- FUE hair transplant
- DHI hair transplant
- Hair Mesotherapy
- Hair PRP Treatment
- Beard, mustache and eyebrow transplantation
FUT Hair Transplant
Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) or Strip Hair transplant is a surgical method of growing hair in bald areas of the head. Hair loss, baldness, and hair thinning can occur because of various reasons including aging, genetics, and personal neglect. FUT Hair transplant is comparatively an older technique and surgically more invasive than FUE hair transplant. It is known as the Strip technique because it involves removing a healthy hair-bearing strip of skin and transplanting the follicles into the bald area.
The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery predicts that 1 in every 13 men worldwide needs hair transplant surgery. ISHRS also reports that over 703,000 hair restoration procedures were performed worldwide in 2021. Over 2.2 million patients were treated in 2021 with a significant overall 7% increase since 2019.
According to recent stats by ISHRS, the total market size of the hair transplant industry was estimated to be USD 4.5 billion in 2021. 87% of the surgeries worldwide were performed on males. As per the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, over 20% of hair transplant surgeries in the world are performed in Turkey. Turkey is a center of advancement and progress in hair transplant surgery and attracts over 2 million foreigners every year for aesthetic surgeries including hair transplant surgeries.
FUT (Follicular Hair Transplant) is a surgical procedure for hair regrowth in bald or areas with severe hair loss or thinning. It is a traditional and more invasive technique that involves harvesting a strip of skin from hair-dense areas such as the back or sides. Each follicle from the strip is then transplanted into the bald region. The donor area of the scalp is stitched back in place with sutures. The incision is hardly visible because of hair density in the area.
FUT or Follicular Unit Transplant entails a somewhat more complex procedure than an FUE hair transplant. It takes more time as well because it involves removing a strip of skin from the back or sides of the head. The follicles are extracted from the strip and implanted into the bald parts of the head. Surgeons make tiny incisions in the bald part to transplant the grafts one by one. Surgeons pay particular attention to the angle and position of the grafts so the result is natural and blends with the rest of the hairs.
FUT is an old and more invasive procedure for hair transplantation. With less invasive procedures available, it is better to opt for procedures such as FUE or DHI which give faster and more accurate results. Read about the FUE procedure and its results here. It is of course important to first discuss your options with the doctor because they can give you the best advice.
FUT hair transplant is cheaper than FUE hair transplant but it is a more invasive procedure. The average cost of a FUT hair transplant is $6000 to $10,000 which may go up if extensive work is required. FUT is suitable if you need more than 2000 grafts at one time. The cost per graft in a FUT hair transplant is $4 to $10. The cost differs from country to country so you can compare the prices and decide accordingly.
FUT Hair transplant vs. FUE hair transplant
FUT and FUE are two different hair transplant procedures. Here are the main differences between the two procedures:
Surgical differences between FUT and FUT
- FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant) is a more invasive procedure than FUE because it involves removing an entire strip of skin to harvest follicles.
- FUT allows surgeons to collect more than 2000 grafts whereas a FUE hair transplant allows only 2000 grafts.
Cost difference between FUT and FUE
- Generally, an FUE hair transplant costs more than a FUT technique because it is a more labor-intensive procedure.
- The per graft cost of FUE is also higher than that of FUT.
Outcome differences between FUT and FUE
- FUT causes more scarring than FUE procedure because an entire strip of skin is removed during the surgery.
- The recovery time of a FUT hair transplant is longer than FUE because it involves bigger incisions and closure with stitches.
FUT Hair Transplant in Turkey
FUT hair transplant is no longer performed in Turkey. Other faster, less invasive, and more advanced procedures are available now such as DHI and FUE. FUT hair transplant was discontinued in Turkey due to certain safety hazards and the availability of alternate methods. Patient satisfaction and safety are the most important concerns for the medical tourism industry in Turkey.
We also perform hair transplantation for women
Hair transplant is an effective treatment for women who suffer from female pattern baldness or alopecia. Female pattern baldness usually occurs due to aging, hormones, and genetics. Sometimes due to extreme hair loss, women are left with no choice but to undergo a hair transplant. Female hair restoration is a specialized procedure that focuses on restoring hair on the overall scalp.
FUT Hair Transplant Results: What can you expect?
The first and crucial part of the recovery after a hair transplant is patience. You must be aware of the changes that will happen after the surgery so you can prepare accordingly. Generally, a FUT hair transplant takes a longer time for recovery than a FUE hair transplant since it is slightly more invasive. Here is a week-by-week analysis of what happens after the surgery:
First week: The first 5 days after the surgery are key and you should do everything to protect the surgical site. Doctors usually advise patients to wear a hat to protect the transplanted area. It is normal if you experience inflammation and irritation on the scalp. Your doctor will prescribe medication accordingly. You cannot smoke or take a shower for the first 5 days at least. Avoid scratching and exposure to sun in the first week. It is also normal to experience a mild level of pain because of the stitches. Typically, the stitches are removed by the end of the week.
2-3 Weeks: The redness and itching begin to subside. You can go back to your normal routine activities by this time. You can shampoo your hair after 7-10 days but make sure you consult your doctor first. You can go back to your routine activities such as driving and exercising. The scabs begin to come off and the hair growth starts by this time. Do not attempt to pick the scabs yourself because you can lose the follicles because of it.
After 3 weeks: You can expect rapid hair fall in the transplanted area. This period is also known as “shock loss” and it is completely normal. Hair growth begins after 3 to 6 months of the surgery. The real results of the hair transplant are visible after the 3 months and you will notice tiny hairs emerging from the grafts. With time, the hairs become thicker and stronger. Doctors also prescribe topical products to promote healing and hair growth. Patients are expected to be vigilant and consistent in the aftercare.
3-6 months: Hair growth is much more visible at this point and you can notice the bald spots filling up with hair. The results of the procedure are fully visible after 6 months with fuller and thicker hair.
How long does it take to recover from FUT Surgery?
The recovery period of a FUT hair transplant is between 4 weeks and 6 months. Recovery length may differ for every patient according to their age, health, and lifestyle. Patients must stay in touch with their doctors throughout the recovery period to avoid complications.
FAQs FUT Hair Transplant
Here are the most common queries about Buccal Fat Removal:
What are the risks of FUT Hair transplant?
FUT (Follicular Unit Transplant) is an invasive procedure and carries more risks than the FUE procedure. The risks associated with FUT Hair transplant include:
- Infection
- Extreme pain or swelling in the surgical area
- Folliculitis (follicle swelling)
- Poor healing of the stitches
- Bleeding from the surgical area
- Numbness in the surgical area
- Balding and thinning do not stop after the surgery
- Uneven hair growth on the scalp
- Blood clotting
How to get in touch with us to book your appointment?
If you are ready to book an appointment with us, here is a step-by-step guide you can follow. We take care of every aspect of your journey from the doctor’s appointment to your travel itinerary and accommodation.
Is FUT good for female hair transplants?
FUT hair transplants can supposedly be better for females because of adequate graft availability and no need for shaving.
What is the FUT hair transplant success rate?
The success rate for FUT hair transplants is around 85% to 90%. Overall, there are higher chances of complications after a FUT hair transplant given its invasive nature.
How many grafts are possible in a FUT hair transplant?
More than 2000 grafts are possible with a FUT hair transplant surgery.
Do hair transplant scars go away?
It depends on the type of hair transplant you choose. A FUE hair transplant causes more scarring than an FUE hair transplant because of its invasive nature.
Can I smoke before and after the surgery?
Patients are advised to avoid smoking in the week before the surgery and at least 10 days after the surgery.
