Hair Transplant Techniques

In Athens
Selecting the right hair transplant methodology is a clinical decision that directly affects the final outcome of your hair transplant as well as the long term health of your donor site. In the event that you incorrectly select or poorly execute a hair transplant, it could potentially cause unnatural end results, low graft survival, and/or irreparable harm to the donor site that would limit future corrections. As such, it is necessary to understand the distinctions among FUT, FUE, and Direct FUE before proceeding.

Hair Transplant Process

All hair transplants follow the identical basic principal: Extract hair follicles from a donor site that is resistant to balding, generally the lower back of the head and place them in the areas of thinning or baldness. The procedure has two equally important components: 1. The extraction of follicular units. 2. The implantation of follicular units into the recipient sites. The technique(s) utilised for each component significantly affect the degree of scarring, the density of the grafts, the survival rate of the grafts and the overall natural appearance of the hair.

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)

FUT is a traditional method whereby a thin strip of scalp is surgically excised from the donor site. Following this, the follicles are separated under a microscope into individual units. The donor site is sutured closed following strip excision.

Characteristics of FUT:

  • Faster extraction phase
  • Linear scar at the donor site
  • Can be seen through short hairstyles
  • Not ideal for patients who develop keloid scarring

Although possibly less expensive than other methods due to the rapidity of extraction, FUT creates a permanent linear scar and is thus less frequently chosen by men who wear their hair in very short styles.

Key Characteristics of FUT:

  • Faster extraction phase
  • Linear scar at the donor area
  • Visible scarring under short hairstyles
  • Not ideal for patients prone to keloid scarring

Although it may be less expensive due to speed of extraction, FUT leaves a permanent linear scar and is less commonly chosen by men who prefer short haircuts.

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)

FUE is a relatively new technique where individual follicular units are removed from the donor site utilizing a small round punch. Each extraction leaves a small round wound that forms a small white scar in the donor site.

Extraction may be either manual (performed by a surgeon or technician) or motorized (utilizing mechanical devices or robots). Manual extraction tends to cause less trauma to the surrounding tissue when compared to motorized systems.

Healing and Scarring:

  • No linear scar
  • Small dot scars

Typically heal in approximately 10-14 days
However, in traditional FUE, the recipient sites are generally created prior to implantation, and the grafts are generally placed into these sites using forceps. This provides the practitioner with limited control over the exact angle, depth, and direction of each graft.

Direct FUE (Advanced Direct Hair Implantation)

Direct FUE is a variation of the FUE technique that emphasizes the least amount of trauma possible during the implantation process and maximizes the precision of the implantation process.

Extraction is performed using micro-punches (usually 1mm or smaller), thereby enabling the careful removal of individual follicles.

Unlike traditional methods, recipient sites are not created prior to extraction, nor are the grafts placed into these sites. Rather, the grafts are immediately placed into the recipient sites following extraction, and the implantation is performed using a Choi Implanter.

The Choi Implanter allows the practitioner to exercise fine-tuned control over:

  • Depth
  • Direction
  • Angle

This level of control enables the practitioner to create a more natural pattern of hair growth and better density distribution.

Since the follicles are in contact with the body for a shorter period of time, and handled less often, the survival rate of the follicles is maximized, and the trauma to the donor site is minimized.

FUT vs FUE vs Direct FUE — Key Differences

FUT vs FUE vs Direct FUE — Key Differences

Why Technique Selection Matters

A hair transplant should not just be concerned with the quantity of grafts removed.

Ultimately, the long term success of the procedure depends upon:

The Choi Implanter allows the practitioner to exercise fine-tuned control over:

  • Preservation of the donor site
  • Survival rate of the grafts
  • Design of the hairline
  • Control over the implantation
  • Planning for ongoing hair loss

Therefore, selecting the proper technique and the proper medical team minimizes the potential for unnatural results and/or future corrective surgery.

Hair Transplant
Techniques

FAQ

Which technique is best?
The best technique depends on your individual donor capacity, hair loss pattern, and long term plans. Direct FUE allows the greatest control over implantation.
Scars left behind by direct FUE are minuscule dots, which are virtually invisible when wearing normal length hair.
In some instances, FUT may be acceptable; however, most men choose FUE based techniques because they wish to avoid a linear scar.
When the procedure is performed by skilled surgeons using implanter technology, Direct FUE affords the surgeon greater control over the location and orientation of the individual follicles, resulting in a more natural appearance.

Book a Private Consultation

The correct technique can only be determined after a complete medical evaluation.

All procedures at Clinique de Monsieur are planned and performed according to strict medical guidelines in a private, male-only environment.

Your condition will be evaluated by our physicians, and we will recommend the method that preserves your donor site while providing a balanced and natural result.

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Request an Appointment