With so many advancements in hair transplant technology, it may seem like there are endless options readily available. On the one hand, that’s fantastic news for all those looking to restore their hair to its former glory!
But on the other hand, it can seem overwhelming, making the already stressful situation of hair loss and possible solutions feel like never-ending options one must spend hours sifting through. Hair restoration should be an exciting journey, not a worrisome one! That’s where Advanced Medical Hair Institute can help.
Today, we’ll break down two popular hair restoration options, Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transfer (FUT) – both of which we perform right here at our Las Vegas hair transplant center – so that you can kick off your research journey with ease.
Follicular Unit Excision
Let’s start with the FUE procedure. FUE is a type of hair restoration surgery that involves the extraction of individual hair follicles from a donor site, which is typically the back of the head or the sides.
The removed hair follicles are then implanted into the balding areas. Because special microsurgical tools are used for this procedure, only tiny puncture scars are left behind when performed by a skilled doctor, like Doctor Joseph Williams here at Advanced Medial Hair Institute. As this procedure involves individual hair follicles, it tends to be more time-consuming than others.
How long does it take to recover from an FUE hair transplant?
So, what makes Follicular Unit Excision so popular? Other than traditionally smaller scars when compared to other procedures, the short recovery period is a big draw for those battling hair loss.
Because individual follicles are removed one at a time, which can be three or four hairs, there is little downtown for this procedure. In fact, the average recovery time is around one week, with patients experiencing little discomfort or post-surgery pain.
Is FUE permanent?
Yes, a Follicular Unit Excision is a permanent hair loss solution. There are a few issues to expect after a hair transplant that are all completely normal, like the shedding of transplanted hair or scabbing. Don’t worry, as these minor inconveniences will resolve themselves once your scalp has had ample time to heal.
Who are the best candidates for a Follicular Unit Excision?
Wondering if FUE is right for you? Typically, the best candidates for a Follicular Unit Excision:
- Are in good health and can safely lay on their stomach for hours during the procedure
- Have hair loss at the top of the head or near the front hairline
- Are those who have healthy donor sites, as – barring specific situations – it isn’t possible to use donor hair from someone else
How much does FUE cost?
Because of the time-consuming nature of this procedure and the need to harvest individual follicles, it’s often more costly than other hair transplant surgery options. To better assess the cost of an FUE and evaluate whether or not it’s a viable solution for your needs, schedule a consultation with our Las Vegas hair restoration center at your earliest convenience!
Follicular Unit Transfer
Also known as a “strip procedure,” a Follicular Unit Transfer is one in which a strip of hair is removed from a donor site rather than individual follicles.
The removal site on the scalp is then closed with stitches, and the grafting process begins. In the grafting process, the removed strip of hair is separated into pieces; how many depends on the surgeon and the patient’s needs. One strip of hair could produce thousands of grafts, with each graft containing between one and four follicles.
Once the grafting process is complete, the surgeon creates small holes in the transplant site and carefully implants the grafts. Because of the extraction and transplant process, patients will have both a linear scar and small, circular ones, similar to what you’d see in an FUE procedure.
FUT recovery time
Because this type of hair restoration procedure requires removing a strip of hair from the scalp at once, it has a longer recovery time. It could take five weeks or longer to fully recover from this surgery, and recovery comes with many of the same common issues you’d experience with other types, like hair shedding and scabbing.
Are results permanent?
Just like FUE, FUT is considered a permanent solution to hair loss. Just be sure you carefully follow the after-care guidelines set forth by your surgeon!
Is everyone a candidate for a Follicular Unit Transfer?
Those best suited for this type of hair loss solution are those who:
- Have good scalp laxity
- Do not have time constraints when it comes to recovery
- Prefer longer hairstyles to help hide any scarring
- Are dealing with significant hair loss
What’s the cost of FUT?
The exact price of a Follicular Unit Transfer surgery is dependent upon the patient’s hair loss condition but does tend to be more affordable than others, including FUE. Interested in discussing this hair loss situation and if you’re a candidate? Contact us now!
At a glance: FUE vs. FUT
The table below sums up how a Follicular Unit Excision compares to a Follicular Unit Transfer.
| Follicular Unit Excision | Follicular Unit Transfer | |
| How is hair extracted? | Individual follicles at a time | Removing a strip of hair at once |
| Scarring? | Small, circular dots at transplant sites | Linear scar on donor site + small dots at transplant sites |
| Recovery time | Around 1 week | Up to 5 weeks |
| Candidates | Healthy, Looking to quickly resume normal activities, Small treatment area/limited hair loss | Healthy, Have ample time to dedicate to recovery, Dealing with significant hair loss, Prefer longer hair styles |
| Cost | Typically one of the more costly hair restoration procedures | Typically one of the more affordable options |
Discuss your options with Advanced Medical Hair Institute today!
With locations in both Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada, and the ability to schedule a virtual consultation from anywhere, Advanced Medical Hair Institute makes it easy to find the best hair loss solution for you.
Get in touch with our qualified, experienced team to discuss our FUE and FUT procedures, pricing, and more. We look forward to helping you get on the road to the best hair of your life!
