- Dr Suhail Alam
- Reading Time: 8 Mins
Hair loss is a common concern that affects millions of people worldwide, regardless of age or gender. Whether driven by genetics, stress, or medical conditions, the impact of hair loss can be profound. Fortunately, advancements in medical science have led to effective treatment options, with Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplants and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy being two of the most popular. In this blog we will discuss the key differences and give you all the information you need to choose which one is right for you.
Key Takeaways:
- FUE Hair Transplant is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting hair follicles to restore lost hair. This is a permanent treatment and is usually performed only once.
- PRP Therapy is a non-surgical treatment that uses your blood’s platelets to stimulate hair growth. Maintenance sessions are required for this treatment once a year.
- The choice between FUE and PRP depends on individual needs, severity of hair loss, and desired outcomes.
Table of Contents
What is FUE Hair Transplant?
Follicular Unit Extraction, FUE Hair Transplant is a surgical method designed to combat hair loss by transplanting healthy hair follicles from the donor area of the scalp (usually the back or sides) to balding or thinning areas. Unlike traditional hair transplant methods that involve removing a strip of scalp, FUE extracts individual follicles using a precise micro-punch tool.
How Does FUE Work?
The FUE procedure begins with local anaesthesia to ensure comfort. A surgeon then carefully extracts hair follicles one by one from the donor area. These follicles are meticulously implanted into the areas experiencing hair loss. The procedure typically lasts between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Benefits of FUE
- Minimally Invasive: Leaves no linear scar, only tiny puncture marks that heal quickly.
- Natural-Looking Results: Hair grows naturally in the transplanted area, blending seamlessly with existing hair.
- Permanent Solution: The transplanted hair is typically resistant to the factors causing hair loss.
Who is FUE Suitable For?
PRP therapy is an excellent option for individuals experiencing hair thinning or hair loss, whether in the early stages or more advanced. This treatment is particularly beneficial because it works by stimulating existing hair follicles, promoting thicker and healthier hair growth. Additionally, PRP is often used in conjunction with FUE hair transplants to enhance and accelerate the results, making it a versatile choice for those seeking to maximise the success of their hair restoration efforts. PRP is suitable for both men and women who want a natural and non-surgical solution to improve and maintain their hair.
What is PRP Therapy?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-surgical treatment that harnesses the body’s natural healing properties to promote hair growth. This innovative procedure involves drawing a small amount of your blood and processing it to concentrate the platelets, which are rich in growth factors. These growth factors are then injected into the scalp to stimulate and rejuvenate hair follicles, encouraging the growth of thicker, healthier hair.
How Does PRP Work?
The process starts with a blood draw, similar to a routine blood test. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which separates the platelet-rich plasma from other components. This concentrated plasma, rich in growth factors, is injected directly into the scalp where hair thinning is occurring.
Benefits of PRP
- Non-Invasive: Involves no surgery, incisions, or significant downtime.
- Quick Procedure: Typically takes around 45 minutes to an hour with minimal recovery time.
- Natural Treatment: Utilises your body’s natural growth factors to encourage hair regrowth.
Who is PRP Suitable For?
PRP therapy is suitable for anyone experiencing hair thinning or hair loss, regardless of the stage. Whether you’re in the early stages of hair loss or have more advanced thinning, PRP can be an effective treatment to stimulate hair growth and improve hair density. Additionally, PRP is often combined with FUE hair transplants to enhance and accelerate results, making it a versatile option for those seeking to optimise their hair restoration efforts. It’s a valuable treatment on its own or as a complementary therapy to maximise the success of other hair restoration procedures.
FUE vs. PRP: Which Should You Choose?
The decision between FUE and PRP depends on several factors, including the severity of hair loss, the desired outcome, and personal preferences. To help you make an informed decision about which of these hair loss treatments are right for you, we will explore the considerations below.
Consider FUE if:
- You have significant hair loss with a sufficient donor area.
- You’re seeking a long-term, permanent solution to hair loss.
- You prefer a one-time procedure with predictable results.
Consider PRP if:
- You’re in the early stages of hair thinning or want to enhance the results of a previous hair transplant.
- You prefer a non-surgical, natural treatment with minimal recovery time.
- You’re looking for a maintenance treatment to preserve and thicken existing hair.
Conclusion
Both FUE and PRP offer effective solutions for hair restoration, each with its unique advantages. FUE provides a more permanent and extensive solution, especially for those with advanced hair loss. On the other hand, PRP is an excellent choice for those seeking a less invasive option with the potential to rejuvenate and maintain their existing hair.
At Aventus Clinic, we understand that every individual’s hair restoration journey is unique. Our hair loss experts are here to help you explore your options and find the best treatment tailored to your needs. Contact us today to schedule a free online hair loss assessment and take the first step towards restoring your confidence.
About the Author
Dr Suhail Alam
Dr Alam is devoted to providing high quality, holistic, patient centred care designed to make patients look and feel their best. He has a specialist interest in Hair Restoration Surgery and Regenerative Medicine.