The hair transplant procedure in which we specialize consists of follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and robotically assisted follicular unit excision (FUE – previously known as follicular unit extraction) using The ARTAS Robotic System.
For FUT, the donor piece is surgically removed from the area in the back of the head using a single surgical blade, which minimizes the possibility of transection or damage to the donor hair. The grafts are then dissected meticulously under a powerful microscope into “follicular units” which naturally contain 1, 2, or 3 hairs each.
For FUE, a small round punch instrument separates individual follicular units (naturally occurring groups of 1-4 hairs). This is accomplished using the most technologically advanced system, the Artas System by Restoration Robotics. The grafts are then extracted by hand and separated into their respective units, 1, 2, and 3-4 hair grafts.
Once the grafts are obtained, either by way FUT or FUE, they are then strategically placed into the recipient area to provide the most natural result available at this time. The insertion of the grafts is done with a very small needle. We use a method referred to as the “stick and place” method where a small tunnel is made and the graft is immediately placed into that tunnel. This method, along with the small size of the needle, enables us to place the grafts remarkably close to each other. Ultimately, this can provide a beautiful and densely placed hair transplant result.
Hair Transplant Options: FUE vs FUT
Both methods of extraction have their strengths and weakneses. Below is a comparison between your options.
- Multiple small dot-shaped scars
- No sutures
- Requires shaving of the entire donor area
- Minimal post-op pain
- Scarring is virtually undetectable
- Costs more (Approximately $6-8 per graft)
- Linear scar
- Dissolvable sutures
- Sutures covered by existing hair post-op
- 2-3 days of post-op discomfort requiring pain medication
- Scar visible with very short hair styles
- Costs less (Approximately $4-6 per graft)
In the end, both methods of extraction provide excellent results for our hair transplant patients. Contact our office in San Antonio, Texas to further discuss which option is best for you.