There are various hair transplantation methods such as FUE, FUT, and DHI. A frequently asked question by our patients is which of these methods is the best. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. We suggest that you decide after discussing with your cosmetic surgeon, considering your objectives, existing hair density, financial capacity, and other factors. In this article, we will delve into the distinctions among these three methods and discuss their respective strengths and weaknesses.
How Is Fut Hair Transplantation Done?
containing an adequate number of follicles is extracted from the back of the patient’s head. This donor area is chosen because the hair in this region is less susceptible to hair loss compared to the temples and crown of the head, and is less influenced by androgenic alopecia. The width of the strip typically ranges between 1-1.5 cm.
Before the procedure, the surgeon trims the hair to a length of 2 mm and administers local anesthesia to the scalp. Full anesthesia is not required for this process, but sedation can be used if desired.
After the strip has been excised, the surgeon carefully dissects it under a microscope into smaller sections. These follicular units are then transplanted into areas of the scalp experiencing hair thinning.
In the past, FUT was the primary method for hair transplantation. It is a relatively quicker and more cost-effective procedure. It is employed when achieving high hair density is necessary, and the resulting scar at the donor site can be concealed by the surrounding hair length. Experienced plastic surgeons know how to skillfully close the scar in a way that promotes hair growth over it, further camouflaging signs of surgical intervention. Additionally, the scar can be concealed using a technique called scalp micro-pigmentation.
Around 10-14 days after the surgery, the stitches are removed. Recovery from FUT hair transplantation is comparably longer than the other two techniques. During the initial 3-4 weeks, it’s advised to avoid strenuous physical activities and swimming.
The strengths of the FUT method include robust hair graft integration. Grafts are extracted from a region of the scalp that is more resilient to hair loss. Moreover, a larger amount of surrounding tissue is harvested along with each follicle, which safeguards the grafts and enhances their chances of successful engraftment.
FUE Method Of Hair Transplantation
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) is a hair transplantation technique that involves the individual extraction and transplantation of follicles from a donor area of the skin. It is a minimally invasive method, which is why it is preferred by most doctors and patients.
The FUE procedure comprises three stages. In the first stage, the plastic surgeon uses a special tool called a punch to extract follicles from the donor area. Typically, around 4,000 follicles are extracted during this phase.
The second step involves preparing the scalp for transplantation. Using a scalpel, the doctor creates incisions where the follicles will be implanted. The expertise and skill of the doctor play a crucial role in achieving a natural and high-quality result. Factors such as the density of the channels and the angle of hair growth are significant.
In the third stage, grafts are placed into the created canals. Following this, an antibiotic is applied and bandages are placed on the scalp. As with other hair transplantation methods, some hair loss can be expected immediately after the operation, which is a normal process. Subsequently, new hair will start to grow in those areas. The final outcome of the hair transplant can be anticipated around 6-8 months after the procedure.
The primary advantage of FUE hair transplantation is that it leaves minimal scarring on the donor area of the head. Small circular marks remain where the grafts were taken, which are easily concealed even with a small amount of hair. This makes FUE hair transplants a suitable option for men who prefer short hairstyles.
The second significant benefit of the FUE method is its minimal invasiveness. This procedure places less stress on the body, leading to faster patient recovery. Most individuals can resume sports activities within just 1-2 weeks and can even swim in non-chlorinated water.
Some hair transplant clinics perform FUE transplants using sapphire blades. These blades possess a hard and smooth surface, enabling the creation of neater channels with reduced tissue damage. This contributes to a quicker recovery. Moreover, sapphire blades allow surgeons to make more precise incisions and adjust their angles better, resulting in a dense and natural hair growth line.
DHI Method Of Hair Transplantation
DHI is not a standalone hair transplantation method like FUE or FUT. Instead, it’s a graft implantation technique that can be employed in conjunction with either of the previous methods. Most frequently, it is incorporated during FUE surgeries.
The core of the DHI technique lies in the application of a specialized instrument called the Choi pen for both extraction and implantation of follicles. In this method, there’s no need to create separate channels in the donor skin area. Since the follicles spend less time outside the skin, the risk of root damage is diminished, resulting in better hair implantation. Additionally, the DHI technique often enables surgeons to achieve higher hair density compared to scalpel-based FUE or FUT methods.
Furthermore, DHI hair transplantation allows the option to skip shaving the hair in the transplantation area. Due to this characteristic, the method is frequently suggested for women facing hair density loss.
Certain aesthetic surgery centers offer robotic hair transplantation utilizing the DHI technique. This system employs special calculations to determine the optimal depth and angle for each follicle’s transplantation, enhancing the assurance of a natural-looking outcome.
The primary drawback of DHI hair transplantation is its higher cost. This is attributed to the usage of 6-10 Choi implant pens per operation.
Comparison of FUE, FUT, and DHI Methods – Pros and Cons
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) are three popular methods of hair transplantation. Each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a comparison of the three methods:
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction):
Pros:
Minimal scarring: FUE involves extracting individual hair follicles one by one, which results in tiny, dot-like scars that are less noticeable than the linear scar from FUT.
No linear scar: Unlike FUT, FUE does not require a linear strip of scalp to be removed, making it a good option for those who prefer to keep their hair short.
Faster recovery: The healing time is generally faster since there’s no need to recover from a linear incision.
Versatility: FUE can be used for both small and large grafts, making it suitable for various levels of hair loss.
Cons:
Time-consuming: FUE is a labor-intensive process that can take longer compared to FUT.
Limited grafts in a single session: The number of grafts that can be extracted in one session may be limited, potentially requiring multiple sessions for extensive hair loss.
Higher cost: Due to the labor-intensive nature of the procedure, FUE tends to be more expensive than FUT.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation):
Pros:
Higher graft yield: In a single session, FUT can yield a larger number of grafts compared to FUE, which can be beneficial for patients with advanced hair loss.
Lower cost: FUT is generally less expensive than FUE due to the efficiency of harvesting a strip of scalp.
Less time-consuming: The process of harvesting the strip is faster than extracting individual follicles.
Cons:
Linear scar: FUT involves removing a strip of scalp, leading to a linear scar that can be visible if the hair is cut very short.
Longer recovery: The healing time for the linear scar can be longer, and physical activity restrictions might be necessary during recovery.
Limited hairstyle options: The linear scar can restrict hairstyle choices, particularly those that involve short hair.
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation):
Pros:
Precise implantation: DHI allows for the direct implantation of hair follicles without the need to create recipient sites, potentially leading to more precise placement.
Minimal handling of grafts: The grafts are placed using specialized instruments, reducing the risk of damage during implantation.
Faster results: DHI may provide quicker visible results due to the immediate placement of grafts.
Cons:
Skill-dependent: DHI requires a high level of skill and expertise, as the procedure involves meticulous placement of grafts using special tools.
Limited grafts per session: Similar to FUE, DHI might have limitations on the number of grafts that can be transplanted in a single session.
Potentially higher cost: Due to the specialized equipment and skill required, DHI can be more expensive than other methods.
Ultimately, the choice between FUE, FUT, and DHI depends on factors such as the patient’s hair loss level, desired outcomes, budget, and the expertise of the surgeon. Consulting with a qualified hair transplant specialist is essential to determine the most suitable method for an individual’s unique situation.
Which Hair Transplantation Method is Suitable for Me?
There isn’t a universally superior hair transplantation method; rather, the choice depends on numerous factors. Several variables, including the extent of hair loss, donor area hair density and type, and anticipated outcomes, play a pivotal role in selecting the appropriate surgical approach. Expert plastic surgeons typically suggest a specific technique after an in-person consultation and assessment. For virtual consultations, patients provide photographs capturing their head from various angles, enabling the doctor to offer more precise recommendations.