Follicular Unit Extraction vs. Follicular Unit Transplantation
As we age, our genetic code may exhibits errors as it replicates within us to create new cells. One of the more annoying errors is the one that causes balding. Furthermore, expression of the genetic code, particularly as it pertains to males, is affected by the effects of Testosterone being converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). If you start to experience hair loss, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your hairstyle. Procedures are available that can grant you your full head of hair, despite your genetics.
Two of the most popular treatments are follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT/ STRIP). Either method can be effective when it comes to restoring your hair. Find out which works better for your needs using this handy FUE vs. FUT comparison.
Follicular Unit Extraction
Follicular Unit Extraction involves harvesting individual follicles without disrupting surrounding skin on your scalp. These hair follicles are extracted from donor zones where patients have dense hair. They are carefully transplanted to places where follicle density is weak or even nonexistent. Removal of individual follicles from areas of significant density, still leaves significant density. Removal of the individual follicles leaves no visible scarring. No linear scar is formed. Regrowth of the hair from untouched follicles within the donor zone leaves an area where the harvest is unnoticeable, granting the patient a more cohesive look.
Since this method leaves behind no linear scar recovery is easy. Small puncture marks from the FUE harvest typically heal within a few days to a week. This method requires a lot of concentrated effort, so you can expect the procedure to take longer than its alternative, but the results speak for themselves.
Follicular Unit Transplantation-a.k.a. STRIP HARVEST
With the Follicular Unit Transplantation method or this method, one or more strips of skin will be removed from the donor zone in the back of the patient’s head. The donated hair follicles are then extracted from this strip and transplanted to the thinning areas. Since tissue is actively removed from your scalp, you can expect more discomfort from this method.
The most substantial side effects of this method is the linear scar left behind on the back of your head. It’s typically small and can be concealed by most hairstyles. However, while many men desire hair restoration, they often chose to wear their hair short. Hence a scar in the back of the head may remain visible–even throughout life. The scar may fade with time. However it may widen with time. It can remain painful or numb, STrip harvest patients often require stronger pain medication to deal with the pain and discomfort that strip harvest removal may cause.
FUE vs. FUT:STRIP
When it comes to choosing which type of hair loss treatment is right for you, there are two main differences to remember between FUE and FUT.
The first is procedural pain and recovery pain. FUT can be significantly more painful than FUE because FUT involves removing strips of skin from your scalp. The harvest site is closed with sutures or surgical staples. This can be painful, and tight during the recovery period. In the long run, the donor scar may remain numb or painful. Meanwhile, FUE instead removes individual follicles from your donor zone leaving minute circular sites that typically heal with little or no pain. FUE procedures may take a bit longer, but are typically less painful.
The second difference to consider, and perhaps most important is the aesthetic result of each method. Transplanted follicles will typically grow in your troubled or recipient areas no matter which method you choose. However FUT will leave you with a linear scar on your head at the site of the donor harvest. This scar will be visible, particularly in any man that wears his hair styled short, as so many men chose to do. FUE leaves behind no visible or linear scarring, a major advantage over the FUT or STRIP Method.
FUE at Vegas Valley Hair Restoration
If you’re looking for follicular unit extraction treatment you can count on, Dr. Simon at Vegas Valley Hair Restoration has the knowledge, experience and skills you seek. With his Board Certified expertise, you can typically achieve your desired hair restoration in just one session. Hence the FUE vs. FUT question is easy to answer. Dr. Simon performs FUE with the state of the art NEOGRAFT system. Contact us to learn more about what we can offer you, and schedule an appointment today.
