There are two main approaches that surgeons use to harvest hair in hair transplant surgery. Both methods are used for follicular unit transplants (the only method we recommend). The hair can be removed as a strip (“strip surgery”), or individual follicular units can be harvested (“follicular unit extraction” or “FUE”). Both methods take hair from the back and/or sides of the scalp. As you might imagine, each approach has advantages and disadvantages.
Strip Surgery
When a strip of hair is removed from the back of the scalp, there is certainly no shortage of follicular units. In this hair transplantation procedure, a scalpel is used to harvest a strip of scalp about half an inch wide by six inches long. The surgeon then dissects the harvested strip into its component follicular units. These follicular units are ready for transplant into hair-deficient regions on the scalp. Conversely, the harvested area, where the strip of scalp was taken, must be closed with sutures. The surgical scar and remaining hair in the donor area may look unnatural either slightly or greatly depending on the skill of the surgeon. The major advantage of the strip approach is that graft survival is very high—almost all of the follicular units will live and thrive when transplanted.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
The other harvesting approach is Follicular Unit Extraction or FUE. Instead of removing a large strip of donor scalp, the hair transplant surgeon removes each follicular unit individually. This approach does not require any suturing, does not usually leave visible scars, and the hair remaining in the donor area appears natural and full. Just like with the other harvesting technique, the follicular units can be placed on balding scalp areas. Further, since no suturing is required, the time required to heal after Follicular Unit Extraction is minimal.
Why would anyone choose the strip method over Follicular Unit Extraction? Well for one thing FUE is more expensive. Also, up to 30% of the follicular units die during FUE—not so with the strip harvest. Follicular Unit Extraction also takes longer to perform and is a more painstaking process for the surgeon. Despite the extra time and expense, most people are opting for FUE because of the superior cosmetic benefits.
If you are interested in hair transplant surgery, we recommend speaking with 3 surgeons before making a decision. But don’t wait to start treating your hair loss until then, start following these steps to treating your hair loss today.
