Different hair transplant clinics specialize in different techniques, and the technique that works best for you depends on your Norwood stage, donor area characteristics, and personal priorities. Choosing a clinic that specializes in the right method for your case is just as important as choosing a skilled surgeon. This comparison breaks down what each specialization means for your results.
The Three Major Technique Specializations
Hair transplant clinics generally build their practice around one or more of three core techniques. Each has distinct advantages and limitations.
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
FUE clinics extract individual follicular units from the donor area using micro-punches sized 0.7 to 1.0mm in diameter. This is the most widely offered technique globally.
Key characteristics:
- Recovery time: 7 to 10 days
- Scar type: Small dot scars distributed across the donor area
- Maximum grafts per session: Up to 5,000
- Graft survival rate: 90-95%
- Donor shaving required: Yes (full or partial)
FUE is the most versatile technique and suits the widest range of patients. Clinics that specialize in FUE typically invest in advanced motorized extraction systems or manual micro-punch tooling. The best FUE clinics maintain transection rates (damaged grafts) below 5%.
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)
FUT clinics remove a strip of tissue from the donor area and dissect individual follicular units under stereomicroscopy. This method has been practiced since the 1990s and remains relevant for specific cases.
Key characteristics:
- Recovery time: 10 to 14 days
- Scar type: Single linear scar (hidden under hair at sufficient length)
- Maximum grafts per session: Up to 4,000
- Graft survival rate: 90-95%
- Donor shaving required: No
FUT allows harvesting the maximum number of high-quality grafts from a single session because there is no transection risk during extraction. The linear scar is the primary trade-off.
DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)
DHI clinics use the Choi implanter pen to extract and implant grafts in a single-step process. The pen creates the recipient channel and places the graft simultaneously.
Key characteristics:
- Recovery time: 7 to 10 days
- Scar type: Minimal dot scars
- Maximum grafts per session: Up to 3,500
- Graft survival rate: 90-95%
- Tool: Choi implanter pen (single-use)
DHI offers precise control over implantation angle, direction, and depth. The technique reduces the time grafts spend outside the body, which may improve survival in extended sessions.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | FUE | FUT | DHI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max grafts/session | 5,000 | 4,000 | 3,500 |
| Recovery time | 7-10 days | 10-14 days | 7-10 days |
| Scarring | Scattered dots | Linear scar | Minimal dots |
| Donor shaving | Yes | No | Partial possible |
| Survival rate | 90-95% | 90-95% | 90-95% |
| Procedure length | 6-8 hours | 4-6 hours | 8-10 hours |
| Cost premium | Standard | Standard | +10-20% |
| Ideal Norwood range | N2-N7 | N4-N7 | N2-N5 |
| Staff needed | 2-4 | 3-5 (microscopists) | 4-6 (multiple implanters) |
Matching Your Norwood Stage to the Right Technique
The best technique for you depends primarily on how many grafts you need.
Norwood 2-3: All Three Techniques Work
At these early stages, graft needs range from 800 to 2,200. Any technique handles this volume comfortably within a single session.
- FUE advantage: Minimal scarring for patients who wear hair short
- FUT advantage: Not necessary at this volume
- DHI advantage: Precise hairline design with angle control
Norwood 3V-4: FUE or FUT Preferred
Graft needs of 2,000 to 3,500 push into the middle range. Both FUE and FUT handle this well. DHI becomes less efficient at higher graft counts due to the slower implantation process.
- FUE advantage: Up to 3,500 grafts in a comfortable single session
- FUT advantage: Higher graft quality consistency through strip dissection
- DHI advantage: Still viable at the lower end (2,000-2,500 grafts)
Norwood 5-6: FUE or FUT, Often Multiple Sessions
At 3,000 to 6,000 grafts, you need a clinic equipped for large sessions or comfortable planning a two-session approach.
- FUE advantage: Up to 5,000 grafts in a mega-session
- FUT advantage: Clean graft quality with no transection risk during extraction
- DHI limitation: Usually requires two sessions at this volume
Norwood 7: Maximum Coverage Challenge
At 5,500 to 7,500 grafts, multiple sessions are standard regardless of technique. Donor supply becomes the limiting factor, not the technique.
- Combined FUE + FUT: Some clinics offer both in sequence to maximize total graft yield
- Staged approach: First session covers the frontal zone, second addresses the crown
| Norwood Stage | Grafts Needed | Recommended Technique | Sessions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwood 2 | 800-1,500 | FUE, FUT, or DHI | 1 |
| Norwood 3 | 1,500-2,200 | FUE, FUT, or DHI | 1 |
| Norwood 3V | 2,000-2,800 | FUE or FUT | 1 |
| Norwood 4 | 2,500-3,500 | FUE or FUT | 1-2 |
| Norwood 5 | 3,000-4,500 | FUE or FUT | 1-2 |
| Norwood 6 | 4,000-6,000 | FUE, FUT, or combined | 2+ |
| Norwood 7 | 5,500-7,500 | FUE, FUT, or combined | 2+ |
How Clinics Develop Technique Specialization
Understanding why a clinic focuses on a particular technique helps you assess their expertise.
Volume-Based Specialization
High-volume clinics in Turkey and India often standardize on FUE because it scales well with team-based extraction. A lead surgeon supervises while trained technicians assist with extraction and implantation under direct oversight.
Surgeon-Driven Specialization
Boutique clinics in the USA, UK, and Europe often specialize in whatever technique the lead surgeon trained in and has the most experience performing. A surgeon with 15 years of FUT experience may deliver better results with FUT than a surgeon with 3 years of FUE experience delivers with FUE.
Technology-Driven Specialization
Clinics that invest in robotic systems (ARTAS) or specific motorized devices naturally specialize in FUE variants. Clinics investing in large Choi implanter pen inventories focus on DHI.
Evaluating a Clinic's Specialization Claims
Ask these questions to verify a clinic's technique expertise. Read more about clinic technology and equipment standards for details on specific tools.
Questions for FUE Clinics
- What is your transection rate with FUE extraction?
- What punch system and diameter do you use?
- What is the maximum number of FUE grafts you have performed in a single session?
- Does the surgeon perform the extraction, or do technicians assist?
- How many FUE procedures does the surgeon perform per month?
Questions for FUT Clinics
- How many microscopists dissect the strip grafts?
- What magnification do you use for dissection?
- What is your slit size for the linear closure?
- What is your typical scar width at 12 months?
- Can you show me healed FUT scars from previous patients?
Questions for DHI Clinics
- How many Choi implanter pens are used per procedure?
- Are the pens single-use or sterilized?
- How many DHI-trained staff assist during the procedure?
- What is the maximum number of grafts you place via DHI in a single session?
- Do you offer FUE or FUT as alternatives if DHI is not ideal for my case?
Multi-Technique Clinics vs. Single-Technique Clinics
Advantages of Multi-Technique Clinics
- Can tailor the approach to your specific case
- Offer combined FUE + FUT for maximum graft yield
- Less likely to recommend an unsuitable technique just because it is all they offer
- Better equipped to handle revision cases
Advantages of Single-Technique Clinics
- Deep specialization in one method
- Highly optimized workflow and team coordination
- Often lower pricing due to streamlined operations
- Clear track record specific to one technique
If a single-technique clinic insists their method is best for every patient, consider getting a second opinion on your treatment plan from a multi-technique practice.
Cost Differences by Technique and Region
Technique specialization affects pricing. DHI typically carries a premium due to the single-use implanter pens and the larger team required.
| Technique | Turkey | Europe | UK | USA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FUE per graft | $1-$2 | $2.50-$4.50 | $3-$5 | $4-$6 |
| FUT per graft | $1-$1.50 | $2-$4 | $2.50-$4.50 | $3.50-$5.50 |
| DHI per graft | $1.50-$2.50 | $3-$5 | $3.50-$5.50 | $5-$7 |
These ranges reflect 2026 pricing. Always confirm current rates directly with the clinic.
How to Choose the Right Specialization for You
- Determine your Norwood stage using the free AI assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze
- Match your graft needs to the technique capacity table above
- Consider your scar tolerance: FUE for short hair, FUT acceptable if you keep hair longer
- Factor in budget: FUT is typically the least expensive, DHI the most
- Evaluate surgeon experience: 500+ procedures in the specific technique you choose
- Request case examples: Ask for results from patients with your same Norwood stage and technique
The technique matters, but the surgeon's skill matters more. A great FUT surgeon outperforms an average DHI surgeon every time. Focus on finding the best surgeon for your specific needs, then let the technique follow.
Get your free AI hair loss assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to identify your Norwood stage and find the right technique match before your first consultation.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration surgeon for personalized recommendations.