Hair loss is a common concern that affects more than 80 million people in the United States alone. (1) Multiple surgical techniques and innovative technological advancements have been developed to help patients restore their thinning hair. Two commonly performed hair restoration procedures are follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT).
If you are currently experiencing hair loss, our talented team of experts at Phoenix Skin Medical, Surgical & Cosmetic Dermatology can help you decide which treatment is right for you! Our board-certified specialists have been helping patients across Phoenix and Scottsdale for several years; you can trust that you are receiving care from someone who wants nothing but the best for your hair restoration journey!
To schedule your consultation, please contact us online or call your closest Phoenix Skin office:
Patients are also welcome to email [email protected] with inquiries.
Contents
About the Difference Between FUE and FUT
Two methods are widely used in hair restoration procedures: follicular unit extraction (FUE) or follicular unit transplantation (FUT). FUE is a minimally invasive hair restoration procedure that involves the extraction of individual follicles from a predetermined donor area. (2) Meanwhile, FUT primarily involves the removal of a linear strip of skin from the back of the head. This strip contains a multitude of follicles, which are then separated and prepared for implantation.
These two hair restoration methods both effectively restore one’s hair through the extraction and implantation of hair grafts, but patients are often left wondering which method is best for them.
Benefits of FUT vs. FUE
Both the FUT and FUE procedures offer a multitude of unique benefits for patients.
The main benefit of FUT is that a larger number of grafts can be extracted and implanted within a single session. This hair restoration method harvests the follicles in a strip, which can be more effective for patients with more significant hair loss. This procedure is also ideal for patients with longer hair, as it will be easier for them to hide any scarring. (3)
When undergoing an FUE procedure, patients can expect a different set of benefits. Because FUE uses a circular punch tool, the need for stitches or sutures is eliminated. The FUE technique minimizes visible scarring, eliminating the need for a linear scar as well. Because of the less invasive nature of the procedure, the recovery period is often shorter than that of FUT. This procedure is recommended for patients with shorter hairstyles or a limited number of suitable donor grafts. (2)
To find out which hair restoration treatment might benefit you the most, please call our Phoenix office at (602) 222-9111, our Scottsdale office at (480) 473-9111, or contact us online.
Ideal Candidates
The ideal candidates for either FUT or FUE hair restoration are those experiencing thinning hair or pattern baldness.
Candidates may be recommended for FUE if they are interested in a less invasive procedure. This treatment is ideal for patients with shorter hair, as this option does not leave a linear scar and also offers a shorter recovery time. FUE is also suitable even if the candidate has limited donor hair on their scalp, as grafts can be extracted from other areas.
Candidates for FUT are often those with more significant levels of hair loss. This procedure is ideal for individuals who require a higher number of grafts for their procedure and tend to wear their hair in longer hairstyles. (3)
All patients interested in either our FUT or FUE treatment should be in good overall health and hold realistic expectations regarding the outcome of their results.
Personal Consultation
At Phoenix Skin, we ask that any candidates interested in either an FUT or FUE hair restoration procedure schedule a personal consultation with our team. The personal consultation is a chance for our team to get to know each individual more personally and to understand their goals for their hair transplant. Our specialists will perform a comprehensive evaluation, discussing the patient’s medical history and concerns before determining whether an FUE or FUT procedure is the most appropriate. Once a treatment plan has been established, the specialist will provide preoperative and postoperative instructions for each patient alongside a price quote for their hair transplant.
To schedule a consultation and find out if you are more suited for a FUE or FUT, please contact us online or call the office most convenient for you:
Please note that consultations are currently offered in person at our Phoenix location and online at our Scottsdale location.
Preparation
For most, preparation for a hair transplant procedure is quite minimal. Our specialists at Phoenix Skin will provide personalized preparation instructions for each patient at their consultation once a treatment plan has been established.
Patients should ensure they pre-arrange transportation home after the procedure, if necessary, as well as any necessary time away from work or other social commitments to focus on resting. Any prescriptions for medications or antibiotics should be filled ahead of time, and patients should continue to avoid taking medications or supplements with blood-thinning properties.
It is important to follow all instructions provided to you by a member of our team to ensure a smooth procedure and the most ideal outcome.
Procedure
When performing either the FUT or FUE procedure, anesthesia will first be administered to ensure each patient feels completely relaxed and comfortable. The duration of both procedures can vary depending on the number of grafts harvested for implantation.
The FUE procedure begins with the extraction of hair follicles. Our specialist will use a circular punch tool to extract individual grafts from the donor site, choosing hairs from the back of the scalp, which is more resistant to thinning and balding. After the grafts have been extracted, the specialist will use the device to place the grafts in a pattern that replicates the patient’s natural hair growth pattern. Even though both procedures can last several hours, the FUE procedure is generally considered more time-consuming. (4)
The FUT procedure begins with the specialist creating a linear incision in the back of the head. A strip of donor hair will be extracted, with sizing being dependent upon the number of grafts needed. (3) The specialist will then prepare the grafts for implantation and place them using specialized tools.
Recovery and Results
Following a hair transplant, there are a few differences when recovering from an FUE procedure compared to an FUT procedure. When healing from either procedure, it is important to follow all instructions provided by one of our team members to ensure a smooth recovery and the most optimal outcome.
While FUE requires a longer procedure, it offers a shorter recovery compared to FUT. There is minimal scarring associated with an FUE procedure, as the non-linear punctures fade and become essentially unnoticeable. Patients are often able to return to work within just 1-2 days, given that their job does not require strenuous activities.
When recovering from an FUT procedure, patients may need to take more time away from work or other social commitments compared to FUE. The specialist will place bandages on the treated areas to protect and support the scalp. Patients are often able to return to work within a week, depending on the physical demands of their job.
Following both FUE and FUT, patients will be able to see the full results of their procedures after 12-18 months. Initial hair growth will likely be visible at the 3-4 month mark. An improvement in density and thickness may be seen, as well as growth that resembles the natural hair patterns. The results of both FUE and FUT are permanent, restoring not just each individual’s hair but also their confidence.
Cost of FUT or FUE in Phoenix, Arizona
The cost of both treatments can vary from patient to patient as each procedure is fully customized to help each individual restore their hair and maximize each benefit. Many different factors can affect the final cost, such as the procedure used and the number of hair grafts extracted and implanted, as well as each patient’s treatment goals. Each patient will receive an accurate cost estimate for their procedure at their personal consultation once their specialist examines the hair loss to determine the most effective procedure.
Our team is also proud to announce our partnership with reputable lending companies to help our patients finance the cost of their procedures.
To discover the full cost of your customized FUE or FUT procedure, please contact us online or call the office most convenient for you:
FAQ
What differentiates FUT from FUE?
Both techniques involve the transplantation of hair follicles, but they use differing extraction techniques. The FUE procedure extracts individual grafts while the FUT technique removes a strip of tissue from the scalp.
Will either the FUE or FUT technique leave visible scarring?
The FUE technique will leave small, dot-like scars while the FUT technique leaves a longer linear scar. The scarring left by the FUE technique will quickly fade, and the scar left by FUT can be hidden by the patient’s hair if it is worn long.
Is there a difference in how long the results of FUE or FUT will last?
Both the FUT and FUE techniques are considered permanent treatments. The follicles extracted in both procedures are taken from areas of the scalp that are more resistant to balding and thinning.
Can the FUE or FUT treatment be combined with another procedure?
Both hair restoration procedures can be complemented by other treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to help the scalp produce thicker, healthier hair.
References
- Dakkak M, Forde KM, Lanney H. Hair Loss: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Family Physician. 2024;110(3):243-250. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2024/0900/hair-loss.html
- Dua A, Dua K. Follicular unit extraction hair transplant. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery. 2010;3(2):76-81. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.69015
- Zito PM, Raggio BS. Hair Transplantation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547740/
- Sharma R, Ranjan A. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Hair Transplant: Curves Ahead. Journal of Maxillofacial & Oral Surgery. 2019;18(4):509-517. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-019-01245-6