When hair loss occurs, it can affect self-esteem, personal image, and overall stress levels. Fortunately, with advancements in medical technology and if you are open to medical tourism/travel, hair transplants can be a viable option for many. In this blog, we examine the different types of hair transplants and help you gauge which procedure may suit you best.
It’s important to note that most clinics have a preferred technique. After consulting several clinics, you may notice a varying degree of suggestions or prescribed methods. So, it’s important to understand each method and its ideal candidate first, then choose a clinic based on which procedure best suits your hair loss situation.
We will explore the following methods:
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
- Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)
- Follicular Unit Transplantation
We have also intentionally omitted outdated practices, like “hair plugs,” which yield unnatural results.
TYPES OF HAIR TRANSPLANTS
1. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) involves opening channels in the balding area and implanting individual hair follicles extracted from the donor area (back and sides of the head). Medical professionals use micro punches to extract single follicles from the donor area, leaving almost no sign of extraction.
Advantages:
- Minimal scarring — tiny, dot-like scars that are less noticeable
- Shorter recovery time and less post-operative discomfort
Disadvantages:
- Longer procedure time due to the meticulous nature of extracting individual follicles
- Generally more expensive than FUT
Ideal Candidates:
- Individuals who prefer short hairstyles and want minimal scarring
- People who require a moderate number of grafts and seek a shorter recovery time
2. Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI) is a modified form of FUE. A device known as a Choi pen extracts a person’s hair follicles and implants them directly into their scalp. DHI allows for more precise control over an implanted hair’s depth and angle and even its direction of growth.
Advantages:
- More control over the follicle placement, resulting in a more natural look
- Reduced time that follicles are outside the body, potentially increasing their survival rate
Disadvantages:
- Requires a highly skilled surgeon
- Typically more expensive than both FUT and FUE
Ideal Candidates:
- Individuals willing to pay more for highly natural results and precision
- Those with minimal recession or less severe hair loss — DHI may not require the whole head to be shaved
3. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is also known as “strip harvesting” or “strip hair transplantation.” The process involves removing a strip of scalp from the back of a patient’s head, which is sometimes called the donor site. It is then divided into smaller units containing one to four hair follicles. A technician will then implant them into the balding areas.
Advantages:
- Can transplant a large number of grafts in one session
- The meticulous handling of follicles ensures a high graft survival rate
Disadvantages:
- Linear scar at the donor site, which may be seen if hair is worn short
- Longer recovery time compared to other methods
Ideal Candidates:
- Individuals with extensive hair loss who need a significant number of grafts
- Those who don’t mind a linear scar and
- People who can handle a longer recovery period
CONCLUSION
Use careful consideration when choosing the right type of hair transplant for your hair loss. Once you do, find a reputable clinic that offers that specific service.
Whether you opt for FUE, DHI, or FUT, a hair transplant can be a transformative procedure that improves your quality of life and helps you regain the confidence you once had. Your journey to a fuller head of hair might be closer than you think!
Why HairTransPlan exists:
We connect hair transplant candidates who want their hair back but can’t afford domestic treatment to the highest-caliber doctors at industry-leading clinics. For those not opposed to exploring a beautiful new part of the world, we’ve identified and vetted industry leaders, ensuring our customers get the best and safest treatments from the most effective doctors at the lowest rates.
