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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 doctor’s 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 your appointments with your surgeon to monitor the progress and address any concerns.
Handling Grafts:
Not to touch, scratch 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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the pricing structure for a FUT hair transplant procedure?
The cost of a FUT hair transplant varies widely based on factors such as the number of grafts needed, the surgeon’s expertise, and the location of the clinic. It is better to discuss the costs during the consultation to understand what is included in the price.
Recovery from a FUT hair transplant is almost immediate as it is done under local anesthesia, whose effect is only for 4-6 hours over the concerned area. He is able to do his routine indoor work from day 1.The hair growth is visible within a few months. Patients may experience mild pain with discomfort, and tightness in the donor area, which subsides within a few days. For fast healing, it is always advisable to follow the post-operative care instructions.
After FUT hair transplant surgery, it is recommended to sleep with your head elevated on pillows to reduce swelling and prevent accidental damage to the grafts. Using a recliner or propping yourself up with several pillows can help maintain an elevated position when the post. Vertex and crown areas are treated..For frontal and mid zone area treatment simple elevation is sufficient with sterile cap over the grafted area while sleeping.
You can typically wash your hair gently about 48-72 hours after FUT hair transplant surgery. Use a mild shampoo with sterile water and avoid rubbing or massaging the scalp. Follow your surgeon’s specific instructions to ensure proper care of the transplanted area.Need to do regular head wash for 1 month at home as per instructions given.
Hair grafts generally secure within 1 month, after a FUT hair transplant surgery. During this period, it is essential to follow post-operative care instructions to avoid dislodging the grafts, such as avoiding vigorous physical activity and not scratching the scalp.
You can typically get a haircut about 4-6 weeks after a FUT hair transplant, but it is best to wait until the donor area has healed completely and the sutures or staples have been removed. Consult your surgeon for specific recommendations based on your recovery progress.
Absolutely there are no major side effects due to the procedure. Few transient common minor side effects of a FUT hair transplant include swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the donor and recipient areas. Temporary numbness or tingling may also occur. The linear scar at the donor site can be a cosmetic concern, particularly for those who prefer short hairstyles. Proper post-operative care and following the surgeon’s instructions can minimize these side effects.
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.
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.
FUT hair transplants are considered a permanent solution for hair loss. The transplanted hair follicles are resistant to balding and will continue to grow for a lifetime. However, ongoing hair loss in non-transplanted areas may require additional procedures in the future.
The primary difference between FUT and FUE lies in the method of harvesting hair follicles. FUE removes individual follicular units straight from the scalp, Whereas FUT removes a strip of scalp from the donor area. FUT tends to be more efficient for large sessions but leaves a linear scar, whereas FUE results in dot-like scars and may be better for patients who prefer short hairstyles. Both methods have their own advantages and are chosen based on the patient’s specific needs and goals
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a popular hair restoration technique that offers several benefits.
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.