Hair transplant is a surgical procedure that restores hair to balding or thinning areas. It works on the established principle that hair follicles, when transplanted, will behave the same way they did at the donor site. Since they are living follicles, the transplanted hair grows naturally and in the correct direction for the rest of the patient’s life.

A hair transplant is the only solution to thinning or male pattern baldness. No other method solves the problem for the long run. This explicit benefit places hair transplant procedures in high demand. Therefore, with more people desiring the procedure, it has also become more sophisticated and now involves three methods: 

• Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) or the Strip Method
• Follicular Unit Extraction Method (FUE)
• Direct Hair Transfer (DHT)

Depending on the patient’s hair type and extent of transplantation, the best hair transplant method is then chosen. 

Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) or the Strip Method

The donor sites are identified on the sides or back of the scalp. After anaesthesia, the surgeon removes strips of tissue from the donor area. They then dissect these donor strips, turning them into individual follicular units and usable hair grafts. 

The surgeon makes tiny holes in the scalp and places these grafts carefully. Using Trichophytic Closure, the donor area is sutured after a thin strip of the epidermis is removed. The follicles lying under the scar grow and hide the resulting scar.

Follicular Unit Extraction Method (FUE)

Instead of removing strips, this method involves direct follicle extraction. The skin around follicular units in the donor area is superficially incised with a motorised punch. Using a combination of forceps traction and pressure, the unit is then extracted directly from the scalp. The difference between the FUE and FUT hair transplant procedures

 is evident - direct removal. The benefits of such removal become evident in quicker recovery time, with tiny, nearly invisible puncture wounds. However, FUE extracts fewer grafts than FUT. Therefore, they may be used in combination for the best results. 

Direct Hair Transfer (DHT)

DHT is an advanced FUE technique that does not use a motorised punch. The follicular units are extracted manually and transplanted with a transplanter, without creating recipient holes. This procedure can transplant hair to the beard, chest or pubic region, ensuring entirely natural-looking results in every area. 

The best hair transplant procedure is chosen by the surgeon, depending on the hair loss status of their patient. Often, they may use a combination that allows for the best results while maintaining a very natural hairline.
 
Also Read : What is the After Care for Hair Transplant?