Hair loss can be frustrating, but, today, there are more options than ever. A critical choice focuses on the “hair implant vs transplant” argument. Learn more:
Hair loss is a common condition, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating. Luckily, there are more options than ever if you’re experiencing hair loss. From hair plugs to transplants, men can choose which procedure is best for their lifestyle. These terms can be confusing if it’s your first time researching, but we’re here to help.
If you’re wondering, “What are hair plugs?” or if you want to know the critical differences between implants and transplants, keep reading. We’ve got the latest information you need to make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
What are Hair Plugs, and How Do they Work?
Hair Plugs vs. Hair Transplants: What’s the Difference?
How Does a Hair Transplant Work?
What Hair Transplant Methods Are There?
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
What are Hair Plugs, and How Do they Work?
When you think of hair loss solutions, hair plugs are probably the first thing to come to mind. This is well known, but often no one really knows how they work. The hair plug procedure involves taking a small round piece of scalp from the back of your head and moving it to the front. These sections of the scalp often contain approximately 20 hairs, allowing you to create fullness in your thinning areas.
But what are hair plugs made of? A common misconception is that they are created from fake hair, and this isn’t true. Hair plugs are designed from real hair on the back of your head!
The healing time after a hair plug procedure is usually a year in length, and results will become apparent in this timeframe. Many clients enjoy the benefits of the hair plug procedure for the rest of their lives. This is because healthy hair follicles are transplanted to replace thinning ones.
Of course, are hair plugs obvious? Many individuals, when choosing a hair loss solution, want the results to appear as natural as possible. Unlike other methods of hair restoration, plugs leave a more noticeable look. This is because they get placed with gaps between them, leaving areas without hair.
It’s important to discuss your decision with a trained professional before choosing, as they can advise you on whether plugs will give you the results you’re looking for. Your medical professional will also walk you through the finer details of how hair plugs work, ensuring that you understand the full process before committing to the treatment.
Hair Plugs vs. Hair Transplants: What’s the Difference?
When deciding on the best procedure for you, it’s essential to weigh up your options. This helps you make the right choice for your health and mental well-being. That being said, there are some key differences between hair plugs and transplants. Though hair plugs are technically a type of hair transplant, the method of implementation is completely different. A hair transplant leaves you with fuller and natural hair since it uses a single follicle transplant system. On the other hand, hair plugs move 20 follicles at once, leaving a gap effect in the patient’s hairline. This isn’t as natural-looking, and people may be able to tell you’ve undergone a hair loss procedure.
When it comes to the costs of each optiont, the prices can vary. These procedures are priced differently based on factors including the amount of hair transplanted, where you get the procedure done, and what the surgeon charges for their services. Typically, these treatments range from $4,000 to up to $15,000.
Both procedures also come with significant healing times. If you choose either treatment, you should consider that each procedure takes approximately six to twelve months to heal. You can speed up your healing time by eating well, staying hydrated, and following the healing instructions. However, the time should still be taken into account.
So, what’s the best form of hair replacement? While no one specific treatment is better than the other, hair transplants are generally thought of as the more natural-looking option. This modern procedure allows you to improve your hairline without it looking obvious.
It’s important to note that these procedures are not the same. If you’re considering either treatment, it’s advised that you discuss it with a medical professional experienced in both options before making a final decision.
How Does a Hair Transplant Work?
Hair transplants offer a modern method to combat hair loss. Unlike hair plugs, they allow doctors to remove individual follicles of hair. This gives a fuller look, and the result blends naturally into the recipient’s hairline.
But are hair transplants noticeable? If your primary concern is a natural-looking hairline, hair transplants are the option for you. Due to the one follicle formula, they don’t leave any noticeable effects. Patients can enjoy their natural results after six to nine months of recovery.
What Hair Transplant Methods Are There?
A hair transplant is different from plugs, but did you know there’s more than one type of hair transplant available? Here’s a quick overview to help you decide which process is best for you.
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT):
Follicular unit transplantation, also called FUT, is a popular method of controlling hair loss. This transplantation method involves taking a large strip of hair from the backside of the patient’s head. The strip of hair is then divided into smaller pieces with individual follicles on them, and then they’re implanted one by one.
FUT is sometimes called the strip procedure due to the nature of the extraction. The benefits of this method include a natural hair look, a low resection rate, and you can cover large areas of baldness in a few sessions.
Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE):
Unlike FUT, follicular unit extraction (also known as FUE) involves the one-by-one transplantation of hair follicles. In this process, they are chosen from areas with thick hair patches and placed into thinning areas. No thick strips of hair are removed with FUE.
FUE leaves patients with a thicker head of hair that looks natural. This method has a 90 to 95% follicle survival rate, allowing patients to enjoy their results for a lifetime. FUE is more successful than FUT, with a 75% follicle survival rate.
How Can Beautifi Help?
Deciding between a hair implant or transplant is exciting but also sometimes overwhelming. These modern procedures are ideal if you want to achieve successful results and boost confidence at the same time. Hopefully, this article has helped you decide on a procedure that fits your needs. However, if you want to learn more, explore our guides to aesthetic procedures here. Otherwise, are you’re ready to start your aesthetic treatment financing journey? Let Beautifi help you. Learn how our process works or contact us today for further assistance.