Will it matter if I go for FUE transplant first and leave FUT as a possible option for the future?

Question

I've seen it suggested sometimes that FUT is perhaps the safer option to go with first time as it maximizes graft survival and still leaves open the option of using FUE for future transplants. But is it similarly possible to go the FUE route first time around and then consider FUT years later? In the case of someone who might look to combine the two methods over time so as to maximize overall yield, is there some obvious reason why it would make sense to start with FUT ahead of FUE?

Amir Yazdan, MD · Answer

The decision to choose FUE vs FUT needs to be based on many factors such as your age, your hair loss pattern, how short you wear your hair, how acceptable it is to have a scar on the back of the scalp, how many grafts you need, etc.  I would recommend meeting with a few hair restoration specialists in person so they can examine your scalp and discuss with you the pro's and con's of each procedure in respect to your needs.

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

The decision to have FUE or FUT or ARTAS or Neograft should be up to you.  If you understand the limitations and benefits of each, you are empowered to make the decision.  The doctor can only recommend certain methods.It does not matter if you have FUE first and FUT second.  The difference is the type of scarring (a line versus thousands of dots).Finally, FUE or FUT are just a method to HARVEST (or take out) the hairs.  The most important factor is how well the grafts are re-implanted / transplanted and how well the surgeon designs the hair line.  A great surgical result does not depend on FUE or FUT method of harvest.  It depends on the surgeon.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

In my experience, patients tend to lean to the least invasive procedure with the least amount of downtime.  FUE offers very little to no downtime.  A recent patient of mine went back to work the next day and worked 13 hours that day.

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

It does not really matter if you use FUE or FUT first.  You have to see what priorities you have and whether or not you want to avoid having a scar on the back.Unlike a few years ago, we believe both procedures are equally effective and can provide full growth.  I don't see much advantage of combining the two unless:If you want to maximize the numbers of grafts with FUE.  FUE can get hair from the areas that FUT might not like some areas of temples, beard and body hairSave money by doing a portion of grafts through strip.  In this case you still get a scar on the back and you don't even have to do the FUE part.I think the best is to discuss this with your hair transplant surgeon and the two of you will find the best way of doing it based on your priorities and limitations.

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

Virtually all our San Diego hair transplant patients who have experienced both follicular unit extraction (with Neograft) and follicular unit transfer procedures say they much prefer FUE because of the quicker recovery, decreased pain, and no linear scar. FUE does decrease hair density in the donor area and therefore may reduce yield of a future FUT procedure. However, most patients will continue with FUE if they need future sessions and therefore it is not an issue. You should discuss the plan with your chosen physician and how he would address future sessions.

Will it matter if I go for FUE transplant first and leave FUT as a possible option for the future?

Answers (9)