A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves the relocation of hair follicles from a donor area to a recipient area. Relocating healthy hair follicles into the balding region stimulates hair growth. There are multiple hair transplant techniques out there, each having its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
There are several hair transplant methods, including:
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)
- Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
- Direct Hair Transplantation (DHT)
- Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP)
- Sapphire Hair Transplant Technique
All of these techniques offer numerous advantages, and with that, they also have some disadvantages. However, most techniques yield successful hair transplants for people struggling with hair loss or hair thinning.
So, if you are wondering which treatment to choose, then read this post.
In this post, we will compare three main types of hair transplant techniques: DHT, FUE, and Sapphire Techniques to help you make an informed choice.
So, let’s get started…
Let’s first understand all three techniques in detail.
Direct Hair Transplant
Direct Hair Transplant, popularly known as DHT, is one of the most advanced hair transplant therapies available today. This technique involves the extraction of healthy hair follicles from the donor site and implanting them instantly on the recipient site. Surgeons who perform this surgery make use of a specialized device known as a Choi Implanter Pen, specifically designed for direct hair transplantation. It makes the direct implantation of extracted hair grafts into the recipient area a breeze. This pen eliminates the need for any incisions. So, in a way, DHT is a non-surgical hair transplant technique, making it the least invasive technique for getting a new appearance. The best thing about this treatment is that it is painless and scar-free. Additionally, it leads to more natural-looking hair growth. People who have already undergone Direct Hair Transplantation claim to have fuller and more natural-looking hair.
NOTE: DHT is an advanced technique that requires surgeons with higher levels of skill compared to other methods. This, in turn, makes it more expensive. Also, it is time-consuming because it involves direct implantation of hair.
Follicular Unit Extraction
Follicular Unit Extraction, also known as FUE, is yet another very popular hair transplant technique. Again, this method also involves the transplantation of healthy hair follicles from one location to another (particularly, donor site to recipient site). In this surgery, hair specialists use a punch tool to extract individual hair follicles from the donor area. The grafts are subsequently stored in a solution until they are prepared for implantation. The surgeon proceeds by making small incisions in the recipient area using microblades and fine needles. Then, the extracted grafts are subsequently implanted into the recipient area using either forceps or a needle. Due to the nature of this method, there is a possibility of minimal scarring. However, the scarring gradually diminishes over time. Overall, this method is less invasive and results in minimal scarring compared to FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), which requires the removal of a strip of scalp from the donor area. FUE offers a high graft survival rate, which makes it one of the best choices among all the other hair transplants. Usually, it leads to the best outcomes; however, some patients may have to opt for additional sessions.
Sapphire Technique
The Sapphire Technique is yet another popular hair transplant technique. This method is actually a modified version of FUE. This procedure also involves the extraction of healthy hair grafts from one region and implanting them into the area experiencing hair thinning. In this procedure, the surgeon creates incisions to implant extracted hair follicles. The only distinction between FUE and Sapphire Technique lies in the type of blade used. Hair transplant surgeons use synthetic sapphire blades instead of steel blades to create incisions. The sapphire blades are known for their superior sharpness, smoothness, and precision compared to steel blades. As a result, they minimize tissue damage, inflammation, and scab formation. In addition, sapphire blades enable surgeons to create smaller and more frequent incisions, resulting in improved density and a more natural-looking hair growth appearance. However, this method is more expensive and demands surgeons with greater expertise compared to FUE.
Distinction Between DHT, FUE, and Sapphire Technique
DHT, FUE, and Sapphire are three distinct techniques used in hair transplant surgery. The methods used to extract, incise, and implant the hair follicles vary between all of these treatments. Here is a detailed comparison of these methods. Take a look…
1. Tools Used
Direct Hair Transplantation involves the use of a specialized pen called the Choi Implanter Pen. Choi Implanter Pen is used for both extraction and implantation of hair follicles. Whereas, in FUE, surgeons use a punch tool to extract hair follicles and microblades or fine needles to implant hair follicles into the balding region.
2. Incisions
In DHT, surgeons create tiny incisions using an implanter pen. In FUE hair transplant, a punch tool is used to create incisions. While the Sapphire technique utilizes synthetic sapphire blades to create incisions, and surgeons use forceps to implant extracted hair grafts on the balding region. Sapphire and FUE treatments require premade incisions, which is not the case with DHT.
3. Potential Risks
Direct Hair Transplantation (DHT) carries the lowest risk of infection, swelling, or scarring. Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a surgical procedure known for its minimal scarring. Similarly, Sapphire is a modified version of the FUE procedure. The transplantation process remains the same, which is why people may also experience minimal scarring after undergoing a Sapphire hair transplant.
4. Results
Direct Hair Transplantation is a painless procedure, however, it is not considered suitable for covering large areas or achieving a high density. FUE is considered best for covering larger areas. Sapphire FUE is yet again a great technique for people experiencing significant hair loss.
5. Safety
DHT is one of the least invasive hair transplant procedures as it does not require premade incisions. FUE and Sapphire technique require premade incisions. However, all three procedures are safe if performed by highly skilled and experienced hair transplant surgeons.
6. Cost
The cost of hair transplant surgery is determined by several factors, including the number of grafts needed, the reputation of the surgeon, the experience of the surgeon, the location and reputation of the clinic, the Technique employed, and the level of your baldness.
However, Sapphire and DHT hair transplants are the most expensive hair transplant techniques out there. The reason for this is that the Sapphire technique involves the use of synthetic sapphire blades, whereas, in Direct Hair Transplantation, doctors utilize a specialized tool. In addition, the surgery must be conducted by a highly skilled doctor.
Direct Hair Transplantation (DHT) is a technique that typically incurs higher costs compared to FUE or Sapphire methods. This is due to the need for specialized equipment and highly skilled surgeons. The average cost of DHI surgeries is 30% higher compared to FUE surgeries. Sapphire Follicular Unit Extraction is the second most expensive Technique because it involves the use of sapphire blades instead of traditional metal blades to make the incisions. Compared to metal blades, sapphire blades are more expensive. According to reports, Sapphire FUE costs are estimated to be 10% higher than FUE.
Final Verdict: Which Is The Best Technique?
The Follicular Unit Extraction technique costs less than DHI, but it remains pricier than Follicular Unit Transplantation, the oldest hair transplant method available. However, many consider FUT the most invasive method of all. The cost of FUE can vary between INR 45,000 and INR 70,000. In contrast, Direct Hair Transplantation in India costs you somewhere around INR 60,000 and INR 1,00,000. Lastly, the cost of Sapphire Technique is between INR 75,000 and INR 12,0000. So, if you compare all three in terms of cost, FUE is one of the most affordable hair transplant treatments. Furthermore, it is the least invasive option, and it results in a natural-looking appearance. The choice of hair transplant, however, depends on you and the surgeon you get your treatment from. It is crucial to look for a reputable hair transplant clinic for your treatment.
Neoaesthetica is the best hair transplant clinic in Lucknow. At Neoaesthetica, we offer the highest quality hair transplant treatments, including DHT, FUE, FUT, Sapphire, and so on. We have a team of the best hair transplant surgeons who possess enough knowledge and experience to perform all the advanced hair transplantations in India. If you are looking for the best hair transplant technique, then visit Neoaesthetica. Our highly qualified surgeon will first evaluate your condition. Based on the reports, they will determine the right hair transplantation technique for you.
We hope this comparison between the three most in-demand hair transplant treatments will help you choose the best for yourself or your loved ones!
Thanks for reading!