Hair Transplant Methods
A Surgeon opening Channels during the FUE air Transplant Method
We are sorry to break it to you – but did you know that nearly three in ten men see visible hair loss by the time they are 30? That proportion increases to 50% by the time they turn 50. Women aren't out of the woods, either. These numbers highlight just how widespread hair loss problems are. Thousands of people actively seek effective treatments every year.
That being said, there is some encouraging news too. Thanks to advancements in hair transplant procedures, restoring a full head of natural hair is now possible. Gone are the days when hair transplants created an artificial, doll-like appearance.
Today, advanced techniques, such as the FUE hair transplant method and DHI hair transplant method, are extremely sophisticated. Even a hairstylist or expert would have difficulty telling if you had a hair transplant.
Undoubtedly, the best way to treat hair loss is to get a hair transplant. However, it is important to understand that not all hair transplant methods are identical. Take the time to learn about different methods to choose the one that is best for you. Read on to discover different hair restoration options.
Hair loss can feel like a devastating problem to face. The good news is that science and cosmetology now provide a wide range of solutions that patients can use to restore growth. Hair transplants offer a permanent solution, but what is the proper method for your growth journey? Consider the three main hair transplant methods.
What Is a Hair Transplant?
As the name suggests, a hair transplant involves moving hair from a donor area to an area suffering from baldness. Unlike most other types of transplant surgery, the doctor uses the patient's own hair to facilitate the process. Most people do not lose hair at the back of the head, so this is a common donor area. The surgeon uses special devices to remove the hair follicles and then carefully transplant them into the chosen area. The procedure is non-invasive with little to no downtime.
What Are the 3 Main Methods of Hair Transplanting?
The three common hair transplant methods are Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), Direct Hair Implantation (DHI), and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). All three methods involve taking hair follicles from a donor location and planting them in balding areas of the scalp. However, the donor hair is removed in different ways, and this is what sets these methods apart.
- In a FUT hair transplant, the surgeon removes a broad graft strip from the donor area before transplanting the follicular units. The graft is taken from a non-balding area of the scalp.
- In FUE hair transplant, individual hair follicles are removed from the donor site. Rounded incisions or punctures are made in the scalp manually to facilitate the extraction process. It is possible to extract donor hair from different parts of the body.
- DHI hair transplant is a variant of the FUE method. It employs a pen-like device to perform the transplant procedure. One of the latest methods in the field of hair restoration, it can be used to restore hair loss and boost hair density.
These solutions can help you get fuller, healthier hair. But the success of your hair transplant relies heavily on the donor hair, so the method utilized to collect it is crucial. Let's take a closer look at these methods to understand their differences and benefits.
Surgeons have three main options when completing the hair transplant process. Our surgeons at TecniFUE use the FUE and DHI technique, but we will discuss all three.
FUE Hair Transplant Result After 8 Months
FUT Hair Transplant Method
FUT Hair Transplant Method Stages
During the FUT hair transplant method, a long strip of tissue is taken from the back of the scalp and used for the transplant. The strip is subsequently dissected into individual follicular units using a stereo microscope. The grafts are stored in the storing solution while the surgeon stitches the donor area. Once the donor area is stitched, the surgeon uses microscopic forceps to implant the follicular grafts into the recipient sites. Stitches at the donor site are generally removed after 10 to 14 days, but a long linear scar remains.
While the FUT hair transplant method gets the job done, the final results are not comparable to hair transplantation achieved by more advanced methods such as FUE and DHI hair transplant methods. Moreover, incision scars left behind by the surgery may be difficult to hide. This is especially true if you wear a short hairstyle. The FUT hair transplant method has a longer recovery time than other methods as it is more invasive. Due to possible swelling at the site where the strip of the scalp was removed, some patients report higher degrees of discomfort with FUT. All in all, the FUT method is less advanced and not preferred by most surgeons.
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) is often the cheapest and quickest way to transplant hair. Surgeons remove a strip of the scalp, which is usually taken from the back of the head. They then implant the hair follicles from that strip into the area affected by baldness. There are some potential risks associated with the FUT method:
- Potential for hair results that do not look natural
- Scarring or bumps on the scalp
- Pain or numbness
- Bleeding or swelling
- Folliculitis and cysts
Because of the many disadvantages and potential complications, our team chooses not to offer this service.
Female Patient being Prepared for a Non Shave DHI Hair Transplant
FUE Hair Transplant Method
FUE Hair Transplant Stages
FUE is the most commonly used hair transplant method worldwide. The procedure starts with donor graft extraction. In this stage, the surgeon uses a specialized instrument to remove donor grafts from the patient's donor site. Grafts are removed one by one instead of taking a tissue strip. As a result, the donor site is not left with a lengthy scar.
After a graft has been removed from the donor region, it is disinfected, sorted by the number of hairs it contains, and immersed in an active plasma solution to increase its chances of survival. Grafts are cultured in Petri dishes and stored in the refrigerator before implantation.
Tiny circular incisions are made in the scalp for individual hairs. Hair is then transplanted one follicular unit at a time at the recipient site.
The FUE hair transplant method can be performed manually and through robotic equipment. In a manual FUE hair transplant, hair follicles are removed one by one by medical professionals utilizing handheld equipment. In a robotic FUE operation, the surgeons operate robotic hair transplant equipment. This technological marvel in the field of medicine provides unmatched accuracy.
Some advanced variations of the FUE hair transplant method, such as Sapphire Micro FUE, are also available. Let's take a look at it.
- Sapphire Micro FUE
This hair transplant technique uses the traditional FUE method with modified instruments. In the traditional FUE hair transplant method, doctors employ steel blades. But steel blades lose their sharpness over time, making it more difficult to create clean channels.
Alternatively, the Sapphire Micro FUE hair transplant technique does not employ steel blades. Instead, it uses blades made of corrosion-resistant sapphire. These blades allow us to create more delicate channels without risking damage to the hair grafts. This also implies that any injuries to your scalp will be minor and will heal more rapidly.
Micromotor punches, with a diameter of 0.6 mm to 0.88 mm, are also used in this process. The diameter of these punches is lower than that of standard FUE punches. This means less damage to the scalp and a shorter recovery time than traditional FUE. You can learn more about Sapphire Micro FUE hair transplant here.
Benefits of the FUE Hair Transplant Method
FUE is the most popular hair transplant technique. Wondering why we love it? Here are some significant benefits of FUE.
- Little to No Scarring
No matter which method of harvesting you use, you may end up with scarring. But the degree to which this happens and how noticeable the scar becomes vary greatly. While FUT leaves a big scar, scarring in the FUE hair transplant method is not noticeable at all. This is because FUE does not require stitches.
Patients undergoing FUE can expect to develop small, circular scars all over the donor area. But don't worry – these scars are so inconspicuous that they will be hidden with short hair or even a shaved head.
This happens because the follicular units are removed from the donor area in a more natural arrangement using punch blades with a diameter of less than 1 mm. Thus, there is significantly less chance of obvious scarring, and the outcomes look very natural. People who like shorter haircuts may find this an especially welcome benefit!
- Up-to-Date Equipment
Automated instruments and systems are used in FUE hair transplant methods because they enable the process to go more quickly and produce better outcomes. Thanks to these cutting-edge advancements, you can undergo the safest, most accurate hair transplant process possible with minimal downtime.
- Rapider Recovery & Reduced Pain
FUE is less invasive than traditional FUT hair transplantation, so recovery time is shorter. In most cases, patients can resume their regular activities the day after treatment.
FUE hair transplant surgery is also much more comfortable for patients than FUT. For the most part, FUE patients experience positive results, and problems are extremely uncommon. Surgical pain is minimal to non-existent, and other after-effects often disappear within a week.
- Affordability & Treatment Alternatives
FUE provides more options and lower prices when it comes to financing. It lets your surgeon remove more hair follicles in a single sitting, and the price of the treatment is proportional to the number of grafts required to meet your goals. Your surgeon can work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that will be most effective and cost-effective for you.
- Shaven and Unshaven Hair Transplantation
Sapphire FUE procedure may be performed on shaven or unshaven hair, depending on the nature of your transplant. On the other hand, people using the DHI method are required to undergo partial head shaving. Both the affected and donor area will require this. But the rest of your hair should be able to cover this up.
Surgeons created the follicular unit extraction (FUE) technique to achieve the same results without the scarring and other risks of the FUT method. The main difference is that FUE does not involve the removal of skin from the back of the head. That takes care of the most common problems with the FUT technique: permanent scarring and the need for wound care.
At TecniFUE, we take things a step further by using special sapphire blades. These blades speed up the process and improve accuracy and effectiveness for surgeons. The sharpness and the preciseness of the cut also minimize scarring in the channels created to graft the hair.
FUE Hair Transplant Result of TecniFUE International
DHI Hair Transplant Method
DHI Hair Transplant Stages
DHI is another widely used hair transplant method. It's essentially an improved form of the FUE hair transplant method.
The main difference between FUE and DHI is that the FUE procedure involves using a storage solution. Donor hair follicles are stored in a storage solution during the grafting process. The surgeon will start implantation only after the grafting process is complete.
On the other hand, DHI employs the Choi Implanter Pen to simultaneously remove the graft and insert it into the scalp canals. It eliminates the need for a storage solution. As a result, your hair grafts will be outside of the body for a shorter period, and their odds of survival will improve. You can learn more about DHI hair transplant here.
The primary distinction between FUE and DHI is in the procedures themselves. There's also a wide difference in how much hair can be grafted organically from individual patients. It is expected that 5,000 to 6,000 hair follicles can be grafted during a Sapphire Micro FUE hair transplant procedure. Using the DHI method, the figure is multiplied by a factor of three to five.
Benefits of the DHI Hair Transplant Method
DHI hair transplant method is a type of FUE. Therefore, this method offers all the benefits provided by the FUE technique. However, an additional advantage of the DHI hair transplant surgery is that the angle of tilt, depth, and direction of the hair can be precisely controlled, resulting in a completely natural appearance.
Hair follicles and the scalp around the treated area are barely touched. Plus, the implanter does not require the use of a scalpel to create the channels. The resulting wound is less invasive and will not result in scarring. If you're interested in a hair transplant procedure that mimics the most natural hair growth pattern, DHI surgery is an excellent option.
The direct hair implant (DHI) method uses the same process as FUE to remove the follicles. The difference begins when implanting these new follicles into the balding area. DHI involves the use of a Choi Pen to immediately implant removed follicles.
Our surgeons typically recommend this newer procedure for younger patients. Patients under 35 years usually do not have widespread baldness. DHI implantations do not cover as much area as FUE implantations, so this process works well for younger people or persons with very little balding.
Hair Transplant Consultation Before the FUE Hair Transplant
Not sure which hair restoration method will work for you? No worries. You don't have to choose the best option by yourself. Our specialized surgeons at TecniFUE International will help you at every step! We will discuss factors like your final hairline and the number of follicular units required to achieve the optimal look. We will make sure you choose the best approach for your hair transplant.
If you put off taking measures for too long, you may miss out on the opportunity to achieve the ideal hair restoration results. So, don’t wait for too long. Get in touch with TecniFUE International to acquire the best possible consultation and treatments from specialists with extensive training and experience.
TecniFUE International is the preferred choice of medical tourists because we pay close attention to every detail of our patient's experiences. Our medical team has successfully completed thousands of transplants. We are among the best hair transplant clinics in Europe because we are dedicated to offering only the highest quality hair transplants.
We are also ISO certified, so you know you will receive the best treatment. Contact our Turkey-based hair transplant specialists with any inquiries you may have. You can email us at [email protected] or give us a call at +90 539 369 34 84.
We encourage our patients to meet with our professionals before choosing a procedure. Our team completes thorough testing to identify the causes of balding and address it from all angles. Book your free consultation to get started.