F.U.T. Hair Transplant

How Does a Follicular Unit Transplant Work?

During an FUT procedure, the patient is sedated and the scalp is numbed with local anesthesia. The scalp will be shampooed and treated with an antibacterial agent. The surgeon then harvests a narrow strip of hair follicles from the donor area (usually the back or sides of the scalp) and closes the wound with sutures. Meanwhile, an assistant will use a microscope to divide the harvested strip into individual grafts of a predetermined size.

The surgeon will then use very small “micro blades” to puncture the recipient area in a predetermined pattern and density, angling the cuts to create a natural hair pattern. Lastly, the grafts will be individually placed in the recipient area, where they will heal and continue to grow normally.

The size and number of the grafts as well, as how they are placed will be determined by the patient’s hair type, density and desired results. In some cases, multiple transplant procedures are needed, but they can be performed within a short interval.

Your Hair Transplant Options

There are two primary options for hair transplants:

Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT): Donor hair follicles are harvested in a strip, divided into individual graft units and implanted in the recipient area.

Advantages: 
Only requires a small area of healthy donor hair
Does not require that hair be shaved from donor area

Disadvantages:
Leaves a scar that will need to be covered by longer hair
Longer recovery period

Follicular Unit Extraction: Donor hair follicles are harvested and implanted individually using a specialized machine.

Advantages:
Less invasive
Quicker recovery

Disadvantages:
Requires larger donor area
Procedure takes longer

Your Initial Hair Transplant Consultation

The role of the consultation is to ensure that you feel informed, confident and excited.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will ask you about your experience with hair loss and your desired results. The first goal is to ensure that you have realistic expectations and are a good candidate for the procedure. He will also ask you questions about your general health and activity levels to determine if he can meet your expectations. He will walk you through your options, explain the details of the FUT procedure, and answer any questions you may have. You will have an opportunity to view extensive before and after photos.

Dr. Min will assess factors such as amount of donor hair, extent of hair loss, hair type, hair density and scalp health. He will share and explain his opinions with you about what is most appropriate for your hair and what results you can expect. Together you will decide on the details and timing of your procedure.

Finally, Dr. Min will make sure you know exactly what will happen on the day of your procedure, how to care for your new hair, and what you can expect in the months and years to follow.

Safety & Risks of Hair Transplant Surgery

Our approach at Newvue is to always put our patient’s safety above all other concerns.  We have invested in state of the art tools, and our on-site surgical suite is one of the first in the region to be fully approved under the stringent new safety standards.

Hair transplants are very common and a safe procedure. Nonetheless, we feel it is important that all of our patients fully understand the risk(s) associated with this or any surgical procedure. The most important thing to know is that Dr. Min and Newvue will stand by you should any complications arise and do everything we can to help you achieve your desired result. Risks associated with hair transplants include: possible reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding & hematoma and/or hair loss. During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will address all possible risks and complications with you and make sure that your questions and concerns are answered.

Your Hair Transplant Procedure

We will do everything in our power to help you feel informed and relaxed on the day of your procedure. After you arrive, you will meet with Dr. Min and with your technician team. Once any questions you have are answered, you will be given medication to help you relax.

It is not usually necessary to shave the scalp for a FUT procedure.

You will be brought into the surgical suite, where you will be prepped for surgery and given a local anesthetic to numb the scalp. Surgery usually takes 2-4 hours.

Your head will be wrapped in a semi permeable dressing to protect the transplanted follicles as the incisions heal. You’ll be able to return home shortly after the procedure, but you’ll want to be sure to arrange for someone to pick you up. Dr. Min and your technicians will advise you on caring for your scalp and new hair.

After Hair Transplant Procedure

The recovery from hair transplant surgery is relatively straightforward, but the first several days are very important. You may experience some sensitivity or mild pain in the donor and recipient site, as well as some itching (don’t scratch!). You will have a semipermeable dressing on your head to allow for seepage. This will need to be changed daily for the first several days. You should avoid sun exposure as well as any strenuous exercise or contact sports until the dressing comes off (7-10 days). Shampooing will be important to dislodge any scabs that may adhere to the hair shaft, as they can increase the risk of losing the newly transplanted follicles.

You can expect to see many (sometimes all) of the transplanted hairs fall out within the first 7-10 days. Do not be alarmed! This is called “shock loss,” and is normal. New hair will begin to grow within 1-3 months of the procedure.