What is FUT or Follicular Unit Transplantation?
The first and most popular is called STRIP technique Follicular Unit Transplantation. In this procedure the back of the head, known as the “donor area” is numbed with local anesthetic and a thin strip of skin containing hair roots is painlessly removed by Dr. Lindsey and sutured closed. The hair roots within the sliver are then dissected under high power microscopes into “follicular units,” also known plainly as “grafts”.
While the dissection process is being performed, Dr. Lindsey will numb the bald areas and make very tiny incision using custom made instruments. These incisions rarely exceed 1 millimeter in length and are similar in size to a comma in newsprint. Dr. Lindsey creates the smallest slits possible and packs them as close together as nature will permit to allow for the highest density and most natural (and pleasing) result.
After the tiny incisions are made, the grafts are then placed into the slits according to Dr. Lindsey’s plan. At the end of the day most patients look like they just had a “buzz cut” in the areas that were bald. The area also looks as if it had a rash- which disappears after 3 days.
After 7 days, the sutures are removed by Dr. Lindsey and the patient does not need to visit the office anymore. The implanted hair will grow for about 4 weeks and then fall out as the hair roots go into a “sleeping” phase to allow themselves to heal into the once bald areas of scalp. Then, in about 4 months, the hairs will begin to sprout out and grow. These hairs will continue growing and thickening until they get to their final maturity level by 14 months.
Generally, most patients see a cosmetically significant benefit by the end of their 6th month. By the end of one year the patient is encouraged to visit the clinic for follow up photos.
Patient Results
Before & After Gallery
Repair Case
Young Male Case
Older Male Case
Frequently Asked Questions About FUT
Modern hair transplantation is a true microscopic skilled and artistic procedure which requires only the best surgeon to achieve the natural results seen today. It involves taking hair follicles from the very back and sides of the head and strategically placing them into the thinning or balding areas of the scalp. In today’s modern age of hair restoration you should only consider the current gold standard of taking individual follicular units and placing them in a fashion which creates the fullest density and the most pleasing natural result.
Results from hair restoration truly depends on several factors which many people don’t fully appreciate. It depends largely on the supply of hair follicles in the donor area at the back of the head. The natural density of available hair will determine how many individual hairs can be placed in the balding areas. The more density you have, the more thicker and fuller the result. The hair transplant should be done ethically in which the surgeon can meet reasonable, age-appropriate results with the prudence to have enough supply of donor area for possible future loss.
FUE is an abbreviated term for Follicular Unit Extraction. It is the latest advancement in transplantation procedures whereby the surgeon can now take individual grafts using specialized tools such as the Lindsey motorized extraction device designed and created by Dr. Lindsey himself. FUE has advantages and limitations which determines whether the treatment is appropriate for the individual.
FUT is an abbreviated term for Follicular Unit Transplantation. The procedure consists of again taking hair from the donor area at the back of the scalp but the difference compare to FUE is that the donor area is taken in the form of a “strip”. This literally means cutting a long and thin section of the actual scalp after extensive anesthesia, the patient will not feel anything during this procedure.. Once extracted, the donor strip is cut into many individual follicular units using microscopic dissection techniques. As these follicular unit grafts are being prepared, the doctor makes tiny holes in the scalp, called recipient sites, where the grafts are placed. It is important to note that whilst this procedure seems much more dramatic and unfavorable vs FUE technique it does produce higher yields and more consistent results.
This is dependent on the procedure and the amount of grafts placed; strip procedures of 5,000 grafts plus can now be completed in one day, FUE procedures take much more time as it is very labor intensive as each follicular unit must be extracted skilfully ensuring no damage to the follicle occurs. typically over 1,500 grafts will require more than one day to complete to a high level.
This is dependent on the number of grafts required and the type of procedure. Full costs can be see here.