What is a FUT hair transplant surgery?

Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) involves removing a strip of scalp with healthy hair from the back of the head and then dissecting it into individual follicular units. These units are then transplanted to areas experiencing hair thinning or baldness. FUT is known for its ability to provide a large number of grafts in a single session, making it ideal for patients with significant hair loss.
While FUT may leave a linear scar on the donor area, advancements in surgical techniques have significantly reduced the visibility of these scars. This makes FUT a viable option for patients who don’t typically wear terse haircuts and are not as concerned about scar visibility. Moreover, FUT allows for a high volume of grafts to be transplanted, ensuring a dense and natural-looking hair coverage. This method is particularly beneficial for patients requiring extensive restoration, as it can cover large areas in fewer sessions compared to other techniques.
The precision in graft preparation in FUT ensures that each follicular unit is intact and robust, leading to high transplanted hair survival rates. This precision contributes to a natural-looking hairline and overall hair density, a goal often sought in hair restoration procedures.
FUT’s effectiveness in treating various patterns of hair loss and its ability to provide substantial coverage in a single session makes it a preferred method for many seeking comprehensive and long-lasting hair restoration solutions. This method, combined with its adaptability to different hair types, remains a popular choice in the field of cosmetic and restorative hair treatments, where demand for high-quality and efficient hair restoration services is significant.
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"I had an FUE hair transplant with Dr. Kopelman, and the results exceeded my expectations. From consultation to follow-up, Dr. Kopelman and his team were professional, caring, and highly skilled. I'm thrilled with the outcome."

— J.H.

Am I a Candidate for a FUT Hair Transplant?

Before considering FUT with Dr. Kopelman, it’s essential to understand who makes a good candidate:
  • Both Men and Women: FUT can be effective for both male and female pattern baldness.
  • Significant Hair Loss: Ideal for individuals with extensive baldness requiring a high volume of grafts.
  • Flexible Hairstyle Preferences: Suitable for those who do not necessarily prefer very short haircuts, as the procedure leaves a minimal linear scar.
  • Adequate Donor Hair Density: Requires a good density of hair at the donor site for strip extraction.
  • Older Patients with Stabilized Hair Loss: Often preferred by older individuals with a more stable pattern of hair loss.
  • Previous Hair Transplant Patients: Those who have undergone previous hair restoration procedures may also benefit from FUT.
  • Non-Smokers or Those Willing to Quit: Smoking can affect healing and graft survival, so non-smokers or those who can quit are preferred candidates.
Hair Transplant Surgery in NYC

What are the Benefits of FUT Hair Transplant?

FUT, or Follicular Unit Transplantation, provides distinct advantages in hair transplantation, especially for those with significant hair loss. It stands as a robust alternative to FUE.

Key advantages of FUT include:

  • High Volume of Grafts: FUT allows for the transplantation of a large number of hair grafts in a single session, making it ideal for extensive hair restoration.
  • Efficiency in Coverage: It’s particularly beneficial for covering large bald areas in fewer sessions.
  • Suitable for Different Hair Loss Patterns: FUT is adaptable to various patterns of hair loss, making it a more versatile option for many patients.

Best FUT Hair Transplant with Drs. Kopelman

Dr. Kopelman and Kopelman are both hair restoration surgeons who specialize in the advanced technique of Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Under their skilled hands, patients can expect a personalized approach to FUT. Each procedure is tailored to suit the unique hair restoration needs of the individual, ensuring that the results not only enhance their appearance but also boost their confidence.

FUT Hair Surgery Consultation

Private Consultation with Dr. Kopelman for FUT

To begin exploring your options for FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) hair restoration, scheduling a private consultation with Dr. Kopelman is the essential first step. In this personal meeting, you will engage in a one-on-one conversation with Dr. Kopelman. This is your opportunity to articulate your goals for hair restoration and to have any queries addressed.
This consultation is an ideal moment for you to express your expectations and wishes regarding your hair. Feel free to bring along pictures of hairlines or hairstyles that appeal to you. Additionally, our office provides an array of before-and-after images featuring cases with hair patterns and challenges similar to yours to aid you in visualizing possible results.

Review of Medical History & General Health

A comprehensive review of your medical history is a critical component of your consultation for FUT hair restoration with Dr. Kopelman. Discussions will focus on your family’s hair loss history, any genetic factors potentially impacting your hair, and personal histories of conditions like thyroid or iron deficiencies that can markedly influence hair growth.
Dr. Kopelman will emphasize the importance of understanding your overall health. He may recommend analyzing recent blood work or conducting genetic tests on your hair follicles. Such assessments are designed to uncover any nutritional deficiencies or genetic factors that might be affecting your hair health, enabling the creation of a more effective and individualized hair restoration plan.

Tailored Recommendations for Your Hair Restoration

Dr. Kopelman will develop a personalized plan based on your specific hair restoration goals. Each individual’s pattern of hair loss is distinct, and the approach to restoration can vary from straightforward to more intricate, depending on your unique needs.
Dr. Kopelman will also explore additional treatments or procedures that might enhance your hair restoration process, such as PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy or other scalp treatments. After determining the most suitable strategy for your FUT hair restoration, Dr. Kopelman and his team will capture photographs of your scalp and hair to assist in the planning process.

Preparation for FUT

On the day of your FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) procedure with Dr. Kopelman, specific steps are taken to prepare for a successful surgery. Unlike FUE, FUT requires only partial trimming of hair at the back of the scalp. A strip of hair in the donor area is trimmed to facilitate the removal of a scalp strip. This preparation is essential for adequate donor hair access and the overall success of the FUT technique.
STEP 1

Local Anesthesia and Scalp Strip Removal

During the FUT procedure with Dr. Kopelman, local anesthesia is administered to numb the donor area, ensuring you are comfortable and pain-free while awake. The surgery starts with the careful removal of a scalp strip from this numbed area. Dr. Kopelman’s precision in this process minimizes discomfort and optimizes follicular unit extraction. After the strip is removed and sutured, a break is taken before the next phase.
STEP 2

Creating Recipient Sites and Transplantation

Post-break, Dr. Kopelman prepares the recipient sites on the scalp areas experiencing hair loss and readies the donor hair for transplantation by trimming or dividing the donor strips into their follicular groupings, referred to as units. Each unit contains one to four hair follicles. You can take it easy while preparing these units. Feel free to read a book, take a nap, or watch your favorite movie or TV show while we handle everything else.
STEP 3

Placing the Follicular Units

After the follicles are prepared for transplantation, our physician carefully creates a small incision on your scalp for each follicular unit. They meticulously consider the location, angle, and depth of each incision to ensure natural-looking results and maximize the density and coverage in the thinning areas. Following your personalized plan, our hair transplant team places each follicular unit into the recipient sites prepared by your physician.
STEP 4

Recovery

SEE below Section: Post FUT Hair Surgery Recovery Process

FUT Hair Transplant Before and After

Age: 49

Gender: Male
Procedure: Hair Transplant

Grafts: 2400

Procedure Description:
Patient wanted to restore a receding hairline. Photos taken before and after one year.

Post FUT Hair Surgery Recovery Process

The recovery process following a FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) hair transplant, as conducted by Dr. Kopelman, is straightforward but differs slightly from the FUE method. Here is a detailed guide on what to expect during the FUT recovery period:
After the FUT procedure, it's common for the scalp to feel tender, particularly in the area where the strip was removed. Dr. Kopelman may apply a bandage over this donor area for a day or two. Pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics might be prescribed to manage any discomfort and prevent infection.
Swelling and some discomfort are normal in the first few days following the surgery. These symptoms typically diminish fairly quickly. Dr. Kopelman recommends avoiding hair washing or showering during this initial period to allow the scalp, especially the donor area, to heal properly. Sleeping with your head elevated can help in reducing swelling.
Patients are generally able to return to work and resume most of their normal activities within a few days post-surgery. Gentle hair washing may commence after a few days, following Dr. Kopelman’s specific care instructions. Strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for at least a week to minimize swelling and prevent increased blood flow to the treated areas. Two to Three Weeks:
It is expected for the transplanted hair to shed during this period, which is a standard part of the hair transplant process. Careful handling of the hair and scalp remains important to avoid damaging the new follicles.
New hair growth usually becomes noticeable around three months after the procedure. Initially, the hair may be thin and fine, but it typically thickens over time, contributing to a fuller look.
The full results of the FUT hair transplant are generally visible between six to twelve months post-procedure. Regular follow-up visits with Dr. Kopelman are crucial for monitoring progress and addressing any concerns.
Adhering to all post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Kopelman is key to achieving optimal healing and the most effective results from your FUT hair transplant.

FUT Hair Transplant Cost

The average cost of an FUT hair transplant may be between $15,000 and $25,000. The price may be even higher at some clinics.

Some factors that can determine the cost include:
  • Amount of hair being transplanted. Most clinics charge by the number of hair follicles being transplanted, but some clinics offer a fixed price.
  • The surgeon. The price of surgery varies between clinics and the surgeon’s experience.
  • Location.Clinics in some cities may charge more for FUT surgery.
  • Travel costs. If you have to travel for your surgery, you should also budget for travel expenses.
It’s unlikely that your insurance will cover FUT since it’s usually considered a cosmetic surgery. It may be covered in some instances if you’ve lost your hair from burns or trauma.
Some clinics offer payment plans to pay for the surgery over several installments

Frequently asked questions about
Follicular Unit Transplantation

Is FUT better than FUE?
Is the Linear Scar from FUT Noticeable?
How long does a FUT hair transplant last?
Can FUT and FUE be Combined in a Single Treatment Plan?
What Should I Expect in Terms of Hair Density from FUT?
Is FUT Hair Transplant Safe?
Shock hair loss
FUT, also known as the strip method, involves removing a strip of scalp from the back of the head and dissecting it into individual follicular units for transplantation. This differs from FUE, where individual follicles are extracted directly from the scalp. A key difference is that FUT typically allows for a larger number of grafts to be transplanted in a single session, making it more suitable for patients with extensive hair loss. However, FUT does leave a linear scar, which is something to consider if you prefer shorter hairstyles.
The visibility of the scar from FUT depends on several factors, including the skill of the surgeon, your hair's characteristics, and how you style your hair. Advanced surgical techniques used by experienced surgeons like Dr. Kopelman can minimize the appearance of the scar. Additionally, if you have thicker hair and do not wear it very short, the scar is typically well-concealed. For those concerned about scarring, discuss this with Dr. Kopelman during your consultation to understand how it may affect you.
The duration of FUT surgery varies based on the number of grafts being transplanted. Generally, the procedure can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. Since FUT allows for the transplantation of a large number of grafts at once, it might require fewer sessions compared to FUE for extensive hair restoration.
Yes, in some cases, Dr. Kopelman may recommend combining FUT and FUE techniques in a single treatment plan or over multiple sessions. This approach can maximize the number of grafts harvested and optimize the overall aesthetic results. The decision to combine these methods depends on individual hair loss patterns, donor hair availability, and specific restoration goals.
FUT typically results in high-density coverage due to the method's efficiency in transplanting a large number of grafts. The final density depends on your individual characteristics, such as the density of your donor hair and the size of the balding area.
The procedure is generally safe and can achieve a natural-looking result when performed by a skilled surgeon. However, it does leave a scar at the site where the hair is extracted. Therefore, if you typically keep your hair short, FUE surgery might be a more suitable choice.
Donor hair effluvium is commonly referred to as shock hair loss. It’s a common occurrence where transplanted hair falls out within two months after surgery. The hair almost always grows back within four months.

Schedule a FUT Hair Trasnplant Consultation

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