The Ultimate Guide to Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
- What is FUT?
- FUT stands for Follicular Unit Transplantation, a surgical hair restoration procedure that involves harvesting hair from the donor area and transplanting it into areas of thinning or balding on the scalp.
- How does it work?
- A strip of hair-bearing skin is removed from the donor area (usually the back of the head).
- The strip is dissected into individual follicular units containing 1 to 4 hairs each.
- Tiny incisions are made in the recipient area where the follicular units will be transplanted.
- The follicular units are carefully placed into the incisions, creating a natural-looking hairline and density.
- Suitable candidates for FUT
- Individuals with significant hair loss or balding.
- Those with adequate donor hair on the back or sides of the scalp.
- Patients with realistic expectations about the results.
- Advantages of FUT
- Can transplant a large number of grafts in a single session.
- Highly effective for advanced hair loss cases.
- Provides natural and permanent results.
- What to expect during the procedure
- The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, minimizing discomfort.
- Depending on the extent of hair loss, the surgery may take several hours to complete.
- Most patients can resume regular activities within a week.
- Post-operative care
- Follow the surgeon’s instructions for cleaning and caring for the transplanted area.
- Avoid strenuous activities that may put pressure on the scalp.
- Medications may be prescribed to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Potential risks and complications
- Like any surgery, FUT carries risks, such as infection or scarring.
- Temporary shock loss may occur, where transplanted hairs fall out before regrowing.
- Recovery and results
- The transplanted hair will shed within a few weeks, but new hair growth typically begins within a few months.
- Final results can take 6 to 12 months to fully mature.
- FUT vs. FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)
- FUT involves removing a strip of skin, while FUE involves extracting individual follicular units one by one.
- FUT leaves a linear scar, while FUE leaves small, scattered scars.
- FUT may be more suitable for those needing a large number of grafts, while FUE is ideal for individuals who prefer a less invasive procedure
- FUT is a reliable and effective hair restoration method for individuals struggling with hair loss.
- Consulting with a qualified hair transplant surgeon will help determine if FUT is the right choice for your specific needs.
