FUE VS. DHI VS. FUT (VS. PRP) what are the differences, and which one is the most suited for me?
FUE VS. DHI VS. FUT
If you are considering a hair transplant, there is a good chance that you have come across different methods and are not sure which method is right for you. In this blog, we are going to talk about the main methods and compare them so that we can help you with your decision.
The three main hair transplant techniques are the FUT, FUE, and DHI techniques. Below we explain exactly what the advantages and disadvantages are of each method and for whom this method is most suitable.
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FUT - Folliculaire Unit Transplant
Previously, the FUT method was mainly used, which stands for Follicular Unit Transplant. In the FUT method, a suitable piece of tissue is selected from the donor area (the back of the head) and removed in the form of a long thin strip. This piece of tissue is then divided into small units after which these units can be implanted in the recipient area. The main advantage of this method is that it is relatively inexpensive, the extraction is fast and the most amount of grafts can be harvested via this method (up to >5000). This makes the FUT method very suitable for treating a large surface. A big disadvantage, however, is that with the FUT method the patient is left with a long horizontal line as a scar, which does not have to be a problem if long hair is worn.
Advantages of the FUT technique
It is the cheapest method
Hair density does not decrease in the donor area
Harvesting the grafts is faster
The most amount of grafts can be harvested through this method
Disadvantages of the FUT technique
A long and visible scar in the donor area
The recovery period is long (10-14 days)
For more information about the FUT method see our FUT blog!
FUE - Follicular Unit Extraction
Medical advancements today have resulted in a popular and less invasive procedure called the Follicular Unit Extraction. Grafts (a small piece of tissue with 1-4 hair follicles) are one by one extracted from the donor area with the use of an instrument that makes small punctures with a rounded blade ( diameter approx. 0.6-1 mm). The collected grafts are prepared using a plasma solution and then sorted before implantation. Subsequently, the implantation takes place, small incised channels are made in the recipient area in a natural pattern, after which the grafts are inserted one by one. The result is an often natural looking hairline with no or barely visible scars in the donor area.
Advantages of the FUE technique
Virtually no visible scars
Suitable for people who want short hair
Faster recovery compared to FUT (about 1 week)
Cover a larger area compared to DHI
Disadvantages of the FUE technique
It's more expensive than the FUT method
It's more time consuming compared to the FUT method
For more information about the FUE method and its variations see our FUE blog!
DHI - Direct Hair Implant
There is a third and newer method called Direct Hair Implant (DHI). The DHI method is very similar to the FUE method. As with the FUE method, the extraction is done by a Follicular Unit Extraction. However, there are a number of differences in the way the grafts are implanted. After the extraction, the hairs are directly implanted in the receiving area with a unique and patented implantation pen called a Choi Implanter Pen. In this case, no channels need to be opened in the receiving area. This is because the incision and implantation of the graft takes place simultaneously. This makes this method the least invasive and allows for better determination of the angle and depth of the graft.
For more information about the DHI method see our DHI blog!
The pros and cons for the DHI method are very similar with the FUE method. The main differences are:
Advantages of the DHI technique
More hair density possible than FUE (80-90 vs 45-60 Grafts cm²)
Faster recovery | Least invasive method
More control over the angle and depth of implantation
The possibility for a hair transplant without shaving the hair
Disadvantages of the DHI technique
Often the DHI method is the most expensive
Usually less coverage is possible through this method
BONUS: PRP - Platelets Rich Plasma treatment
Nowadays there is an alternative and less invasive treatment method that is growing in popularity. Namely, the Platelet Rich Plasma method. In the PRP method, platelet-rich plasma is extracted from the blood and then injected into the scalp. Platelet-rich plasma contains a high concentration of growth factors and proteins that stimulate recovery. This can have a nourishing effect. Studies show that it may help combat hair loss increase and increase the thickness and density of the hair.
This is by far the cheapest method and there is virtually no recovery period, so you are not limited in your activities. However, the result is not immediately visible and multiple treatments are often required for the desired result.
For more information about a the PRP treatment, see our PRP blog!
What is the best method?
Unfortunately, there is no method that is most suited for everyone. The decision depends on various factors because each individual patient is different and each method excels in its own aspects. The FUT method is the cheapest and is often used for patients who have long hair and want to cover a large surface area. The FUE method is well suited for patients with short hair and who want to cover a large area. Usually, this method is often applied to people with a lot of hair loss and the elderly. The DHI method, on the other hand, is very suitable for increasing the hair density and for covering smaller areas, making it more often used for younger patients. Finally, there is still the PRP treatment, this method shows no direct visible effect and is especially suitable as a longterm treatment/supplementation against hair loss, and having denser, thicker, and healthier hair.
To find out which method is the most suited for you and your desired results, it is best to consult a specialist because there are numerous factors which one has to take into account which may not be that apparent at first. For example, in some instances it is necessary to perform multiple treatments or to combine certain methods for optimal results, a specialist is well qualified to assist you herein.
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100% free, quick and without obligation! We ask you to complete a questionnaire and send us some photos of your hair. Then a specialist will advise you exactly which method is most suited for you, how many grafts you are likely to need and what it will cost.
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At Mediqle we work together with only the best clinics/hospitals, both at home and abroad, and offer a lowest price guarantee. Therefore you are assured that you are not paying too much for the proper care. The Mediqle service is completely FREE for you from start to finish for contracted clinics and hospitals.
Would you like more information about hair transplants, the pros and cons of all treatments, how to start your medical journey and how to save money with our handy tips? See our hair transplant page, and perhaps we can help you too! #Mediqle
