There are two methods of hair transplant that can be performed – these are somewhat confusingly called FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) and FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction).
For many years FUT was the only method available, but in recent years FUE transplants have become the dominant method. At present Envisage clinic only offers the FUE transplant option.
FUT Transplant
In this method a small strip of scalp from the back of the head about 1cm wide is removed under local anaesthetic. This incision is then sutured, and the strip of hair is divided under magnification into the individual hair follicles. These follicles are then placed one by one into the donor area.
Pros & Cons of FUT Transplants
FUT transplants are generally quicker, which can make them less expensive and also mean that the follicles are more rapidly placed into the donor area, increasing survival. There is also a very high “yield” – almost no follicles are damaged in the transplant procedure.
FUT transplants generally cause less disruption to the donor area – there is no need for extensive trimming of the hair. FUT transplants do have an incision and sutures at the back of the head. This can be uncomfortable, and the patient has to return for suture removal
FUT transplants do leave a line scar at the back of the head. Generally this heals very well and the scar would only be noticeable if the head was clipped very short or shaved, but for unknown reasons some scars can heal with a wider scar line and be problematic.
Pros & Cons of FUE Transplants
With FUE transplants there is no incision and no sutures and generally no scaring at all. Individual hair follicles are removed with a 0.9-1mm motorized punch. This leaves tiny punch sites at the back, but these heal in a matter of a few days.
With larger FUE transplants particularly in men, the back and sides of the head need to be clipped very short to allow extraction. For smaller transplants and especially in women, often only a section needs to be clippered short – allowing the remaining longer hair to cover the area until it regrows.
FUE transplants are a little more time consuming and require a high level of skill and dexterity from the surgeon and the whole transplant team. FUE transplants are especially suitable for smaller procedures – 500-2,000 grafts (1,000-3,000 hairs).
At Envisage Clinic we have focused entirely on FUE transplants for several years and are very experienced in this technique.
FUT transplants have fallen out of favour primarily because they do leave a scar at the back of the head, but in recent years medical insurance changes have made them impossible to offer.
With both techniques the hair follicles are placed individually, one by one, into the donor area using minute sapphire blades and jeweler’s forceps, following the natural hair pattern and angle, and aiming for a completely undetectable and natural result.
Robot Transplants
Robots can help perform some of the actions of a FUE transplant. Dr Leat and the Envisage team have extensive experience with robotic hair transplant methods (ARTAS).
Our experience is that these techniques tend to be slower than the hand held techniques like Trivellini, more uncomfortable for the patient (who needs to be strapped in tight during the procedure) and can have lower yield. As such we no longer offer Robotic transplant at Envisage Clinic.
Hair Transplant Cost
Hair transplants vary in cost from $4900-$20,000+. For some patients Medicare rebates apply.
We partner with Zip for after payment options, and with Supercare for superannuation access where appropriate.
Ready to take the next step?
Call 07 5539 4000 or contact our experienced team for your free consultation.