According to statistics, 60% of men and 50% of women experience some form of hair loss as they age, and many of them use over-the-counter topical treatments like minoxidil. Hair transplantation is another method for restoring and treating hair loss and baldness, first performed in Japan in 1939. Hair transplantation is done for individuals who have experienced hair loss or baldness in various areas of the scalp. In different hair transplant methods, hair follicles are taken from healthy areas of the scalp or body and implanted in the desired areas. Initially, this method involved harvesting large clusters of hair, but over time, surgeons began using smaller grafts to achieve a more natural appearance for the transplanted hair.
Typically, hair grafts are harvested from the back of the head, between the ears, known as the donor area or hair bank. If this area lacks sufficient or strong hair for transplantation, hair from other parts of the body may be used. Using hair from the individual’s scalp or body minimizes the risk of rejection by the body, ensuring a definitive and permanent result.
Different Hair Transplant Methods
As mentioned, the use of hair transplant methods dates back to the 1930s. Later, in the 1950s, significant efforts were made in the United States to modernize the procedure, leading to the first modern hair transplant. Until the 1970s, hair transplants were performed using grafts that resulted in a highly unnatural hairline. In the following decade, significant advancements were made, and hair transplantation evolved into modern methods that provide a more natural appearance. Comparing various hair transplant methods shows that newer techniques, using advanced equipment, ensure better results and the longevity of transplanted hair.
Currently, several methods are used for hair transplantation, including the following:
1. FUT Hair Transplant, the Oldest Method
The FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) method, also known as the strip method, is one of the oldest hair transplant techniques. In this method, the patient is put under general anesthesia, and a strip of skin from the donor area is removed and transplanted into slits created in the bald area of the scalp. Due to the use of general anesthesia, scalp incisions, and the resulting scars in the donor area, this surgical method is largely obsolete and rarely used today.
2. FIT Hair Transplant
The FIT method requires shaving the patient’s head, and hair is harvested follicle by follicle using delicate tools. This non-surgical method is typically performed over multiple sessions and allows for the transplantation of approximately 2,000 to 10,000 hair strands. However, due to scarring, damage to follicles, lower transplant density, the need for multiple sessions, and the requirement for touch-ups after a year, the FIT method is no longer used.
3. FUE Hair Transplant, the First Modern Method
After the development of modern hair transplant techniques, a newer method called FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) was introduced. In this method, grafts are extracted individually from the donor area using manual punches and implanted in the bald area as in previous methods. This non-surgical method uses only local anesthesia for both harvesting and implantation and does not have the drawbacks of the previous method. Due to its precision and minimal risk of error, the FUE method is also used for beard and mustache transplants. However, one disadvantage is the potential for damage to hair grafts during extraction.
4. SUT Hair Transplant
In the SUT method, like the previous method, hair transplantation is performed using only local anesthesia, but advancements have made it superior to the FUE method. In the SUT hair transplant, graft harvesting is done using automated devices, allowing for the extraction and transplantation of up to 14,000 hair strands. The most significant advantages of this method include hair transplantation without bleeding, no scarring, and a density three times higher than other hair transplant methods. Additionally, due to its high precision and the ability to design the hairline, this method can also be used for eyebrow, beard, and mustache transplants. Because of these advantages, the SUT method does not require hospitalization or a prolonged recovery period, and with minimal post-transplant care, individuals can resume their daily activities.
5. MicroFIT Hair Transplant, the Latest Method in the World
The MicroFIT hair transplant is one of the newest hair transplant methods, in use since 2010. In this method, automated micromotors are used for graft harvesting. The most significant difference from other hair transplant methods is the use of an implanter device, which increases the precision and speed of transplantation without causing damage to the grafts, resulting in the highest possible transplant density. The side effects of the MicroFIT method are minimized, and the only drawback is the longer session duration, which is due to its high precision and the ability to transplant over 50,000 hair strands in the bald area. Like all hair transplant methods, the MicroFIT method requires pre- and post-transplant care, with the most important being avoiding tobacco and alcohol, maintaining proper nutrition, proper washing, and avoiding direct sun exposure.
Comparison of Different Hair Transplant Methods
Based on the information provided, it’s important to note that choosing the best hair transplant method depends on an individual’s physical condition, donor hair availability, and the type and extent of hair loss. The best approach is to trust the physician’s decision in this regard. Comparing different hair transplant methods can be done through various factors, one of which is the cost of the procedure. The cost of hair transplantation depends on several factors, including the equipment used, the physician’s skill and experience, the clinic’s location, the extent of hair loss, and many other aspects.
Another factor influencing the comparison of hair transplant methods is the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. As explained, newer methods like SUT and MicroFIT hair transplants have minimal and temporary drawbacks, while their numerous advantages have made them the preferred choice for many hair transplant specialists.
Does Hair Transplantation Leave Stitch Marks?
As mentioned, hair transplantation is performed using various methods, and the results may slightly differ depending on the technique. Depending on the method of harvesting grafts from the donor area, the donor site may require stitches, which could leave marks after some time. It cannot be definitively stated whether stitch marks on the scalp will remain for a lifetime, as they may fade completely over the long term; this requires time. However, nowadays, there are various methods for harvesting hair from the donor area that do not require stitches or leave no visible stitch marks on the scalp. In fact, with the advent of new and varied hair transplant methods, the issue of stitch marks is largely resolved and is not considered a significant problem in modern techniques.
In the latest hair transplant methods, the surgeon, after numbing the donor and recipient areas, uses tiny needles with a diameter of a few tenths of a millimeter to perform the hair harvesting and transplantation process. This typically leaves very small dots that do not require stitches. Unlike the stitch lines in older methods, these dots may completely disappear over time with the use of specialized skin-healing ointments. If the specialist avoids using older methods for hair transplantation, there will be no need for stitches on the scalp. Therefore, we recommend that you thoroughly research modern methods before undergoing the procedure to make an informed choice and avoid complications such as stitch marks on your scalp.
Comparison of Stitches in Different Hair Transplant Methods
To perform a hair transplant and graft new hair onto bald areas, the surgeon needs to extract hair from the donor area using specific techniques. To ensure that the follicles required for the cosmetic hair transplant procedure are implanted in the bald areas without damage, physicians use the methods described in this article.
In the FUT hair transplant method, which is less commonly used, a portion of the scalp is cut, and after harvesting the required follicles, the surgeon stitches the area. The stitches on your scalp are removed by the physician after about 10 days, allowing you to care for your hair as before and naturally enjoy the benefits of your new hair without worrying about further hair loss. Due to the relatively large area of stitching in this method, the stitch line and its mark are likely to remain for a long time.
In the FUE hair transplant method, hairs are extracted individually or in small groups, ranging from hundreds to thousands of strands, using a fine punch device from the donor area. The extracted hairs are then implanted in the recipient area through tiny incisions made by a blade or needle by the physician, which do not require stitches. In this method, minor scars from the donor area or incisions in the recipient area may remain for some time but can heal with the use of restorative products and post-procedure care. In newer methods like SUT and MicroFIT, due to the precision of the tools and the lack of need for incisions during harvesting and transplantation, there is no need for stitches, and no scars or marks remain. In these methods, since hair follicles are harvested or transplanted individually or in small clusters of two or three, no incisions are made in the scalp, and only small red dots appear on the skin, which heal within about a week.
The persistence of stitch lines, scars, or marks on the scalp, in addition to the hair transplant method used, may vary depending on the individual’s skin type. In fact, a specialist physician will advise you on which hair transplant method is suitable for you and which method might result in stitch marks on your scalp.
