Why is it said that FUT hair transplants yield a higher total lifetime number of grafts vs. FUE?

Question

I understand that FUE only takes a small number of hairs from an area (say 1 out of 5 for the sake of this comparison), so it makes sense an FUT procedure yields more hairs because it harvests all the hairs from a strip. But if someone does FUE over all of their donor area, can't they then go back and have FUT over the same area, to harvest the remaining (4 out of 5) hairs? In total, wouldn't this result in the same number of available grafts over a lifetime?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

FUE harvesting method may cause more transection of grafts as well as trauma to each hair follicle when compared to the strip method.

Michael Vories, MD · Answer

This argument has never made sense to me.  There is a finite number of hair follicles is what we consider the safe donor area.  If these are removed through FUT (in a strip) or FUE (using the entire donor area), why would FUT yield more follicles?  I believe it is yet another dummy argument to convince patients to have FUT against their best interests.

Greg Williams, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

In general, you can harvest more hair in one procedure, and over multiple procedures, with Strip FUT. this is because you can use every hair within the strip whereas with FUE you have to scatter the punches over a wider area which is limited in size by the 'safe' donor zone.However not everyone is suitable for a Strip FUT (low hair density or short hairstyles) or is able to have this procedure (tight scalp, history of bad scars). When seeking a hair transplant you should see a doctor who regularly does both techniques and can give you an unbiased recommendation. If you have a low donor:recipient ratio then Strip FUT may get you greater coverage.

Baubac Hayatdavoudi, MD · Answer

Both FUE and FUT (Strip) can provide excellent result when in the hands of a skilled surgeon and team who have mastered their craft, and both techniques can provide poor results if you do not choose a top clinic.

Benjamin C. Paul, MD · Answer

FUE and FUT each can generate a large number of follicles (2,000 +). It all depends on the patient and the surgeon. The patient's donor site determines the density and absolute number of follicles that can be taken. The surgeon determines the width of the strip in FUT and the density of the harvest in FUE.  One can have FUT then FUE...and vice versa. Hope this helps!At the end of the day, you want the right number of follicles taken, a beautiful aesthetic result, and a rapid recovery.Best of luck!

Why is it said that FUT hair transplants yield a higher total lifetime number of grafts vs. FUE?

Answers (7)

Answer: FUE vs FUT

Answer: FUE vs FUT

Answer: Number of grafts when comparing FUT and FUE.

Answer: Number of grafts when comparing FUT and FUE.

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Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

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Why is it said that FUT hair transplants yield a higher total lifetime number of grafts vs. FUE?

Answers (7)

Answer: FUE vs FUT

Answer: FUE vs FUT

Answer: Number of grafts when comparing FUT and FUE.

Answer: Number of grafts when comparing FUT and FUE.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about FUE Hair Transplant

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.