Restore your confidence with FUT hair transplant

Physician's Hair Institute Scottsdale & Tucson, Arizona offers FUT hair transplants to restore a thicker, fuller head of hair.

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What is Follicular Unit Transplantation Hair Transplant (FUT)?

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), also known as the “strip method,” is a hair transplant technique that involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor area, then harvesting the individual follicular units and transplanting them to the recipient area where balding or thinning is present.
The donor strip is usually taken from the back or sides of the head, where hair growth is typically resistant to hair loss. The size of the strip will depend on the number of grafts you’ll need and the extent of your hair loss.

Hair loss can be caused by a lot of things, but here are the most common ones:

  • Androgenetic alopecia (Male/female pattern hair loss): This is the most common type of hair loss, affecting both men and women. It is caused by genetics and hormones. In men, it typically presents as a receding hairline and hair loss at the crown of the head. In women, it usually causes thinning hair all over the scalp.
  • Telogen effluvium: This is a temporary hair loss condition that is caused by a disruption in the hair growth cycle. It can be triggered by stress, illness, childbirth, surgery, or a sudden change in weight. Telogen effluvium usually results in a general thinning of hair all over the scalp. 
  • Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the hair follicles. It can cause hair to fall out in round or oval patches, anywhere on the body, including the scalp, beard, eyebrows, and eyelashes. 
  • Traction alopecia: This type of hair loss is caused by pulling or tension on the hair. It can be caused by hairstyles that pull on the hair, such as tight braids, cornrows, or ponytails. Traction alopecia can also be caused by wearing hair extensions or weaves. 
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FUT Procedure

This donor harvesting technique is a full-thickness, linear skin and hair excision from a narrow zone of optimal density in the safe donor area. Every hair from the removed ellipse is carefully dissected with a microscope to create the tiny 1-4 hair follicular unit grafts. While the donor ellipse is being dissected, Dr. Keene closes the incision using a secure, two-layer closure, which includes internal and external sutures.

The internal sutures dissolve, and the external sutures are removed 7 to 10 days after surgery. When elasticity allows, Dr. Keene performs a trichophytic closure, overlapping the incision edges to allow hair to grow through the incisional scar enhancing its camouflage. The advantage of the linear ellipse technique is the high regrowth rate when optimal graft handling and preserving techniques are observed.

It also allows the removal of concentrated donor hair from the central area of the safe zone, making it less likely to be affected by progressive hair loss in the case of young patients who may be at risk for advanced patterns of hair loss. The area of scar tissue is isolated to the line of the scar and other areas of the scalp and hair remain scar free. Multiple small studies have revealed >95% graft survival.

Who is Eligible for FUT?

  • Have noticeable hair loss patterns, such as a receding hairline or thinning at the crown
  • Adequate supply of healthy donor hair on the back or sides of the head
  • In good health to ensure proper healing and hair growth post-transplant
  • Have realistic expectations 
  • Best suited for those without extremely loose or tight scalp skin

Who is Eligible for FUT?

  • Individuals with advanced pattern hair loss or significant thinning who haven’t benefited from other treatments.
  • Those who plan to wear their hair long, as the scar can be concealed.
  • Patients who prefer a one-time extensive session for considerable hair density improvement.
  • Those who wish to minimize the number of treatment and recovery sessions may also prefer FUT.

What You Should Expect Before and During the FUT Procedure?

Before the FUT procedure, you will have a thorough consultation with your hair transplant surgeon. This stage involves evaluating your scalp, discussing your desired outcomes, and planning your hairline design. Patients are often advised to avoid certain medications and supplements that might increase bleeding, as well as abstain from alcohol and smoking, as these can affect healing. Pre-operative instructions may also include recommendations on washing the hair and any dietary restrictions the night before or the day of the surgery.
During the FUT procedure, you will be awake, with the area being treated numbed using local anesthesia. Your surgeon will remove a strip of scalp skin from the donor area, which is then meticulously dissected into individual follicular units under a specialized microscope. These units are then prepared for transplantation to the balding areas. Throughout the surgery, you can expect to be in a comfortable position and may be able to listen to music or relax. The duration of the procedure varies depending on the number of grafts required but can last several hours.

How Much is the FUT Procedure?

The cost of FUT hair transplant will vary depending on your location, how skilled and well-known your surgeon is, the extent of your hair loss, and how many hair grafts you’ll need. There might be extra costs like consultations with the doctor before and after the surgery, and any follow-up visit needed later.

Make sure you know what’s included in the quoted price so you don’t get surprised by extra charges. At the Physician’s Hair Institute, we provide a detailed breakdown of the costs for you when you first talk to us so you know what you’re paying for. It’s good to think about the quality of the results and the surgeon’s expertise, not just the price when deciding where to get your FUT transplant.

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FUT Before & After Results

1.-Front-before
FUT 1
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Frequently Asked Questions About FUT

The FUT procedure typically lasts between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the number of grafts being transplanted.
Yes, the results of the FUT hair transplant are generally permanent as the transplanted hair is resistant to the hormones that cause hair loss.
Recovery varies by individual, but most people can return to normal activities within a week. Full healing and hair growth can take several months to a year.

FUT involves removing a strip of scalp from the back or sides of the head and harvesting the follicular units and transplanting them to the recipient area. This leaves a linear scar in the donor area, but can be easily hidden by the surrounding hair.

On the other hand, FUE involves extracting individual hair follicles directly from the scalp. This technique offers minimal scarring compared to FUT, but it still leaves ‘dot-like’ scars. However, FUE requires the head to be shaved short so those who like to wear their hair long may not prefer this option. 

Common side effects include scarring, temporary swelling, bruising, pain, itching, and numbness. We advise patients to follow their surgeon’s post-operative care instructions closely and report any persistent or unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

FUT is considered more invasive than FUE due to the strip extraction method, which involves a surgical incision and results in a linear scar. The recovery involves healing of this incision site, which can take more time and care compared to the puncture wounds from FUE.

However, FUT allows surgeons to harvest a much larger number of hair grafts than FUE. It’s often the option for patients who have extensive hair loss and require a large number of grafts. 

After the treatment, an ointment will be applied to the skin and you will be asked to refrain from wearing make up for several hours. Any minor redness or swelling resulting from treatment will subside within 12-24 hours. After the treatment, you can expect to retum to normal activities.