FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) Hair Transplant: An Overview

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), also known as “strip harvesting,” is a classic and well-established hair restoration technique. It’s a go-to option for patients seeking to cover extensive balding areas efficiently. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the procedure, its benefits, and its limitations:

How FUT Works

Strip Removal: A narrow strip of skin, typically from the back of the head (donor area), is removed under local anesthesia.
Dissection of Hair Follicles: The strip is carefully dissected into individual follicular units under a microscope. These units contain 1-4 hair follicles each.
Transplantation: The follicular units are then implanted into the balding or thinning areas of the scalp.

The donor site is stitched, and the surrounding hair generally conceals the linear scar.

Advantages of FUT

High Graft Yield: FUT allows for the extraction of a large number of grafts in one session, making it ideal for patients with extensive hair loss.
Higher Survival Rates: Hair follicles are handled minimally during extraction, reducing the risk of damage and ensuring better survival.
Cost-Effective: As a single session covers more grafts, it is often less expensive than multiple sessions of other methods like FUE.
Long-Term Results: When performed by a skilled surgeon, FUT provides natural and lasting results.

Disadvantages of FUT

Linear Scar: The strip removal leaves a linear scar, which may be noticeable if the hair is kept very short.
Longer Recovery Time: Healing the donor area takes more time compared to FUE, with mild discomfort and swelling.
Invasiveness: The procedure is more invasive, which may not be suitable for individuals with tighter scalps or pre-existing scars.
Limited Hairstyle Options: For patients preferring short hairstyles, the linear scar may limit their style choices.

Who Is an Ideal Candidate for FUT?

FUT is best for:

Patients with advanced hair loss requiring many grafts.
Those who wear longer hairstyles, as the scar can easily be hidden.
Individuals with good scalp elasticity, which makes strip removal and closure easier.
Those who prioritize cost-efficiency for larger transplants.

FUT vs. FUE: Key Differences

Aspect	FUT	FUE
Technique	Strip of skin removed, follicles dissected	Individual follicle extraction
Scarring	Linear scar	Small, circular scars
Number of Grafts	More grafts in one session	Fewer grafts per session
Invasiveness	More invasive	Less invasive
Recovery	Longer recovery period	Faster recovery

Choosing the Right Surgeon

The success of FUT heavily depends on the surgeon’s expertise. Look for:

Proven track record in FUT procedures.
Attention to minimizing scar visibility through advanced closure techniques.
Ability to create a natural-looking hairline.

Conclusion

FUT remains a powerful and reliable option for hair restoration, particularly for individuals with significant hair loss. However, the decision between FUT and FUE should be guided by factors like hair loss severity, desired outcomes, scalp condition, and personal preferences. Always consult with a skilled and experienced surgeon to determine the best approach for your unique needs.

All in all, FUT hair transplant can be a great way to regain your confidence and feel good about your appearance. Here’s to a full head of hair!

At H4L Medical, Dr. Kelemen is among a handful of physicians that can do and DOES every step of the surgery. She only performs 1 surgery a day and 3 max a week! Quality over quantity is her motto!