Follicular Unit Transplantation for Women

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.

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How Much Hair Is Transplanted?

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.

A Careful Treatment Process

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.

Who Might Choose FUT?

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.

What to Expect

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.

Before & After Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

*Individual results may vary.

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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 grafts you may need for your transplant, use our Hair Graft Estimator tool.

This estimator is for educational purposes only and provides a general idea of the number of grafts that may be required. The actual number can only be determined by Dr. DiStefano during your consultation.

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) Frequently Asked Questions

When will I see the 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 of 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 the 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.

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