Follicular Unit Transplantation – The strip method
Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT), commonly known as “the strip method”, is the traditional hair transplant method where a strip of tissue is harvested from the donor area and dissected under a microscope into natural groupings called follicular units, or grafts. These grafts are then placed into micro incisions, called recipient sites, which are created in the thinning area. These recipient sites are created using a pattern designed to produce a natural and undetectable result.
Donor Harvesting
Our hair transplant physician starts by identifying the safe area for the tissue to be harvested. This area, which is referred to as the “donor area’ is meant to last forever and is located on the back part of the scalp. The donor area is evaluated for both density and laxity which will determine the size of the tissue that will be harvested. Once the strip of tissue is harvested, the donor area is sutured closed using a trichophytic closure technique. This technique allows hair to grow through the linear scar which helps to camouflage its visibility.
Graft Preparation
Once the strip of tissue has been harvested, it is placed under a microscope and dissected into individual follicular units, or grafts. Each graft is trimmed down to an individual natural grouping unit which usually consists of 1 to 4 hairs. Excess tissue is trimmed from each graft to create as small of graft as possible. Smaller grafts lead to less trauma and an accelerated healing process. These individual grafts are all individually counted and grouped into Petri dishes based on the number of hairs per graft. These Petri dishes are kept hydrated and at the proper temperature to ensure maximum survival.
Recipient Sites
While the grafts are being prepared, the physician designs a plan for placement and distribution of the grafts in order to obtain a natural and undetectable result. Factors that influence this plan include the number of follicles harvested, the size of surface area that will be transplanted, and patient goals. Once the plan is created, the physician makes micro-incisions into the thinning area called “recipient sites”. Our physician takes care to minimize trauma to any pre-existing hair and uses artistry to create sites at proper depth and angles in order to produce a natural and undetectable result.
Follicle placement
Once the recipient sites are created, individual follicles are placed into the sites one after another by hand. One and two hair grafts are used to create a natural soft hairline while three and four hair grafts are used to add density behind the hairline, just as nature made it.
Patient experience
A FUT procedure takes a full day to complete. Patients spend the day watching movies, working on their tablets, eating lunch, and may even take a nap during the procedure.
“I went to one of the best doctors”
“I was referred to Gregg and highly recommend him to others. He showed me who some of the best hair transplant doctors were and recommended a few of them for my specific procedure. I know that I went to one of the best doctors in the world and I am very happy with my results.”
Rodney B.
Healing & growth
The sutures in the donor area are removed in 10-14 days. The recipient area may experience redness or scabbing that subsides in 5-7 days. New growth will begin in about 3-4 months and the newly transplanted hair will continue to thicken throughout 12 months. The transplanted hair will keep all of the same characteristics as it did while it was in the donor area. Color, texture, and growth rate will remain the same.
Are You A Candidate For The FUT Procedure?
Before undergoing the FUT Procedure, you will first need to schedule a consultation to find out if you’re a good candidate for a hair transplant. If you meet the following conditions, you may be a good candidate:
- You’re over the age of 24.
- Your hair on the back and sides is healthy and thick.
- Your areas of hair loss are located on the top part of the scalp from the hairline to the crown as indicated in male pattern baldness.
How Much Does A FUT Hair Transplant Cost?
The cost of a FUT hair transplant varies from patient to patient. During your consultation at St. Louis Hair Restoration, we will assess the degree of hair loss you’re experiencing and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. In this time, you will also be able to discuss the cost and any other questions that you have.
Schedule a Consultation
Our patient educator at St. Louis Hair Restoration has over 15 years of experience and has helped thousands of patients achieve their hair restoration goals. If you’re interested in learning more about the FUT hair transplant technique, contact our office to schedule your consultation and we will happily walk you through the entire process and guide you on your journey to regaining your hair and reviving your life!
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