FUT Hair Transplant

The FUT Hair Transplant, also known as the ‘strip method’, is a widely used and successful hair transplant method. It provides high hair regrowth and retention rates, making it a preferred choice for many patients. Additionally, FUT is known for its lower cost compared to other methods.

The procedure begins by removing a strip of skin from the back of the head, called the donor area. This strip is then divided into individual follicular units under a microscope. These units are then inserted into the recipient area through small slits in the scalp. FUT hair transplantation usually takes a few hours to complete, making it quicker than other methods.

While the recovery time for FUT may be slightly longer than other methods, any discomfort is minimal and easily manageable. Most patients recover quickly and can return to their normal routines within a few days. Your Patient Advisor will provide all the necessary information for proper aftercare to ensure optimal results.

What is a FUT Hair Transplant?

During a FUT hair transplant, a thin strip of hair is surgically removed from the back of the head at the base of the neck, known as the “donor area”. This strip is then divided into grafts, and the hair follicles are relocated to the top and front of the head. The removal process is performed by the surgeon. The hair at the back of the head is resistant to the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is why it is resistant to falling out.

The procedure begins with the application of a local anesthetic. A small strip of hair is then removed from the donor area and the incision is secured with sutures. Although a minor scar may be left behind, it can be easily hidden by the surrounding hair as it grows.

The strip from the donor area is then divided into small follicular units or hair group grafts. These grafts contain varying numbers of hairs and are carefully divided by the surgical team under the guidance of the surgeon. Each unit is an organ with its own blood supply and chemical regulation. When transplanted, these units quickly return to their natural state.

The surgeon then creates tiny incisions in the recipient area to mimic the pattern of natural hair growth. The dimensions of these incisions, including depth, angle, direction, size, and width, are crucial for proper placement and growth of the transplanted hair. This phase of the procedure requires both artistry and technical skill and is the most time-consuming part.

The surgeon oversees the placement and relocation of the grafts to the recipient area by the surgical staff. Each graft can only be placed into the receptor site in a specific way, ensuring a successful transplantation.

The relocation process is minimally invasive and involves minor surgical procedures. Although there may be some discomfort during and after the surgery, serious pain is rare. Patients remain awake and alert throughout the procedure and can have a friend or spouse present.

HOW LONG DOES THE FUT PROCEDURE TAKE?

The duration of a FUT hair transplant procedure varies depending on the number of hair grafts needed. It can take anywhere from 3 to 6+ hours. Speak to a patient advisor for a detailed quote and estimate of the procedure’s duration.

WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE MY FUT PROCEDURE?

Patients should arrive at the office on the morning of the procedure with clean and dry hair. They should also avoid consuming alcohol or taking aspirin 24 hours prior to the surgery to prevent excessive bleeding.

PREVIOUS FUT PROCEDURE?

Patients who have previously undergone a FUT procedure may have concerns about what to expect. We strongly recommend speaking with one of our patients who had the surgery one or two weeks ago. They will be happy to share their experiences with you.

After the procedure, patients can generally return to normal activities fairly quickly, as hair restoration is a minor form of surgery. However, we recommend resting on the day of the procedure.

In the days following the surgery, patients can resume work and recreational activities. Strenuous activities such as weightlifting, racquetball, or tennis should be avoided for a week or two to prevent damage to the grafts. Hair can be gently washed with mild shampoo using the fingers.

After a few days, the redness at the top of the head will subside, and the transplanted grafts will blend in with the existing hair.

When will my hair start growing and what will it look like?

During the first 1 to 3 weeks after the procedure, new hairs will appear to grow quickly. This is the beginning of the shedding phase, during which the hair follicles go dormant. About half of our patients see results within the first 1 to 2 weeks in the transplant area, although the hair is barely visible at this stage.

After transplant surgery, the hairs enter a dormant phase. This phase typically lasts 3 to 6 months. New hair growth will not be visible until the follicles move out of this dormant phase and enter the next growth phase. It is normal for patients to feel anxious during this waiting period, but understanding that shedding is part of the process can ease concerns.

The hair growth phase usually begins within 2 to 4 months. Hair growth is cyclical, with each cycle starting a few days or weeks after the previous one. Initially, the growing hair shafts may be smaller than usual, but they will change as the hair reaches a length of about 1/2 inch. This slower hair growth process is preferred by male patients as it results in subtle and less obvious changes.

By around 6 months after the surgery, most people will observe the effects of the procedure. After one year, the growth and bulk of the hair will have reached 90% of its total growth. Hair can continue to mature for up to 24 months following the surgery. For this reason, we advise patients to wait at least a year before evaluating the results.

The healing process is relatively fast. The specific sites that received donor grafts typically heal within 1 to 2 weeks. However, it may take six months to a year for the hair to regain its full strength