FUT Hair Transplantation

What are the key points you should understand about the FUT hair transplant?

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a widely used and well-established method for hair restoration, involving the transplantation of hair follicles to balding or thinning areas of the scalp. The procedure begins with the removal of a strip of scalp from the donor area, typically the back and sides of the head. This strip is then dissected into individual follicular units, each containing 1 to 4 hairs, which are meticulously implanted into the recipient area. FUT is known for its ability to yield a high number of grafts in a single session, making it particularly suitable for individuals with advanced grades of baldness.

One of the primary benefits of FUT is its potential to deliver natural-looking results when performed by an experienced surgeon. However, the procedure does leave a linear scar at the donor site, which is minimized by trichophytic closure, minimally  noticeable if the hair is cut very short. The recovery period is a little  longer with mild discomfort compared to Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), another popular hair transplant method. Despite these drawbacks, many patients choose FUT for its efficiency in providing a large number of grafts and the natural appearance of the transplanted hair.

Ideal candidates for FUT are those with extensive hair loss who do not plan to wear very short hairstyles and prefer a one-time comprehensive procedure over multiple smaller ones. Post-operative care involves a recovery period of about 10-14 days, during which strenuous activities should be avoided to prevent complications. The success of FUT largely depends on the skill and expertise of the surgeon along with the team of  assistants ,making it crucial for patients to consult a qualified hair restoration specialist to determine the best approach for their specific needs.

In cases of advanced grades of baldness like Norwood grade 4 -7 who require more number of grafts in a single sitting  we combine FUT with FUE.

What is a FUT hair transplant?

A Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a  simple superficial day care surgical procedure designed to restore hair in areas affected by thinning or baldness. The process involves removing a thin linear strip from the donor area, usually the back and sides of the head, where hair growth is typically denser and  resistant to balding. This strip is then carefully dissected into individual follicular units, each containing one to four hairs, under a microscope. These units are meticulously implanted into microscopic incisions made in the balding or thinning areas of the scalp, resulting in natural-looking hair growth.

One of the significant advantages of FUT is its ability to provide a large number of grafts in a single session, which is particularly beneficial for patients with extensive hair loss. The procedure can produce very natural-looking results, as the transplanted hair blends seamlessly with the existing hair. However, FUT does leave a linear scar at the donor site, which can be camouflaged with Trichophytic closure. Recovery from FUT is a bit  longer compared to other hair restoration technique like Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), which involves individual grafts extraction and implantation.

Ideal candidates for a FUT hair transplant are those who have significant hair loss, a sufficient donor area with good laxity and density. The procedure requires a skilled and experienced surgeon to ensure the best possible outcome ,as it also  involves  highly skilled assistants .Patients considering FUT should consult with a qualified hair restoration specialist to discuss their goals, expectations, and the suitability of FUT for their specific condition. Post-operative care is essential for optimal recovery and involves avoiding strenuous activities and following the surgeon’s guidelines closely.

How FUE(Follicular Unit Transplantation) Works

The FUT procedure is a simple superficial procedure done under local anesthesia  under a strict aseptic environment by certified and qualified doctors along  with assistants. It  involves three main steps: harvesting a strip of scalp from the donor area, dissecting this strip into individual follicular units by slivering and dissection , and implanting these units into the recipient area. All these steps involve imported high quality microscopes and loups. Finally, the follicular units are implanted into tiny incisions made in the recipient area, ensuring natural growth patterns.

Last but not least is following all the post operative instructions carefully, until the date as  your doctor suggests is very important to get the best results.

What is Microscopic Follicular Unit Transplantation (MFUT)?

Microscopic Follicular Unit Transplantation (MFUT) is also known as Ultra refined follicular unit grafting { URFUG}, where the dissection of follicular units is done entirely under  high magnification  microscopes. This method enhances the precision of graft preparation, improving the survival rate of transplanted follicles and resulting in more natural-looking and undetectable  hairline creation.

Who Needs a FUT Procedure?

FUT is ideal for both male and females with significant hair loss and balding.. It is particularly suitable for those who do not plan to wear very short hairstyles, as the procedure leaves a linear scar. For candidates with advanced grades of baldness this FUT can be combined with FUE to get more number of grafts in a single session.

Pre-Operative Instructions for Hair Transplant Patients

• • Medical Evaluation: Undergo a thorough medical evaluation and disclose all medical conditions, allergies, and medications to your surgeon.
  • Medications: Avoid blood thinners, aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain supplements (like vitamin E, fish oil, and herbal supplements) for at least two weeks prior to surgery, as these can increase bleeding.
  • Alcohol and Smoking: Refrain from alcohol consumption for at least 3 days and smoking for at least 2 weeks before the procedure, as these can affect blood flow and healing.
  • Hair Care: Wash your hair thoroughly twice a day before the procedure and once  on the morning of the surgery using a Betadine medicated shampoo. Avoid applying any hair products such as gels, sprays, or oils.
  • Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of surgery, preferably a button-up shirt to avoid pulling clothes over your head post-procedure.
  • Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you may be drowsy from the medications used during surgery.
  • Diet: Have a light breakfast on the morning of the surgery unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon.

Post-Operative Care for Hair Transplant Patients

• • Medications: Take prescribed medications, including pain relievers and antibiotics, as directed to manage pain and prevent infection.
  • Head Elevation: Sleep with your head elevated on pillows or in a recliner for the first few nights to minimize swelling.
  • Hair Washing: Follow your surgeon’s specific instructions for washing your hair. Typically, you need to come for a  free hair  wash  24- 48  hours post-surgery using a mild shampoo. Avoid rubbing or scratching the scalp.We will teach you the head wash for the rest of the month to be taken.
  • Activity: Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and exercise for at least a month post-surgery to prevent increased blood flow and swelling in the scalp. Light activities can be resumed as advised by your surgeon.
  • Avoid Sun Exposure: Keep your scalp out of direct sunlight and avoid tanning beds for several weeks. Wear a loose-fitting hat if you need to go outside.
  • Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: Continue to avoid smoking and alcohol for at least a month post-surgery to promote healing and prevent complications.
  • Follow-Up Appointments: Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress and address any concerns.
  • Handling Grafts: Avoid touching, scratching, or picking at the transplanted area. Do not wear tight hats or caps that may rub against the grafts.
  • Avoid Hair Products: Refrain from using hair products like gels, sprays, or dyes for at least 4-6 wks  or as instructed by your surgeon.
  • Itching and Swelling: Mild itching and swelling are normal. Use prescribed medications or cold compresses as recommended by your surgeon to alleviate discomfort.
  • Scab Management: Scabs may form around the grafts. Do not pick at them; they will fall off naturally within 10-14 days.

Long-Term Care

• • Hair Growth: Understand that new hair growth typically begins 3-4 months post-surgery, with significant results visible around 6-9 months and full results at 12-18 months.
  • Haircuts and Styling: You can usually get a haircut about 3-4 weeks post-surgery but avoid aggressive hair treatments or styling for several months.
  • Nourishment: Maintain a healthy diet and consider taking vitamins or supplements that promote hair health, as recommended by your surgeon.
  • By following these pre-operative and post-operative instructions, patients can enhance their recovery and achieve the best possible results from their hair transplant procedure. Always adhere to your surgeon’s specific guidelines and reach out to them with any questions or concerns during the recovery process.

What Is the Surgical Procedure for a FUT Hair Transplant?

The surgical procedure for a FUT hair transplant involves local anesthesia, the removal of a donor strip, dissection of the strip into follicular units, and implantation of these units into the recipient area. The donor site is then closed with sutures or staples, which are removed after 10-14 days. The entire process typically takes several hours, depending on the number of grafts required.

How is Follicular Unit Hair Transplantation (FUT) done?

These are minimally invasive procedures done under local anesthesia wherein the healthy hair follicles found at the back(donor area) of your head are transplanted into the bald areas. Hair transplantation works for both male and female pattern baldness effectively. However, the criterion is that there has to be a healthy growth of hair at the back of your head. The thicker this growth, the better will be the results.

In this method, the hair is transplanted only in naturally occurring follicular units. These units are harvested in a manner that looks very similar to natural hair growing from the scalp. These tiny units [URFUG] are implanted with stick and place technique with good density of 35-45 grafts per sq.cm so that after growth it covers the scalp with good overlapping. We do mega and giga sessions of upto 4000 grafts in a single session using this technique. These are the features of High Quality Hair Transplants.

FUT Surgery: Step-by-Step Procedure

Before booking a slot for the procedure – Patient must know the total details of the procedure , like eligibility for the procedure , when the transplanted hair will grow back,care to be taken for the existing hair in a young patient etc…

Get  the required blood tests to be done , and follow all the pre operative instructions, to be arrived on the day of the procedure at least 1 hr before. 

Preoperative test dose will be given along with medication. 

• • Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to the donor and recipient areas.
  • Donor Strip Removal: A strip of scalp is surgically removed from the donor area.
  • Closure: The donor site is closed with sutures or staples.
  • Dissection: The strip is dissected into individual follicular units under a microscope.
  • Incision: Tiny incisions are made in the recipient area.
  • Implantation: Follicular units are implanted into the incisions.
  • Recovery: Post-operative care instructions are provided to ensure proper healing.

FUT Scarring

FUT results in a linear scar at the donor site, which can vary in width depending on the length, width and nature of skin. The scar typically becomes less noticeable over time and can be concealed with longer hair. In Particular, we do Trichophytic closure techniques for the donor area. In this technique we do de epithelize the lower or upper border of the wound edge  and close the suture line, so that after healing new hair will grow through the scar. 

In certain conditions with hyperelastic scalp nature ,[Ehler- danlos syndrome] irrespective of latest closure  techniques and suturing techniques the patient may get wide scars at donor area. In certain conditions people may get Hypertrophy of donor scars also, which is a treatable condition.

Is FUT Better than other types of Hair Transplant

Whether FUT is better than other types of hair transplants, such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), depends on individual interests and suitability.  FUT is ideal for patients requiring a large number of grafts with advanced grades of baldness. Generally this procedure offers less than 1 %  transection rate of grafts in experienced surgeons hands.Time taken by the procedure is less, and cost of procedure is also less compared to FUE.  Nowadays we are combining both FUTand FUE in a single session to gain more grafts with least noticeable donor scars.

Benefits of FUT hair transplant

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a popular hair restoration technique that offers several benefits. Here are some of the key advantages:

• • High Graft Yield: FUT typically provides a higher number of grafts in a single session compared to other methods, such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). This is particularly beneficial for individuals requiring extensive coverage.
  • Natural-Looking Results: FUT produces very natural-looking results because it transplants hair in its natural groupings, maintaining the natural hair growth pattern.
  • Cost-Effective: FUT is often more cost-effective than FUE, especially for larger sessions. The cost per graft is generally lower, making it a more affordable option for many patients.
  • Efficient Use of Donor Hair: FUT allows for the harvesting of a larger quantity of hair from the donor area in a single session, which can be more efficient and less invasive in the long run.
  • Minimally Disruptive to Donor Area: While FUT does leave a linear scar, the method itself is less disruptive to the surrounding hair in the donor area compared to the multiple small scars caused by FUE. The scar can often be easily hidden by the surrounding hair.
  • Shorter Procedure Time: Because FUT involves removing a strip of scalp, the procedure can be faster compared to FUE, which extracts individual follicles.
  • Lower Transection Rates: The process of removing a strip of scalp in FUT results in lower follicle transection rates (damage to the hair follicles), which can improve the overall survival and growth of transplanted hair.
  • Consistency in Quality of Grafts: The strip harvesting method used in FUT can provide consistently high-quality grafts, as the strip is dissected under a microscope to ensure the integrity of each follicular unit.
  • Better for Advanced Hair Loss: FUT can be particularly advantageous for patients with more advanced hair loss because it allows for the transplantation of a larger number of grafts in one session, providing more significant coverage.
  • Long-Term Results: FUT can offer long-lasting results with proper care. The transplanted hair grows naturally and continues to grow for a lifetime, similar to the rest of the hair on the scalp.

While FUT has these advantages, it is important for individuals to consult with a qualified hair restoration specialist to determine the most suitable method for their specific needs and conditions.

Benefits of Radiance Hair Transplant Center FUT hair transplant

• • • Capable to treat high levels of hair loss
    • Natural results achieved with the latest advanced surgical methods
    • A minor surgical procedure done under local anesthetic
    • Achieving the best results with highly qualified doctors and well experienced team.

At our clinic, many people have achieved successful results through our hair transplant treatment. You can definitely be one of them. However, you have to make sure you follow the instructions given by the hair transplant expert carefully and attend multiple sessions as per the experts advice in order to achieve desired results that stay for a long time.

Your new hair is yours for the rest of your life and can be cut, styled and washed according to preference. No special regimen is required.

Radiance Hair Transplant Center has such experts who are completely dedicated to achieving the goals of their clients, in the safest and the most effective way.