A FUT transplant is a minimally invasive surgery to help cover bald spots caused by hair loss. FUT stands for follicular unit transplantation, and it involves taking healthy hair follicles from one area of the scalp and transplanting them to the balding area. This can help restore hair growth and give you a fuller head of hair.
FUT transplants are usually done as an outpatient procedure, and you can typically expect to see results within a few months.
Recovery time is typically short, and most people can return to their normal activities within a week. FUT transplants can be an effective way to treat hair loss, and they can give you back your confidence. If you’re considering a FUT transplant, be sure to talk to your doctor to see if it’s right for you.
How follicular unit transplantation works
FUT transplants individual hair follicles from an area of the scalp where hair is thick to a bald or thinning area. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and usually takes 4-8 hours, depending on the number of grafts transplanted. FUT leaves a linear scar that is hidden by the surrounding hair. Recovery time is typically 5-7 days. FUT can be used to treat both male and female pattern baldness as well as eyebrow, eyelash, and beard hair loss. FUT is considered the gold standard for Hair.
If you are considering a FUT transplant, it is important to consult with a hair loss specialist to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. The specialist will evaluate your individual case and make recommendations based on your specific needs and goals.
Here’s what your procedure Trusted Source will likely look like:
- The hair on the back of your head is trimmed short.
- A local anesthetic is injected into the donor area to numb it.
- A strip of skin containing hair follicles is removed from the donor area.
- The strip is divided into individual follicular units using a microscope.
- The follicular units are then transplanted to the balding area of the head, known as the recipient site.
- The incisions are closed with stitches or staples.
- A dressing or bandage is placed over the incisions.
You will be given post-operative instructions and medication to help with pain and discomfort.
After your FUT transplant, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take care of your incisions. You will likely need to take antibiotics and pain medication for a few days after the procedure. You should also avoid strenuous activity and exposure to sunlight while your incisions are healing.
Most people see visible hair growth within 6-9 months Trusted Source after their FUT transplant. It can take up to a year to see the full results of the procedure. FUT transplants are usually permanent, but it is possible for the transplanted hair to fall out if you experience another bout of hair loss.
FUT vs. FUE hair transplant
FUT, or Follicular Unit Transplantation, is a type of hair transplant surgery that involves taking hair from the donor area and transplanting it to the balding or thinning areas. FUT is often considered the gold standard for hair transplants because it provides more consistent results and fewer complications than other types of hair transplant surgery. FUE, or Follicular Unit Extraction, is another type of hair transplant surgery that involves individually extracting each follicular unit from the donor area and then transplanting it to the balding or thinning areas. FUE is less invasive than FUT and often results in shorter recovery times, but it can be more expensive and may not provide consistent results.
So, which type of hair transplant surgery is right for you? It really depends on your individual needs and goals. If you want the most consistent results and are willing to undergo more invasive surgery, then FUT may be the best option. If you want a less invasive surgery with a shorter recovery time, then FUE may be the better choice.
Some of the advantages of FUE include:
- shorter recovery time
- less invasive
- no stitches or staples
- can be used to cover small areas
Some of the advantages of FUT include:
- more consistent results
- fewer complications
- can be used to cover large areas
If you’re considering a hair transplant, be sure to talk to a qualified surgeon about which type of surgery is right for you.
Also Read: Hair transplant scars
FUT potential side effects and precautions
The chances of complications following FUT are very low. A significant blood flow to the head permits quick healing and prevents infections. A mere one percent of patients will suffer from disease following the procedure.
The potential problems include:
- Hair that is not natural looking
- Scarring or bumps
- Inflammation in hair Follicles ( folliculitis)
- bleeding
- swelling
- Pain
- Numbness
- cysts
Scarring from FUT
FUT surgery leaves a mark near the location the hair was removed. It will diminish with time, but it is permanent. Its size scar will depend on the number of hair follicles involved in the surgery. Your hair usually conceals the spot. However, it could be visible when you wear your hair cut short.
Shock hair loss
A trusted Source for a donor’s hair is often known as the shock of losing hair. It’s an occurrence that is common. Transplanted hair sheds within two months following surgery. The hair usually returns in four to six months.
Conclusion:
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT), also known as strip harvesting, is a type of hair transplant surgery. FUT involves removing a strip of hair-bearing skin from the back or side of the head and then separating the removed strip into individual follicular units. These units are then transplanted to the balding area of the head.
