fut hair transplant Archives | MAXIM HAIR RESTORATION

TOP HAIR RESTORATION TREATMENTS

Posted on September 30, 2021September 20, 2023 by maximclinicalteam

Hair loss among men is an increasingly common issue. You might be surprised to learn that around 35 million men and 21 million women suffer from hair loss. The American Hair Loss Association reports that 95% of hair loss in men is the result of a hereditary condition known as male pattern baldness. By age 21, 25% of men with male pattern baldness have experienced some hair loss. By the age of 50, a full 85% of American men have thinning hair.

Fortunately, these statistics don’t have to mean that a bald or balding scalp is inevitable. There are many hair restoration options that deliver anything from complete follicle transplantation to a subtle shadow of hair that mimics a natural hairline. Find out which option is best for you.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

Man looking out the window of a highrise — Unsplash by Nathan Dumlao

Follicular unit extraction is a hair restoration procedure in which individual hair follicles are transplanted from a donor site to the area of thinning hair. A local anesthetic numbs the area while the surgeon meticulously performs follicle graft excisions using a micro-punch tool. An experienced surgeon can carefully select the follicles that are healthiest and most likely to survive the transplant procedure.

The micropunches used for this procedure are extremely small, typically measuring just 0.6 to 0.8 mm. Though the process may leave a tiny white scar, this is usually too minuscule for others to notice.

Depending on the scope of the treatment and the surgeon’s experience level, the FUE process may take anywhere from one to eight hours. Most treatment sessions are between two and four hours long. Some patients return for repeat treatments to complete all of the transplants.

The recovery process from FUE is quick and relatively painless. This is an outpatient procedure that allows patients to go home the same day. After the transplant, recovery takes about five to 10 days. Patients are advised to avoid exercise and any activity that would immerse the head in water for at least a week. Hair regrowth is usually visible in about four to six months. It may take up to a year to see full results.

Not all patients are eligible for FUE. This procedure works best for those who have thinning hair on the top or front of the head and thick hair in the back.

Surgeons should perform a FOX test before scheduling any FUE procedure. The FOX test involves taking around 100 grafts and evaluating the number of complete and incomplete follicular units. The FOX test delivers grades of FOX 1 through 5. Patients with a FOX 4 or FOX 5 score are ineligible for FUE. Those with a score of FOX 1 are prime candidates. Surgeons must use their discretion when determining whether to perform FUE on FOX 2 or FOX 3 patients.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

Follicular unit transplantation involves removing a strip of skin from the back or side of the head from which to extract individual hair follicles. This strip is typically 0.4 to 0.6 inches wide. The length depends on the number of follicles required for the transplant. After removing the skin, the surgeon must close the wound with stitches or staples that will leave a long, thin scar. Patients can easily conceal this scar by keeping their hair at least half an inch in length.

Once the strip of skin has been removed, a technician carefully extracts the individual hair follicles from it and prepares them for transplantation. The surgeon then inserts these hair follicles into the balding area in a natural-looking pattern. A local anesthetic is used for the procedure. Some patients may also elect to take a sedative. The procedure itself may take between four and 12 hours.

Initial recovery from the FUT procedure typically takes 10 to 12 days. Patients usually notice results within six to nine months, though it can take up to a year.

The best patients for FUT are those over the age of 25 with a Norwood pattern of hair loss, where the hair recedes from the hairline at the forehead first. This is followed later by hair loss on the top of the head. Those with less contrast between their skin color and hair color are also preferred candidates for FUT. Though the recovery time is slightly longer for FUT, the total procedural time is shorter, and this hair restoration treatment usually costs less than FUE.

Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)

Scalp micropigmentation is the process of depositing pigment into the scalp to create the illusion of a shadow from hair. When used to fill in thinning areas amid longer hair, SMP can create the illusion of a fuller head of hair. Used on a bald scalp, SMP creates the appearance of a recently shorn buzz cut. Some patients also use SMP to cover scarring from FUE or FUT treatments.

The process of SMP is similar to microblading or tattooing. However, this isn’t considered a tattoo because the ink does not penetrate the skin as deeply. SMP is considered semipermanent. The pigmentation typically lasts for about eight years, but it lightens progressively over this period of time.

Each SMP treatment takes around four or five hours. Most patients get three or four treatments, scheduled a few weeks apart, to properly layer the pigmentation. After each SMP treatment, you must avoid washing your scalp or sweating excessively for four days. After the fourth day, you must moisturize regularly. Patients need to avoid swimming, saunas, steam rooms, and sunlight for at least 28 days after each treatment.

SMP does not regrow your hair, so it’s not an effective treatment if you want longer or thicker hair on your head. Rather, this approach is best for individuals who want to either mask a small amount of thinning or keep a bald head that still retains the appearance of a hairline.

Speaking with a professional hair restoration specialist is the best way to determine which treatment is best for you. Get a quick assessment at Maxim to learn more about your options and get on the path to satisfying hair restoration.

FUE vs FUT Hair Transplant: The Pros and Cons of each

Posted on July 15, 2018September 18, 2023 by calendar

FUE vs FUT, what is better hair transplant for your hair loss, The FUT procedure allows for the physician to do many more grafts at a single time. The FUE procedure is more time consuming for harvesting follicles.

When it comes to hair restoration techniques, there are two procedures which reign supreme. These procedures are the hair transplants known as follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplant (FUT).

FUE vs FUT Hair Transplant

Perhaps you’re thinking about undergoing one of these two procedures, but aren’t sure of which one to choose? If so, you’re in the right place. We’re going to compare the pros and cons of both so that you can make an informed decision.

FUE: Pros

Very Little Scarring

Because FUE involves taking only small hair samples, it results in very little linear scarring. In most cases, any linear scarring which does exist after the procedure will be completely covered by hair. This differs from FUT, which generally leaves a faint linear scar at the back of the head.

Very Little Discomfort

While neither FUE or FUT result in any remarkable amount of discomfort, FUE typically results in less discomfort than does FUT. This is because FUT involves taking a strip from the back of the head whereas in FUE, the surgeon extracts one graft at a time.

Limited Recovery

In the vast majority of cases, FUE patients can go back to living their everyday lives almost as soon as their grafting sessions have ended. While patients might experience some slight discomfort, this discomfort shouldn’t keep them off schedule for any more than a day or two.

FUE: Cons

Relatively Expensive

Because FUE takes longer and requires more hair transplant sessions than does FUT, it’s generally more expensive than FUT.

Fairly Time-Consuming

Because FUE requires a number of different grafting sessions in order to be carried out appropriately, it can be fairly time-consuming. However, after a single session has ended, you’re essentially free to do whatever you’d like to do.

FUT: Pros

Relatively Inexpensive

Because FUT does not necessitate as many hair grafting sessions as FUE, it is typically less expensive. Whereas FUE usually allows for up to 2,000 to 2,500 grafts per session, FUT usually allows for around 3,000 grafts per session up to 4,000.

Takes Very Little Time

Again, because FUT allows for more grafts per session than does FUE, fewer sessions are required. The result of this? It takes a lot less time to be carried out than it does for FUE.

Fast Recovery

Typically, after one of your FUT sessions has ended, you will be fully recovered within a couple of days. After these days have passed, you are free to go to work, school, and do everything else that you would normally do.

FUT: Cons

Produces a Semi-noticeable Scar

One of the cons of FUT is that it will produce a linear scar which can sometimes be noticeable through hair, particularly if the head is closely shaved. This differs from FUE, which produces only small scars that are much more difficult to see through hair.

Includes Some Potential Discomfort

While FUT is a very mild and minor surgical procedure, there is a chance that it could produce some slight discomfort. However, this discomfort is typically very easy to deal with, and it will likely subside within a few days of the procedure being carried out.

Undergo a Hair Transplant: FUE vs FUT

Ready to take the next step choose between FUE vs FUT hair tranplantation? Thinking about undergoing a hair transplant at one of MAXIM Hair Restoration’s national locations? If so, we have you covered!

Our team of seasoned surgeons has performed thousands and thousands of hair transplant procedures, helping both men and women to look and feel their best. We would be honored to help you as well.

Choosing FUE or FUT For Hair Transplantation

Posted on March 29, 2018September 17, 2023 by calendar

Once a person determines they want to do something permanent about their hair loss, they will have various treatments to consider. A couple of options available worth mentioning and widely chosen on the market for hair restoration solutions are FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction/Excision) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant). Both procedures are very effective and accessible to patients.

For many people, a healthy head of hair provides feelings of vitality, energy, youthfulness, and a sense of identity. However, baldness and thinning hair is something that affects millions of men and women around the globe. Hair loss can be a concern no matter what age you are, with many people showing noticeable hairline recession or hair loss as early as their late teens and 20s.

Living with noticeable hair loss can be traumatic to young people, causing a loss of confidence and making them feel older than they are. Female hair loss is a problem that affects about 50% of women at some point in their lives and it is much tougher at times because society expects a woman to always have hair in comparison to men. Although it is not as traumatic for older people, it still affects their self-image.

Are you Choosing a Hair Transplant Procedure Between, FUE and FUT?

Hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons, but if you are in your 20s or older, and are worried about hair loss, you may be exploring ways to address the problem. We have all seen those hair loss and hair restoration commercials that target people who are insecure about their balding or thinning of hair. Some people try to deal with the problem with a scalp micropigmentation, hair loss solutions such as Rogaine, medications such as Propecia (Fin########), and other methods. Unfortunately, these solutions are not always effective or convenient. It can become overwhelming and frustrating to try and navigate through all the options that exist in the hair restoration industry.

There is definitely a lot of different information out there, which makes getting familiar with the accurate data a key factor towards achieving the best outcome. It is greatly advised to become an educated consumer and know the details about effective and permanent treatments such as FUE and FUT.

The great news is that as research and technology continue to grow and evolve, so does hair transplantation surgery. For those who struggle with hair loss, they feel their confidence and sense of self gradually diminish with each fallen hair.

The most common and effective solution is a FUT or FUE, which are proven surgical methods that have helped many people recover their confidence. Let’s explore the differences between the two, and help decide which treatment may be right for you.

FUE: Follicular Unit Extraction

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), also known as follicular transfer (FT), is one of the two primary methods for hair restoration solutions. FUE is a surgical technique that aims to remove a patient’s individual hair or follicular units (hair follicles) one at a time from the back of the scalp, which is known as the donor or harvesting site. This hair transplant procedure is minimally invasive, and after the hair is taken from the donor site it is transplanted into the areas that are experiencing bald patches also called recipient sites. This procedure creates a fuller looking head of hair with an improved visual impact in thinning or bald locations.

Patients who have a genetic hair loss condition called androgenetic alopecia also called male or female pattern baldness, are the best candidates for FUE hair transplantation procedure. Follicular Unit Extraction results in a more natural-looking hairline, with no linear scarring, which means that hair transplant scar revisions are not going to be necessary when receiving this type of procedure.

FUT: Follicular Unit Transplantation

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) involves removing a strip of tissue from the back of the head, where healthy hair follicles will be removed. The hair follicles are harvested from the strip of tissue before being individually transplanted to the recipient area. FUT allows for a high volume of grafts to be transplanted in a single session.

Some patients report higher levels of discomfort with FUT procedures compared to FUE due to the more invasive nature of the procedure, occurring in the area where the strip of tissue was removed for grafting. The FUT hair transplant method typically results in a very narrow linear scar in the back of the head, that will gradually start to fade with time, and may often be covered with the existing hair.

Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT)

While FUT is a bit quicker than FUE, Follicular Unit Extraction typically is more expensive and provides a more natural look. They both have their ups and downs, but they also will both result in a healthy-looking head of hair. After having a hair transplant, people have noted the hair transplantation procedure as an emotional and transformative experience, giving them more confidence to face life and achieve their goals.

During your initial consultation, your clinical team will determine which transplantation method is best for you based on multiple factors; how much hair loss you have, the size of the thinning area, and the quality & quantity of hair you have as a donor site for the balding areas.

What Are the Pros and Cons of the Two Hair Transplant Techniques?

Both methods, the FUT and FUE include their set of pros and cons. Although both methods provide great outcomes, the more modern and advanced technique is often seen as the Follicular Unit Excision. Both you and your surgeon have to discuss both types of procedures in detail to choose the one that best meets your needs and specifications. Each patient has unique characteristics that are considered in order to choose the appropriate procedure.

Below, we’ll cover some benefits that you and your physician will want to discuss during your initial consultation:

Benefits of FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction/Excision)

No trace of a linear scar is caused by the surgery. The nice thing about FUE is that it does not leave the noticeable scar that FUT can leave behind. During this procedure, individual follicular units are obtained. It only creates a small scar that appears like a dot, which cannot be seen through growing hair. It is also referred to as hypopigmentation due to the minimal scarring appearing only as a small tonal difference in color. This is very beneficial to those people who will like to quickly get back to their normal activities that may require physical strain such as exercise.
Ability to wear hair short without a noticeable scar. Because FUE leaves practically no scars, it is ideal for patients who like to wear their hair very short at the back of the head. This is the case for people that get the number one or number two haircut setting on the hair clippers. Oftentimes, a person may even clip their hair with a 0 and see no visible scarring.
It is a great technique for relatively minor transplants. The FUE method is more appropriate for patients that are younger and don’t have much balding. It is ideal for those who only need a relatively small number of grafts in the hairline.

Benefits of FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)

This technique is appropriate for people who need a large number of grafts. FUT provides the patient with a larger volume of hair restoration than FUE. Patients that are looking to achieve fuller results from their hair replacement surgery can take advantage of this method.

There will be a linear scar in the back of the head with the FUT technique, which can be covered up with medium length hair. In case the scar is too noticeable, it may be appropriate to perform a hair transplant scar revision.

Another key factor with FUT is that the surgery is completed in a lesser amount of time, which is approximately anywhere from 6-8 hours, give or take, according to the number of required grafts. On the other hand, FUE tends to be more laborious and take longer to complete due to the intricacies of removing each follicular unit one-by-one.

Both FUT and FUE procedures are virtually painless and require only a local anesthetic.

Contact you Hair Loss Specialist

To learn more about hair loss and what hair transplantation procedure is right for you, MAXIM Hair Restoration has locations in New York City, New Jersey, Long Island, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Texas, and the Northern Virginia Washington, DC area. International clinics include Manila and Cebu in the Philippines, Dubai (U.A.E.), and Istanbul, Turkey. Locations under development include Indiana, Chicago, Austin, San Antonio, Miami, Atlanta, Sarasota, Florida, New Orleans, Louisiana, Wroclaw, Poland and other markets. Contact MAXIM today for a consultation and start your journey to the hair you want to have.