Hair thinning and loss is a reality that nearly all of us will have to face once we reach a certain age. By the time many men reach the age of 30, they are already experiencing some level of hair loss. Women, too, experience hair thinning with age. Though for women, this thinning results in a different pattern then for men as it manifests as a thinning of the hair throughout the scalp rather than a receding hairline.
For many, especially those with visible signs of hair loss earlier in their lives, this can have a negative impact on their self esteem. Hair loss can lead to an increase in the risk of depression, decrease overall motivation and lead to social withdrawal. Thankfully, there are options available to people to restore their hairlines – including surgery. The two most common forms of surgical hair restoration are FUE and FUT. We will discuss both to create a better understanding of your options.
Is FUE as Effective as FUT?
Before we discuss which is more effective, let’s clearly define FUE and FUT. FUE, which also known as Follicular Unit Extraction, involves microtargeting and extracting groups of 1-3 individual hair follicles, known as a follicular unit, and grafting them in the desired areas of the scalp. FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), which is also known as LSE (Linear Strip Excision), involves taking a strip of skin from the donor area and transplanting the follicles in that strip to the deserved area.
Both FUE and FUT/LSE are effective in their own ways. FUE hair restoration has typically been considered to have a more natural look as it can help fill out a thinning scalp on a follicle-by-follicle basis. While FUT has been considered to be a good choice for men and women (without needing to shave the donor hair short) looking to fill in a large area more quickly. A consultation with a hair restoration professional is an important step in figuring out which technique would best fit your needs.
Is FUE or FUT More Painful?
While neither approach is completely pain free, FUE is considered to be the less painful of the two because the incisions are tiny and dot-like. FUT, by contrast, involves a linear incision when taking the donor hair. Both procedures have tiny incisions in the recipient area to place the grafts.
To put this in perspective, studies have shown LSE/FUT pain became minimal within three days after operating while FUE pain was minimal starting on day one. The pain levels can typically be managed with over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol. With that in mind, most people are able to get back to most of their day-to-day activities as per usual in the days following the procedure.
What Percentage of FUE Grafts Survive?
Graft survival rates are influenced by a number of factors, including the harvesting technique, graft quality, and management… as well as patient health. Survival rates of FUE hair grafts tend to up to 95%. By utilizing highly accurate robotics such as the ARTAS® Robotic Hair Restoration System, a skilled surgeon can help to keep the survival rate at the higher end.
Does FUE Look Natural?
Comparatively, FUE is considered to look more natural than FUT because the transplants are done on a follicle-by-follicle basis. Not all facilities and surgeons are equal, however, and results can vary. It is important to do your research and to consult with a doctor in-person before making this important decision.
PNW Hair Restoration Will Work With You On How Best To Restore Your Hair.
As the first and only facility in Oregon that utilizes the ARTAS® Robotic Hair Restoration System, we are well equipped to help you on your hair restoration journey and improve your overall quality of life as a result. We always meet with perspective clients in person to explore your options and best chart your path to hair restoration. Contact us today to learn more.
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