FUE vs FUT Hair Transplant: Which is Best for You?

When you are first considering a hair transplant, it is important to understand the difference between FUE vs FUT hair transplant. According to studies, up to 85% of males and 40% of females are affected by hair loss for many various reasons. In this article, we will look at two methods, FUE vs FUT hair transplant, to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. Read on to get a full understanding of the two procedures and decide which is better for you.

What is a FUE hair transplant?

FUE, which stands for Follicular unit extraction, is the process of taking individual hair follicles from your scalp and moving them to another part of your body where hair’s thinner or absent. FUE is a minimally invasive hair restoration option that requires great skill and precision to achieve the best results.

Here at Enhance Hair Restoration, your surgeon will first work to remove a number of grafts, typically in groups of between one and four hairs. These groups of hairs are usually extracted from the sides of the head or down the back of the neck, using a specialised instrument that is less than 1mm in diameter. These follicles are then transferred to the recipient area of the scalp and implanted using a powerful stereo microscope.

Great care is taken to meticulously implant the hairs at the correct angle to mimic the old hair, just as it would naturally grow.

To ensure precise results Enhance Hair Restoration utilizes either the WAW or ARTAS systems to remove follicles in an FUE. ARTAS is the first and only robotic (FUE) transplant system which utilises artificial intelligence to identify and select the best hair follicles under the guidance of your surgeon during the important donor harvest step of a hair transplant procedure.

Does FUE hair transplant hurt?

FUE hair transplant is a minimally invasive procedure that is administered under local anaesthetic to numb the scalp, so most patients do not feel anything at all. You are conscious for the entire time that the procedure takes place.

There may be some mild discomfort during the recovery process, but this only lasts around seven days. This will, of course, vary from person to person, but your surgeon will do what they can to make your hair surgery as comfortable as possible.

What is a FUT hair transplant?

FUT stands for Follicular Unit Transplantation, also known as strip harvesting or strip procedure. Thousands of hair follicles are collected using precise techniques by removing a strip of hair from the back or sides of the scalp. The donor strip is then placed under a specially designed microscope and is dissected into individual follicular units of one to four hairs.

The surgeon will have made tiny incision sites ready to insert the new hair grafts which will help to restore a natural hairline, increase the density of the hair and reduce the appearance of balding. These hair follicles come from you, so they should not be rejected by your body when the procedure is complete.

In some cases, if patients are not suitable for a FUE Hair Transplantation procedure in which case a FUT procedure may be an alternative.

Does the FUT method of hair transplant hurt?

The transplant site may be swollen and you may feel some pain, so your surgeon may suggest some anti-inflammatories to the area to keep the swelling down. For the next few days, your surgeon may also prescribe pain medications, such as ibuprofen. It’s common after a hair transplant to have a tight, achy and swollen scalp for a few days and maybe with some temporary scabbing where the hair was transplanted.

FUE vs FUT hair transplant

Both FUE vs FUT hair transplants procedures are effective hair restoration techniques, with a high success rate in patients.

So, what are the biggest differences between them?

The major difference is that the surgeon performing the FUE procedure removes singular hair follicles from the back and sides of the scalp to transplant in the bald area. The surgeon performing the FUT procedure extracts hair follicles within a strip of skin, leaving a long linear scar at the back of the scalp.

FUE is a more time-consuming process due to the precision of removing individual hair grafts. This hair transplant procedure is more expensive compared to FUT, however, the results are equally as effective, leaving you with a permanent, natural hair regrowth.

An FUE hair transplant is minimally visible, and therefore the ideal choice for those who prefer to wear their hair short.

FUE hair transplants require no cuts or stitches.

FUT doesn’t necessarily leave you with visible scarring, as here at Enhance Hair Restoration, we aim to keep scarring to a minimum, and once your hair has regrown, it will become unnoticeable.

FUE can offer more comfort during recovery, making it the ideal procedure for those who lead an active lifestyle with no removal of stitches is required either.

The recovery period of FUT normally takes longer, about 10-14 days

FUE will cost you more than the FUT procedure.

Both FUT and FUE procedures are performed under local anaesthetic.

Whereas FUE is more popular amongst men, FUT is suitable for both men and women.

FUT can sometimes be a better solution than FUE for better coverage and fullness.

No matter which procedure you go with, FUE vs FUT hair transplant, both hair restoration procedures require a skilled and experienced surgeon. When choosing between FUE or FUT procedures, you can discuss with us at Enhance Hair Restoration which method is best suited for you. During the consultation, you can discuss your goals and expectations to achieve your desired coverage, and your hairline’s final design. This will help you and your surgeon decide which method of hair transplantation is best for you. Choosing a personalized consultation will ensure the best outcome for you.

We are registered with, members of, or recommended by the following:

  • ISHRS
  • World FUE Institute Member