When it comes to hair loss, there is a certain stigma attached to it with many people opting to wear wigs or toupees to cover the affected area, even simply combing over existing to hair to cover a balding area. Over the last ten years, it has become more and more common to see people opt for a hair transplant and with big stars like Wayne Rooney famously having a hair transplant surgery performed, more and more people have begun to see through the stigma attached to hair loss and realised that there are ways to combat it effectively.
It is a very common misconception that hair loss only affects men, and although it is much more common it is definitely not true. Hair loss can affect women too and often, a transplantation is the best method available to have a chance at restoring lost hair.
There are different methods of performing a hair transplant or restoration surgery, though the two most common methods are the FUT and FUE restoration surgeries. Both of these hair transplant methods have their advantages, though both are more applicable to different hair loss scenarios.
So what’s the difference between the two?
FUE, or follicular unit extraction, is the most modern and up to date method of hair restoration. This method of hair transplantation involves the extraction of individual hair follicles from a donor area, usually on the rear of the scalp, via the use of a specially designed and calibrated extraction instrument with a diameter of less than 1mm. The individual follicles are then transferred the recipient area of the scalp and implanted in small groups using a powerful stereo microscope.
FUT, or follicular unit transplantation, is a more commonly found method to restore hair. Also known as strip harvesting, the FUT procedure is carried out by a surgeon removing a strip of donor tissue from the rear of the scalp which will then be separated into smaller grafts. These grafts are then implanted into microscopic incisions in the recipient area of the scalp to mimic the natural way that the existing hair grows. The main difference between the two is that due to the way FUE hair restoration surgeries are carried out, there is no distinctive visible scarring left following the procedure. The FUT procedure by comparison often leaves a very distinct lateral scarring across the back of the scalp though this will be covered by longer existing hair and eventual hair regrowth.
How do the results look?
Whether you are male or female, no matter which method you choose to have your hair restoration surgery the results are often undetectable from the rest of your natural hair. Because this is simply your pre-existing natural hair just being moved from one location to another, it will grow as normal and is completely natural and permanent (meaning you don’t need to take any medication to maintain the new hair).
Every transplant is different just as every hair follicle is different, but you should start to experience hair regrowth approximately 3-4 months following your surgery and after that, there is no aftercare required. Simply just wash and cut your hair as normal to style it however you wish.