Hair loss can be surprisingly difficult to ignore. It may begin with a widening parting, a receding hairline or a thinner-looking crown and gradually become more noticeable. Since hair loss can have several causes including hereditary hair loss, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, certain illnesses and some medicines, the first step should be finding out why the hair is falling.
A hair transplant may be considered when hair loss is permanent and there is enough healthy hair in the donor area, usually at the back or sides of the scalp, to provide grafts for transplantation. It is not suitable for every type of hair loss, which makes a dermatological assessment important before deciding on the procedure.
FUE vs FUT: What Is the Difference?
The two established hair transplant techniques are Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Both involve moving healthy hair follicles from a donor area to areas affected by thinning or baldness.
FUE Hair Transplant
With FUE, individual follicular units are extracted from the donor area using a small punch and then placed into the areas requiring coverage.
Its main advantages are:
- No linear strip scar
- Small, scattered extraction marks
- Generally less postoperative discomfort
- Relatively quicker recovery
- Suitable for people who prefer to keep their hair shorter
FUE can take considerable time when a large number of grafts are required, and the number of grafts that can safely be harvested depends on the patient's donor hair.
FUT Hair Transplant
FUT, also called the strip method, involves removing a narrow strip of scalp from the donor area. Individual follicular units are then separated from this strip and transplanted into the areas of hair loss.
Its advantages include:
- A large number of grafts can be harvested in a session in suitable patients
- Can be useful when a patient's donor characteristics favour the strip technique
- May be more economical than FUE in some centres
The main limitation is the linear scar left at the donor site, along with a somewhat longer wound-healing period.
Which Is Better: FUE or FUT?
The choice depends on the type and extent of hair loss, donor hair density, scalp characteristics, age, future pattern of hair loss, desired hairstyle and the number of grafts required.
FUE is often preferred when minimising a linear scar is important. FUT can still be a useful option for selected patients, particularly when a larger number of grafts is required and the patient's donor area is suitable.
A good hair transplant is also about more than simply placing as many grafts as possible. The hairline, direction, density and preservation of the donor area all need to be considered so that the result looks natural over time.
How Much Does a Hair Transplant Cost in Hyderabad?
There is no single fixed price for hair transplantation. The final cost can depend on the technique used, number of grafts required, extent of hair loss, surgeon's expertise, facility, anaesthesia and other treatment requirements.
The cost range for hair transplantation in Hyderabad is usually around ₹33,000 to ₹2,40,000. This should be treated as an indicative range rather than a fixed quotation. A consultation is necessary to determine the number of grafts required and the appropriate technique before an accurate estimate can be given.
Is a Hair Transplant Permanent?
A transplant moves hair follicles that are relatively resistant to androgenetic hair loss into areas where hair has thinned. The transplanted follicles can provide long-term growth, but a hair transplant does not stop the progression of hereditary hair loss in the untreated areas.
For this reason, a dermatologist may recommend medical treatment alongside or after transplantation, depending on the cause and pattern of hair loss.
It is also worth remembering that transplanted hair does not appear immediately. New growth develops gradually over several months, and the final result takes time.
Hair Transplant at STAR Hospitals, Hyderabad
At STAR Hospitals, hair loss is approached through dermatological assessment rather than treating every case as a transplant candidate. The Dermatology department provides evaluation and management of hair disorders and alopecia, with personalised treatment plans based on the underlying cause.
We also provide hair transplantation through Illumina by STAR Hospitals, Hyderabad, using both FUE and FUT techniques. The service involves transferring healthy follicles from donor areas to thinning or bald areas, with attention to natural hair direction and density.
Dr. Bathula Amulya, Consultant Dermatologist at STAR Hospitals, has Hair Transplant Surgery among her areas of expertise, while Dr. Siva Rami Reddy, Sr. Consultant, treats androgenetic alopecia, hair disease management, hair regrowth treatment and PRP hair transplantation among his areas of expertise.
At STAR Hospitals, patients can access dermatology and hair restoration services under one healthcare system, allowing the focus to remain on the cause of hair loss as well as the cosmetic result. Book an appointment today to know more.
