FAQS about FUT Treatments
It is normal to lose 50-100 hair follicles per day, but fortunately, these follicles have regenerative capacity. However, hair loss or pattern baldness happens if follicles do not grow back after falling out. Hair transplantation, such as follicular unit transplantation (FUT), can fix hair loss and give you visible results.
If you are considering FUT, you may have many questions, including what happens during the procedure, how long recovery takes, and the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure.
Read on to learn the answers to these and other frequently asked questions.
How Does Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) Work?
Strip FUT is a hair transplantation procedure in which a strip of hair is removed from the donor site, dissected, and transplanted to the receptor site. During a FUT procedure, the donor site is usually the back of your head from where a skin strip of 1cm-1.cm in lengt is removed. The removed strip contains hundreds of hair follicles. Your hair transplantation doctor will dissect this hair strip and harvest the individual hair follicles.
Small incisions are made on the recipient site (scalp area with hair loss or baldness) and the donor hair follicular units are placed.
The transplanted follicles will fall out two to three weeks after the FUT procedure. These fallen hair follicles pave the way for new hair, which will grow into healthier hair.
Am I an Ideal FUT Procedure Candidate?
The FUT procedure can restore your hairline in a very effective way. It is slightly different than the follicular unit extraction (FUE) procedure, which involves installing each follicle one by one instead of as units. Both procedures have their own benefits. Determining the right one for you will require a conversation about your desired results with your doctor.
How Many Grafts are Needed?
The number of grafts needed for a FUT procedure depends on the recipient scalp area that needs to be covered and your desired hair density. Your doctor will determine the approximate number of grafts during an initial consultation.
How Long Does a FUT Procedure Take?
FUT surgery is considered minor outpatient surgery and takes 3-8 hours, depending on the area being treated and the number of grafts involved.
Is the FUT Procedure Painful?
During the procedure, there is no pain. Before the surgery, patients are given a sedative and local injection of anesthetics. Minor self-limiting symptoms such as tightness in the donor area will resolve after a few days of the procedure. Your doctor will also prescribe analgesics for pain.
Does the FUT Procedure Leave Behind Scars?
The FUT procedure may leave behind a very fine and linear scar at the donor site. However, in the hands of Dr. Darling, a skilled hair restoration surgeon, FUT scars are greatly minimized and can be easily covered up with hair. These linear scars cannot be detected unless you cut your hair very short.
What is the Recovery Time After a FUT Procedure?
FUT has a short recovery time of about 10-12 days. A patient who has undergone FUT surgery can return to most activities in about five days. However, the length of recovery time can vary from individual to individual, especially if you have underlying health conditions that slow down healing.
When Will I Be Able to See the Final Results?
You will be able to notice the best results 6 to 9 months after the procedure, when all of the new hair will have grown out.
FUT Procedure in Kansas City, Liberty, and Des Moines
If you are interested in learning about the FUT procedure, visit us at Darling Hair Restoration. Dr. Scott Darling is a skilled hair restoration surgeon with decades of experience treating baldness and hair loss in men and women. By using special techniques, Dr. Darling can complete the FUT procedure in a single day and reduce the appearance of scars. You will also be able to enjoy a faster recovery.
To know more or to schedule your appointment, call our hair clinic at (816) 792-3400, or use our convenient appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
