Over the years, instruments and techniques have been developed that allow us to achieve truly natural results by transplanting small grafts containing 1-2-3 hairs, very close together. It has been found that hair grows from the scalp in groups of one, two, and three hair follicles called follicular units. Transplantation of these units results in denser and more natural results.
What is a Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) hair transplant?
It stands for follicular unit transplantation. It is the method of transplantation where a strip of skin is taken from the back of the head under local anesthesia, and dissected into follicular units or grafts. These grafts are then implanted in other parts, typically the front of the head. The harvested area is sutured closed. For this reason, this procedure is also called strip surgery. This was the first viable method of hair transplant and hence, was also referred to as the gold standard.
What is a follicle/follicular unit?
A follicle means hair. A follicular unit means a group or a bunch of hairs. Hair occurs in groups of one, two, three, or four hairs;– the relative proportion varies from patient to patient in Indians, the average is 2.2 hairs per unit. Dissection of such units and then transplanting them is called follicular unit transplantation-the Rolls-Royce of hair transplantation.
Who is eligible for a FUT hair transplant?
While FUT used to be the primary choice for hair transplants earlier, the advent of FUE has reduced its popularity. However there are still cases where it would be a first choice:
- Large graft requirement- over 4000
- Poor donor area for FUE
- People who don’t want to trim the donor area and want to hide the transplant. This is not possible with FUE.
- Women- who do not want to trim the donor area.
What happens during the FUT procedure?
The FUT procedure involves the following steps:
- The doctor anaesthetises the scalp.
- A strip of hair tissue is removed from the donor area.
- The area from where the strip of hair tissue was removed is sutured.
- The donor strip is cut into individual follicular units through a process of precise microscopic dissection.
- The doctor makes holes on your scalp, where the hair loss has occurred and inserts the follicular graft units.
- A disinfecting solution is gently applied to your scalp.
- Your donor area is dressed with a bandage.
How is the strip planned?
AAfter measuring your donor site density, a strip is designed of adequate length and width (not exceeding 2 cm) from behind one ear to behind the other. This strip is planned so that it gives an adequate number of grafts while at the same time allowing easy closure.
How are the grafts dissected?
They are dissected under microscopic vision so as not to damage the follicular units. At the same time, they are stored in a PRP solution to ensure maximum survival.
How is the donor site closed? What is trichophytic closure?
The donor site is closed in two layers using absorbable sutures so that no suture removal is necessary. Trichophytic closure is a special type of suturing method wherein the upper edge of the skin overrides the lower edge so that ultimately hair grows through the scar and makes it less obvious and visible.
Will the scar be visible?
With proper suturing techniques and trichophytic closure, the scar will be a thin line and is not noticeable with a normal hairstyle.
In addition to making the scar even less visible, we also put grafts into the suture line itself so that hairs grow through the scar.
How many grafts can be transplanted in one session?
The number of grafts that can be transplanted in one session depends on several factors, including the size of the balding area and the density of your hair. Typically, around 2500-3500 grafts can be taken in one strip in Indians.
What are the advantages of FUT hair transplants in Bangalore?
- It is more accurate- damage to hairs is less as there is dissection under the microscope.
- It doesn’t require the donor area to be trimmed- the patient can more easily hide that they have undergone a transplant
- It takes less time than FUE. FUE is more time-consuming as the grafts have to be removed one by one.
- It leaves the rest of the scalp untouched for future sessions and hence can yield a larger number of grafts in the long run. For this reason, it is recommended for individuals who have a potential to lose a lot of hair in the future.
- For advanced baldness (>4500 grafts), combining FUT and FUE gives a better result as all grafts are taken from the scalp itself. Trying to get these many grafts by FUE alone would require harvesting the beard and body hair, which would give poorer quality grafts.
What are the disadvantages of a FUT hair transplant?
- It requires a stitch on the back of the head, which is present for 2 weeks. This requires it to be managed with ointment and kept clean.
- While not very painful, it is more painful than FUE. The patient would have to avoid neck exercises for a month as well as swimming until the scar healed.
- It leaves a linear scar which can be visible if the head is shaved fully. Hence it is not preferred by those who would like to maintain very short hairstyles.
How much does the FUT procedure cost?
The cost of the FUT procedure varies depending on several factors, including:
- The number of grafts required.
- The experience and expertise of the surgeon.
You can check our hair transplant cost calculator to find out how many grafts you would need.
Conclusion:
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a highly advanced technique of hair transplantation that provides natural-looking results. It is suitable for people who have large bald areas on their heads. However, it is important to consult a doctor to determine if you are eligible for this procedure. The cost of this procedure varies depending on several factors, including the number of grafts required and the experience and expertise of the surgeon.
About The Doctor
Dr. Venkataram Mysore was one of the first surgeons to learn this technique in the country. He is an expert in FUT and is one of the most respected Hair Transplant experts in the world. He has edited the first Indian textbook on the subject and is the first and only Indian Dermatologist to be made a fellow of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons.
