The first thing you should know about hair transplants is that different treatments exist for different people and their hair. In your research, you’ll likely come across the most common techniques: FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation, aka a “strip procedure”), FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation). Understanding the differences between these methods is crucial in making an informed decision with your Ample care team about which approach best suits your unique needs and goals.
"There are so many factors that can help us determine the right treatment plan for each of our clients,” says double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Hardik Doshi, Ample’s lead hair restoration specialist. “Your age or stage of life, your genetics, your gender identity, your stress levels and well being, your preferences and goals, even how you want to style your hair–from mustache to mohawk. Each can be a determinant in how we approach restoring your unique head of hair.”
So, let’s talk about it. Each of these treatments—FUT, FUE, and DHI—has benefits and drawbacks, different recovery times, and different applications depending on your goals and hair type.
Follicular Unit Transplantation, or FUT, is a traditional hair transplant method that involves removing a small strip of skin containing thousands of healthy hair grafts (groupings of 1 to 4 hair follicles) from the back of the scalp (AKA your donor area). Under a microscope, this strip is dissected into individual follicular units and carefully, artfully transplanted into areas of current or predicted thinning (AKA your recipient sites).
"One of the main advantages of FUT is efficiency. This treatment allows for a large number of grafts to be harvested in one quick, cost-effective session. The grafts collected during FUT are of fantastic quality." says Dr. Doshi. “This makes it a good option for those with advanced hair loss who require extensive coverage.”
FUT is typically more cost-effective than FUE, as it allows for a higher yield of grafts per session in a fraction of the time. FUT also leaves a small linear scar at the donor site, making it a less discreet option than FUE hair transplantation for people wishing to keep their hair cropped short.
After an FUT hair transplant, people typically experience some discomfort, swelling, and itching (a sign of healing!) at their donor and recipient areas. Stitches are usually removed 7-10 days post-transplant, and most clients can return to work within a week. However, strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for at least 2 weeks to ensure proper healing.
During the recovery period, it's essential to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your hair restoration clinical care team. This may include:
"It's important to stay in touch with your Ample care team following your treatment," Dr. Doshi says. “Our hair restoration technicians have been doing this for decades. We've heard it all before, and we're here to help!”
Follicular Unit Extraction, or FUE, is a more modern hair transplant technique known for achieving natural-looking results. FUE involves removing hair grafts individually by hand from an inconspicuous area at the base of your scalp using a specialized “punch” tool. These units are then transplanted into the recipient sites, similar to the FUT process.
One of FUE's main advantages is that it is minimally invasive and leaves no linear scarring. This makes it an excellent option for those who prefer to keep their hair short, as any scarring is minor and discreet, appearing more like naturally occurring skin texture variations or freckles. FUE typically has a shorter recovery time at the donor site and less healing discomfort than FUT.
Direct Hair Implantation, or DHI, is a variation of the FUE technique. This method extracts grafts of hair using a specialized tool with a hollow needle, allowing immediate implantation into the recipient sites without manually creating “sites” through micro incisions.
One of the main advantages of DHI is that it tends to be less expensive and more time efficient than hand FUE techniques, although these savings can sometimes come with meaningful downsides. The DHI tool enables specialists to plant grafts exceptionally close together but this density can appear unnatural or obvious in the hairline, particularly as clients mature. The larger average circumference of the grafts can detract from any advantage gained in the device's precise handling, as they tend to sit at a uniform angle vs. the varied angulation of natural hair.
When comparing FUE vs FUT vs DHI hair transplants, there are several key differences to consider:
FUT leaves a linear scar on the back of the scalp, while FUE leaves only tiny, round pin prick sized scars that are far less noticeable. DHI also has fewer scars but leads to less-natural results.
FUE and DHI don’t require an incision, and so generally don’t require a post-treatment appointment (although it is recommended to stay in touch with your care team). That means FUE and DHI treatments have shorter recovery times, and cause less discomfort at the donor site than FUT.
FUT is typically more cost-effective than FUE and DHI, especially for those requiring many grafts. This is because FUT allows for a higher yield of grafts per session in less time than it takes to manually remove hair grafts individually. Shorter treatment times mean lower financial investment.
FUE and DHI can be more time-consuming than FUT, as each follicular unit is extracted individually. This means that FUE treatments may take longer, especially for those with extensive hair loss. An FUE hair transplant typically takes 5-8 hours compared to the 4-6 hours required for an FUT hair restoration treatment.
FUT leaves a fine, linear scar on the back of the scalp, which may be visible if hair is buzzed or faded. FUE, on the other hand, leaves tiny, circular scars interspersed with the client's hair, meaning they are inconspicuous even with the shortest hairstyles. The DHI instrument used for collecting grafts generally is of a slightly larger circumference than the tiny instrument that a skilled provider can use by hand in FUE. Scars are usually still inconspicuous with the DHI tool, but some providers, if aggressive, run the risk of creating the appearance that the scars are running together.
Some studies suggest that FUT and DHI grafts have a slightly higher survival rate than FUE grafts. However, this difference is often minimal and can be mitigated by your specialist's skill and experience.
Ultimately, choosing which hair transplant treatment is right for you will depend on what is clinically recommended by your hair transplant care team with your needs, goals, and preferences in mind. A qualified hair restoration specialist can help you weigh the pros and cons of each technique and determine the best approach for your unique head of hair.
Understanding the differences between FUT, FUE, and DHI hair transplant techniques is crucial in making an informed decision about your hair restoration journey. Each method offers its own benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice will depend on your needs and goals.
By opting for a clinic that prioritizes manual, handcrafted techniques, you can ensure that your transplant is performed with the highest level of skill, precision, and personalization. This attention to detail sets apart exceptional results from those that appear unnatural or generic.
"A successful hair transplant will change your life in profound ways, that we know for sure,” says Dr. Doshi. “However, no two heads are the same, and the most successful hair treatments are custom-tailored. It's important to find a physician and care team that will view your treatment as a partnership, and stick with you every step of the way.” With the right approach and expertise, you can achieve the natural-looking, transformative results you've always dreamed of.
Remember, your hair transplant is an investment in yourself that can boost your confidence, enhance your appearance, and improve your overall quality of life. By educating yourself about the options and choosing a hair restoration practice that prioritizes craftsmanship and personalization, you'll be well on your way to achieving the best possible outcome.
The first thing you should know about hair transplants is that different treatments exist for different people and their hair. In your research, you’ll likely come across the most common techniques: FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation, aka a “strip procedure”), FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation). Understanding the differences between these methods is crucial in making an informed decision with your Ample care team about which approach best suits your unique needs and goals.
"There are so many factors that can help us determine the right treatment plan for each of our clients,” says double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Hardik Doshi, Ample’s lead hair restoration specialist. “Your age or stage of life, your genetics, your gender identity, your stress levels and well being, your preferences and goals, even how you want to style your hair–from mustache to mohawk. Each can be a determinant in how we approach restoring your unique head of hair.”
So, let’s talk about it. Each of these treatments—FUT, FUE, and DHI—has benefits and drawbacks, different recovery times, and different applications depending on your goals and hair type.
Follicular Unit Transplantation, or FUT, is a traditional hair transplant method that involves removing a small strip of skin containing thousands of healthy hair grafts (groupings of 1 to 4 hair follicles) from the back of the scalp (AKA your donor area). Under a microscope, this strip is dissected into individual follicular units and carefully, artfully transplanted into areas of current or predicted thinning (AKA your recipient sites).
"One of the main advantages of FUT is efficiency. This treatment allows for a large number of grafts to be harvested in one quick, cost-effective session. The grafts collected during FUT are of fantastic quality." says Dr. Doshi. “This makes it a good option for those with advanced hair loss who require extensive coverage.”
FUT is typically more cost-effective than FUE, as it allows for a higher yield of grafts per session in a fraction of the time. FUT also leaves a small linear scar at the donor site, making it a less discreet option than FUE hair transplantation for people wishing to keep their hair cropped short.
After an FUT hair transplant, people typically experience some discomfort, swelling, and itching (a sign of healing!) at their donor and recipient areas. Stitches are usually removed 7-10 days post-transplant, and most clients can return to work within a week. However, strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for at least 2 weeks to ensure proper healing.
During the recovery period, it's essential to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your hair restoration clinical care team. This may include:
"It's important to stay in touch with your Ample care team following your treatment," Dr. Doshi says. “Our hair restoration technicians have been doing this for decades. We've heard it all before, and we're here to help!”
Follicular Unit Extraction, or FUE, is a more modern hair transplant technique known for achieving natural-looking results. FUE involves removing hair grafts individually by hand from an inconspicuous area at the base of your scalp using a specialized “punch” tool. These units are then transplanted into the recipient sites, similar to the FUT process.
One of FUE's main advantages is that it is minimally invasive and leaves no linear scarring. This makes it an excellent option for those who prefer to keep their hair short, as any scarring is minor and discreet, appearing more like naturally occurring skin texture variations or freckles. FUE typically has a shorter recovery time at the donor site and less healing discomfort than FUT.
Direct Hair Implantation, or DHI, is a variation of the FUE technique. This method extracts grafts of hair using a specialized tool with a hollow needle, allowing immediate implantation into the recipient sites without manually creating “sites” through micro incisions.
One of the main advantages of DHI is that it tends to be less expensive and more time efficient than hand FUE techniques, although these savings can sometimes come with meaningful downsides. The DHI tool enables specialists to plant grafts exceptionally close together but this density can appear unnatural or obvious in the hairline, particularly as clients mature. The larger average circumference of the grafts can detract from any advantage gained in the device's precise handling, as they tend to sit at a uniform angle vs. the varied angulation of natural hair.
When comparing FUE vs FUT vs DHI hair transplants, there are several key differences to consider:
FUT leaves a linear scar on the back of the scalp, while FUE leaves only tiny, round pin prick sized scars that are far less noticeable. DHI also has fewer scars but leads to less-natural results.
FUE and DHI don’t require an incision, and so generally don’t require a post-treatment appointment (although it is recommended to stay in touch with your care team). That means FUE and DHI treatments have shorter recovery times, and cause less discomfort at the donor site than FUT.
FUT is typically more cost-effective than FUE and DHI, especially for those requiring many grafts. This is because FUT allows for a higher yield of grafts per session in less time than it takes to manually remove hair grafts individually. Shorter treatment times mean lower financial investment.
FUE and DHI can be more time-consuming than FUT, as each follicular unit is extracted individually. This means that FUE treatments may take longer, especially for those with extensive hair loss. An FUE hair transplant typically takes 5-8 hours compared to the 4-6 hours required for an FUT hair restoration treatment.
FUT leaves a fine, linear scar on the back of the scalp, which may be visible if hair is buzzed or faded. FUE, on the other hand, leaves tiny, circular scars interspersed with the client's hair, meaning they are inconspicuous even with the shortest hairstyles. The DHI instrument used for collecting grafts generally is of a slightly larger circumference than the tiny instrument that a skilled provider can use by hand in FUE. Scars are usually still inconspicuous with the DHI tool, but some providers, if aggressive, run the risk of creating the appearance that the scars are running together.
Some studies suggest that FUT and DHI grafts have a slightly higher survival rate than FUE grafts. However, this difference is often minimal and can be mitigated by your specialist's skill and experience.
Ultimately, choosing which hair transplant treatment is right for you will depend on what is clinically recommended by your hair transplant care team with your needs, goals, and preferences in mind. A qualified hair restoration specialist can help you weigh the pros and cons of each technique and determine the best approach for your unique head of hair.
Understanding the differences between FUT, FUE, and DHI hair transplant techniques is crucial in making an informed decision about your hair restoration journey. Each method offers its own benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice will depend on your needs and goals.
By opting for a clinic that prioritizes manual, handcrafted techniques, you can ensure that your transplant is performed with the highest level of skill, precision, and personalization. This attention to detail sets apart exceptional results from those that appear unnatural or generic.
"A successful hair transplant will change your life in profound ways, that we know for sure,” says Dr. Doshi. “However, no two heads are the same, and the most successful hair treatments are custom-tailored. It's important to find a physician and care team that will view your treatment as a partnership, and stick with you every step of the way.” With the right approach and expertise, you can achieve the natural-looking, transformative results you've always dreamed of.
Remember, your hair transplant is an investment in yourself that can boost your confidence, enhance your appearance, and improve your overall quality of life. By educating yourself about the options and choosing a hair restoration practice that prioritizes craftsmanship and personalization, you'll be well on your way to achieving the best possible outcome.
The first thing you should know about hair transplants is that different treatments exist for different people and their hair. In your research, you’ll likely come across the most common techniques: FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation, aka a “strip procedure”), FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction), and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation). Understanding the differences between these methods is crucial in making an informed decision with your Ample care team about which approach best suits your unique needs and goals.
"There are so many factors that can help us determine the right treatment plan for each of our clients,” says double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Hardik Doshi, Ample’s lead hair restoration specialist. “Your age or stage of life, your genetics, your gender identity, your stress levels and well being, your preferences and goals, even how you want to style your hair–from mustache to mohawk. Each can be a determinant in how we approach restoring your unique head of hair.”
So, let’s talk about it. Each of these treatments—FUT, FUE, and DHI—has benefits and drawbacks, different recovery times, and different applications depending on your goals and hair type.
Follicular Unit Transplantation, or FUT, is a traditional hair transplant method that involves removing a small strip of skin containing thousands of healthy hair grafts (groupings of 1 to 4 hair follicles) from the back of the scalp (AKA your donor area). Under a microscope, this strip is dissected into individual follicular units and carefully, artfully transplanted into areas of current or predicted thinning (AKA your recipient sites).
"One of the main advantages of FUT is efficiency. This treatment allows for a large number of grafts to be harvested in one quick, cost-effective session. The grafts collected during FUT are of fantastic quality." says Dr. Doshi. “This makes it a good option for those with advanced hair loss who require extensive coverage.”
FUT is typically more cost-effective than FUE, as it allows for a higher yield of grafts per session in a fraction of the time. FUT also leaves a small linear scar at the donor site, making it a less discreet option than FUE hair transplantation for people wishing to keep their hair cropped short.
After an FUT hair transplant, people typically experience some discomfort, swelling, and itching (a sign of healing!) at their donor and recipient areas. Stitches are usually removed 7-10 days post-transplant, and most clients can return to work within a week. However, strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for at least 2 weeks to ensure proper healing.
During the recovery period, it's essential to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your hair restoration clinical care team. This may include:
"It's important to stay in touch with your Ample care team following your treatment," Dr. Doshi says. “Our hair restoration technicians have been doing this for decades. We've heard it all before, and we're here to help!”
Follicular Unit Extraction, or FUE, is a more modern hair transplant technique known for achieving natural-looking results. FUE involves removing hair grafts individually by hand from an inconspicuous area at the base of your scalp using a specialized “punch” tool. These units are then transplanted into the recipient sites, similar to the FUT process.
One of FUE's main advantages is that it is minimally invasive and leaves no linear scarring. This makes it an excellent option for those who prefer to keep their hair short, as any scarring is minor and discreet, appearing more like naturally occurring skin texture variations or freckles. FUE typically has a shorter recovery time at the donor site and less healing discomfort than FUT.
Direct Hair Implantation, or DHI, is a variation of the FUE technique. This method extracts grafts of hair using a specialized tool with a hollow needle, allowing immediate implantation into the recipient sites without manually creating “sites” through micro incisions.
One of the main advantages of DHI is that it tends to be less expensive and more time efficient than hand FUE techniques, although these savings can sometimes come with meaningful downsides. The DHI tool enables specialists to plant grafts exceptionally close together but this density can appear unnatural or obvious in the hairline, particularly as clients mature. The larger average circumference of the grafts can detract from any advantage gained in the device's precise handling, as they tend to sit at a uniform angle vs. the varied angulation of natural hair.
When comparing FUE vs FUT vs DHI hair transplants, there are several key differences to consider:
FUT leaves a linear scar on the back of the scalp, while FUE leaves only tiny, round pin prick sized scars that are far less noticeable. DHI also has fewer scars but leads to less-natural results.
FUE and DHI don’t require an incision, and so generally don’t require a post-treatment appointment (although it is recommended to stay in touch with your care team). That means FUE and DHI treatments have shorter recovery times, and cause less discomfort at the donor site than FUT.
FUT is typically more cost-effective than FUE and DHI, especially for those requiring many grafts. This is because FUT allows for a higher yield of grafts per session in less time than it takes to manually remove hair grafts individually. Shorter treatment times mean lower financial investment.
FUE and DHI can be more time-consuming than FUT, as each follicular unit is extracted individually. This means that FUE treatments may take longer, especially for those with extensive hair loss. An FUE hair transplant typically takes 5-8 hours compared to the 4-6 hours required for an FUT hair restoration treatment.
FUT leaves a fine, linear scar on the back of the scalp, which may be visible if hair is buzzed or faded. FUE, on the other hand, leaves tiny, circular scars interspersed with the client's hair, meaning they are inconspicuous even with the shortest hairstyles. The DHI instrument used for collecting grafts generally is of a slightly larger circumference than the tiny instrument that a skilled provider can use by hand in FUE. Scars are usually still inconspicuous with the DHI tool, but some providers, if aggressive, run the risk of creating the appearance that the scars are running together.
Some studies suggest that FUT and DHI grafts have a slightly higher survival rate than FUE grafts. However, this difference is often minimal and can be mitigated by your specialist's skill and experience.
Ultimately, choosing which hair transplant treatment is right for you will depend on what is clinically recommended by your hair transplant care team with your needs, goals, and preferences in mind. A qualified hair restoration specialist can help you weigh the pros and cons of each technique and determine the best approach for your unique head of hair.
Understanding the differences between FUT, FUE, and DHI hair transplant techniques is crucial in making an informed decision about your hair restoration journey. Each method offers its own benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice will depend on your needs and goals.
By opting for a clinic that prioritizes manual, handcrafted techniques, you can ensure that your transplant is performed with the highest level of skill, precision, and personalization. This attention to detail sets apart exceptional results from those that appear unnatural or generic.
"A successful hair transplant will change your life in profound ways, that we know for sure,” says Dr. Doshi. “However, no two heads are the same, and the most successful hair treatments are custom-tailored. It's important to find a physician and care team that will view your treatment as a partnership, and stick with you every step of the way.” With the right approach and expertise, you can achieve the natural-looking, transformative results you've always dreamed of.
Remember, your hair transplant is an investment in yourself that can boost your confidence, enhance your appearance, and improve your overall quality of life. By educating yourself about the options and choosing a hair restoration practice that prioritizes craftsmanship and personalization, you'll be well on your way to achieving the best possible outcome.
Take the first step in restoring confidence at the root with a free 20-minute consultation with an Ample Advisor to discuss your hair restoration options and get answers to any questions you may have.
Take the first step in restoring confidence at the root with a free 20-minute consultation with an Ample Advisor to discuss your hair restoration options and get answers to any questions you may have.
Discover what Ample’s personalized approach to the art and science of hair restoration can do for you by booking a free consultation today.