Is FUT Outdated as a Hair Transplant Technique?
In the world of hair transplantation, where innovation and evolution are the keys to achieving the most natural and satisfying results, the debate surrounding the viability of the Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) hair transplant technique often takes center stage. Over the years, hair transplantation has come a long way since its inception in 1959 by Dr. Norman Orentreich. Initially, the procedure involved the use of 6-12 mm punches for hair grafting. While these early attempts were successful in restoring hair, they often resulted in an undesirable, unnatural “Doll’s hair” appearance.
However, the landscape of hair transplantation underwent a significant transformation in the late 1970s with the introduction of mini and micrografts. This marked the shift towards the preferred extraction method of grafts through the strip method. Fast forward to 2002, and the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) hair transplant technique made its debut, bringing a fresh perspective to the field.
Now, we find ourselves at a crossroads with two prominent techniques: FUT and FUE. FUE, in particular, has been rebranded under various fancy names like DHT, DHI, and DSFT. Each of these techniques has its own set of indications, advantages, and limitations. Today, we’ll delve into the tried-and-true method of FUT and address the question of whether it still holds relevance in the world of hair transplant. And if you are also among those searching for the best hair transplant in Delhi, you have landed on the right page!
FUT Technique
FUT is a meticulously performed technique that demands the expertise of a highly skilled surgeon proficient in cutting and suturing. In this method, a strip of skin is carefully removed and then sutured back using a trichophytic closure technique that minimizes scarring, allowing hair to grow through the scar.
To further diminish the visibility of the scar, additional hair grafts can be transplanted onto it, or camouflage techniques like Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP) can be employed. The healing process is remarkably swift. Patients can shampoo their heads just four days after the surgery and can return to work as early as the next day, as this technique does not require the complete shaving of the scalp.
Scar refilling with Scalp Micro Pigmentation
What distinguishes FUT is its capacity to harvest a substantial number of grafts while preserving the donor area for potential future use. These individual hair follicular units are meticulously separated under high-magnification microscopes, ensuring a high graft survival rate.
Intriguingly, FUT can be combined with beard hair transplant or body hair transplant to obtain an even larger number of grafts in a single session. This flexibility means that a patient who has undergone FUT can opt for another FUT or FUE hair transplant in the future if needed.
Despite its many advantages and lack of disadvantages, FUT has been met with skepticism by some. There are prevalent myths circulating about FUT in the market, primarily stemming from a lack of appropriate surgical skills and training among certain surgeons and clinics offering hair transplants.
Let's debunk some of these myths and clarify the facts revolving around FUT in the hair transplant market:
- MYTH: It is an outdated technique that nobody uses anymore.
FACT: FUT is a highly sophisticated surgery that requires years of experience, a well-trained technical team, advanced surgical instrumentation, high-power microscopes, and significant investment. In contrast, FUE operates more efficiently on a franchise model and does not demand the same extensive resources.
- MYTH: FUT results in a large scar at the back of the head.
FACT: The scar from FUT surgery is minimal, thanks to a special technique called TRICHOPHYTIC closure. It’s important to note that not all FUT procedures are the same, and the final outcome of the scar depends on the skills and experience of the surgeon.
- MYTH: FUT leads to a tight scalp and restricts head movement.
FACT: FUT does not affect head movements, and the scalp’s elasticity remains intact. In fact, FUT is only performed after assessing the scalp’s elasticity.
- MYTH: FUE provides more grafts than FUT, and FUT grafts fall out over time.
FACT: FUT provides more grafts than FUE without a doubt. Combining both procedures can maximize the donor area’s potential. Additionally, FUT allows the surgeon to harvest grafts solely from the permanent donor zone, which has a longer life compared to the less reliable donor zone used in FUE procedures.
In summary, FUT is a valuable technique that can procure a large number of grafts while maintaining donor density. This makes it particularly essential for cases of advanced baldness and patients with progressive baldness who may require a second transplant in the future. The key to understanding its true worth lies in dispelling the myths surrounding it and recognizing the expertise required to perform it effectively.
Balanced hair transplant is the most customized and detailed approach in the hair transplant industry which meets all these needs
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Frequently Asked Questions
The recovery timeline for a Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) hair transplant, also known as a strip hair transplant, typically involves several stages, with some variation among individuals.
The recovery of the donor area after a Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) hair transplant can vary from person to person
