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Hair transplantation is a surgical technique used to restore hair growth in individuals who have experienced hair loss. Two popular methods used in hair transplantation are Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and plug hair transplantation. Both methods involve harvesting hair follicles from a donor site on the scalp and transplanting them to the recipient site, but there are some key differences between the two techniques.
What is FUE hair transplantation?
FUE hair transplantation is a technique that involves extracting individual hair follicles from the donor site using a specialized tool called a punch. The punch creates tiny circular incisions around each hair follicle, which are then extracted and transplanted into the recipient site. FUE is a minimally invasive technique that leaves no linear scars and results in a faster recovery time than other hair transplantation methods.
What is plug hair transplantation?
Plug hair transplantation, also known as mini/micro grafting or punch grafting, is an older hair transplantation technique that involves removing large plugs of skin containing multiple hair follicles from the donor site and transplanting them to the recipient site. These plugs contain multiple hair follicles, ranging from 10 to 40 or more, and are often transplanted in a grid-like pattern to cover large areas of baldness.
What are the differences between FUE and plug hair transplantation?
One of the key differences between FUE and plug hair transplantation is the size of the hair grafts used. In FUE, individual hair follicles are extracted one by one, resulting in a more natural-looking hairline and a more even distribution of hair across the scalp. In contrast, plug hair transplantation uses larger grafts that can result in a “pluggy” or unnatural appearance.
Another difference is the scarring pattern. In FUE, small circular scars are created at the donor site, which can be easily concealed by surrounding hair. In contrast, plug hair transplantation can result in noticeable scarring at both the donor and recipient sites.
Additionally, FUE is a less invasive technique that results in less discomfort and a faster recovery time compared to plug hair transplantation. With FUE, patients can usually return to work and normal activities within a few days, while with plug hair transplantation, recovery can take several weeks.
While plug hair transplantation was once a popular hair restoration technique, it has largely been replaced by more modern methods such as FUE. FUE offers a more natural-looking result, a faster recovery time, and less noticeable scarring compared to plug hair transplantation. Consult with a qualified hair restoration surgeon to determine the best approach for your specific situation.