If you are experiencing hair loss, you’re likely weighing options for the best natural hair transplant method. The two main types of hair transplants are Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Both methods have their merits and points to consider. FUE is the more common hair transplant surgery method today. At The Lumen Center, we offer two breakthrough FUE hair transplant procedures that are considered game-changers in the hair restoration industry: the Robotic ARTAS iX® System and the NeoGraft® Automated FUE System.
What is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)?
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is one of the latest advances in hair restoration. It is a method of surgically harvesting donor hair where it continues to thrive – typically on the back of the head or the sides. Then, it is transplanted to the area it is needed where the hair stops growing, or you are experiencing thinning hair. In male-pattern baldness, this is usually on the crown, top, or front of your head.
With the FUE method, individual follicular units are removed directly from the donor site on the scalp. An instrument is used to make a small, circular incision in the skin around the follicular unit or graft. A graft usually contains 1-4 hair follicles. Finally, tiny recipient sites are made in the balding or recipient areas of the scalp, and the transplanted hair is implanted.
What Are the Advantages of FUE Hair Transplantation?
One of the biggest benefits of an FUE Hair Transplant is no cutting or stitches, unlike a Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT), which leaves a linear scar. Other advantages of an FUE hair restoration surgery include:
- Safe procedure with minimal risk of complications.
- Results are completely natural, permanent, and undetectable once new hair grows in.
- Since there is no linear scar, hair can be kept very short, if desired.
- Little to no scarring – if there is scarring, the scars are the size of pinpricks.
- The technique is minimally-invasive.
- Virtually painless – during and after the procedure.
- Only high-quality hair follicles are extracted.
- Experience no damage to pre-existing hair.
- Since there are no incisions, the donor and recipient areas heal quickly, typically within 7-10 days.
- Fast recovery with minimal activity restrictions. Most patients are back to work after a long weekend of recovery.
How Does an FUE Hair Transplant Differ from Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)?
FUE is a more modern and popular method of hair restoration. FUT, also known as strip surgery, differs from FUE in how the donor hair is removed. With FUT, a strip of tissue is removed from the donor area at the back of the head. This long incision creates a noticeable linear scar and requires staples or stitches to close the incision. This more invasive procedure is more painful and also has a longer recovery time than an FUE procedure. Aside from the extraction, implantation for the two procedures is much the same. Like the FUE procedure, the grafts using the FUT method are separated and then implanted into the recipient sites.
Who Is a Good Candidate for an FUE Procedure?
Most men with male pattern baldness and sufficient donor hair are good candidates for the follicular unit extraction procedure. Hair transplantation also may be an option for women with pattern baldness and thinning hair. However, women experience hair loss differently than men, with diffuse thinning throughout. We often pursue other hair restoration procedures as the first course of action. An FUE procedure is best if you:
- Prefer a shorter hairstyle
- Are concerned about a linear or visible scar
- Desire a less invasive method of harvesting hair follicles
- Want less discomfort and downtime after your procedure
- Want the least amount of activity restriction
Which Is Better – the ARTAS or NeoGraft Systems?
Both the ARTAS iX Robotic Hair Transplant System and Neograft Automated System are the most innovative devices in the industry to complete FUE. The ARTAS iX is also known as Robotic FUE and uses a physician-assisted robot to remove grafts from the donor area. The ARTAS is incredibly precise, efficient, and there is no chance of overharvesting donor hair. The NeoGraft uses an automated handpiece to gently extract hair follicles from a donor site and implant them where you need them. Both procedures produce exceptional, natural-looking results and all of the benefits of an FUE procedure. You and your hair transplant surgeon can discuss the best system to use for your hair transplant.
What Is the Cost of an FUE Hair Transplant?
An FUE procedure requires skill, expertise, and high-tech tools to assist with excision. However, the total cost of the procedure will depend on several factors, including the number of grafts needed, the amount of density you want in balding or thinning areas, and the amount of donor hair available. Learn more about what to expect for the hair restoration surgery cost and the value a high-quality hair transplant surgeon can provide to your overall experience.
Book An FUE Hair Restoration Consultation Today
At The Lumen Center in Philadelphia, you won’t just get a great FUE hair transplant. You’ll also have a caring and compassionate team who is with you every step of the way on your hair restoration journey.
It starts with booking a complimentary consultation with Dr. Andrew Kwak, founder of Lumen and hair transplant surgeon. During your consultation, Dr. Kwak will perform your hair and scalp analysis, which includes determining how much donor hair you have available. He’ll also discuss the number of grafts needed, where to move the hair follicles, and will draw a proposed new hairline. He’ll review your options that both satisfy your concerns and achieve your hair growth goals.
Dr. Kwak will show you how he blends his artistry with the best technology in the hair transplant field. It’s the reason he has performed many hair transplant procedures with stellar, natural-looking results.