FUT is an invasive surgical approach where a strip of skin containing healthy hair follicles is removed from the back of the head and implanted in bald or thinning areas.
Initially, this technique was not widely practiced until Dr. B.L. Limmer introduced FUT in the late 1980s. Since then, the procedure has evolved into three main steps, with the most significant part being the extraction of a scalp strip.
Hair transplant surgery may last 6 to 8 hours, depending on the number of grafts required.
FUT Hair Transplant Procedure
The FUT method consists of three major steps:
Strip Harvesting
Graft Preparation
Implantation
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Strip Harvesting | After local anesthesia, the surgical team removes a 10–15 mm wide linear strip of skin from the back of the head. The donor area is then closed with sutures. |
| 2. Graft Preparation | The harvested strip is prepared by: removing excess fat tissue, dividing the strip into small sections, and separating individual follicular units. Approximately 3,000 follicular units can be obtained. |
| 3. Implantation | Each follicle is carefully implanted into the hairline, temples, and crown in micro-channels created with small incisions. |
Understanding Strip Harvesting in FUT
Strip harvesting is the first step in FUT. While FUT has been the gold standard in hair restoration surgery, this step may seem intimidating to some. In experienced hands, however, it is safe.
Key considerations include:
Marking the precise donor area.
Assessing scalp elasticity to prevent complications during wound closure.
Determining the strip length based on the number of grafts.
Measuring hair density with a densitometer.
After making the incisions, the strip is carefully pulled from the donor site.
Is FUT a Viable Option?
FUT is considered an obsolete method of hair transplantation and is less commonly recommended today. Modern alternatives include:
| Alternative | Description |
|---|---|
| FUE | Follicular Unit Extraction |
| DHI | Direct Hair Implantation |
Why Do Many Doctors Prefer Alternative Techniques?
The strip harvesting phase in FUT is complex, time-consuming, and requires surgical expertise. Reasons doctors choose alternatives:
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Strip Harvesting Difficulty | Removing the strip requires precision and time. |
| Skilled Surgery Required | A trained surgeon must extract the strip and close the wound properly. |
| Infection Risk | The presence of a surgical wound increases the risk of infection or complications. |
| Long Recovery | The healing period after FUT is longer than less invasive techniques. |
Techniques like FUE and DHI can achieve similar or better results without invasive surgery.
FUT Hair Transplant Scar
Unfortunately, FUT scars can be noticeable. Even when fully healed, the linear scar remains on the back of the head, and no hair grows in this area. Covering it may be challenging.
| Scar Type / Issue | Description and Considerations |
|---|---|
| Linear Scar (FUT) | A visible linear scar remains in the donor area. |
| Persistence | Scar remains even after healing; hair will not regrow in this area. |
| Concealment | Can sometimes be hidden with hairstyles or longer hair, but not always. |
| Scalp Tension | Lack of scalp elasticity may make wound closure difficult. Careful extraction is required to avoid permanent nerve damage. |
Can FUT Cause Loss of Sensation?
Some patients may experience temporary or permanent reduced sensation in the donor area if small nerves are affected during surgery. This is relatively rare.
FUT Hair Transplant Recovery Timeline
To understand the recovery process, here is a detailed FUT timeline:
| Phase | Recovery Process |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Doctor checks the scalp and changes bandages. Swelling decreases; stitches are typically removed around day 6. |
| Week 2 | Newly transplanted hair sheds temporarily, which is normal. |
| Month 1 to 5 | Healing continues; transplanted areas begin to blend with the rest of the scalp. New hair growth becomes visible. |
| Month 6 to 10 | Hair continues to grow and becomes thicker. |
| Year 1 | Hair growth is generally complete and permanent. |
FAQs
How Much Does FUT Hair Transplant Cost?
When it comes to hair transplant cost, the price of this surgery varies between $5000-$50.000 depending on several factors:
- LEVEL OF HAIR LOSS
- NUMBER OF GRAFTS
- ADDITIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED
Most clinics, including Serkan Aygın Clinic, offer financing solutions or hair transplant packages to patients looking to renew their appearance.
Is It Worth Investing In A FUT Procedure?
In most cases, no. FUT is considered an obsolete method of hair transplantation and therefore it is not really worth investing in.
You can check out other more modern and less invasive types of hair transplants such as follicular unit extraction (FUE), and direct hair implantation (DHI), or you can get FUE and DHI at the same time.
Can You Hide A FUT Hair Transplant?
Yes, in most cases, it is possible to hide a FUT procedure. Whether the operation itself or the scar afterward. With certain hairstyles and hair lengths, it is more manageable to cover up the scar.
As for the bandages complete wound healing might not be the easiest to hide. With good post-operative care, healing time is shortened.
