FUT vs FUE: Understanding the Differences and Choosing the Right Technique

Hair transplantation offers two primary methods to restore natural hair growth: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Understanding the differences between these techniques can help you choose the best clinic and approach for your needs and goals.

FUE vs. FUT: Which Hair Transplant Method Is Right for You?

The Truth About FUE and FUT

  1. The first thing you must know: FUE is no longer more expensive than FUT. The cost difference between these procedures has evened out, making FUE an accessible option for more patients.

  2. There are now only a few select reasons to choose an FUT procedure. FUT is largely outdated and is typically reserved for special cases where it may still be beneficial.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

FUE is a modern hair transplant technique that involves extracting individual follicular units directly from the donor area. This approach is known for its minimal invasiveness, quicker healing time, and ability to achieve high graft numbers in a single session.

Pros of FUE:

✔ Minimally invasive with no linear scar, making it ideal for patients who prefer a shorter recovery time and less discomfort
✔ Capable of achieving high graft numbers per session, making it an excellent choice for those needing significant restoration
✔ Allows for short hairstyles post-procedure, as there is no visible scarring (especially no linear scar)

Cons of FUE:

✖ Slightly more time-consuming than FUT, as each graft is individually extracted
✖ Requires highly skilled specialists to avoid follicle damage—choosing an experienced team is crucial

Here are images from the Donor Area of a patient after an FUE Procedure. Notice tiny pin-hole apertures that close within days. No stitches are required and hair can be worn long or short.

Day After FUE Procedure

1 Week After FUE Procedure

8 Months After FUE Procedure

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

FUT, also known as strip harvesting, involves surgically removing a strip of scalp from the donor area. This technique was historically favored for its ability to transplant a large number of grafts in one session however, with modern advances in technology, this is no longer the case.

Pros:

  • Historically allowed for the transplantation of a large number of grafts in a single session and was touted for patients requiring more extensive coverage. However, specialized FUE clinics like Advanced Hair are able to achieve a similar or even greater number of grafts using the FUE procedure at the same or lower cost.

  • Was once more cost-effective per graft compared to FUE, but over time, this benefit has diminished.

Cons:

  • Leaves a linear scar at the donor site, which can be noticeable if hair is cut short

  • Longer recovery time due to the surgical incision.

  • Greater potential for post-operative discomfort

When is FUT Still a Viable Option?

While FUT is largely considered an outdated technique, there are a few scenarios where it may still be appropriate, including:

  • Scar Correction – When patients need to revise or improve the appearance of a previous FUT scar.

  • Female Hair Transplant (in some instances) – Some female patients may be better candidates for FUT depending on hair density and styling preferences.

  • Patient Preference – In rare cases, some patients may still opt for FUT due to personal reasons.

Here are images from the Donor Area of a patient after an FUT Procedure. The donor area contains a linear scar that heals over time and can be concealed with longer hair.

2 Weeks After FUT Procedure

8 Months After FUT Procedure

Day after FUT Procedure

FUE: The Preferred Choice for Hair Transplantation

FUE has become the leading choice for hair restoration, thanks to advancements in technology and technique. While FUT was once the standard, modern FUE has surpassed it in popularity—for good reason. Today, FUE accounts for over 75% of hair transplants, offering natural-looking results without the drawbacks of visible scarring or prolonged recovery times.

Consumer Warning: Beware of Overpriced FUE

Be cautious of clinics that charge significantly more for FUE. The cost of FUE should now be comparable to FUT, yet some clinics inflate their prices by falsely claiming that FUE places a greater strain on resources. In reality, many clinics favor FUT simply because they lack the expertise to perform high-volume FUE procedures effectively or because FUT has lower direct costs for them.

While FUE requires less physical strain on the physician, advancements in technique have made it the superior option for nearly all cases. When choosing a clinic, prioritize skill, experience, and results—not misleading pricing tactics.

Why Choose Advanced Hair Restoration?

At Advanced Hair Restoration, we have specialized in Advanced FUE® hair transplantation since our founding in 2011. No other clinic matches our experience and expertise in this field.

  • Unmatched Experience: Our team has performed thousands of successful FUE procedures.

  • Proven Results: We deliver natural, lasting hair restoration without the limitations of outdated techniques.

  • Competitive Pricing: We believe exceptional hair restoration should be accessible, offering Advanced FUE® at industry-leading prices—often lower than other clinics.

Schedule a free consultation today and discover how Advanced Hair has redefined excellence in hair transplantation.