Hair Transplant FAQ

What Is the Difference Between FUE and FUT Hair Transplants?

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What Is the Difference Between FUE and FUT Hair Transplants?

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) are two established methods for harvesting donor hair for transplantation. The right approach depends on your hair loss pattern, donor hair characteristics, previous procedures, restoration goals, and long-term treatment plan.

What Is FUE?

FUE involves carefully extracting individual follicular units from the donor area and transplanting them into areas affected by hair loss. Because follicles are harvested individually, FUE can be an appropriate option for many patients when planned carefully.

What Is FUT?

FUT involves removing a strip of donor scalp tissue containing healthy hair follicles. The tissue is then carefully dissected into individual follicular units for transplantation. FUT may be appropriate for certain patients depending on their donor characteristics and restoration goals.

FUE vs. FUT: Which Is Better?

There is no single hair transplant technique that is best for every patient. The most appropriate approach depends on factors such as donor hair availability, hair loss progression, scalp characteristics, previous hair transplant procedures, and the amount of restoration desired.

Dr. Brett Bolton evaluates these factors when developing a personalized hair restoration plan. His approach emphasizes careful donor management, natural hairline design, and long-term planning rather than simply selecting a technique based on its name.

Key Takeaways

  • FUE harvests individual follicular units from the donor area.
  • FUT uses a strip of donor tissue that is prepared into follicular units.
  • Both techniques can be effective when appropriately selected and performed.
  • The best approach depends on the patient's individual hair restoration needs.
  • Proper donor management and long-term planning are essential for natural-looking results.

Hair loss can affect different areas of the scalp and may develop in different patterns over time. Understanding the characteristics of hair loss is an important part of considering whether hair transplantation or another restoration approach may be suitable.

Hair transplant planning may consider the extent of hair loss, donor hair availability, hair characteristics, and the patient’s desired restoration goals. These factors can influence how treatment is planned and which areas may be prioritized.

Learning more about hair loss and restoration options can help prospective patients prepare useful questions for a consultation. Individual treatment recommendations should always be based on a patient’s specific circumstances and restoration needs.

Patient Experiences

Hear From Hair Transplant Patients

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★★★★★
It's been just over 4 months since my procedure with Dr. Brett Bolton, and I am already seeing great results! Considering I am still at the very beginning stages of growth, I can't wait to see the progress over the next 8 months! Read Patient Experience →
Patient N
Verified Hairtransplantsociety Review • April 2014
★★★★★
Great. Very professional and attentive to the details. The team wanted to ensure first class results. I will refer Dr. Brett Bolton for the optimal results that he helped me achieve with only one procedure. 100% satisfied. Read Patient Experience →
Patient Tim
Verified Hairtransplantsociety Review • January 2014
★★★★★
I was referred to Doctor bolton by a friend. I really liked him, his work is fantastic! Everyone in the office was extremely professional. They set a comforting atmosphere, that had put my nerves at ease. Read Patient Experience →
Patient Trevor
Verified Hairtransplantsociety Review • January 2014
★★★★★
So far, so good!

Had my hair transplant last October. Been in contact with Josh, Dr. Bolton’s correspondent, since day 1. Can’t recommend either of them highly enough. I’m currently only at 5 months but my hairline has already dramatically improved and I’m seeing lots of new hairs popping up.... Read Patient Experience →
Patient More
Verified Google Review • March 2022
★★★★★
With so much success with my first mini procedure, I decided to go for a second procedure with Doctor Bolton. My personal experience with Doctor Bolton at Great hair transplants was great! The staff was very nice and polite. The procedure was painless. I highly recommend anyone who wants to get get... Read Patient Experience →
Patient Raul
Verified Hairtransplantsociety Review • July 2014
★★★★★
I saw Dr Bolton in January 2023 and one year later, I couldn't be more happy about how my hair looks and I get a lot of compliments on it. The procedure was relatively easy and well worth the 10 hour drive to his office. I would recommend Dr Bolton over any other Dr for hair transplant surgery. Read Patient Experience →
Patient Donnie
Verified Google Review • February 2024
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Our Pricing Philosophy

Please understand that we do not charge by the graft. We believe that pricing hair transplantation this way can be misleading. For example, when a clinic quotes “1,000 grafts,” that number alone does not indicate how much hair you are actually receiving. A graft may contain one, two, or three hairs, and each situation represents a very different total amount of hair, even though the patient is charged the same based solely on the graft count. For this reason, we believe that graft-based pricing does not always reflect the true value or outcome of a procedure.

Instead, we have chosen what we believe is a fairer and more transparent approach: pricing based on the amount of donor tissue removed. Our planning is based on averages. The average adult male has approximately 200 hairs per square centimeter in the donor area, although individual hair density varies. Regardless of individual density, patients at the same pricing level receive approximately the same amount of donor tissue extracted. This provides consistency in the amount of tissue removed rather than relying on graft numbers that can vary significantly in hair content.

While it is not possible to guarantee an exact number of square centimeters removed, we make every effort to come as close as possible to the planned amount. When feasible, we aim to slightly exceed the planned amount rather than fall short.