Hair loss is a common problem that affects a large number of people. Up to 85% of men and 40% of women will have it at some point in their lives. Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) is a good way to deal with bald spots caused by hair loss.

What is Fut Hair Transplant

September 22, 2023 by Dr. Sandeep Bhasin
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Hair loss is a common problem that affects a large number of people. Up to 85% of men and 40% of women will have it at some point in their lives. Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) is a good way to deal with bald spots caused by hair loss. We’ll talk in detail about FUT hair Transplant, how it works, and who can use it in this guide. How does it relate to other ways to get hair back, such as follicular unit extraction (FUE)?

What is follicular unit transplantation (FUT)?

FUT hair transplant is a slightly invasive surgery that replaces hair in areas where hair loss has occurred. Surgeons in Japan performed the first hair transplant in 1939. Yet the method of transferring individual hair cells, called follicular units, was not developed until 1995. This made the results look more realistic.

The Procedure

During FUT surgery, a skilled doctor takes a thin strip of skin from the back or side of the patient’s head. This strip is usually no larger than 1 to 1.5 centimeters. This strip has small pieces of hair that will be used as grafts. Most of the time, the process takes between 4 and 8 hours, and the patient stays awake while getting local anesthesia to numb the head.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of the FUT procedure:

  • Pre-surgery: The surgeon looks at the scalp of the patient, marks the area to be shaved, and gets pictures of the patient’s medical records. Some people may be able to take a stimulant to help them calm down. To numb the head, a local anesthetic is used.
  • Hair Preparation: The hair at the donor site is trimmed to about two millimeters.
  • Graft Extraction: The surgeon cuts out the strip of skin containing hair follicles that will be used as grafts. The patient remains awake during this process.
  • Follicle Preparation: A technician takes each hair cell from the strip carefully and gets it ready to be transplanted.
  • Scalp Closure: The surgeon closes the scalp with sutures.
  • Graft Placement: Hair follicles are placed in parts of the head that are going bald in a way that looks natural.
  • Post-surgery: An antibiotic is applied, and bandages are used to protect the scalp.

Most people can see results in 6 to 9 months, but some may have to wait up to a year to see the full effects of the treatment.

Microscopic Follicular Unit Transplantation (MFUT)

MFUT is a term encompassing both FUT and FUE hair transplantation methods. FUT is also known as Follicular Unit Strip Surgery (FUSS).

Who is a suitable candidate for FUT?

For both FUT and FUE grafts, there needs to be enough hair on the head of the patient for grafting. Men with androgenetic baldness benefit most from FUT. It’s also called male pattern baldness, and a thinning hairline in the Norwood pattern is a common sign. This problem can cause women to lose hair along the part. This is called the Ludwig pattern.

Other factors that make someone a good candidate for FUT include:

  • Age: FUT is usually suggested for people over the age of 25 since hair loss trends become more regular as people get older.
  • Diagnosis: Men with the Norwood pattern of hair loss tend to respond well to FUT.
  • Hair Thickness: Higher hair follicle density often leads to better coverage.
  • Area of Balding: FUT is particularly effective for treating frontal hair loss.
  • Hair Color: People with hair colors that are close to the color of their skin are often chosen because there is less color difference.

FUT vs. FUE Hair Transplant

Both FUT and FUE involve transplanting individual hair follicles. FUT entails removing a strip of scalp skin, while FUE involves extracting follicles directly from the scalp. Each method has its advantages.

Advantages of FUE:

  • Quicker healing time
  • Less post-surgery pain
  • minimal scarring
  • Use of body hair if needed
  • Suitable for patients with low hair density

Advantages of FUT:

  • more suitable for large-scale grafting
  • shorter operation time
  • often more cost-effective
fut vs fue comparison

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Less than 1% of people who have FUT have infections, which are the most common problem. Hair that doesn’t look real, scars, folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles), blood, swelling, pain, stiffness, and lumps are all things that could go wrong.

FUT leaves a permanent scar at the donor site, which may be visible if the patient keeps their hair short.

Shock hair loss, also called donor hair effluvium, happens when transferred hair falls out within two months. Usually, the hair comes back within four months.

Yes, let’s keep going with more information about FUT and how to care for it after surgery:

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

After FUT surgery, you need to get the right care to make sure you heal well and get the best results possible. Here are some key things to think about:

  1. Protect the Scalp: It’s important to be gentle with the treatment area. Avoid direct touch, rubbing, or pressure on the head, especially in the first few weeks after surgery.
  2. Medications: Your surgeon may prescribe medications to prevent infection and reduce swelling. Follow the prescribed medication regimen diligently.
  3. Avoid Strenuous Activities: For a few weeks after surgery, you should avoid hard physical tasks like heavy lifting and tough workouts to reduce the risk of problems.
  4. Hair Washing: Your surgeon will provide instructions on when and how to wash your hair. Be gentle when washing the treated area; use the recommended products.
  5. Scab Care: It’s normal to develop scabs in the transplanted area. Do not pick or scratch them, as this can lead to complications. The scabs will naturally fall off as the healing process progresses.
  6. Hair Growth Timeline: Understand that hair growth after FUT is a gradual process. Initially, the transplanted hair may be shed, which is a normal part of the recovery process. New hair growth typically starts within a few months, and you can expect to see the full results in about a year.
  7. Scar Management: Over time, the scar at the donor site will shrink, but it may still be noticeable if your hair is short. Talk to your therapist about scar care choices, since there are many ways to make scars look better.

Follow-up Appointments: Attend all of your follow-up visits with your surgeon so he or she can check on your progress and answer any questions or worries you may have.

Choosing a Skilled Surgeon

Selecting a qualified and experienced surgeon is paramount to the success of your FUT procedure. Here are some tips for finding the right surgeon:

  1. Research: Conduct thorough research on potential surgeons. Look for board-certified professionals with a proven track record in hair transplantation.
  2. Consultations: Set up meetings with more than one therapist to talk about your goals, hopes, and any questions you might have. Pay attention to how well they answer your questions and if they set reasonable goals.
  3. View Before-and-After Photos: Ask to see before-and-after pictures of people the surgeon has done FUT on in the past. This will let you see what their work looks like.
  4. Patient Reviews: Read reviews and comments from former patients to find out what they thought of the surgeon and the center.

Certifications and Accreditation: Make sure the office has a license and follows safety and cleanliness rules.

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Cost Considerations

The cost of a FUT hair transplant can vary from $4,000 to $10,000, based on a number of things, such as how many hair follicles are being transferred, how experienced the surgeon is, and where the center is located. Since FUT is seen as a cosmetic surgery, insurance usually does not cover it. Some clinics may let you pay for the surgery in installments.

Conclusion

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a safe and effective way to stop hair loss and get back a natural look. By following the instructions and thinking about the things that are stated in this detailed guide, people can decide if FUT is the right answer for their hair replacement needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about FUT

  • What is FUT, and how does it differ from other hair restoration methods?
  • Who is a suitable candidate for FUT?
  • What are the advantages of FUT?
  • Are there potential side effects or complications with FUT?
  • What is the post-operative care process?
  • How can I choose a skilled surgeon for FUT?
  • What is the cost of FUT, and is it covered by insurance?
  • How effective is FUT in achieving a natural look?
  • When can I expect to see results after FUT surgery?
  • Can FUT be used for women with hair loss?
What is FUT, and how does it differ from other hair restoration methods?

FUT is a surgical procedure that moves hair follicles from one part of the head to another. It differs from methods like FUE, which involves directly extracting follicles.

Who is a suitable candidate for FUT?

FUT is ideal for men with male pattern baldness, especially those with a thinning hairline in the Norwood pattern. It’s also suitable for individuals with specific hair characteristics.

What are the advantages of FUT?

FUT is advantageous for large grafting, has shorter operation times, and can be cost-effective compared to other methods.

Are there potential side effects or complications with FUT?

While rare, potential complications include infections, scarring, folliculitis, and temporary hair loss.

What is the post-operative care process?

Post-surgery care involves protecting the treated area, taking prescribed medications, and following specific hair care instructions.

How can I choose a skilled surgeon for FUT?

Research surgeons, seek consultations, review before-and-after photos, read patient reviews, and ensure proper certifications.

What is the cost of FUT, and is it covered by insurance?

Costs vary, typically ranging from $4,000 to $10,000. Insurance rarely covers FUT, but some clinics offer payment plans.

How effective is FUT in achieving a natural look?

FUT is considered safe and effective for halting hair loss and achieving a natural appearance.

When can I expect to see results after FUT surgery?

Results can be visible in 6 to 9 months, with full effects in about a year.

Can FUT be used for women with hair loss?

FUT can be considered for women with hair loss, depending on candidacy criteria and consultation with a surgeon.

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Dr. Sandeep Bhasin

Dr. Sandeep Bhasin is a highly skilled cosmetic surgeon and the owner of Care Well Medical Centre in Delhi. With extensive expertise in cosmetic and plastic surgery, he is dedicated to providing exceptional care and transformative results to his patients. Dr. Sandeep Bhasin obtained his MBBS and MS in General Surgery from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and served as a consultant at Bhaktshreshtha Kamalakarpant Laxman Walawalkar Hospital, Diagnostic & Research Centre. Specializing in various procedures such as face-lifts, rhinoplasty, liposuction, breast augmentation, hair transplant and many others, Dr. Sandeep Bhasin is committed to enhancing his patients' natural beauty and self-confidence.

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