUE, follicular unit transplantation (FUT) also involves the use of follicular units in order to restore the overall fullness of the hairline. The difference is that the follicular units are removed using a horizontal strip of the scalp taken from the donor area at the back of the head. This leaves a narrow scar in the donor site, but gives hair loss specialists more follicular units to work with.
The Advantages of Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
While the scar created during the follicular unit transplantation (FUT) procedure can be a drawback, there are some important advantages to FUT over FUE:
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Follicular units taken from a narrow strip of the scalp than FUE, which is a wider area
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Quality of the follicular units is typically better than FUE
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Greater number of follicular units can be transplanted with FUT than FUE
Ideal Candidates for Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
The best candidates for follicular unit transplantation (FUT) are older men who suffer from male pattern baldness or some form of permanent hair loss of the scalp. It's important that candidates for the procedure have realistic expectations about what the surgery entails, particularly with the post-surgical scarring, and what it can achieve.
Is one option more ideal than the other?
Not necessarily, though sometimes a surgery is better suited for an individual patient than another kind of surgery. That's why it's important for undergo a full consultation. A hair loss specialist will be able to work closely with you and ensure that you get the best treatment to give you a fuller head of hair, whether it involves follicular unit transplantation (FUT) or follicular unit extraction (FUE).
Learn More About Advanced Hair Restoration Surgery
For more information about hair restoration options and how you can have your hairline enhanced and improved, be sure to contact our team of hair restoration experts today. The entire team at Chicago Hair Institute looks forward to your visit and helping you achieve all of your goals.