FUT – Follicular Unit Strip Surgery
When examined under a microscope, hair can be seen to grow in natural groupings that generally contain between one and four hairs. These natural groupings are called follicular units (FU’s). At Follicle HT, we achieve completely natural-looking results that are generally permanent by using exclusively single follicular unit grafts.
Follicular unit strip surgery (FUT) is the traditional method of obtaining grafts for follicular unit transplantation. It involves removing a strip of hair bearing skin from the donor area and then dividing that strip into follicular units for transplantation to the hairline or other areas. When performed using meticulous surgical technique, this procedure leaves a fine-line scar along the back of the scalp that is generally difficult or impossible to detect unless the hair in that area is cut very short. Alternatively, follicular unit extraction surgery (FUE) involves extracting the donor follicles one by one using a precise, motorized surgical punch.
The advantage of this technique is that it avoids a longer, fine-line scar so that the hair in the donor area can generally be cut to a fade, or even shaved with little or no visible scar. At Follicle HT, we use an advanced “trichophytic closure” technique that allows the surrounding hairs to grow right through the scar, often making it virtually undetectable.
Ideal candidate for an FUT hair transplant
The time to consider a hair transplant is when you look in the mirror, or at a photograph of yourself, and the hairline that you see does not reflect the way that you feel or the image of yourself that you wish to project to the world. Both men and women who have visible hair loss, are generally healthy, and in whom there is no underlying medical condition requiring further investigation or treatment are candidates for hair transplantation.
FUT is the optimal technique for those that do not wish to shave a strip of hair, usually at the back of the head. This may be the case for men or women with longer hair. Unlike some clinics, our team at Follicle HT is highly experienced at both FUE and FUT techniques and our surgeons will help you to decide which technique is right for you.
How it works
In an FUT procedure, a strip of hair bearing scalp measuring about 1cm in height and up to 20cm or more in length is removed from the back of the scalp. The donor area is then reapproximated using a running stitch that is removed 7-10 days later. Because the hair above and below the donor site is not trimmed, the incision line is not visible after the procedure. At Follicle HT, we also use an advanced “trichophytic closure” technique that allows the surrounding hairs to grow right through the scar, often making it virtually undetectable.
Once the donor strip has been removed, it is then slivered under a high-powered microscope in order to obtain the individual follicular unit grafts for transplant. These grafts are then strategically placed into recipient sites along the desired hairline or other areas.
FUT Recovery Timeline
Day 1
You will leave the clinic with a light gauze dressing over the donor area. There is no dressing applied to the grafts themselves, but you will be asked to keep the recipient area clean and moist using a gentle spray bottle. There can be some minor swelling and discomfort and you will receive detailed instructions.
Day 2
The dressing will be removed from the donor area. You may have some ongoing minor discomfort, swelling and redness that can be managed with the medications that have been provided. You may go back to non-physical work and resume your regular low impact daily activities.
Day 3 to 5
You may notice that swelling peaks at this time. Some patients will notice swelling that tracks into the eyelids and cheeks and can lead to a puffy appearance. This is nothing to worry about and always resolves withing a few days. You may start gently washing your hair, following the instructions that you have received.
Day 5 to 6
Swelling will subside and only minor discomfort will remain.
Day 7 to 10
You may start washing your hair more normally, gently rubbing the grafts with your fingers to encourage any remaining scabs to fall away. You will return to the clinic for a checkup and suture removal. You may resume light exercise.
Day 14-21
All residual scabbing and crusting will be resolved. Most of the donor hairs will have fallen away with the scabs, but the follicles are still present and dormant in the scalp. You may start to resume more strenuous exercise and swimming.
Months 3-6
You will start to see the transplanted hairs slowly growing in. Be patient!
Month 12-18
You will see the full effect of your hair transplant procedure.
WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
We encourage you to take the next step and schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with one of our surgeons so that we can discuss the hair restoration treatment plan that is right for you.
Results
The transplanted hair follicles will generally begin to grow within approximately 2-3 months and some of our patients will use medical treatments such as topical minoxidil (Rogaine) or injections in order to promote graft growth and prevent further loss of surrounding non-transplanted hair over time. Within 4-6 months, most patients will notice a significant improvement and the full effect of the transplant procedure can take 12-18 months. The transplanted hair is your own and will continue to grow for a lifetime. You can cut and style it, use product, swim, and engage in sports and other activities just like normal.
55-year-old male underwent 3600 follicular units in 2 sessions via FUT.
39 year old woman 1 year post 1800 follicular units via FUT.
36-year-old male shown approximately one year following 2100 follicular units obtained
FAQ
How painful is FUT hair transplant surgery?
We perform hair transplantation using local freezing in a comfortable, fully accredited outpatient clinic setting. There is normally only minimal discomfort associated with our techniques and a general anesthetic is not required. Pain medication and light sedatives are given orally to ensure that any discomfort is minimized and we utilize advanced techniques of local freezing administration so most patients report that they experience only minimal pain. Most patients spend the day listening to music or podcasts, watching Netflix, or just relaxing.
Is FUT hair transplant permanent?
The results of transplantation are generally permanent. In women, the results are also long lasting or permanent, although the donor area can be less reliable than it is in men. As time goes on, there can be ongoing loss of the surrounding non-transplanted hair so sometimes patients will return for a second procedure to catch up with progressive hair loss in the transplant area
What is the downtime after an FUT hair transplant?
We generally recommend taking at least 2-3 days off, although most patients resume taking phone calls, answering emails and doing computer work on the first post-procedure day. Some of our patients even take business calls or work on their laptops or phones during the procedure itself! Typically, within a week or so, any swelling and redness has settled down and the transplant is invisible. Light exercise and other activity may be resumed in 5-7 days and we recommend 2-3 weeks off of strenuous exercise and swimming.
What is the cost of FUT hair transplant?
The total cost involved for an FUT session depends on a number of factors including the number of follicles that will be transplanted, previous procedures, and donor and recipient site characteristics. At Follicle HT, we do not charge per graft as some large commercial clinic chains do. We encourage people to think about the procedure as a whole, and about the result that we are trying to achieve. Follicle HT is able to assist patients that are looking for financing options.
Why choose Follicle HT for your hair transplant procedure?
Ultimately, the choice of where to have your hair transplant procedure is a personal one. At Follicle HT, our objective is total patient satisfaction. We accomplish this by providing state of the art follicular unit hair transplant surgery in a comfortable, fully accredited surgical facility where we adhere to the highest standards of comfort and safety.
Dr. Korman and Dr. Solomon's ultimate goal is to achieve outstanding results for their patients. They will help you decide which specific techniques will yield the most appropriate balance of coverage, density and complete naturalness from your hair transplant. Our doctors will be personally involved in every step of your journey from initial consultation to the procedure itself.
AM I A CANDIDATE?
Our Hair Loss Self Evaluation tool can help you decide if a hair transplant is the right procedure for you.
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Your hair transplant journey begins with your decision to make a positive change.
At Follicle HT, our philosophy is that modern hair transplantation is a freedom granting procedure. We strive to help all our patients look and feel their very best by having the full range of options available.
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