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.

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:

  • Minimally invasive with no linear scar, making it ideal for patients who prefer shorter recovery times and less discomfort

  • Capable of achieving high graft numbers per session

  • Ability to wear hair short post-procedure as there is no visible scarring (and especially since there is no linear scar)

Cons:

  • Slightly more time-consuming than FUT, as each graft must be individually extracted

  • Requires specialized skill and experience to avoid follicle damage – make sure to choose a highly qualified team

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

Note: There are several circumstances when an FUT is still a viable solution, including Scar Correction, Female Hair Transplant (in some instances) and Patient Preference.

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 Today

FUE has become the dominant choice for hair transplantation due to advancements in technology and techniques. Initially, FUT was more common, but as FUE evolved, it surpassed FUT in popularity - and for good reason. FUE procedures now account for more than 75% of hair transplants, offering results that rival those achieved by older techniques without the drawbacks of visible scarring and longer and more painful recovery times.

Consumer Warning

Be cautious of clinics that charge significantly more for FUE. Costs for FUE should now be on parity with FUT and many clinics emphasize the greater strain on the system when in actuality, it does not exist. Additionally, many clinics still prefer FUT due to their lack of proficiency with FUE (ability to harvest larger graft counts) and lower out-of-pocket cost since they price FUE higher. Yes, FUE requires less stress on the physician, but advancements in FUE have made it suitable for all cases. Choose a clinic based on skill and results, not just on cost.

Conclusion

At Advanced Hair Restoration, we have been performing the latest Advanced FUE surgical hair transplantation procedures since our founding in 2011. No other clinic has as much experience in Advanced FUE Hair transplantation.

We are committed to patient satisfaction and delivering excellent results in a safe surgical environment.

We understand the value of hair transplantation to the customer and offer Advanced FUE® procedures at competitive prices, often lower than those other practices.

Schedule a free consultation and discover Advanced Hair’s expertise and technology have raised the bar in hair transplantation.