Hair Plugs Vs. Hair Transplants: The Definitive Guide For 2024

This definitive guide will teach you ten things you need to know about hair plugs before you go ahead with a hair restoration procedure.

You will learn about the history of hair plugs and the various pros and cons of each method so you can make an informed decision for yourself. You will also learn why surgeons stopped performing hair plug procedures and what they now do instead.

What are Hair Plugs?

In recent years, hair plugs have become a misnomer in the hair loss community.

Historically, hair plugs are a round grouping of hairs that are collected from the donor area of the scalp (typically the back or sides of the head). More recently, hair plugs are typically used to refer to any patch of hair removed from a donor site for transplantation (1).

Hair plugs are used in a procedure known as a hair transplant.

Hair Plugs vs. Hair Transplant

While you may think these are two different procedures, hair plugs are a form of hair transplant.

Hair transplants are a grouping of procedures that use implants to cover balding areas. A hair plug is just a particular form of implant, one that is a round grouping of hairs.

With differing terminology, it can quickly become confusing (2). Here is a helpful breakdown:

• Hair Transplant: This is the procedure itself, in which hair implants (or plugs) are transplanted from one area of the scalp (donor site) to the other (recipient site).
• Hair Implant: This is the hair that is collected and transplanted, either in the form of a strip or single units.
• Hair Plug: This is a type of implant. Traditionally, the plug was rounded and contained one to eight units of hair. More recently, the “plug” is a strip or single unit and is more commonly referred to as an implant.

With a better understanding of the terms, plug and implant will be used interchangeably throughout the article. This is because both terms are used colloquially, though implant or unit is more commonly used by surgeons and hair transplant professionals.

The History of Hair Implants

Hair implants have come a long way since their development in 1822. From scalp flaps to plugs to strips to units, it seems implants have gotten smaller as well as more effective.

In the 20th century, hairline restoration procedures became more popular throughout the US. This was, in large part, thanks to the introduction of Japanese hair transplant techniques in the 1950s. Unfortunately, it would take quite a few years before the traditional hair plug was discarded in favor of more natural implants, such as strips and units.

As time has progressed, however, surgeons have continued to perfect the technique of unit extraction and transplantation. This has done wonders for the hair loss community – allowing them to restore their hair with minimal scarring.

Hair Plug Transplant Methods

When hair plugs were still the implant of choice, there were several methods employed for their transplantation. Here is a closer look.

Punch Graft

This method involved the use of a 4mm punch.

The punch removed a cylinder of hair-bearing skin, which usually contained anywhere from 12 to 30 hairs. The cylinder of hair was then placed in a punched area within the recipient area.

This led to an unnatural look. The recipient area commonly looked ‘pluggy,’ even after four or five treatments. However, even with the unnatural look, this hair transplant method has been used for more than 20 years.

Mini/Micro

Both of these graft types involved the cutting of a thin strip of hair from the donor area. The area of removal is then stitched or stapled, and a narrow scar remains.

The graft is then placed in the recipient area after a scalpel or needle makes small slits in the scalp.

The main difference between the minigraft and the micrograft is the number of hairs within each graft. The minigraft typically contains three to eight hairs, while the micrograft contains anywhere from one to four.

For best results, two to four sessions of minigrafting may be required to complete the section. This is because the slits must be spaced out.

This method is less pluggy looking, but it still looks abrupt and a bit unnatural.

The Modern Types of Hair Transplantation Methods

As mentioned above, ‘hair plugs’ is an outdated term that has persisted outside of the medical community.

The typical manner of the transplant was known as punch graft, but newer (and better) methods of transplant have since been developed.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

Similar to mini and micrografting mentioned above, a follicular unit transplantation involves the removal of a strip of hair from the donor site. This strip can be anywhere from 1.5 cm to 30 cm.

Once the strip has been removed and the donor site sutured or otherwise sealed, the surgeon will then use a microscope to dissect the donor strip. The goal is to collect individuals follicular hair grafts.

Once this has been accomplished, the surgeon will make punctures in the recipient site. The individual units are then placed in a pattern predetermined by the surgeon.

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

While the end goal of FUE is similar to FUT, the way of getting there is much more involved.

Instead of removing a strip and then dissecting it, the follicles are extracted from the donor site individually (5). This leaves very minimal scarring, and it can make the final result appear more natural.

FUT vs. FUE vs. Hair Plugs

There is one similarity between the three transplant types, and that is that all use hair extracted from donor sites on the scalp. Otherwise, both FUT and FUE have nothing else in common with hair plugs.

As previously mentioned, plugs were traditionally removed in a cylindrical pattern. FUT and FUE utilize either a strip or individual unit extraction pattern, and this results in a more natural look.

As for which procedure is better, both FUT and FUE have their obvious benefits over hair plugs. The scarring left behind is minimal (more so with FUE) and the best results can be achieved in fewer sessions. In addition, side effects may be lessened as both procedures are less invasive.

When comparing FUT to FUE, the more commonly recommended procedure is FUE. This is because extraction and implantation of individual units leave minimal scarring, and it can appear natural.

However, costs can be a determining factor, and so too can procedure length. Whereas FUE costs significantly more and takes place over multiple sessions, a full FUT procedure can be done in five to seven hours. In this way, FUT is perhaps the most popular method of hair transplantation chosen by patients.

Answers to the Most Commonly Asked Questions

If you are considering a hair transplant, you may have some questions on your mind. Here are the answers to just a few.

1. Will Hair Plugs Cure Male-Pattern Baldness?

As with any hair transplant, hair plugs will only cover the issue. This means that the cause of your hair loss is still present within the scalp, and you may lose the transplanted hair if something is not done to stop the hair loss.

If you have male-pattern baldness, one of the main causes of hair loss is sensitivity to DHT. This is most often treated with the FDA-approved drugs minoxidil and finasteride. But other methods – including laser therapy and microneedling – are quickly becoming popular treatment options.

2. Are Hair Plugs Still a Viable Option?

Yes, it is still possible to find a surgeon who uses hair plugs. However, that does not mean it is the best option.

The procedures that rely on hair plugs – namely, punch grafts and minigrafts – have been slowly phased out and replaced by FUE and FUT. This is because results are generally more natural-looking.

Some within the hair transplant community still refer to hair implants as plugs. So, technically, hair plugs are still performed regularly. However, if you are using the term traditionally, then it is rare that you will find a surgeon who uses those methods or patterns of transplant.

3. Can Anyone With Balding Receive a Hair Implant?

As with any procedure, some patients are better candidates than others. Here are a few factors that may make you a good candidate for hair transplantation.

A Well-Established Hair Loss Pattern

Hair loss can start early, and it is not uncommon for a hair loss pattern to begin to form in the late teens and early 20s. However, it is best to wait until your hair loss pattern is established.

(Is your hairline receding or maturing? Find out here.)

Hair loss in men typically occurs in the horseshoe pattern. For women, it typically starts top of the scalp, near the natural part. In the beginning stages, however, it is difficult to tell how deep the pattern will be and where the hairline will end.

This is why many surgeons will wait until you have experienced hair loss for a few years before going forward with the procedure (6). This gives them a baseline to work with and can ensure that the results of the surgery appear most natural.

An Abundance of Donor Site Hair

As the donor site will be the contributor to the recipient area, you must have more than enough hair in the donor site to fully cover both areas.

For men with androgenetic alopecia, this usually is not a problem until the later stages of the condition. However, if your hair loss cause is due to an injury or other form of hair loss, you may not have the volume of hair necessary for a natural look.

A Known Cause of Hair Loss

Male-pattern baldness is not the only type of hair loss that results in the seeking out of hair transplants. Other causes of hair loss include scalp injury, burns, or complications from surgeries.

Before moving forward, your surgeon will take a full hair loss history. This will help them to pinpoint the cause (if it is not already known) and determine whether you are an ideal candidate for the procedure.

Unfortunately, certain hair loss types may mean that you are not an ideal candidate. This includes hair loss caused by medications or treatments (such as chemotherapy), or hair loss caused by chronic conditions (such as lupus) and scarring alopecia (7, 8).

In some cases, hair loss surgery will be denied due to the temporary nature of the loss (such as that caused by chemotherapy). Other times, it will be denied because the odds of failure are too high.

4. Can Women Undergo Hair Transplantation?

Hair loss treatments indeed tend to differ between men and women (9). But hair transplants are possible for either gender.

Androgenetic alopecia is not as common in women as it is in men, but it still affects a large percentage of the population (10). And just like men, other conditions may trigger hair loss, too, including illness, injury stress, and hormonal imbalance.

Indeed, hair transplants are not as common among women as they are for men, but many doctors specialize in the treatment of Female-Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL). In some cases, they may recommend transplants to those women who have suffered from prolonged hair loss without an otherwise simpler treatment option.

5. Are There Side Effects to the Procedure?

As a medical procedure, there are side effects to consider before undergoing hair transplantation (11). Some of the more common ones include:

• Edema – This is swelling that occurs on the scalp or in the face, and it can be a side effect of anesthesia or trauma.
• Excessive bleeding – Although rare, excessive bleeding can happen and may require additional stitching to stop the flow.
• Sterile folliculitis – Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle, and this can cause irritation, itching, and poor cosmetic appearance. According to a 2014 study, this was seen in 23.29% of patients (10).
• Itching – It is not uncommon to experience itching following a hair transplant, especially during the healing stage. It is important, however, to not scratch or otherwise disturb the area to reduce the chances of scarring, infection, and improper healing.
• Scarring – While the newer methods of transplant have significantly reduced scarring, some patients may experience noticeable scarring after the procedure. This can be temporary or permanent.
• Numbness – This can occur in the donor site for up to 18 weeks, but it is not typically bothersome enough for treatment to be sought. According to the study mentioned above, this was present in 10.96% of transplant patients.
• Hiccups – As an anesthetic side effect, you may experience hiccups for several hours following the procedure. While annoying, this should not cause any lasting effects or hinder healing in any way.
• Infection – In rare cases, an infection can take root in either the donor or recipient area of the scalp. This may damage the transplant if not treated, but it can typically be handled with a round of antibiotics.

Of course, it is possible to suffer side effects not mentioned above. Your surgeon will go over all possibilities so you can make a more informed decision.

6. What Can I Expect from the Procedure?

It is important to go into the procedure with an understanding of proper expectations. After all, you should not expect to walk out after your first session with a fully restored head of hair.

With this in mind, here are a few things to expect:

1. You may need to undergo multiple sessions: Your surgeon can give you a better idea of how many sessions will be needed, but it is rare for one session to restore your hair loss completely.
2. Your hair loss cause will not be cured: If your hair loss is caused by male-pattern baldness, the balding will reoccur if the cause is not handled.
3. You may experience some side effects: These include the ones mentioned above, but you can also experience side effects that are specific to you.
4. Healing time varies by the individual: While surgeons can provide you with a general timeline for healing, you may heal more quickly or more slowly. This depends on general health, the skill of the surgeon, and other such factors.

All in all, you should keep in mind that hair transplants are not a miracle cure. This is a medical procedure like any other, and results can vary.

7. Which Hair Transplant Method Should I Choose?

If you are serious about receiving a hair transplant, it is important to consult with at least three surgeons before moving forward with the procedure.

As part of your consultations, the surgeon will discuss the options available. In addition, they will take a hair loss history and likely examine your scalp closely to give you an informed opinion.

There are pros and cons to the different transplant methods, and so it is best to discuss your options in full with a professional.

8. What Will the Procedure Cost?

Cost is likely one of the first things to come to mind when thinking about undergoing a hair restoration procedure. Before I get into the numbers, let us take a look at some factors that can affect cost:

1. The number of grafts needed: The number of grafts needed is related to the amount of hair loss that has occurred. The more grafts you need, the more money you will pay.
2. The location of the procedure: If you live in a country with a higher cost of living (such as the US, Canada, or England), you can expect to pay more for the procedure than if you live in a place such as India, Mexico, etc. Of course, you can travel for the procedure to lower costs.
3. The reputation of the surgeon: You get what you pay for, and this is true when choosing a surgeon to perform the procedure. While a well-regarded surgeon will cost more, you will also likely see better results.
4. The transplant method used: All transplant methods have different costs, and these usually relate to the amount of time and expertise that the method requires. For example, FUE will cost more than FUT due to the amount of time and delicacy involved.
5. The costs of after-care: While most patients must pay for general after-care products – such as a specialized shampoo – you may experience complications (such as infection) that require more expensive products or medications (such as antibiotics).

As mentioned above, the number of grafts needed to complete the procedure will typically affect the cost most. With this in mind, here is a breakdown of some usual price ranges:

As shown, the more hair loss you’ve experienced (as categorized by Norwood score), the more you will pay for the procedure.

9. How Many Transplants Will I Need in My Lifetime?

If the source of your hair loss is not treated before the procedure, you may experience further hair loss as a result. This means you will likely need to receive a transplant more than once.

However, the answer to this question will vary significantly by individual.

If the cause of your hair loss has been resolved, then one procedure (which consists of multiple sessions) may be all that you need. If the hairline recession continues, however, then you may need two, three, or even more.

Of course, a good transplant surgeon will work with you to minimize the number of transplants needed. This could mean that the surgeon denies your request for a transplant until the issue is under control, or until your hair loss has stopped entirely.

10. Can a Botched Hair Plug Procedure Be Fixed?

There are a lot of reasons that the traditional hair plug implant has been replaced by unit and strip implants. Unfortunately, some surgeons may still use hair plugs in their practice, or you received a hair plug transplant years ago that has been bothering you.

In these cases, you will be happy to know that botched hair transplants can be fixed.

A knowledgeable and experienced surgeon can easily fix the issue, though it will cost more than your typical transplant.

This is because the surgeon will likely be required to remove the old transplant, and then either dissect it into smaller units (in the case of large hair plugs) or replace it altogether.

For such a procedure, you will want to find a surgeon who is experienced in restoration. This is important because the process of hair transplant restoration has its own techniques and methods. In addition, it requires special skill to work around scarring and other issues associated with bad hair transplants.

Is There an Alternative Option?

Whether the side effects do not seem worth it, or the costs seem too high, there are many reasons that you may decide against a hair transplant or hair plug procedure. Fortunately, there are alternative methods at your disposal.

These methods may not have immediate results, but they may help to slow hair loss and perhaps even regrow lost hair.

The main thing you need to focus on is the restoration of your hair follicles.

As hair loss occurs, your follicles begin to miniaturize (12). If not treated, the follicles can die and hair loss can be irreversible.

There are natural methods to restore hair follicles and this involves direct stimulation of growth.

Improve Blood Circulation and Stimulate the Follicles With a Dermaroller

Microneedling is a dermatological practice used to stimulate blood flow and induce collagen (13). It does so by causing small wounds, which then go on to heal. During this healing process, new skin cells are produced.

Microneedling can be practiced at home, though it is also done as a professional treatment by dermatologists and hair restoration specialists.

At home, you can use a device known as a dermaroller (or dermastamp) to perform the procedure.

(Learn the best techniques of dermaroller use here.)

As mentioned, this technique increases blood flow (necessary for healthy hair growth) which then makes it possible for vital minerals and nutrients to make their way to the follicles.

Other benefits of microneedling which likely play a role in hair growth include:

• Release of platelet derived growth factor, epidermal growth factors are increased through platelet activation and skin wound regeneration mechanism
• Activation of stem cells in the hair bulge area under wound healing conditions which is caused by a dermaroller
• Overexpression of hair growth related genes vascular endothelial growth factor, B catenin, Wnt3a, and Wnt10 b.

And, believe it or not, this procedure is quite helpful in those suffering from AGA.

One study showed that microneedling helped to improve the results of minoxidil in just 12 weeks (14).

Even better, microneedling has also been shown to be helpful even in those men who have not had success with conventional (e.g. minoxidil and finasteride) treatments (15). Never share a microneedling tool.

Conclusion

While hair implants can work to replace the hair you have lost, they are not always the best choice.

If you do choose to undergo the procedure, you should take the time to find the right surgeon. As the transplant is a cosmetic procedure, you want to be sure to choose a surgeon with experience and expertise. While cost is important to consider, you do get what you pay for.

Of course, prior to making any decisions, you should know the cause of your hair loss. This is important, as it will help you to make the best choice for both your current and future self.