Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a surgical procedure that restores hair growth in an area of concern by moving a strip of hair-bearing scalp from the back of the donor area. The area removed is about 2cm wide, and ranges from 15-20cm long. FUT is sometimes also known as “strip surgery,” in reference to the portion of the scalp being transplanted.
The exact size of the strip of hair-bearing scalp will depend on the number of grafts required by the patient. Individual grafts can contain between 1-5 follicles. Because the average person contains 2-3 per graft, we can expect a 1000 graft procedure to contain between 2000-3000 hairs that we can use to restore an area impacted by hair loss.
The strip is handled by a technician responsible for dividing it into your individual grafts. Your surgeon will carefully prepare the treatment area and create recipient sites for those grafts, which are then placed by the technician.
While this is not the only transplant treatment, it can be preferred for those patients who need a higher number of grafts for their procedure. This approach also avoids extensive shaving of the back of the scalp area. Treatments can typically be completed within 4-6 hours. Local anesthesia is provided for comfort; patients can remain awake during treatment. We can provide a sedative to patients to help them relax throughout the procedure.
Before your FUT occurs, your doctor will meet with you and review the details of your consultation to confirm that this is the hair restoration procedure that you desire. You will have the opportunity to see a template drawing of the hairline and treatment area, to approve before the procedure begins. From here, we take baseline photos of the affected areas and then bring you into the room where the procedure takes place. Before placing harvested grafts, we will draw the hairline and make sure we have your approval to proceed.
Hair Graft Estimator
All hair transplants require patients to have enough hair available in the donor area to use as grafts. To estimate how many graphs you may need in your transplant, click on the photo below that most correlates with your hair loss.
This is an educational tool to get an idea on the number of grafts required for a hair transplant. The actual number of grafts can only be provided by Dr. DiStefano during your consultation.
Women's Hair Loss FAQ
When Will I See Results?
Most hair transplant patients see results about 6 – 9 months after the surgery, while in a few cases it may take 15-18 months. Patients will experience regrowth of anywhere between 80% to 90% of the transplanted hair.
What Are the Advantages To FUT?
- Better option for those who need a high number of grafts in a single procedure - Most women opt for FUT, because it does not require extensive shaving of the back of the scalp.
How Long Do FUT Procedures Take?
FUT surgery is usually between 4 – 6 hours in duration.
Do Patients Stay Awake During FUT Surgery?
The patients are awake during the procedure. Only local anesthesia is used. The patient may opt for a valium to relax and rest during the procedure. The patient will be able to relax and watch a movie while the procedure is being performed.
What Happens During FUT Procedure?
First, your doctor will sit with you in the consultation room and go over the details that were discussed in your consultation to ensure you are getting exactly what you want for your hair restoration procedure, including drawing a template that you will approve for the area and the hairline.
Baseline photos will then be taken and you will be brought into the procedure room and the session will start. The hair in the donor area will be trimmed to about ¼ inch, the doctor will numb the area with local anesthesia, and the strip will be removed by the surgeon and handed to the technicians for dissection.
Take Control Of Your Hair Loss
Speak with a Medi Tresse medical expert in person or virtually and get your personalized hair loss treatment plan.
The Medi Tresse team is composed of experts in female hair loss. We are committed to offering innovative, non-surgical treatments for hair rejuvenation in women. Whether you are simply looking to increase your hair’s thickness or want to stop more extensive hair loss, Medi Tresse has a wide array of solutions ranging from platelet-rich plasma therapy to low-level laser therapy.
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