Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

Name: Kopelman Hair Restoration
Brand: Kopelman Hair Restoration
Rating: 5 (106 reviews)

FUT continues to be a very popular hair transplant technique we use to achieve natural looking outcomes.

What is FUT?

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 greatly reduced the visibility of these scars. This makes FUT a viable option for patients who don’t typically wear very short 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 survival rates of transplanted hair. 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 make 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, especially in New York City where demand for high-quality and efficient hair restoration services is significant.

"I recently underwent a Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) procedure with Dr. Kopelman and I must say, the experience exceeded my expectations. From the initial consultation to the post-procedure follow-up, Dr. Kopelman and his team demonstrated the utmost professionalism, care, and expertise".

— L.S. / New York

Am I a Candidate for FUT?

Before considering FUT in New York City with Dr. Kopelman, it’s important 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.

What are the Benefits of FUT?

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.

FUT with Drs. Kopelman

Drs. Kopelman are both hair restoration surgeons based in New York City specializing in the advanced technique of Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). Under the skilled hands of Drs. Kopelman, 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.

Consultation

Private Consultation with Dr. Kopelman for FUT

To begin exploring your options for FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) hair restoration in New York City, 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 you find appealing. 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.

FUE Procedure

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 effective donor hair access and the overall success of the FUT technique.

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.

Creating Recipient Sites and Transplantation

Post-break, Dr. Kopelman prepares the recipient sites on the scalp areas experiencing hair loss. The harvested follicular units are then expertly transplanted to these sites, focusing on achieving a natural hairline and improved hair density.

Recovery from FUT

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:

Immediate Post-Procedure Care:

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.

First Few Days

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.

First Week

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:

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.

One to Three Months

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.

Long-term Care

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.

Frequently asked questions about
Follicular Unit Transplantation

FUT Different from FUE

Linear Scar from FUT

Duration of FUT

Combination of FUT and FUE

Hair Density from FUT

What Makes FUT Different from FUE?

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.

Is the Linear Scar from FUT Noticeable?

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.

How Long Does FUT Surgery Take?

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.

Can FUT and FUE be Combined in a Single Treatment Plan?

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.

What Should I Expect in Terms of Hair Density from FUT?

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.