Irrespective of the reason behind baldness, hair transplantation can be an option for people suffering from hair loss. Hair transplantation is the procedure of restoring hair growth, especially in the area where hair growth is absolutely absent. There are several hair transplant procedures available that can help in restoring hair volume and thereby, boost an individual’s self-confidence. .
Pristyn Care Team
Updated on: 3rd August 2023
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Table of Contents
Techniques of Hair Transplant
Depending on the patient’s needs and doctor’s diagnosis, the surgeon recommends any one of the two methods available for hair transplant. The two types of hair transplantation are-
Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)
In this method of hair transplant, the surgeon removes a patch of skin from the scalp of the donor area. Generally, the donor site is at the back of the head because the hair is voluminous here as well as less prone to balding. After this, they stitch the area from which they have taken the skin. Then, with the help of a microscope, the doctor separates the skin into tiny follicular units. Meanwhile, in the transplanted area, the doctor makes tiny, single holes. The hair grafts prepared are put into these holes made in this area.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Unlike the Follicular Unit Transplant, in this technique of hair transplant, the doctor takes the hair follicles from the donor site rather than taking a patch of skin. Using a specialized tool, the plastic surgeon harvests hair follicles from the back of the head in the receiving area. This creates a fuller, natural hairline. As there is no removal of tissues from the donor area, there is no need for any stitches.
Direct Hair Transplanting (DHI)
This is the most advanced procedure for hair transplantation. In this procedure, the doctor uses a special pen-like instrument known as Choi Implanter Pen to implant the hair follicles directly in the transplanted area. The Choi has a diameter of 1mm or less that can take out the hair follicles from the donor site. Moreover, in order to implant the follicles, there is no need to make any holes in the receiving area.
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FUT vs FUE vs DHI Hair Transplantation
According to an article published in 2019, the FUE method requires more skill and experience than the FUT technique for better results. However, the authors concluded by saying that the results of the former are more effective and promising than later.
As discussed above, the procedures of FUT, FUE, and DHI are different. Hence, the results they offer also vary. Here’s a comparison between all three methods of hair transplantation.
Comparison Between FUT, FUE and DHI
FUT | FUE | DHI |
A patch of skin is removed from the donor area and placed in the recipient site. | A patch of hair follicles is taken from the donor area and implanted in the recipient site. | The hair follicles are directly implanted in the receiving area. |
Need to shave both the donor and receiving area | Need to shave both the donor and receiving area | There is need to shave only the donor area |
Holes are made in the receiving area. | Holes are made in the receiving area. | The doctor makes no holes in the receiving area |
Tissue is taken out with a scalpel or suture | The Tissue is taken out with a scalpel or suture | Tissue is taken out with a pen-like instrument called Choi |
First technique developed to restore hair loss | Found after two decades of FUT to restore hair loss | Latest technique for encouraging hair growth |
Usually, takes 4-6 hours to complete | Takes around 4-8 hours to complete | Takes more than 6-8 hours which can be divided into shorter sessions |
Success rate is comparatively low than FUE and DHI | The success rate is higher than FUE | Success rate is higher than both FUT and FUE |
Healing takes almost 2-3 weeks | Healing takes almost 5 days | As there are no stitches, healing is faster than FUT and FUE |
Hair grows after 8-12 months | Hair grows after 8-12 months | Approximately after 3 months, new hair starts growing |
Chances of bleeding are high | The chances of bleeding are moderately high | Chances of bleeding are very low |
Risk of hair follicles damaging are high | Risk of hair follicles damaging are low | There is no risk of hair follicles damaging |
Hair looks full and nature | Hair looks comparatively more full and nature | The results are for more natural and fuller |
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Which is the best hair transplant method?
Ideally, the doctor can only recommend the best hair transplant method depending on several factors. The effectiveness of the hair transplantation depends on the extent of baldness, the technique used as well as the surgeon’s skill and experience.
Furthermore, note here that what works for some may not work for another individual. As hair transplant majorly depends on a patient’s needs, the doctor can guide better. However, the success rate of Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) is more than other methods. The reason for the high success rate of DHI are-
The doctor can decide the direction of hair growth with the Choi in this procedure.
The accuracy and precision are higher in hair transplantation with DHI.
The procedure takes less time thereby, the patient can undergo multiple sessions.
The existing hair does not get damaged when the hair follicles are implanted.
The recovery is much faster after a DHI technique.
After the recovery, there are no visible scars.
As the procedure is performed under anesthesia, there is minimal discomfort.
The patient can resume their daily activities on the same day as the procedure.
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