FUT vs FUE: Hair transplants have become a popular solution for gaining back confidence in an individual. FUT became popular for its results but left a thin scar strip. FUE entered and changed the scenario with no scars lesser pain and interesting results.
Here is the story of Shyam Banerjee who had an FUT scar and was looking for an alternative to get rid of that scar. Let’s find out what happened.
Shyam Banerjee is a 32 year old IT Engineer who recently visited us for a consultation. Shyam was feeling very embarrassed about a scar that was visible after he got an FUT hair transplant done 3 years back. He was happy initially after the transplant had given him fair results of hair growth. But since the scar it left was towards the side of his scalp it showed up obviously at times.
Shyam was suggested to visit Hairsure by a friend of his as he was looking out for a way to hid the scar. When he came to us seeking a solution, we explained all that happens in FUT and FUE methods of hair transplantations and how we carry out these surgeries.
So to start with what Shyam knew about hair transplants, this is what he knew…
Hair transplantation is a surgical method that involves extracting and replacing hair follicles from one place of the scalp to the area which is bald. The area from which is called the ‘hair grafts are extracted is known as the donor site’, and the area where the hair grafts are implanted is known as the ‘recipient site’.
Shyam had no idea how this process surgery happens and how effective it is. So to begin with, we also told him a bit of the history of hair transplant procedures as he wanted to know more about this side of the medical system.
The History of Hair Transplantation:
The first written record of a successful hair transplantation dates back to 19th Century. Modern surgical methods of hair transplantation started in Japan in the 1930s and 1940s. It was after World War II that these techniques gained attention in other parts of the world. Since then, hair transplantation progressed over the years with surgical techniques.
While hair transplantation has become a much-accepted treatment for decades. Science and technological advances have aided hair restoration specialists in creating consistent, efficient, safe, and – most importantly, natural-looking results.
Now let’s look at the most chosen types of hair transplant procedures and more about them…
There are two main types of hair transplant surgical procedures:
- FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant)
- FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) Method
FUT surgical hair procedure involves removal of the hair follicles together carefully in a strip, from a donor area which has more hair than other regions of the scalp. This donor site is usually at the back side of the scalp. The procedure takes around five to eight hours. Once extracted, the hair follicles are placed into slit incisions by your surgeon in the bald area. Majority of hair transplant patients choose this method for their hair restoration because of being economical.
The only undesirable part of this procedure is that it leaves a strip scar at the donor site of your scalp.
Discomfort and Recovery:
The sensitivity or discomfort experienced during an FUT hair surgery depends on the patient’s resistance to pain. A local anaesthetic is of given to the patient during the procedure. The initial recovery for both FUT takes 2 weeks. The hair growth is seen within 3-6 months after the procedure.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) Method
In an FUE hair transplant, individual hair follicles are extracted. The surgeon selects hair follicles one-by-one and separates the follicular units by making a circular incision with a surgical punch tool. The donor area is covered with an antiseptic dressing after the hair grafts are extracted. The dressing can be removed the one day after the surgery. The time of the surgery is almost same as in an FUT procedure.
Scarring and Results
In an FUE surgery, the scarring has small dot-like scars due to single follicle extraction and use of a small punch makes it negligible . Patients must keep in mind that in any case, scarring can differ. Healing time for FUE scars is 3 days
These points were clearly explained and discussed with Shyam before he chose to get an FUE done to hide his scar. Shyam is now getting ready for his FUE hair transplant scheduled for next week.
About the doctor:
Dr. RAVI CHANDER RAO completed his MBBS from MRMC,Gulbarga in 1999. He practiced his Internship 2000 at Gandhi Medical College and did his MS in General Surgery from JJMMC, Davanagere in 2004 and was titled with the “Best Outgoing Student” award. He worked as a Registrar with KIMS, Hyderabad and later joined in MCh Plastic Surgery at the prestigious Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad. Having excelled in his academics and career so far it was only natural for him to join a team of qualified Plastic Surgeons with equal credentials and motives. Dr. Ravi Chander, with his experience, has added new dimensions to Cosmetic Surgery and his team. Dr. Ravi Chander Rao is one of the best trichologist in Hyderabad.
About the clinic:
HairSure is one of the leading hair clinics at Habsiguda, Hyderabad and we have the best hair transplant surgeons in Hyderabad practicing at HairSure. Trichologists at HairSure clinic are experts in hair transplantation and PRP treatment etc. Two of our main doctors are known to be the best trichologists in Hyderabad.
