FOLLICULAR UNIT HAIR TRANSPLANTATION (FUT) OR STRIP METHOD

WHAT IS FUT?

• This technique is gold standard for hair restoration. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) is a surgical procedure where hair is transplanted from the permanent zone (safe donor area) to the bald or balding areas of the scalp. This is accomplished using naturally-occurring groups of 1, 2, 3, or 4 hairs, called follicular units (grafts).

• Hair loss (androgenic alopecia) occurs in front and crown but usually never at sides and back of scalp as these hair are independent of genetic control which cause hair loss. Hence hairs in this permanent zone are used as donor hair for hair restoration.

HOW THE FUT PROCEDURE IS PERFORMED?

• In strip technique after the patient’s scalp is anesthetized, the doctor removes a strip of occipital scalp 8-10 cm long and 1 to 1.5 cm width, including hairs with hair roots and skin from safe donor area. The defect is closed with sutures or staples …we prefer two layer suturing which gives best closure……..in addition to this we employ tricophytic closure where hair grows through scar making it almost indiscernible.

• Harvested donor strip is cut into many individual follicular units by microscopic dissection and around 2500-3000 grafts obtained; number of grafts depends on donor density. As these follicular unit grafts are being prepared, the doctor makes tiny holes in the scalp, called recipient sites, where the grafts are implanted using no touch technique.

WHAT POST OP CARE IS NEEDED?

• Normally minimal…..Sutures are removed in two weeks following surgery.

• For outstation patients we use absorbable sutures so no need for removal as they tend to dissolve by 2 weeks

• A detailed postop care written instruction leaflet is given to patient.

ADVANTAGES OF FUT TECHNIQUE

• As dissection is performed under microscope or loupes transection rate of hair follicle is minimum ie up to 3% compared to 8-9% in FUE.

• Larger no of grafts harvested and implanted in single session.

• No need to trim hair unlike in most cases of FUE and no one can make out from donor area that patient had hair transplant immediately after the procedure

• DISADVANTAGES• The suture takes 10-15 days to heal. This technique is

associated with little more pain than FUE….• COMPLICATIONS• None…in well-trained hands like us complications are

very rare….• IS SECOND STRIP EXCISION POSSIBLE FOR REPEAT

TRANSPLANT?• Yes, in second surgery the previous scar will be excised

so that finally you will be left with only one scar…

• Thank you