Is Follicular Unit Transplantation Right for You?
Follicular Unit Transplantation, or FUT, is a popular hair restoration technique that involves the transplantation of individual hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another. The procedure is commonly used to treat hair loss caused by genetic factors, such as male or female pattern baldness, and can be used to restore hair to the scalp, beard, or eyebrows. But is FUT right for you?
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the FUT procedure, including how it’s done, the benefits and risks, and what you can expect during and after the procedure. We’ll also discuss who is the right candidate for FUT, and what to consider before making a decision.
Who Is a Good Candidate for FUT?
Follicular Unit Transplantation, or FUT, is a popular hair restoration technique that can be used to treat hair loss caused by genetic factors, such as male or female pattern baldness. However, not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure.
A good candidate for FUT is someone who has:
Stable Hair Loss
The person should have a stable hair loss pattern, meaning that their hair loss is not continuing to worsen over time.
Suitable Hair Density
The person should have enough hair in the donor area, which is typically the back and sides of the scalp, to provide the necessary grafts for the transplant.
Realistic Expectations
The person should have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure and understand that while FUT can restore hair to the scalp, it will not necessarily restore the person’s hair to its original thickness.
Good Overall Health
The person should be in good overall health, as the procedure does require a certain level of physical fitness. Also, no medical condition that would prevent healing or increase risk.
The FUT Procedure
Follicular Unit Transplantation, or FUT, is a hair restoration technique that involves the transplantation of individual hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another. The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis and is performed under local anesthesia.
During the Procedure
The FUT procedure begins with the removal of a strip of hair-bearing skin from the donor area, typically the back and sides of the scalp. The strip is then carefully dissected under a microscope to separate the individual hair follicles, which are then transplanted to the recipient area, or the area of hair loss.
The transplantation of the hair follicles is done using a technique called micrografting, which involves making small incisions in the recipient area and inserting the individual follicles into the incisions. The incisions are usually made at a slight angle to mimic the natural growth pattern of the hair.
After the Procedure
The entire FUT procedure can take several hours to complete, depending on the number of grafts being transplanted. The recovery time varies from person to person, but most people return to work within a week after the procedure.
After the procedure, the transplanted hair will typically fall out within 2-3 weeks, but new hair growth will start to appear within 3-4 months. The full results of the procedure will take up to 12-18 months to be visible.
Advantages and Disadvantages of FUT
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a popular hair restoration technique that can be used to treat hair loss caused by genetic factors, such as male or female pattern baldness. However, like any medical procedure, it has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of FUT:
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Natural-looking results: FUT uses individual hair follicles, which allows for a more natural-looking result than other hair restoration techniques.
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High-density transplant: FUT allows for a high-density transplant, which can create a fuller head of hair.
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Minimal scarring: The FUT procedure results in minimal scarring, which is usually well-concealed by the surrounding hair. -
Large number of grafts in one session: FUT can harvest and transplant a large number of grafts in one session, which can save time and money in the long run.
Disadvantages of FUT:
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Linear scar: The FUT procedure leaves a linear scar on the donor area, which can be visible if the person has short hair.
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Longer recovery time: The recovery time for the FUT procedure is longer than that of other hair restoration techniques, such as FUE.
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Risk of complications: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, and scarring.
Is FUT Right for You?
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a surgical procedure used to treat baldness in which healthy follicles are harvested from the donor area and transplanted into the recipient area. It is an effective solution for restoring natural-looking hair growth and providing permanent results. However, it is important to remember that FUT is not right for everyone, so it’s important to do your research and talk to your doctor before making any treatment decisions.
With the help of an experienced team of professionals, you can determine whether FUT or another option may be best for you. Ultimately, taking steps towards restoring your hair confidence will give you back control over your appearance, health and overall quality of life.
Dr. Colin Hong is a highly-experienced plastic surgeon with over 35 years in the field. He is committed to providing the highest quality aesthetic and reconstructive treatments for his patients, at some of the most affordable prices in Toronto, North York and Markham.
When it comes to Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), Dr. Hong has extensive expertise in this advanced technique that can restore hair growth and achieve natural-looking results. To learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Hong, please call his office at (416) 222-6986 or email info@drcolinhong.com with your full name, email address, phone number and any other relevant information you’d like to include regarding your hair loss and goals.
Take the first step towards restoring your hair today. Call or email Dr. Colin Hong’s office to learn more about FUT and schedule a consultation. With his 35 years of experience, you can rest assured that you’ll receive quality care with natural-looking results.