Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a hair restoration technique that involves removing a strip of scalp from the donor area, typically at the back of the head, and dissecting it into small grafts for transplantation to areas of baldness. FUT is an effective option for patients with advanced hair loss or those who desire maximum coverage in a single session. This procedure offers natural-looking results that last a lifetime.
At California Hair MD, Richard Chaffoo, MD, FACS, FICS, America’s first triple board-certified hair transplant plastic surgeon, offers personalized FUT procedures tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Patients acheive superior results when this procedure is performed by a skilled plastic surgeon. Many “hair restoration specialists” are in fact physicians, and lack the high level of training possessed by board-certified plastic surgeons. Dr. Chaffoo is one of the few plastic surgeons that performs hair restoration surgery, and one of an even smaller number that perform this exacting procedure regularly. During the initial consultation, Dr. Chaffoo will evaluate your hair loss pattern and discuss your goals to determine if FUT is the best option for you.
Contact your nearest California Hair MD location or complete an inquiry form to schedule a consultation for your hair restoration needs. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care and helping you achieve natural-looking, long-lasting results.
Find out more about hair restoration by reading Dr. Chaffoo’s blog.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About FUT
Hair loss can have a significant impact on one’s self-esteem and quality of life, affecting up to 85% of men and 40% of women. (1) Fortunately, there are several hair restoration options available today, including follicular unit transplantation (FUT), also known as the strip method. FUT is a surgical procedure that involves removing a strip of hair-bearing skin from the back or sides of the scalp, where the hair is usually thicker and more resistant to balding. The strip is dissected into individual follicular units under a microscope and then transplanted into areas of hair loss. (2) FUT was historically one of the most popular options for hair transplantation until 10-15 years ago. However, modern techniques for hair restoration like NeoGraft® and ARTAS® have transformed hair restoration and eclipsed FUT’s previous popularity and are now the most commonly requested methods for hair restoration. Most sophisticated hair restoration practices offer FUE due to patient demand for an easier recovery and avoidance of a long, linear scar.
FUT is an effective option for patients with advanced hair loss who require a significant amount of grafts to achieve their desired results and do not wish to shave their head.
Benefits
- Natural-looking results: FUT involves transplanting individual hair follicles from the back of your scalp to the balding areas. This produces a natural-looking hairline that blends seamlessly with your existing hair.
- Minimally invasive procedure: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, which means you will remain awake during the process. The recovery time is also relatively short compared to other surgical procedures.
- Permanent solution: Once transplanted, the hair follicles will continue to grow in their new location, providing a permanent solution to hair loss.
- Customized treatment plan: Dr. Chaffoo will work with you to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.
- Safe and effective: FUT has been performed for decades and is a safe and effective hair restoration method. Dr. Chaffoo uses the latest techniques and technology to ensure the best possible outcome for his patients.
If you’re considering FUT, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chaffoo at California Hair MD to learn more about how this procedure can help you achieve a full head of hair with natural-looking results.
Candidates
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a hair transplant procedure suitable for individuals who suffer from hair loss due to genetics, medical conditions, or trauma. Both men and women can be candidates for FUT. The ideal candidate for FUT is someone who has sufficient donor hair on the back and sides of their scalp, where the hair is genetically resistant to balding and some underlying scalp laxity or looseness.. Additionally, the candidate should have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure and be committed to following post-operative care instructions.
Personal Consultation
At California Hair MD, we believe that a personal consultation is essential in determining whether FUT is the right hair restoration procedure for you. During the consultation, Dr. Chaffoo will review your medical history and assess your hair loss pattern to determine if FUT is the best option for you. He will also examine the quality of your scalp donor hair and discuss your cosmetic goals to customize an individualized treatment plan.
FUT is a surgical procedure that involves removing a strip of tissue from the back or sides of the scalp and dissecting it into individual follicular units for transplantation to areas of hair loss. Dr. Chaffoo uses his years of surgical expertise and training to apply plastic surgical principles to obtain the finest scar possible. He is the only plastic surgeon in San Diego who performs FUT surgery on a regular basis. Not all patients are candidates for this procedure, as the amount of donor hair available and the degree of hair loss can affect the success of the surgery. Dr. Chaffoo will evaluate the density and quality of your hair during the consultation to determine if FUT is feasible for you.
Preparation
Before undergoing a Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), it is important to prepare yourself for the procedure to ensure optimal results and a smooth recovery. Here are some steps you should take.
- Consult with Dr. Chaffoo and follow all preoperative instructions carefully. This will help you understand what to expect during the procedure, how to prepare for it, and how to care for yourself afterward.
- Avoid medications and supplements that can thin your blood or increase bleeding. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, fish oil, and other similar products. Discontinue these at least two weeks before your scheduled procedure date.
- If you smoke, quit smoking several weeks before the surgery. Smoking can interfere with the healing process and may lead to complications.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your FUT procedure goes smoothly and that you enjoy the best results possible. Remember, the key to a successful transplant is careful preparation and post-operative care.
Procedure
Dr. Chaffoo and his team at California Hair MD use advanced techniques to ensure that the resulting scar from the strip removal is minimal and well-hidden. They then carefully transplant the harvested follicular units into the areas of the scalp where hair loss has occurred.
FUT is an effective option for patients who require a larger number of grafts and want to achieve maximum coverage of the scalp. It can also be combined with other hair restoration procedures, such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), for optimal results.
Recovery & Results
If you’re considering a Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) procedure, it’s important to understand the recovery process and what kind of results you can expect. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following your procedure. This is normal and can be managed with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Chaffoo. You should avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks after your FUT procedure to give your scalp time to heal. Avoid bending over, lifting heavy objects, and any other activities that could put strain on your scalp.
As your scalp heals, you may notice some scabbing and crusting around the transplant site. This is also normal and will gradually subside as your scalp continues to heal. It’s important not to pick at or scratch these scabs, as this could damage the transplanted hair follicles. Over time, you’ll start to see new hair growth in the transplanted area. The full results of your FUT procedure may take several months to become visible, but most patients are thrilled with their new, fuller head of hair.
Cost of FUT Hair Restoration in San Diego
The cost of an FUT hair transplant will depend on the extent of the area requiring treatment, the number of grafts needed, and your individual treatment plan. At California Hair MD, we offer competitive pricing for FUT hair transplantation. Our team of experts will work closely with you to create a customized treatment plan that aligns with your goals and budget.
If you’re looking for a permanent solution to hair loss, don’t hesitate to contact your nearest location or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation today.
FAQ
What is FUT?
FUT, or follicular unit transplantation, is a hair restoration procedure that involves removing a strip of skin from the donor area at the back of the head. From there, individual hair follicles are extracted and transplanted to areas of the scalp where hair loss has occurred.
How long does FUT surgery take?
The length of FUT surgery varies depending on the number of grafts needed to achieve the desired results. Typically, FUT surgery takes between 4-8 hours.
Is FUT painful?
During the FUT procedure, patients receive local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort and swelling, but these symptoms can be managed with pain medication.
Will FUT leave a scar?
While FUT does involve removing a strip of skin from the donor area, modern techniques and skilled surgeons can minimize scarring. The scar from FUT typically appears as a thin line that can be concealed by the surrounding hair. In fact, Dr. Chaffoo is the only plastic surgeon in San Diego who performs FUT surgery on a regular basis.
Am I a good candidate for FUT?
Ideal candidates for FUT have sufficient hair in the donor area at the back of the head and are experiencing hair loss in specific areas of the scalp. A consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon can determine if FUT is the best option for your individual needs.
Can FUT be combined With other restoration procedures?
Yes, FUT can be combined with other hair restoration procedures, such as FUE (follicular unit extraction) or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, to achieve optimal results. A consultation with a qualified hair restoration surgeon can determine the best course of action for your individual needs.
References
- Zito PM, Raggio BS. Hair Transplantation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547740/
- Sacchidanand S, Somiah S, Nirmal B. A study of donor area in follicular unit hair transplantation. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2013;6(4):210. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.123408