FUT vs FUE Hair Transplant – Which is Better?

Hair loss can be traumatic and a cause for concern for both men and women – while it is more common for men to lose their hair with male pattern baldness affecting around 50% of men by the age of 50, the NHS report that 8 million women in the UK experience hair loss so it is an issue that affects both genders.

There are various genetic, hormonal and medical conditions that can lead to male and female hair loss. While it is natural for people to lose hair as they age, people often find that hair loss can negatively impact their lives in many ways, including significant dips in self-esteem and an increase in self-consciousness which is a dangerous combination. So, what options are there for those that are dealing with hair loss? Hair transplants are an excellent solution which can help to restore self-confidence and allow an individual to enjoy life with a full head of hair that they are able to grow naturally. 

Types Of Hair Transplant

Currently, there are two different types of hair transplants that are available to patients and it is important to be aware of the differences so that you can find the right solution for your particular condition. These options are Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) and Follicular Unit Excision – read on to weigh up the pros and cons of each procedure so that you can make an informed decision and then take the first step towards a solution by contacting a hair transplant specialist.

FUT Overview

A FUT hair transplant is a procedure that involves taking strips or groups of hair follicles from an area with an abundance of hair (often the back of the head) and then dissecting the donor tissue into tiny individual grafts of 1-3 hairs (this is how they occur on the scalp). These are then inserted into circular incisions in the areas of the scalp affected by hair loss. Over time, this allows natural hair growth to the affected region with maximum survival of the grafts. FUT delivers high success rates and is the more traditional yet still popular hair transplant procedure. 

Pros

• High success rates
• Fast procedure
• Affordable
• Large amounts of hair can be transplanted – ideal for those who want to cover a larger area

Cons

• Some permanent scarring can occur
• Somewhat invasive
• Wounds need to heal before more sessions
• Healing time is longer
• More expensive than FUE

FUE Overview

A FUE hair transplant, meanwhile, is a newer procedure but one which is rapidly growing in popularity and it is easy to see why. As opposed to taking strips or groups of follicles, this procedure involves taking individual healthy follicles from places with more hair and then inserting these into the affected area of the scalp. It has a similar success rate to FUT and is less-invasive because no incisions are required.

Pros

• High success rates
• Cheaper than FUT
• Less scarring
• Less scarring allows for shorter hairstyles
• Faster recovery time
• No scalp numbness
• Wider harvesting options

Cons

• Session times are longer 
• Cannot cover very large areas in one surgery 

Which is better: FUE or FUT?

So, which option is better? This will come down to your personal situation and condition but FUE is generally considered to be the more advanced procedure with a faster recovery time and minimal scarring.

Both procedures have high success rates and you should begin to see normal hair growth within 3-6 months so it is worth weighing up both options. Take a look at our hair transplant close up photos and videos to see what kind of results you can expect.

In most cases, you can’t get a hair transplant on the NHS. So it can be an expensive procedure. The best approach to take is to speak to a specialist who will be able to advise you on whether surgery is the best option, and which procedure is right for your particular situation. You can then get the ball rolling and start your journey toward a happier lifestyle and improved self-esteem.