Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves moving hair follicles from a donor site to a bald or balding part of the body. This procedure is primarily used to address male pattern baldness, though it may also apply to some women. Several methods are available for performing this procedure, each with its own approach to harvesting and implanting hair follicles. Here is more information about these techniques to help you have a more informed discussion with a specialist:
Follicular Unit Extraction
Follicular unit extraction, or FUE, is a method of obtaining hair follicles for transplantation. In this procedure, individual follicular units, which are small groupings of one to four hairs, are harvested directly from the donor area. The surgeon typically uses a small, circular punch tool to extract each follicular unit individually.
This process creates tiny, dot-like scars in the donor area, which may be less noticeable than the scar from other methods. Because surgeons remove follicles individually, the procedure does not require a large strip of tissue to be removed. They then prepare the extracted follicles for placement. After the extraction, the surgeon can make small incisions and implant the units. The arrangement and angle of these implanted hairs are planned to create a natural-looking pattern of hair growth.
Follicular Unit Transplantation
Follicular unit transplantation, also known as FUT or the strip method, is a standard technique in hair transplant procedures. Surgeons surgically remove a small strip of tissue from the donor area, which usually lies on the back or sides of the head. After removing the strip, they close the wound, typically with sutures.
The closure results in a linear scar in the donor area. Technicians may dissect the scalp tissue under a microscope, carefully separating it into individual follicular units. These follicular units will then undergo preparation for implantation. The surgeon can create tiny incisions in the recipient’s scalp, similar to the FUE method.
Prepared follicular grafts are placed into these incisions. The surgeon’s skill in dissecting and placing the grafts may influence the final appearance. They designed this minimally invasive technique to leave tiny, almost imperceptible scars, which may be ideal for patients seeking a natural-looking outcome.
Aesthetic Concerns and Practicality
Both FUE and FUT methods have distinct characteristics that may influence a person’s decision. The FUT method typically allows for a large number of grafts to be transplanted in a single session. A linear scar will be visible, but it may be concealable with hair that is at least half an inch long. The FUE method avoids a linear scar and instead leaves small, round scars scattered across the donor area, which may be less visible, especially with shorter hairstyles.
Schedule a Visit for a Hair Transplant
Learning about hair transplant techniques is a good first step. A one-on-one consultation with a specialist provides an opportunity to receive personalized information and have your questions answered directly. If you would like to explore your options further, schedule a consultation with our team. Contact a dermatologist today to book your appointment and speak with a hair loss specialist.
