Indians are blessed with healthy hair having higher density and better volume, making them a perfect candidate for hair transplantation. Their naturally wavy hair with good texture, well-aligned follicles, and larger cross-sectional diameter helps achieve a natural hairline even after transplantation. These traits of Indian hair will help you achieve better scalp coverage even while having low-density follicles. However, the most common question that might be lingering in your mind would be which hair transplant technique would give you favourable results. In this write-up, we have tried to provide you with an insight into the two best hair transplant techniques – Follicular Unit Transplantation and Follicular Unit Extraction. Even though both FUE and FUT transplantation methods are very effective and focus on achieving similar outcomes, they tend to differ in a few ways[1]. Keep reading to learn more about these two hair transplant methods to make a well-informed decision.
What is FUE hair transplant?
Follicular Unit Extraction is a modern transplantation method that involves the removal and transplantation of individual follicles in areas with heavy hair loss[2]. It is ideal for people facing thinning hair issues and balding patches. As this process of hair transplantation involves the transplantation of single follicles with high precision, it requires more time than the FUT method. However, the FUE technique is performed by making tiny incisions to harvest around 2000 grafts per session, resulting in minimal scars.
What is FUT hair transplant?
Follicular Unit Transplantation hair transplant technique is also referred to as the strip technique. This procedure involves the removal of a skin strip from the donor area featuring active and functional follicular units. The strip removal will usually be performed at the back of your scalp and will measure a width between 0.4 and 0.6 inches. The strip would then be segregated into several tiny groups of hair follicles, which would be transplanted in the recipient site in the crown or hairline. The implantation of hair grafts will be performed within two FUT sessions. This hair transplant technique allows the surgeon to transplant up to 3500 hair grafts per session, which is why there is a chance of linear scarring
Key differences between FUE and FUT techniques
Both FUE and FUT hair restoration techniques are very effective for people facing severe or patterned hair loss with excellent success rates[3]. A recent survey by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery revealed that the FUE procedure was more popular than FUT[4]. However, the FUT technique also has a fair share of benefits and is quicker than FUT. Keep reading to learn about the major differences between the two hair restoration procedures.
1. Transplantation Method
FUE Method: The FUE technique focuses on extracting single hair follicles one by one with a special micro-punching device.
FUT Method: A narrow strip from one side of the scalp will be surgically extracted and will be dissected as graft clusters for implantation.
2. Scarring Risk
FUE Method: As this method is performed by making small incisions on the scalp for implantation, you will have only dot-like scars that will be invisible even for shorter hairstyles.
FUT Method: This hair transplant method involves the removal of a strip with healthy follicles, which, after healing, might leave noticeable linear scars.
3. Recovery Period
FUE Method: The downtime for FUE hair transplant is quicker, as you will have mild discomfort caused by tiny incision wounds.
FUT Method: The downtime for FUT will be longer than for FUE, as you might have numbness and tightness caused by sutures on the scalp. As it is useful for large graft coverage, the recovery time will be longer[5].
4. Graft Numbers
FUE Method: With this advanced transplantation method, it is possible to extract 3500-plus grafts per session.
FUT Method: It is useful for hair transplant that demands a large number of grafts to rectify thinning scalp and balding patches.
5. Suitability
FUE Method: It is ideal for people with short hairstyles looking for a transplant method with quicker recovery and less scarring.
FUT Method: It is perfect for those facing severe hair loss and balding who are willing to undergo a longer recovery and aren’t concerned about scars.
6. Discomfort/Pain
FUE Method: After an FUE procedure, you will have minimal pain or discomfort as there are no sutures, and you will be under local anaesthesia.
FUT Method: There would be higher degree of discomfort and pain caused by scalp sutures.
7. Outcome Visibility
FUE Method: The hair growth outcome after the FUE technique will be gradually visible between 6 and 12 months.
FUT Method: You will be able to find baby hairs after 6 months, which will improve in density and length upon complete healing.
Hair density and natural results in Indian hair
Here’s how to achieve natural hairline results and hair density for Indian hair:
Unique Hair Angulation: It is essential to understand that the hair angulation pattern of every individual is unique. An expert surgeon would make perfect slits to ensure hair follicles are angularly oriented to achieve a natural hairline.
Arrangement of Non-Linear Hair Grafts: If your hair transplant is performed by an inexperienced hair surgeon, the placement of follicles during implantation might be zigzag. Such uneven placement of grafts might affect the linear arrangement of follicular units and make hair regrowth look like a wig.
Right Graft Placement: An experienced surgeon would know that thicker graft placement must be at the rear and thinner grafts must be placed at the front and temples. Such an implantation pattern will help in deriving a natural hairline with fuller hair for extensive coverage.
Focus on the Extended Hairline: To get the desired outcome after a hair transplant, you must have an extended hairline below the actual hairline[6]. It will help achieve a natural hairline, as it would have triple zones – the front tufts, defined zone, and transition area. It will help achieve a natural Indian hairline that is fully covered with good density.
Minimal Graft Damage: A skilled hair surgeon will maintain minimal graft damage to maintain top-notch survival rates and density. It is a critical aspect when performing an FUE transplant, as the chances of graft damage will be higher. So, it is essential to select a well-known hair surgeon specializing in all hair transplant techniques.
Opting for the Right Transplant Method: If you are looking for a high-density procedure, opting for the FUE method will be a wise choice. If looking for an effective procedure with a better graft survival rate and density, FUT will be useful[7].
Scarring And Recovery Time Comparison
Scarring for FUE
Tiny dot-like scars in a circular shape in the donor area
Scars will be barely visible even when wearing short buzz cuts
Scars will fade after some months during recovery
Scarring for FUT
This procedure will leave a single linear scar developing horizontally at the back of the scalp
The scar will be visible only with a short hairstyle, and remains hidden with a long hairstyle
It is a permanent scar that might get thinner if performed by an experienced transplant surgeon
Recovery Time for FUE
A week for initial healing
7 to 10 days for scab falling
2 to 5 days for returning to normal activities
After 10 days, perform slight workouts
Recovery Time for FUT
One to two weeks for initial healing
Two weeks to remove stitches
After a week to return to regular activities
3 to 4 weeks to perform mild workouts
Graft Survival Rate and Long-Term Results
For FUE
About 95% graft survival rate
It is based on the skill and expertise of a transplant surgeon
Delicate graft extraction process
The results are long-term and permanent when extracted from a healthy donor area
For FUT
About 98% graft survival rate
As grafts are removed along with the strip, better chances of graft survival
The procedure requires a longer duration for graft placement
Offers permanent results in the long run, but might require hair loss management for other areas
Cost difference between FUE and FUT in India
FUT technique will cost between Rs. 35 and Rs. 50 per graft. The overall cost for around 2000 grafts might cost between Rs. 40000 and Rs. 80000.
FUT technique will need about Rs. 35 to Rs. 50 per graft. For 2000 grafts, you might have to spend from Rs. 75000 to Rs. 150000
Which hair transplant method is better for Indian patients
You must remember that there isn’t a single hair transplant method available for Indian patients that would work the best. The choice of transplantation technique is based on your pattern of hair loss, hair quality in the donor area, goals, and budget. If you have short hair, you can go for the FUE transplant method, and for longer hair, FUT would be preferable. If you have concerns or doubts regarding the best hair transplant procedures, consult hair experts at Akrutitoday!
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