Your Complete Guide to FUT Hair Transplant Treatments

A follicular unit transplantation (FUT) hair transplant involves removing a slim strip of skin from the scalp where the hair is healthy, known as the donor area. This is usually at the back or sides of the head. Grafts are extracted from the strip and then implanted into areas that are balding or thinning. 

Since a large number of grafts can be transplanted, this method is sometimes preferred for people who are looking to create maximum coverage in a single session. Here, we will take a look at the pros and cons of a FUT procedure, how the surgery works, patient suitability and cost. 

We’ll also explore how Hairy Hair may help you if you’re struggling with hair loss or are looking to supplement your hair transplant.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of FUT?

Some of the benefits of FUT include getting more grafts from a single session, meaning it can better cover extensive hair loss, a lower cost and fewer sessions required, preserving donor hair for potential future procedures if required, natural results from microscopic dissection for high-quality grafts, and creating fuller coverage faster. 

Drawbacks of the procedure include a thin linear scar that can be hidden with longer hairstyles, slightly longer recovery compared to follicular unit extraction (FUE), increased potential for temporary tightness in the donor area, and may not be suitable for shorter hairstyles or those who need fewer grafts to cover precise areas such as the hairline. 

How does FUT work?

To start, the surgeon or a technician will trim or shave the donor area so they can get to the healthy hair. This is then treated with an antiseptic to ensure that it’s clean, and then a local anaesthetic is injected. You may be offered an oral, intravenous, or intramuscular sedative to make the anesthesia injection more comfortable, depending on the clinic. 

This puts you in a light sleep state so you will still be awake during the procedure. The extraction site is marked, and the skin is then stretched to make a precise incision. From there, a small strip of tissue is removed from the donor area where hair is naturally resistant to hair loss. 

While most of the hairs will survive being extracted, some may be transected, meaning they are damaged to the point where they cannot be implanted because of disruptions to the surrounding nerve and blood supply. The amount of transection that occurs and the viability of the grafts will likely depend on the skill of the surgeon. 

The donor area will then need to be closed. A trichophytic technique is used in some clinics so the area can be better camouflaged. A small section of the scalp is trimmed so that hair can grow through the scar to create a natural appearance. Scarring can be reduced using this method for more seamless healing. 

Usually, technicians will be utilised to dissect the harvested strip from the donor area using a powerful microscope to separate the follicular units. How many grafts will survive transection will depend on how skilled the technicians are. The follicles need to remain intact so that they have the best chance of implanting into the scalp.

Tiny incisions are made to create a natural angle, direction, and density that mirrors the surrounding hair when the grafts are implanted so the results look natural.

Who is a suitable candidate for FUT?

If you have significant hair loss and need to cover a large area, FUT may be recommended for you. You’ll also need a donor area with good scalp elasticity for easy removal and closure, healthy donor hair, and a hairstyle that can cover up the thin linear scar.

When you have a consultation with the hair transplant surgeon, they will be able to assess your hair loss and prepare you for what kind of results you can expect with a FUT surgery.. With any hair transplant, it is best to wait until your hair loss has stabilised before committing to the surgery. 

This may prevent the need for future procedures. The age at which you get your transplant is also important, as if you wait too long, you may not have enough donor hair to create a natural appearance. 

How much does a FUT hair transplant cost?

In Australia, the average cost of FUT is between $4,000 and $10,000 per session. While it is less likely that you will need multiple sessions, this can increase to $25,000 or higher. This is comparatively less expensive than FUE. 

How much FUT costs will depend on how many grafts are needed, how experienced the surgeon is, where you live, and the quality of the clinic. Extra costs can be added with post-operative care, and you might need to take time off work to heal from the surgery, so you should factor that into the total cost of the treatment.

Some clinics can offer payment plans to spread out the cost since health insurance is unlikely to cover the surgery as it is considered a cosmetic treatment.

What can Hairy Hair do to help my hair loss?

Whether you’re looking for a supplementary treatment after a hair transplant or you’re seeing your hair fall out at a faster rate than usual, Hairy Hair provides a discreet, convenient option that may give you the chance to regrow your lost hair.

As soon as you notice hair loss, you should start taking steps to treat it so that you don’t end up with bald patches of thinning hair. A preventative medication like the Hairy Hair treatment may help prevent the need for future hair transplants if you’ve already had one while controlling your hair loss.

The powerful combination of ingredients has the chance to strengthen your hair and prevent hair follicles from shrinking and falling out.

By possibly widening the blood vessels to allow for more oxygen and nutrients to reach your follicles and slowing the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), you can target different hair loss issues through a comprehensive treatment approach. 

Conclusion

A FUT hair transplant can be an effective hair loss treatment for long-term results. Hair will continue to grow in the implanted areas, but the surrounding hair can still be subject to hair loss from aging or genetics. You might need to take preventative measures to keep a natural appearance even if you have had a hair transplant.

A FUT transplant can be cheaper compared to other methods, but it does leave a visible scar, and it can take a little longer to heal from the surgery. If you’re finding your hair loss has become an issue or want to potentially prevent future shedding, contact Hairy Hair to start your hair regrowth journey. To start your treatment, all you need to do is fill in our online form. 

Once we get to know you and your hair loss, an Australian GP will give you a call to discuss your personalised treatment plan and answer any queries you might have. Finally, your prescription medication will be delivered right to your door. 

With no clinic visits required, you can manage your hair loss from the comfort of your home. Our dedicated support team will be on hand at every step of your journey to monitor your progress and make any adjustments if needed.