Question:
I am debating between FUT and FUE techniques for hair transplant. I am fairly young and hair loss is not too extensive at this point. With what I can gather, this means I am more likely to need an additional procedure in the future. When you have a second procedure does this mean you also have an additional scar? This might help make the decision between the two techniques.
Answer:
Personally, if you can do an FUT technique, it certainly is to your advantage for the reason that FUT techniques get a better take of hair and an overall better result. The FUE is a good technique for people who are planning on having very short hair or people who have obvious scar problems like keloids and hypertrophic scar formation. However, there is a less high percentage of hair take in the transplanted area from that and there is some loss of the follicles in the process of removing the FUE grafts. If you are going to have a second procedure, the fact that that you had FUT is not a problem because most of the new hair removed is done through the old original scar. You do not have to have a second scar, the new one can be placed over the first one and you still look excellent. As long as you keep your hair over about three-quarters of an inch in length, there should be no problem hiding this.
Question:
How much more is FUE than a traditional strip procedure?
Answer:
In most cases the FUE will cost 50% to 80% more than a strip procedure.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS
Question:
Why does FUE cost more than a strip procedure?
Answer:
FUE is much more time consuming and meticulous work. It involves removing each individual follicle one by one and then placing them one by one, several thousand times. This means it is usually a two day procedure, and requires two days in the O.R., more staff and more of the Doctor’s time.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS
Question:
What is the difference between FUE and FUT?
Answer:
FUT is a procedure where a small strip of skin with hair is removed from the back of the scalp. This area is then closed with simple sutures or stitches and eventually heals to a fine line scar. An FUE procedure is where individual follicles are extracted one by one without an incision and results in no scar.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS
Question:
I had a previous “strip” hair restoration procedure, should I get an FUE procedure this time?
Answer:
The main reason to get an FUE procedure is to avoid the scar in the donor area. Since you already have a scar, you would be a candidate for another strip procedure. The surgeon would excise the original scar, and you would heal with a scar of the same size as before. In some cases, the patient may opt for a strip and an FUE procedure to maximize the number of available grafts. Unless you are tress you are trying to maximize the donor area.
Posted by Jeffrey S. Epstein, MD, FACS
