Are you considering undergoing a hair transplant procedure? Here are some answers to the most-asked questions.
What is Hair Transplantation?
A hair transplant is a frequently performed surgical procedure that moves hair from a permanent donor area on the back and sides of the scalp to areas that are thinning or bald. Hair transplantation can create new hair growth on the top, crown, or front of the scalp. Once transplanted, hair continues to grow throughout a transplant recipient’s lifetime. Two of the most effective types of hair restoration procedures are Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).
What is Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)?
In the hair restoration procedure called Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), naturally-occurring groups of follicular units containing one to four hairs are transplanted from a donor area to a recipient area.
What is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)?
In the hair restoration procedure called Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), follicular units are extracted, or “harvested,” one-by-one directly from the patient’s scalp. The method of donor harvesting differentiates the FUE procedure from FUT.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Hair Restoration Procedure?
The best way to find out is to be evaluated by a hair treatment doctor who performs hair restoration. Whether or not you are an appropriate candidate depends on:
- Your age
- The cause of your hair loss
- How extensive your hair loss is
- The stability of your donor supply
- Your expectations
- Several other important factors
Should I Choose FUE or FUT?
FUT typically yields the most donor hair. Consequently, that procedure may be best suited for patients with more extensive hair loss and where the maximum use of one’s donor supply is of primary concern. FUE may be more appropriate for patients who wish to keep their hair very short or can’t limit their strenuous activities in the post-operational period. Generally, younger patients who want to keep their styling options flexible choose FUE. However, those who wish to have the most comprehensive coverage opt for FUT.
FUE and FUT are both excellent hair restoration treatments but have differing indications for use. A patient may benefit from both procedures, and FUE and FUT require an overlapping set of skills from the hair treatment doctor. Many practices offer both procedures, offering their patients more options to choose from.
How Long Does a Hair Transplant Procedure Take?
Smaller sessions can take a few hours, while larger ones can take all day. Sometimes extensive sessions of FUE are done over two days, depending on the number of grafts being transplanted.
How Long Does a Hair Transplant Procedure Take to Heal?
There will likely be some crusting and redness in the post-op period. Some patients may experience swelling the first week after surgery. After ten days, hair transplants are typically undetectable.
What is the Cost of a Hair Transplant?
The cost will vary and depends upon the type of procedure (FUT or FUE) and the number of grafts transplanted. Contact a hair treatment doctor in your local area to ask any further questions you have about hair transplantation, the cost of it, and available payment options.
Resource: Hair Loss Treatment
