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Hair transplantation is a popular surgical procedure that can help restore hair growth in individuals who have experienced hair loss. There are several techniques used in hair transplantation, including Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and punch grafting. Both methods involve removing 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 punch graft hair transplantation?
Punch graft hair transplantation is an older technique that involves removing circular sections of skin from the donor site using a punch tool. These sections, known as grafts, contain multiple hair follicles and are then transplanted to the recipient site. This technique was popular in the 1980s and 1990s but has since been largely replaced by newer, more advanced techniques like FUE.
What are the differences between FUE and punch graft hair transplantation?
One of the key differences between FUE and punch graft hair transplantation is the size of the grafts that are transplanted. In FUE, individual hair follicles are removed and transplanted one at a time, while in punch grafting, larger sections of skin containing multiple hair follicles are removed and transplanted. This can result in a less natural-looking hairline and a higher risk of scarring in punch grafting.
Another difference between the two techniques is the level of invasiveness. FUE is a minimally invasive technique that uses a small punch tool to extract individual hair follicles, leaving no visible scars. In contrast, punch grafting is a more invasive technique that involves removing larger sections of skin, which can result in visible scars and a longer recovery time.
Both FUE and punch graft hair transplantation can be effective methods for restoring hair growth in individuals with hair loss. However, FUE has become the preferred technique in recent years due to its minimally invasive nature, faster recovery time, and more natural-looking results. If you’re considering hair transplantation, consult with a qualified hair restoration surgeon to determine the best approach for your specific situation.