FUT stands for “follicular unit transplant.” This hair restoration technique may be appropriate for those experiencing excessive balding. For hair transplants, you must have an abundance of viable hair follicles to harvest for transplantation found on the back of the head. These follicles are not genetically programmed for balding and, once transplanted, will continue to produce healthy hairs for a long time.
What is FUT hair transplant surgery?
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) is a hair restoration procedure in which a strip of hair-bearing skin is removed from the donor area, typically the back of the scalp. Individual follicular units are then dissected from this strip and transplanted into thinning or balding areas.
What is the difference between FUT and FUE?
FUT involves removing a strip of tissue from the donor area, while FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) extracts individual follicles one at a time. FUT generally allows for a larger number of grafts in a single session and may preserve donor follicles more efficiently, while FUE leaves no linear scar.
How long does a FUT procedure take?
A FUT procedure typically takes between 4 and 8 hours depending on the number of grafts being transplanted. The procedure is generally performed under local anesthesia, and patients remain awake and comfortable throughout.
What is the recovery time after FUT?
Most patients can return to non-strenuous work within 7 to 10 days. The donor area sutures are typically removed after about 10 to 14 days. Strenuous physical activity is generally restricted for 3 to 4 weeks following the procedure.
Will the FUT scar be visible?
FUT does leave a linear scar in the donor area, but it is typically thin and can be concealed by surrounding hair. The visibility of the scar depends on factors such as the surgeon's technique and the patient's individual healing characteristics.
When will I see results after a FUT transplant?
Transplanted hair typically sheds within the first few weeks, which is a normal part of the process. New growth generally begins around 3 to 4 months, with most patients seeing significant improvement by 8 to 12 months and full density at approximately 12 to 18 months.
How many grafts can be transplanted in one FUT session?
A single FUT session can typically yield between 1,500 and 3,000 or more follicular unit grafts, depending on the donor area's density and laxity. This makes FUT a commonly chosen method for patients requiring significant hair coverage.
Are FUT hair transplant results permanent?
Transplanted hair follicles are generally taken from areas genetically resistant to balding and typically continue to grow for a lifetime. However, non-transplanted hair may continue to thin, and additional treatments or sessions may be recommended to maintain overall density.
