Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)
A Time-Tested Approach to Hair Restoration
At RHRLI (Robotic Hair Restoration Long Island), we offer multiple effective solutions for hair loss – including Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). As one of the most established hair restoration techniques available, FUT has helped countless individuals regain their hair and confidence. Our team of professionals delivers exceptional FUT results with meticulous attention to detail and patient comfort.
What is Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)?
Follicular Unit Transplantation, often referred to as the “strip method,” is a surgical hair restoration technique that involves removing a narrow strip of hair-bearing scalp from the donor area (typically the back of the head), dissecting it into individual follicular units, and transplanting these units to areas experiencing hair loss.
This technique allows for the transplantation of a significant number of grafts in a single session, making it particularly effective for patients requiring substantial coverage.
This technique allows for the transplantation of a significant number of grafts in a single session, making it particularly effective for patients requiring substantial coverage.
The FUT Procedure at RHRLI: Step-by-Step
1. Thorough Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation by our hair restoration specialists. We will assess your hair loss pattern, discuss your goals, and determine whether FUT is the optimal approach for your specific situation. Our transparent consultation process ensures you understand exactly what to expect.
Your journey begins with a comprehensive evaluation by our hair restoration specialists. We will assess your hair loss pattern, discuss your goals, and determine whether FUT is the optimal approach for your specific situation. Our transparent consultation process ensures you understand exactly what to expect.
2. Preparation
On the day of your procedure, we will prepare the donor and recipient areas. The donor area hair is left at normal length to conceal the linear incision post-procedure. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort throughout the entire process.
On the day of your procedure, we will prepare the donor and recipient areas. The donor area hair is left at normal length to conceal the linear incision post-procedure. Local anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort throughout the entire process.
3. Strip Harvesting
A narrow strip of scalp is removed from the donor area. The width and length of the strip are precisely calculated based on the number of grafts needed and the density of your donor hair. The donor site is then meticulously closed using specialized techniques that minimize scarring.
A narrow strip of scalp is removed from the donor area. The width and length of the strip are precisely calculated based on the number of grafts needed and the density of your donor hair. The donor site is then meticulously closed using specialized techniques that minimize scarring.
4. Follicular Unit Dissection
Under powerful stereomicroscopes, our highly trained technicians dissect the donor strip into individual follicular units containing 1-4 hairs each. This microscopic dissection preserves the integrity of each follicular unit and maximizes graft survival rates.
Under powerful stereomicroscopes, our highly trained technicians dissect the donor strip into individual follicular units containing 1-4 hairs each. This microscopic dissection preserves the integrity of each follicular unit and maximizes graft survival rates.
5. Creation of Recipient Sites
While the graft preparation is underway, tiny recipient sites are created in the balding or thinning areas. These sites are created with careful consideration of angle, direction, and density to match your natural hair growth pattern.
While the graft preparation is underway, tiny recipient sites are created in the balding or thinning areas. These sites are created with careful consideration of angle, direction, and density to match your natural hair growth pattern.
6. Graft Placement
The prepared follicular units are delicately placed into the recipient sites. Our skilled team arranges the grafts strategically, placing single-hair units at the hairline for a natural appearance and multiple-hair units behind for density.
The prepared follicular units are delicately placed into the recipient sites. Our skilled team arranges the grafts strategically, placing single-hair units at the hairline for a natural appearance and multiple-hair units behind for density.
7. Post-Procedure Care
Before you leave, we will provide comprehensive aftercare instructions and all necessary supplies to ensure optimal healing and results.
Before you leave, we will provide comprehensive aftercare instructions and all necessary supplies to ensure optimal healing and results.
Benefits of FUT
Follicular Unit Transplantation offers several key advantages, including the ability to harvest a large number of grafts in a single session while preserving donor hair for possible future procedures. The microscopic dissection technique preserves follicular unit integrity and promotes high graft survival rates.
Many patients find FUT cost-effective… as it often requires fewer total sessions for extensive transplantation needs. As one of the longest-established hair transplantation methods, FUT has decades of documented results with well-understood long-term outcomes and reliable growth patterns.
Many patients find FUT cost-effective… as it often requires fewer total sessions for extensive transplantation needs. As one of the longest-established hair transplantation methods, FUT has decades of documented results with well-understood long-term outcomes and reliable growth patterns.
Is FUT Right for You?
Ideal candidates for FUT at RHRLI include individuals with significant hair loss requiring extensive coverage, those with good donor hair density in the back and sides of the head, patients who wear their hair medium to long length (which can conceal the linear scar), individuals who may need multiple hair restoration procedures over time, and those for whom maximizing the number of grafts is a priority.
During your consultation, we will assess whether Follicular Unit Transplantation aligns with your specific needs, goals, and anatomy. We will also discuss alternative options (such as FUE) to determine the most appropriate approach for your unique situation.
Recovery and Results
Recovery Timeline
After your FUT procedure, you may experience mild discomfort and tightness in the donor area for a few days. Sutures or staples are typically removed after 10 to 14 days, and scabbing in the recipient area resolves withing 7 to 10 days. Most patients return to work within 7 days – with full physical activity typically resumed after 3 weeks.
After your FUT procedure, you may experience mild discomfort and tightness in the donor area for a few days. Sutures or staples are typically removed after 10 to 14 days, and scabbing in the recipient area resolves withing 7 to 10 days. Most patients return to work within 7 days – with full physical activity typically resumed after 3 weeks.
Result Timeline
Hair restoration is a gradual process:
Hair restoration is a gradual process:
Most patients see significant improvement by 8 months, with final results typically visible around 12-15 months post-procedure.
The RHRLI Difference for FUT Procedures
At RHRLI, our approach to FUT sets us apart. We use advanced trichophytic closure techniques that minimize the visibility of the donor scar and meticulous microscopic dissection to maximize graft viability.
Our custom-designed recipient sites create natural-looking results that will ensure a seamless blending with existing hair and create undetectable results. Comprehensive pain management protocols enhance comfort. And, following your procedure, our team will provide detailed aftercare programs to optimize healing and growth.
Managing Expectations
While FUT can dramatically improve hair density and appearance, it is important to understand that hair transplantation redistributes existing hair and cannot create new hair. Future hair loss may continue in non-transplanted areas. Some patients may require multiple sessions for optimal coverage.
Results vary based on individual factors – including hair characteristics and healing. Our specialists will provide you with realistic expectations based on your unique situation during your consultation.
Schedule Your Personal FUT Consultation
Take the first step toward addressing your hair loss with a proven solution. Contact RHRLI today to schedule your comprehensive consultation and discover if Follicular Unit Transplantation is right for you.
Individual results may vary. During your consultation, our specialists will provide personalized information about what you can expect from your FUT procedure.