Those of you who are balding or thinning are probably already on the lookout for methods and treatments concerning your hair loss – from over-the-counter liquids to pills or the current, modern ‘be-all and end-all’ option of surgery.
Chances are, your hair might not even be thinning or receding – you may have a “horseshoe hairline,” or you’re fully bald, making that last option your only chance of seeing a mane on your head again.
But what exactly does surgery in the form of hair transplants entail? You may or may not already be familiar with the gist of the process – taking donor hair follicles and transplanting them elsewhere. Simple on paper, but daunting and ominous nonetheless.
Future patients or folks who are simply considering this option may wonder just how effective this whole procedure is or if it even lasts. Luckily, we are here to break it down for you and provide enough info about the pros and potential cons of hair transplant viability.
Potential Hair Loss Between FUE and FUT
It’s very likely that you’ve seen the abbreviations FUE and FUT. And even if you haven’t, they pretty much boil down to the methodology of the procedure itself – whether the harvesting is done for each individual graft unit or through the incision of a strip of your scalp.
The former, more contemporary FUE method entails much less invasiveness overall. But is it effective? Most studies and tested results showcase a disparity between the FUE and FUT methods, with FUE having mixed outcomes regarding future hair loss probability.
Since follicular unit extraction involves hole puncturing instead of cutting an entire strip of skin tissue, the chosen follicles may not be of the same quality as those with the FUT method. Traditional, non-robotic FUE graft survival rate is around the 60% to 70% mark – effectively an “industry standard’ so to speak.
Meanwhile, FUT provides a more significant success rate of 80%+ due to the use of mid-area donor hair less susceptible to balding or thinning.
How Long Will It Last on Average?
Experts recommend that patients carefully follow specific recovery procedures since the healing factor affects the follicles’ future secureness. If you avoid unnecessary tugging or pulling, stay out of direct sunlight, and elevate your head and neck so that the affected area has space to ‘breathe,’ then you’ll expect better results and a long-lasting mane for the years to come.
On average, the longevity of the FUT transplant method lasts for a lifetime, with most documented patients over the decades only seeing minor loss at very old ages.
While factors like hair type, lifestyle, and harmful habits (like drinking and smoking) do play a prominent role in the mix – it is generally assumed that if the FUT procedure is performed with the highest-grade technology and with proper care from experienced surgeons, then the patient should generally expect a 40+ year “lifespan” for their new hair.
The FUE method, meanwhile, is generally expected to bring lifetime results on the same level as FUT if performed with advanced machinery. It’s somewhat normal to have hair fall out with this method in the first three months in the post-op phase, but once the healing process has reached 6 to 12 months, patients should expect zero problems in the future unless individual complications arise.
Possibility for Future Visits
Your doctor(s) may want you to return for additional procedures to ensure optimal results and the most effective stability of the hair follicles. For FUT/Strip procedures, the stitched skin and scar line must be examined in case of potential unwanted side effects, especially if the skin is loose and inflammation is present.
As we previously touched upon this little facet – one should expect good results if the procedure is handled carefully. Medical experts who want to schedule additional procedures with you are a good sign for things to come – you shouldn’t feel discouraged, especially if you find top-notch, leading experts like The Hairline Doctor to do the job.
After all, you wouldn’t want your professional medical overseer to ditch your hair-restorative journey somewhere in the middle, right? Plus, the additional visits are often beneficial if you are one of those patients predisposed genetically to thinning over time.
Some Closing Notes
On the whole, hair transplant innovations have come a long way. The technological advancements these days are also a big aspect to consider. FUE comes in two types predominantly – Manual FUE and Robotic FUE, with the latter proving to be quite effective even for men with severe hair loss and genetic predispositions. Success rates have reached up to 90%+ in modern times.