Hair loss is a common concern that affects more than 80 million people in the United States alone. (1) Hair loss can be a distressing event, but today, there are several treatment options available. Two of the most commonly performed types of hair restoration are follicular unit extraction (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation (FUT). This guide is designed to help you understand how each method works, its various benefits and potential drawbacks, and which approach might be the best fit for you.
Dr. Colin O’Dea is a fellowship-trained hair restoration surgeon at Premier Hair Restoration, dedicating his career to helping patients restore their hair and confidence. Dr. O’Dea is experienced with both of these hair restoration techniques, in addition to several other treatments that can improve hair appearance and density.
If you are interested in exploring these options further, please schedule a consultation online or call (210) 642-2291.
All surgical procedures are performed by Dr. O’Dea, with trained technicians assisting.
Contents
About FUE
FUE individually extracts hair follicles before transplanting them into areas of the scalp experiencing thinning or shedding. When performing FUE, Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, will use a circular punch tool to individually extract healthy follicles from the back or sides of the scalp. (2) These hairs are normally resistant to the hormones that influence thinning and balding, meaning they are typically more resistant once they are transferred.
After harvesting the grafts, Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, will carefully place the extracted follicles into their new locations, mimicking your hair’s natural growth patterns.
FUE Benefits
When undergoing FUE, you will not need to worry about any linear scarring. The circular punch tool that Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, uses eliminates the need for stitches or sutures. This allows patients with shorter hairstyles to undergo this procedure without having to worry about overly visible post-operative scarring.
About FUT
Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, begins the FUT procedure by excising a linear strip of skin from the back of the scalp to extract viable grafts. The size of the strip will depend on the number of required grafts. The harvested strip of scalp will then be dissected into individual grafts for the transplant. From there, the grafts will be placed into the recipient area of the scalp. (2)
FUT Benefits
One of the primary benefits of FUT is that Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, can harvest and transplant a greater number of hair follicles over a person’s lifetime. This is ideal for those wanting to restore growth in larger areas.
Candidates
While both of these procedures are highly effective, one procedure may be better than another for certain patients. FUE may be better if you prefer wearing your hair shorter or have less donor hair to extract, while FUT may be better if you prefer wearing your hair in longer styles or require a larger number of grafts.
Anyone interested in a hair transplant should be in good general health and have realistic expectations regarding what this procedure can achieve. Dr. O’Dea will determine each patient’s candidacy for FUE or FUT during their consultation.
Personal Consultation
To learn which procedure would be best for you, we recommend that you schedule a personal consultation with Dr. O’Dea. During this consultation, he will explain the differences between FUE and FUT, while also taking the time to understand your motivations, concerns, and goals. He will evaluate your hair loss patterns, family history of hair loss, as well as the condition of your scalp and hair. Dr. O’Dea will use the information shared throughout the consultation to determine whether a hair transplant is right for you and whether FUE or FUT is more appropriate for your case.
If you are ready to learn more about your options, please schedule a consultation online or call our San Antonio office at (210) 642-2291.
Preparation
After scheduling your procedure, you will receive a set of preparation instructions from Dr. O’Dea. Preparation for both FUE and FUT is quite similar, but your instructions may vary depending on the specific details of your procedure, your circumstances, and your medical history.
Common considerations for preparation include:
- Discontinue blood-thinning medications and supplements as advised.
- Avoid alcohol for several days before and after your procedure.
- Cease nicotine use several weeks prior to your procedure.
- Take sufficient time off from work and other responsibilities to allow for proper recovery.
- Arrange transportation home after the procedure.
Both FUE and FUT hair transplantations are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will be able to return home on the same day as your procedure. The duration of your procedure depends on the number of grafts used in the transplant, as well as which method Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, performs.
Recovery
The FUE and FUT recovery processes can vary; in both cases, carefully following your recovery instructions is important for achieving optimal results.
- Prioritize Rest and Mindfulness of Grafts: During the first several days, we recommend resting with your head elevated while reclining.
- Protecting Your Grafts: For the first 24-48 hours, you should not wash your hair. When this time frame passes, you can gently cleanse your scalp with a mild, sulfate-free shampoo, avoiding any direct water pressure. Afterward, you can gently pat the area dry with a towel.
- Scabbing and Shedding: By days three to four, the transplanted follicles will form small crusts. These will naturally fall off on their own within seven to ten days. It is important not to pick at or scratch them. Around two to three weeks post-procedure, it is normal for the transplanted hairs to begin to shed. This is temporary!
- Activity Restrictions: You should avoid strenuous physical activity, swimming, and direct sun exposure throughout your initial healing period. Most patients can resume regular routines within 10–14 days, depending on the type of procedure and their individual healing progress.
Procedure-Specific Healing:
- FUE: The tiny extraction sites typically heal within approximately seven days.
- FUT: Patients will return to the office 10–14 days after their procedure for suture removal and incision evaluation.
Results
After undergoing either FUE or FUT, you might be able to see initial growth begin after approximately 3-4 months, with the full results developing up to 12 months after the procedure. You might be able to experience thicker and denser hair growth in areas that were previously shedding or patchy, as well as growth that naturally blends in with your pre-existing hair. The results of both FUE and FUT are considered to be on the longer-lasting side, meaning you might be able to style, cut, and wear your hair however you please while it’s growing.
Results for both procedures may vary and are not guaranteed.
Cost of Hair Transplants in San Antonio, TX
The total cost of an FUE or FUT procedure will vary because each treatment plan is fully personalized to your specific concerns. The final pricing can depend on the size of the treatment area, the number of grafts needed, whether any additional procedures are performed, and several other factors. Dr. O’Dea will discuss the cost of your procedure after establishing a treatment plan at your personal consultation.
To learn more about the cost of your hair restoration procedure, please schedule a consultation online or call (210) 642-2291.
FAQ
What is the main difference between FUE and FUT?
Both techniques are performed to help transplant follicles into areas experiencing hair loss, but the extraction process for both procedures varies. FUE utilizes a punch tool to individually extract follicles from the donor area, while FUT excises a strip of tissue from the scalp.
Will there be visible scarring left after either FUE or FUT?
Patients who undergo FUE may notice small, dot-like scarring on their scalp, while patients who undergo FUT will experience linear scarring. Scarring left by FUE is often barely visible, while scarring left by FUE may easily be covered by longer hair.
How long will the results of FUE or FUT last?
Both hair transplantation procedures yield generally longer-lasting results, as the hair grafts used in both procedures are taken from the back of the scalp, an area more resistant to thinning and shedding. Results in any case may vary and are not guaranteed.
Is one procedure less painful than the other?
Neither procedure is associated with much pain. Dr. O’Dea administers local anesthesia at the beginning of both FUE and FUT to enhance your comfort. This allows both procedures to be well-tolerated by patients. During recovery, patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort, which may be managed by following aftercare instructions and taking the medications prescribed. We recommend discussing any sensitivities to pain during your personal consultation.
Can either FUE or FUT be combined with another treatment?
In many cases, both FUE and FUT may be performed alongside another treatment to provide more comprehensive results. During your consultation, Dr. O’Dea can suggest additional procedures to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. Certain regenerative treatments are also thought to boost the results of hair restoration.
References
- Dakkak M, Forde KM, Lanney H. Hair Loss: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Family Physician. 2024;110(3):243-250. https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2024/0900/hair-loss.html
- Goldin J, Zito PM, Raggio BS. Hair Transplantation. Nih.gov. Published August 2, 2025. Accessed September 25, 2025. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547740/#article-22486.s5