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

Hair transplantation is becoming more accessible than ever in Australia as more locally-based clinics are opened.

Australians no longer need to travel overseas to restore their hair, with access to a variety of advanced hair transplant procedures right here at home.. Some of the more notable examples are Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) procedures.

The similar-sounding names can be initially confusing, so we have created this handy guide comparing FUE vs FUT hair transplant procedures. With insight into the differences and benefits of either technique, you can discover which hair transplant method might be right for you.

GRO Clinics is always ready to provide tailored services at your local hair transplant clinic. Read on to learn about our precise methodology in transplant procedures, including our exclusive offering of Precise Follicle Placement (PFP).

 

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Key Differences in FUE vs FUT Hair Transplant

Discover the key differences between FUE and FUT techniques through our comprehensive table below. The addition of the PFP method will help to gain an understanding of the current Australian market on hair transplantation:

 

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What Is FUE Hair Transplant?

The Follicular Unit Extraction method is characterised by the transplantation of individual hair follicles to areas of hair loss or balding.

Using a handheld device for precision, healthy hair follicles are carefully removed for transplantation elsewhere on the scalp. By taking only the healthiest and densest hair follicles, optimum results in hair growth can be achieved.

This method allows for quick recovery and minimal scarring, as the transplantation process requires only small incisions at the donor site. The exact length of the procedure can vary due to the scope of work required, but it tends to be lengthier in comparison to an FUT hair transplant.

Pro and Cons of a FUE Hair Transplant

When considering FUE vs FUT hair transplant procedures, the best insight into which option suits your needs can be gained through comparing advantages and disadvantages.

FUE transplants generally offer the following pros and cons when performed by a trusted transplant professional:

Pros

• Shorter recovery and healing time
• No stitches required, which means no repeat visits for stitch removal
• Minimal scarring in the form of dots
• Can wear a short hairstyle directly after transplantation
• Little to no pain after the procedure

Cons

• A pricier option
• More time is needed for the procedure, which can also be tiring for patients
• Hard to use for large areas of hair loss or balding
• Limited number of grafts that can be extracted and transplanted, which means some cases may need multiple sessions to complete
• Cannot have touch-up procedures in the future, even with FUT
• Hair may need to be shaved or trimmed for transplantation

 

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What Is FUT Hair Transplant?

Between FUT and FUE procedures, it is the Follicular Unit Transplantation method that is considered more invasive. It also tends to have a lengthier healing and recovery time due to its unique transplant methodology.

FUT surgery involves strips of tissue being removed from a donor area that contains healthy and strong hair follicles. The strips are then manually sliced into individual hair follicles for grafting purposes.

Overall, this technique is better suited for large cases of hair loss or balding. This is because a greater number of grafts can be transplanted in a single session, and it may have a higher success rate of growth than FUE.

Pro and Cons of a FUT Hair Transplant

In comparison to FUE hair transplant surgery, the FUT method has its own pros and cons to consider. Before choosing a particular method, consider how the following dot points may impact your experience or results:

Pros

• One of the cheaper options currently in Australia, especially when compared to FUE
• The procedure can be repeated in the future for additional hair growth support
• Can be used in combination with other hair transplant techniques and products
• Shorter procedure time
• Covers large areas of the scalp with new hair follicles

Cons

• May require stitches to complete
• Can leave a linear scar at the transplant site, which may stretch during the healing process
• May involve more discomfort during and after the procedure
• Lengthier healing time
• May have a higher rate of causing discomfort and swelling at the donor site

 

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Scarring, Recovery, and Healing

One of the most notable differences that patients are concerned about for FUE vs FUT is what follows the procedures. That is, how the recovery process looks in terms of appearance, success rates and the healing timeline.

FUE & FUT Surgery Aftercare Treatment

Whether you undergo an FUE or FUT procedure, your surgeon will provide an in-depth aftercare plan. However, there are some common instructions between the two that should be followed to optimise your results and secure your health:

• Eat a balanced diet for your health
• Stay hydrated to encourage hair growth
• Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking both before and after treatment to prevent any detrimental effects
• Avoid direct sunlight or heat to the scalp, which can be aided with a hat or headscarf
• Avoid tight or complex hairstyles
• Do not use any hair products with harsh chemicals, such as sulphates
• Do not wash your hair until recommended by your doctor or surgeon
• Only use a gentle hairbrush on your hair if needed, as harsh bristles will hurt the scalp
• Do not pick at the insertion site scabs as this will disrupt healing
• Spray hair with saline spray as directed
• Avoid strenuous activity for at least a week or so to prevent swelling
• Wash your hair once allowed by a doctor with mild, fragrance-free shampoo
• Manage any swelling with elevation and ice packs

It is also important to attend any follow-up appointments scheduled by a health professional or your hair transplant team. This will help keep track of your hair restoration progress and ensure any delays to the recovery process is addressed.

Gro Clinics will be sure to keep communications open to ensure the smoothest recovery process possible for you and your new hair. If you have any concerns about healing from your recent hair transplant, do not hesitate to reach out.

 

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Who Is Best Suited for FUE vs FUT Hair Transplant?

When choosing between FUE and FUT techniques, both hair transplant procedures offer noticeable regrowth and hair health benefits. However, their unique execution and recovery processes may cause one technique to be better suited to your needs over the other.

Some patient factors may impact the success or results of a hair transplant procedure. Your assigned hair transplant team or surgeon needs to consider these factors when deciding on which method to use:

1. Availability of donor hair follicles
2. Age of the patient
3. Comfort levels with extraction and transplantation methods
4. Extent of hair loss across the scalp
5. Scalp thickness
6. Fragility of hair transplants
7. Whether a combination of techniques is required for optimal results
8. Overall budget

Generally, you are best suited for a particular hair transplant method based on the recommendation of your hair growth expert and your personal preferences. Be sure to book an initial consultation to discuss your desired outcome and hair condition with an expert.

 

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Cost Implications: FUT vs FUE Hair Transplant

It should be first noted that, on average, an FUE surgery is more expensive than an FUT transplant. This is because more complex and time-consuming methods are required for an FUE hair transplant.

However, costs can vary further depending on patient and clinical factors. For example, some instances of an FUT hair transplant will be more expensive than an FUE one if more areas of the scalp need to be covered in new hair follicles.

• Overall, the costs of your chosen procedure can be affected by:
• The number of hair grafts needed
• The area of the scalp that is to have new hairs transplanted to
• The surgeon's or clinic's expertise and experience levels
• The hair transplant method chosen
• The hairline's final design
• The length of time required for a successful procedure, including whether repeat sessions are needed

The overall cost of your hair growth plan should be discussed during your initial consultation with an expert. However, some hair transplant clinics may offer flexible payment options to help you cover the costs of a procedure without breaking the bank.

Gro Clinics specialises in bespoke hair transplants, offering a range of payment plans to help remove the usual financial barriers that come with professional aid. The interest-free plans come in the form of:

1. Financing with TLC: Flexible terms that allow you to borrow part of or the full cost of your procedure. There are no upfront or hidden fees and 9 funding line options to choose from.
2. Financing with Humm90: A convenient payment method that allows you to cover the costs of a transplant in installments.

 

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Graft Quality and Yield

Both FUT and FUE hair transplant procedures aim for a high graft survival rate. By carefully choosing the most viable donor hair follicles, the targeted area of the scalp should experience higher success rates of growth.

While it is difficult to say which treatment method yields the best results in graft quality, the FUT stripping process tends to make preserving high-quality grafts easier. So long as the team dissecting the strip of tissue is well-trained, there is a lower risk of cutting any follicular units.

This ease is because the full length of the follicle can be seen and manoeuvred around. It contrasts with FUE transplants, wherein the direction of the hair follicles below the skin cannot be seen. This raises the chance of cutting the root during extraction.

However, if your transplant surgeon is experienced and renowned for their skills, both methods can yield high-quality hair grafts.

 

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Combining Techniques and PFP Options

It is possible to combine hair transplant techniques, including FUT and FUE.

In some cases, your hair transplant surgeon may recommend the use of both methods. This is because more optimal, natural-looking and long-lasting results may be achieved.

However, it should be noted that the FUT method can only be used once. The scalp may become too tight after the procedure, or the scarring may be wider than estimated.

That is why FUT is often used first to cover large parts of the scalp experiencing hair loss. After this, more precise placements of transplanted hair are made with FUE to ensure greater density and a more natural appearance.

While both methods can be successfully combined when used in the right order, the use of PFP often removes the need for multiple procedures. Its enhanced precision, minimal downtime and personalised approach ensure your new hair growth blends right into your existing hair.

Reduce the amount of procedures you need by looking into a PFP treatment at your local Gro Clinic.

 

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Ready to explore which hair transplant method is right for you?

At their core, both FUT and FUE have the same intended result of restoring hair loss. While FUT uses tissue stripping and FUE an individual hair extraction method, the right method ultimately comes down to you and your needs.

Find out exactly what your hair needs by speaking to a hair restoration expert today. Gro Clinics provides every patient with a hair transplant plan tailored to your hair goals.

Book your consult

 

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