EN
1. FUT transplantation |
2. FUE transplantation |
3. DHI transplantation |
4. Comparison of pros and cons |
5. Which method to choose? |
6. Pictures of patients before and after |
7. Hair transplant clinics |
There are several common methods of hair transplantation – FUE, FUT and DHI. One of the most common questions our patients ask is which of these methods is better. Each has its pros and cons. We recommend making the choice after consulting with your plastic surgeon, taking into account your goals, available hair density, budget and other factors. In this article, we will talk more specifically about how these three methods differ from each other, as well as their strengths and weaknesses.
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How is FUT hair transplantation done?
During FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) hair transplantation, a donor skin flap with a sufficient number of follicles is removed from the back of the patient’s head. This area of the head is used because the hair there is less prone to hair loss than on the temples and crown of the head, and is less affected by androgenic alopecia. The width of the flap usually does not exceed 1-1.5 cm.
Before the operation, the surgeon shaves the hair to the 2 mm length and anaesthetises the scalp. The procedure does not require full anaesthesia, but can be performed under sedation if desired.
Once the flap has been cut out, the surgeon will separate it into small sections under a microscope. These are implanted into the areas of the scalp where hair thinning occurs.
In the past, FUT was the main method of hair transplantation. It is the fastest and cheapest procedure. It is used in cases where high hair density needs to be achieved and the scar on the donor site can be hidden by the length of the hair. In addition, experienced plastic surgeons know how to carefully close the scar so that the hair will grow on it and further hide the signs of surgical involvement. It is also possible to hide the scar with a procedure called micro pigmentation of the scalp.
10-14 days after surgery, the stitches are removed. Recovery from FUT hair transplantation, compared to the other two techniques, is the longest. For the first 3-4 weeks, you should avoid physical activity and swimming pools.
The advantages of the FUT method include good hair engraftment. The grafts are taken from the area of the scalp that is most resistant to hair loss. In addition, more of the tissue surrounding the follicle is extracted, which protects the hairs and helps them take root better.
More than 93% of MediGlobus partner clinic patients are satisfied with the results of their hair transplant surgery. To join them, leave a request on our website. Our hair transplant coordinators will call you back to help you with your choice of clinic, doctor, package and travel arrangements.
FUE method of hair transplantation
FUE (follicular union extraction) is a hair transplantation technique in which follicles are individually extracted and transplanted from a donor skin area. It is a minimally invasive technique, which is why most doctors and patients prefer it.
FUE surgery consists of three stages. During the first, the plastic surgeon extracts follicles from the donor area using a special tool called the punch. Usually, about 4,000 follicles are extracted during this stage.
The second step is to prepare the scalp for the transplant. Using a scalpel, the doctor makes incisions into which the follicles will be implanted. The doctor’s experience and skill determine how good and natural the result will look. The density of the channels and the angle of hair growth play a major role.
In the third stage, grafts are implanted into the formed canals. After this, an antibiotic and bandages will be applied to the scalp. As with other hair transplantation methods, you should expect hair loss immediately after the operation. This is a normal process. Afterwards, new hair will begin to grow in its place. The final results of the hair transplant should be expected 6-8 months after the operation.
The main advantage of FUE hair transplantation is that the surgeon does not leave a large scar on the donor area of the head. Small circular marks remain where the grafts were extracted, which are completely hidden even by a small amount of hair. This is why FUE hair transplants are recommended for men who prefer short haircuts.
The second major advantage of the FUE method is that it is minimally invasive. This procedure puts less strain on the body and patients recover faster. Most people can return to sports after just 1-2 weeks, and can even swim in non-chlorinated water.
Some hair transplant centres perform FUE transplants with sapphire blades. They have a hard and smooth surface, which allows neater channels to be formed with less tissue damage. This facilitates a quicker recovery. In addition, with sapphire blades, surgeons can make more frequent incisions and better adjust their angle, resulting in a thick and natural hair growth line.
DHI method of hair transplantation
DHI is not a stand-alone hair transplantation method like FUE or FUT. It is a method of graft implantation that can be performed in conjunction with any of the previous methods. It is most often used during FUE surgery.
The essence of DHI is the use of a special instrument called the Choi pen to extract and implant follicles. The surgeon does not need to separately open the channels on the retrieved skin area. As the follicles remain outside the skin for a shorter amount of time, the risk of root damage is reduced and the hair implants better. Also, in many cases, surgeons can achieve more hair density with the DHI method than with the scalpel FUE or FUT.
Also with DHI hair transplantation, it is possible not to shave off the hair in the area where the transplant is being done. For this reason, the method is often recommended for women suffering from loss of hair density.
Some aesthetic surgery centres perform robotic hair transplantation using the DHI method. It uses a special system that calculates the right depth and angle of transplantation for each follicle. This acts as an additional guarantee for a natural-looking result.
The main disadvantage of DHI hair transplantation is the higher cost of the operation. This is because the surgeon uses 6-10 Choy implant blades per operation.
PRP treatment for hair loss
PRP therapy is the injection of platelet-enriched serum made from the patient’s blood into the scalp. It is a non-surgical method of treating hair loss that can be used either alone or in conjunction with FUE or FUT surgery. Hair density after PRP treatment is on average 23-28% higher than after conventional hair transplantation.
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Submit your application online at MediGlobus to book an individual online consultation with an experienced hair transplant specialist. Your doctor will review your case and recommend the best solution for you.
Comparison of pros and cons
| Comparison criteria | FUT | FUE | DHI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of grafts | up to 5,000 | 4,000 on average | 2,000-5,000 |
| Maximum hair density | 30-50 follicles/cm2 | 40-50 follicles/cm2 | up to 50-60 follicles/cm2 |
| Scarring of the donor area | Yes, in some cases can be well hidden | Not visible even with short haircuts | Not visible even with short haircuts |
| Recovery time | 3-4 weeks | 1-2 weeks | 1-2 weeks |
| Price | from $1,200 | from $1,400 | from $1,900 |
Which method should I choose?
No rule of thumb says that one method of hair transplantation is better than the others. A large number of factors are taken into account when choosing the type of surgery, most importantly the degree of hair loss, the density and type of hair in the donor area, and the expected results. Professional plastic surgeons can only recommend a particular technique after an individual meeting and examination. In the case of online consultation, our patients send in photos of their heads from different angles, based on which the doctor will be able to make more specific recommendations.
In addition to the type of surgery with which hair transplantation will be performed, the greatest influence on the results is the experience and expertise of the plastic surgeon. His or her professionalism determines the density and naturalness of the hairline, the survival rate of the grafts and how noticeable the scars will be. Some doctors specialise in only one type of surgery, while others are equally experienced in FUT, FUE and DHI transplants. It is worth asking the doctor about this during the consultation, and you should also take a close look at their portfolio. MediGlobus coordinators can help you in this matter. We cooperate with leading plastic surgery centres and have helped hundreds of our patients to have successful transplants abroad. In addition, we are always ready to suggest promotional offers and special packages for the treatment of alopecia abroad.
Pictures of patients before and after
Hair transplant clinics
Summary
The two main methods by which hair transplants are performed are FUE and FUT. In FUT transplantation, a strip of skin with grafts is removed from the back of the head, leaving a vertical scar. In FUE transplantation, the grafts are individually harvested and the scar remains less visible.
The advantages of FUT hair transplantation include good follicle engraftment, good hair density and a relatively low surgery cost. The main disadvantage is the scar that remains on the area from which the grafts were harvested.
The advantages of FUE hair transplantation are the absence of large scars and a quicker rehabilitation period. A modern modification of this surgery is Sapphire FUE.
DHI is a hair transplant with the help of a Choi pen, which is most commonly performed during an FUE hair transplant. This method helps surgeons to achieve a higher density of hair growth line and shows good graft take up.
With any method of hair transplantation, it is possible to achieve a high-quality and natural looking result if you ask a professional doctor. The MediGlobus coordinators will advise you of experts in this field. Apply for a free consultation by leaving an application form on our website.
To make an appointment for a hair transplant abroad, leave a request on the MediGlobus website by clicking on the button below. Our coordinating doctors will help you with the organisation of your treatment: selecting a clinic and doctor, opening a visa, transferring and finding an interpreter. All additional services provided by MediGlobus are free of charge.
