FUE vs FUT; Difference and Comparison

What are the key differences between FUE and FUT? Between FUE vs FUT, which is best for you and what is the cost to get it done?

Nature can be unfair at sometimes as some people still in their early twenties may start to lose their hair at such a young age. For someone who loses most of their hair, a hair transplant is the solution.

A hair transplant is a procedure done to add hair to parts of the head with hair loss or where hair may be thinning.

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT) are two types of hair transplants to restore hair for someone going bald. How are these procedures done and what are the major differences between the two?

What is FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)?

The FUE (follicular unit extraction) is a procedure that involves harvesting individual hair by shaving the back of the head with lots of healthy hair growth. The hair follicles will then be inserted into the scalp where there is a hair loss.

The procedure is done by administering a local anaesthesia, then individual hairs are harvested from the back of the head and then transplanted on the scalp with no hair.

The patient’s follicles harvested from the back of the head are inserted into tiny incisions- and then the area where surgery was performed is covered with bandages or gauze.

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What Is FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation?

This hair transplant type is also known as linear strip excision. FUT (follicular unit transplantation is a procedure that involves removing strips of skin from the donor area of a patient’s scalp, which is usually at the back of the head.

The donor site where the strip was taken from will be stitched up and then the strip can be sliced into tiny sections. This is done with a surgical tool and after that, the tiny sections are then planted at the recipient site.

The follicles will fall out after the transplant before permanent follicles will start to grow in their place- This takes at least a period of three to four months.

FUE vs FUT: Pros and Cons

Let’s look at the FUE (follicular unit extractor) hair transplant pros and cons

Pros

Compared to FUT, FUE has a less painful recovery period
It doesn’t require stitches
You can have short hair without any visible scar
You won’t find any linear scaring
The donor site heals quickly compared to FUT

Cons

Larger sections of the scalp (back and sides) will have to be shaved
It’s more expensive than FUT
It’s a more time-consuming hair transplant procedure than FUT
Lower yield of hair than FUT

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)

Pros

Less expensive than FUE
FUT hair transplant procedure takes less time compared to FUE
It would be more suitable for some people to have a FUT first, then if further treatment is required, they can have an FUE
It’s easier to perform larger hair transplant sessions

Cons

It requires stitches
The recovery period is much longer than FUE
A higher possibility of visible scarring
Scares will need longer hair to cover them
The recovery period is less comfortable compared to FUE

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FUE vs FUT: Major Differences between FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)

They are both hair transplant procedures but differ in cost, procedure, recovery time, and appearance.

Procedure

Although the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUT) and the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUE) hair transplant surgery can be completed in a day, the latter takes a longer time.

So if you are considering the FUE hair transplant surgery, expect to sit in a chair for longer hours.

The FUE hair transplant procedure requires more precision than FUT. It involves removing follicles carefully instead of removing an entire strip of skin from the back of the head.

Appearance

The FUT hair transplant procedure leaves visible scars on the donor area. Even after the wound in the donor area heals, you still be left with a thin but visible scar.

If your hair is long, it will probably cover the visible scar but it will be visible if you choose to crop your hair short.

With the FUE hair transplant procedure, you will be left with little or no scarring. The FUE hair transplant procedure is cleaner compared to the strip method used in Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUE).

Recovery Time

The FUE hair transplant recovery time is about five to seven days at least. But, it may take up to 10 to 15 days for FUT patients to resume their daily activities.

This is because the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a more invasive procedure that takes hair grafts as a strip of scalp rather than as individual follicles, hence recovery time takes longer than usual.

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Cost

We talked about the hair transplant procedure that is more expensive.

The FUE hair transplant procedure requires more precision than FUT. It involves removing individual follicular units which is time-consuming than the FUT hair transplant.

The cost for the FUE hair transplant is more expensive and does a cleaner job than FUT.

Also, expect the modern FUE technique to be more expensive than the older FUT technique at hair transplant clinics. The cost for the modern FUE technique will be determined by the extent of the work required to be performed on a patient.

Success Rate

The success rates for the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) hair transplant procedure are similar.

The final result of your hair transplant generally depends on the performance of the surgeon, the procedure, as well as the aftercare treatment. These are what to consider when talking about success rate rather than choosing what technique will be suitable.

FUE vs FUT: What Type of Hair Transplant is best for you?

Whether you prefer the FUE hair transplant or the FUT hair transplant, it all depends on important factors which you will discuss with your surgeon.

If you require a larger number of hair grafts due to thinning hair on your head, the best option is a FUT hair transplant procedure. It’s a procedure that offers a greater yield of follicles for transplanting.

The FUE hair transplant may be the better option for you if you need a number of grafts. It’s also the best option for people who want a fast-recovering procedure.

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FUE vs FUT: Which Procedure Appears More Realistic?

The Follicular Unit Extraction and the Follicular Unit Transplantation offer a highly realistic appearance. The hair is taken from your own head- making it more realistic and natural.

You only have to deal with the tiny scars on the back of your head if it’s the FUT hair transplant procedure you choose.

Which Hair Transplant Procedure is More Painful?

Whether it’s the FUE or FUT hair transplant, local anaesthetic will be administered before surgery.

But keep in mind that you are likely to feel some tiredness and soreness in your scalp in the days after the anaesthetics lose their potency.

Because the FUT procedure involves removing strips of skin from the donor area, which is usually at the back of the head, you will likely experience soreness for a longer period.

Conclusion

Follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT) are two types of hair transplants to restore hair for someone going bald.

FUT (follicular unit transplantation is a procedure that involves removing strips of skin from the donor area of a patient’s scalp, which is usually at the back of the head.

The FUE (follicular unit extraction) is a procedure that involves harvesting individual hair by shaving the back of the head with lots of healthy hair growth.

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References

WimpoleClinic: FUE Vs. FUT: What’s The Difference?
Spamedica: Comparing FUE Vs. FUT Hair Transplants
ColeClinic: FUE VS FUT: What Type Of Hair Transplant Is Best For You
Treatmentroomslondon: FUE Vs FUT: Which Hair Transplant Is Best For You?
Honesthairrestoration: FUE vs. FUT: Which Is the Better Hair Transplant Method?

FUE vs FUT: Difference and Comparison

What is FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)?