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What is a Follicular Unit Transplant?
Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) is also referred to as the strip method. This method involves cutting a linear strip of skin from the back of the head and dissecting it to harvest hair follicles for transplantation.
The FUT method is the old way of performing hair transplants as the large linear scar it leaves at the back of a patient’s head is undesirable.
It has been replaced mostly with the newer method called FUE hair transplant.
What Does FUT Surgery Entail?
Hair is more resistant to balding on the back and sides of the scalp, so follicles are taken from here and transferred to the areas you need it. The hair taken to be grafted must be taken from areas where your hair is permanent and not subject to DHT.
The scalp first has an anaesthetic applied, after which a donor strip of tissue is taken from the scalp. This is then used to prepare grafts for the areas you would like to have hair. Tiny holes are made in the scalp as the grafts are being made. This is where you’ll have your grafts placed.
The arrangement of your grafts is really important, as this will determine the end look. However, this varies from patient to patient. You will have something designed for you based on your history of hair loss and how likely it is you will lose hair again in the future.
The most important part of designing your new look is deciding on the number of grafts you will have placed on your head. This will give maximum aesthetic effect when done correctly. If more than one session should be needed, this will be discussed with you during a consultation. The issue with FUT surgery is that you can get a horizontal scar on your scalp from the donor strip that was cut out.
FUT Surgery VS. FUE Surgery
FUT surgery is still used by some clinics, but it is gradually being replaced in favour of FUE surgery. Healthy follicles are removed from the donor area of the scalp during FUE, and then grafted on to the areas you need them most.
Local anaesthetic is used here, which eliminates some risks associated with other transplant procedures. There will be no scarring that you can detect, and you’ll be able to go back to work the next day. It’ll only take up to 7 days to heal fully.
There’s a much better survival rate with FUE, which is why so many more people are opting for it over FUT. With FUT you may require stitches, but as FUE is a minimally invasive treatment, that won’t be the case. Some patients find the treatment so relaxing that they fall asleep during it!
You’ll be left with a dense, naturally looking head of hair with no way to detect the procedure you’ve had done. The great thing about FUE is that you can also have scars from previous surgeries corrected. You’ll notice immediate results but the best results will come around 12-18 months after your treatment.
Patient Testimonials
Aside from achieving fantastic results, we believe that keeping in touch with our patients before, during and after their hair transplantation procedure is paramount – it helps to keep our patients feeling calm and in control. We’re always on hand to provide guidance, support and aftercare advice. Time and again, our patients tell us that this is what sets us apart from other clinics.
You can read our great reviews of FUE hair transplants over on Google and TrustPilot
