Hair loss can be a difficult experience for both men and women. By age 35, roughly two-thirds of men will have noticeable hair loss, and by age 60, this increases to over 65% for women. If you’re actively seeking a solution for hair loss, you may have come across FUT hair transplant. This technique has a proven track record in restoring natural hairlines and a fuller head of hair.
What is FUT Hair Transplant?
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a hair transplant procedure where a strip of skin is removed from the donor area (typically the back of the scalp). This strip is then carefully dissected into individual follicular units (groups of 1-4 hairs), which are transplanted into the areas experiencing hair loss.
Advantages of FUT Hair Transplant
There are many potential advantages to FUT hair transplantation, including the following:
• Higher Graft Yield
FUT involves the extraction of a strip of skin from the donor area, allowing for the harvesting of a larger quantity of hair follicles in a single session. This makes it the preferred choice for individuals with extensive hair loss seeking maximum coverage.
• High Follicle Survival Rate
FUT hair transplants boast a high follicle survival rate because of the controlled way they harvest hair. Skilled technicians meticulously dissect healthy follicles from a thin scalp strip under microscopes, minimizing damage.
• Lifetime Availability of Grafts
For extensive or progressive hair loss, a high number of grafts will be over a patient’s lifetime. Typically with FUE, two big procedures are possible over a patient’s lifetime before the donor area is depleted.
On the other hand, sequential strips (FUT) can be done several years apart over a patient’s lifetime to yield a higher yield of lifetime availability of grafts. All of this through one pencil line thickness scar.
• Consistent Results
With FUT, the harvested grafts are typically of high quality and uniform thickness, ensuring consistent and predictable outcomes. This makes FUT a preferred option for those prioritizing reliability and long-term satisfaction with their hair transplant results.
• Cost-Effectiveness
In many cases, FUT can be a more cost-effective solution compared to the FUE technique, especially for individuals requiring large-scale hair restoration. The ability to harvest a greater number of follicles in a single session can lead to fewer overall procedures and reduced expenses in the long run.
Disadvantages of FUT Hair Transplant
FUT offers a permanent solution for hair loss. Once transplanted, the follicles continue to grow naturally alongside your existing hair, providing lasting results that can boost your confidence and self-esteem for years to come.
While FUT offers advantages like potentially lower cost and higher graft yield, there are some downsides to consider:
• Linear Scar
Scarring is the biggest concern when it comes to FUT hair transplants. FUT leaves a linear scar where the scalp strip is harvested. While usually thin and hidden by hair, it can be noticeable with shorter styles or cause scalp tightness, limiting future transplant options.
The good news is that advancements in surgical techniques have significantly minimized its visibility over time. Plus, the scar is easily concealed by surrounding hair, giving you a discreet and natural-looking result.
• Longer Recovery
Because FUT requires the removal of a strip of scalp from the donor area, recovery from FUT also takes longer, around 10-12 days, with potential swelling, discomfort, activity restrictions, and stitches. However, most people are back to work within a week (similar to FUE).
• Limited Hairstyle Options
The scar can further limit hairstyle options, especially shorter styles, as you might need to be more conscious of how you style your hair for concealment.
How To Know If FUT Is Right For You
First, let us remind you that only a qualified hair transplant surgeon can tell if FUT hair transplant is for you. During your consultation, they will evaluate the extent of your hair loss , discuss your objectives, and provide expert guidance on the best approach. They may also recommend nonsurgical hair restoration options like oral and topical medications, PRP, SMP, and laser therapy.
Here’s a general guideline if FUT hair transplant is the right choice for you:
• You should have sufficient donor hair.
FUT relies on harvesting a strip of scalp containing healthy hair follicles from the back and sides of your head (donor area). This strip is then meticulously dissected to isolate individual follicular units for transplantation. If you don’t have enough donor hair density, there simply won’t be enough follicles in the strip to achieve the desired coverage in the recipient area (balding area). Commonly this is because a patient has already been overharvested with FUE.
• FUT is often ideal for advanced hair loss or baldness.
FUT is particularly effective for addressing significant or widespread hair loss patterns, so it’s often the preferred option for those with extensive thinning. If your hair loss is concentrated in a smaller area, a minimally invasive procedure like FUE might be a more suitable option.
• You should be okay with having a linear scar.
FUT inevitably leaves a linear scar in the donor area. The size of the scalp strip harvested during FUT directly impacts the size of the resulting scar. You can discuss scar minimization techniques with your surgeon if scarring is a major concern for you.
• Consider your long-term goals and expectations.
FUT can offer significant coverage and density, making it suitable for individuals seeking comprehensive hair restoration. If your aim is to achieve maximum coverage with fewer sessions, FUT may align better with your objectives.
• Technical Consideration.
Patients with fine caliber hair yet excellent scalp laxity would get a better result with FUT than FUE.
How Long Does a FUT Hair Transplant Last?
FUT hair transplant is considered a permanent solution to hair loss because the donor hair is genetically resistant to baldness. Once the follicular units are transplanted into the recipient area, they establish themselves and grow alongside your existing hair.
While FUT provides a long-term solution to hair loss, other factors can still affect your hair’s health and appearance over time. Genetics, medical conditions, and lifestyle choices can influence your hair beyond the transplant. This is why it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow post-transplant care advice to help keep your transplanted hair looking its best.
Cost of FUT Hair Transplant in the UK
The cost of FUT can vary depending on how much hair loss you have, the clinic’s reputation and location, the surgeon’s experience, and the technique used. Instead of offering a fixed price, it’s best to have a consultation with a qualified hair transplant surgeon. They will evaluate your needs and provide a personalized treatment plan. Many hair transplant clinics also offer flexible financing options to make the procedure more affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Am I a suitable candidate for an FUT hair transplant?
This depends on factors like the extent of hair loss, quality of donor hair, and overall health. A consultation is needed to assess individual suitability.
• Is FUT hair transplant painful, and will the scar be visible?
FUT is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure itself. While FUT does leave a linear scar at the donor site, its visibility can vary depending on individual healing, the surgeon’s technique, and your chosen hairstyle. Most people are able to conceal the scar effectively with longer hairstyles.
• What is the recovery time after an FUT hair transplant?
Most patients can get back to normal activities a few days after an FUT hair transplant, with full recovery usually within 2 weeks. You might start to see new hair growth in a few months, with full results in 12-18 months.
• What are the risks and side effects of FUT hair transplant?
Risks and side effects can include infection, scarring, swelling, numbness, and temporary shedding of transplanted hair. Your surgeon will address any questions or concerns you might have about the procedure during your consultation.
Choosing Your FUT Hair Transplant Clinic.
Your results heavily rely on your surgeon’s experience and artistry. This is why choosing a reputable clinic with surgeons highly trained in FUT hair transplant might be the most important step you can take in your hair restoration journey.
Research clinics thoroughly, check credentials, and read reviews. Consider booking consultations at a few clinics, including Dr. Ted Hair Transplants, to discuss your hair restoration goals and get personalized assessments and cost estimates.
Call us to schedule a consultation today. We serve patients in and around Cardiff, UK, including Barry, Swansea, Newport, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Worcester, Bristol, Bath, Birmingham, Oxford, and London.
Hair Transplant Before and After Photos
Our before & after gallery features real patients experiencing incredible hair regrowth with FUT. We are always amazed at how much our patients look younger than they did before their hair transplant. Uncertain if hair transplant is right for you? See the proof for yourself.
