Old Friend or New Ally: A Comparison of Follicular Unit Transplantation and Follicular Unit Excision Methods in Hair Transplantation

BACKGROUND Follicular unit excision (FUE) and follicular unit transplantation using strip surgery (FUT) are the dominant graft harvest methods in hair transplantation. The increase in the demand for FUE has reignited the debate of the relative superiority of the 2 methods. OBJECTIVE To present a critical comparison of FUE and FUT graft harvesting techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS Search of PubMed, trade publications, and printed references. RESULTS Follicular unit excision and FUT methods provide high-quality grafts, but differ in their scarring patterns of the donor region. Follicular unit transplantation results in a linear scar, whereas FUE produces punctate scars that are typically easily concealed. Distinct subgroups of hair transplant patients are eligible for FUE, FUT, or both procedures. CONLCUSION Both FUE and FUT are equally effective in generating high-quality grafts. This detailed evaluation of the FUT and FUE procedures will assist hair restoration surgeons make informed decisions about the best approach for their patients.