Hair loss is an issue that affects a large number of men and women around the world and can significantly affect confidence and self-esteem – but the good news is that in 2024, there are a number of solutions available that have the potential to restore your hair to their former glory.
The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary and is called androgenetic alopecia, which is also known as male or female pattern baldness, but lifestyle factors such as poor diet, stress and hormonal changes can also play a role in some cases. Although it wasn’t that long ago that topical treatments were the best for restoring hair loss, the constant maintenance and limited results they offer means demand for a more permanent solution has continued to grow – and hair transplants are becoming increasingly popular. alternative that offers a more permanent solution.
With several types of hair transplants available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you, and it’s important to understand which procedure best aligns with your needs. To know for sure, a consultation with a dermatologist is recommended – but in the meantime, we asked the experts at KSL Clinicone of the leading groups of hair restoration clinics in the UK, to break down the options to help you make a more informed decision.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
Follicular unit transplantation is one of the most commonly used techniques in hair transplant procedures and sees a strip of scalp being surgically removed from a donor area – usually at the back of the head, where hair tends to be thickest – and after divided into smaller follicular units, transplanted to the treatment target areas.
It is a popular technique because, when performed by an experienced surgeon, it can provide seamless and natural results once healing has taken place, and because some grafts can be transplanted in a single session, it is also time-efficient and means that patients are unlikely to to have to go back again for the second round. Its price is another major selling point, as compared to some more complex techniques, FUT transplants are more affordable for most people. It’s worth bearing in mind, however, that post-operative care is essential to avoid complications such as infections, and healing can take a few weeks – and of course, you’ll be left with a small linear scar in the donor area.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
The FUE technique has garnered increasing attention in recent years because it offers a minimally invasive and generally more modern approach to hair transplant surgery. Instead of removing an entire strip of scalp from a donor area, individual follicles are extracted and then implanted into the target area for hair restoration.
Scars are minimal as a result of this more precise approach and look like tiny dots as opposed to a linear scar, so they are much harder to spot. Downtime is shorter, recovery is faster, and it offers increased flexibility because, if necessary, follicles can be extracted from elsewhere in the body rather than the head. It comes with a higher price tag, but many patients feel it’s worth the increased cost for a smoother process from start to finish. That said, occasionally the surgeon may not be able to extract enough follicles in one session compared to FUT, so it may, in cases where extensive reconstruction is required, mean multiple sessions are needed. Whether or not it’s the best choice depends on your unique needs and the results you hope to achieve.
Direct Hair Implantation (DHI)
A newer technique that has come to the fore is Direct Hair Implantation (DHI), which sees follicles of hair extracted and implanted directly into balding areas using an implant pen. The increased precision it offers is a major selling point, and because it gives surgeons more control during implantation, the results tend to look more natural. Another advantage is the fact that unlike FUE, you do not need to prepare a reception site in advance – the follicles are simply implanted in the area as it is. This means that trauma to the scalp in this area is reduced and healing can take place much faster, and because a greater number of grafts can be placed in one go, it offers immediately visible results.
It is, however, time-consuming, and given this, as well as the additional advantages, it is the most expensive technique of the three.
The right hair transplant procedure for you
So, which procedure is right for you? It depends on some key factors.
Your extent hair loss is one of them, as for cases where it is minimal you can generally choose – but if the hair loss is more severe then a technique like FUT, which allows for a higher graft yield, is generally better.
Recovery times can vary, so if you have little time to devote to recovery, then it is recommended that you choose a minimally invasive procedure. And if you are concerned about scarring, then DHI or FUE are the best options and will allow you to keep your hair short without worrying about it being visible.
