What is a Hair Transplant?
A hair transplant is a medical procedure that moves healthy hair from one part of your scalp (the donor area) to areas where you have thinning or no hair (the recipient area). It's a permanent solution to hair loss. There are three main types of hair transplant techniques:
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
Transplants individual hair follicles with tiny scars, but requires shaving the donor area.
Micro FUE (No Shaving Required)
A no-shave version of FUE that’s ideal for smaller, precise transplants with invisible scars.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
Transplants a strip of hair for larger coverage but leaves a thin, long scar.
Let's break them down to help you choose the best option.
| Feature | FUE | Micro FUE | FUT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scarring | Small dots (hardly visible) | Same (no shaving required) | Thin, long scar |
| Recovery time | 5-7 days | 5-7 days | 10-14 days |
| Cost | Higher | Highest | Lower |
Option 1: FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
How it works:
- The doctor removes individual hair follicles from the back or side of your scalp.
- These follicles are transplanted to areas where you need more hair.
What you need to know:
- Done under local anesthesia (you're awake but won't feel pain).
- Scars are very small, like tiny dots, and usually not visible.
Pros:
- Minimal scars – great if you want short hair.
- Recovery is faster, usually 5-7 days.
- Less pain after the procedure.
Cons:
- Requires shaving the donor area.
- Time-consuming (can take several hours to a full day).
- Typically more expensive than FUT.
Option 2: Micro FUE (No Hair Shaving Required)
How it works:
- Works like regular FUE, but the donor area is not shaved.
- Hair follicles are carefully removed without affecting surrounding hair.
What you need to know:
- Suitable for smaller transplants (mild to medium hair loss).
- Ideal if you don't want your hair styling affected.
Pros:
- No need to shave the donor area.
- Leaves tiny, almost invisible scars.
- Recovery is quick, usually within a week.
Cons:
- Takes longer than regular FUE due to the precision required.
- Costs more because it requires more skill and time.
Option 3: FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
How it works:
- The doctor removes a strip of skin with hair from the back of your scalp.
- Individual hair follicles are taken from this strip and transplanted.
What you need to know:
- Leaves a thin, long scar where the strip was taken.
- Suitable for people with a lot of hair loss.
Pros:
- Transplants more hair in one session – good for advanced hair loss.
- Costs less than FUE or Micro FUE.
- No need to shave the donor area.
Cons:
- The scar is visible if you shave your head.
- Recovery takes longer, about 10-14 days.
- Slightly more painful post-surgery.
Other Options for Hair Loss
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
A tattoo-like procedure that creates the look of fuller hair.
PRP Therapy
Injections of your own blood plasma to help stimulate hair growth.
What to Do Next
Book a Consultation:
The doctor will check your scalp and tell you which method suits you.
Things the Doctor Will Check:
- How much donor hair you have.
- How many grafts you need for the desired look.
- Your budget (transplants vary greatly in cost).