In the ever-evolving field of hair restoration surgery, two prominent techniques have gained significant attention and debate over the years: Linear Strip Excision (LSE), also known as Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), and Follicular Unit Excision (FUE). This article explores the future of these techniques and how to maximize graft harvest, with a focus on the ongoing FUE vs. FUT debate.
Also, make sure to watch the full video where Dr. Mohmand discusses this topic in full detail.
Introduction: A Journey in Hair Restoration
Dr. Humayun Mohmand, a plastic surgeon from Pakistan, embarked on his hair restorative surgery journey in 2000. With more than two decades of experience and affiliation with the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), Dr. Mohmand has witnessed significant transformations in the field.
The hair restoration field has witnessed remarkable transformations over the years, from mega sessions to super mega sessions, and even giga sessions.
The Shift from Strip Surgery to FUE
In recent years, a paradigm shift has occurred in the hair restoration community. Linear Strip Excision Surgery, often referred to as FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), has given way to Follicular Unit Excision (FUE). Patients now frequently inquire about FUE, considering it the gold standard in hair transplant procedures.
Dr. Mohmand’s Perspective on FUE and Strip Surgery
Dr. Mohmand, however, maintains reservations about this shift. He believes that while FUE is easier to learn due to its focus on eye-hand coordination, it falls short in certain aspects compared to FUT.
The Importance of Donor Areas
Dr. Mohmand emphasizes the limited supply of donor hair on the scalp, which can be divided into safer and less safe donor areas. The safer donor area, roughly one-third to forty percent of the total donor area, yields grafts that are more likely to remain over time. The areas above and below this zone tend to experience hair loss in subsequent years.
The Strip Surgery Advantage
With Strip Surgery, Dr. Mohmand utilizes grafts exclusively from the safer donor area. He likens this approach to obtaining the best material from the best source, even if it results in a linear scar. This scar, which may be visible when hair is trimmed short, can be easily corrected with additional grafts.
FUE’s Impact on Donor Material
Conversely, FUE often involves harvesting grafts from the less safe donor area, compromising the overall quality of donor material. This approach may be less suitable for long-term results, potentially requiring additional maintenance and medication to sustain hair growth.
Balancing Bias and Ethics
Dr. Mohmand acknowledges that personal biases may influence a surgeon’s recommendations. He stresses the importance of educating patients about the pros and cons of both FUE and FUT to ensure informed decision-making.
The Rise of Combination FUT & FUE Procedures
To maximize graft harvest and optimize results, Dr. Mohmand advocates for combination procedures. This approach involves utilizing strip surgery to obtain the best-quality grafts and then using FUE to supplement the results.
A Balanced Approach
Combining both techniques allows for a strategic allocation of grafts, ensuring the highest-quality material is used while preserving donor areas. This approach can result in excellent coverage and natural-looking outcomes.
The Importance of Coverage Factor
Dr. Mohmand highlights the concept of the coverage factor, suggesting that a lower density of grafts can still provide visually satisfying results. He aims for 25 grafts per square centimeter in the first session and strategically places grafts in subsequent sessions based on the patient’s chosen hairstyle.
Ethical Patient Education
In conclusion, Dr. Mohmand stresses the ethical duty of hair restoration surgeons to educate patients about all available options, regardless of personal biases. While FUE has its merits, FUT continues to hold a valuable place in the field, particularly when combined with FUE for optimal results.
Also Read: How to Find the Best Hair Transplant Surgeon
Embracing a Harmonious Approach
In the ongoing FUE vs. FUT debate, Dr. Mohmand advocates for a harmonious approach, where surgeons are proficient in both techniques. By understanding the nuances of each method and considering individual patient needs, hair restoration surgeons can truly excel in their field.
As the field continues to advance, it is clear that a comprehensive understanding of both FUE and FUT will be essential for those seeking to provide the best possible results for their patients. In the end, it is the patient’s well-being and satisfaction that should remain at the forefront of every hair restoration surgeon’s practice.
For a consultation with a hair restoration surgeon, access our Find A Doctor tool where you can search for an ISHRS member by location.