What to Expect for a FUT Hair Treatment

Those who are in need of hair restoration, may look into receiving FUT hair treatment as an option to combat balding. FUT hair treatments can help patients overcome insecurities and self-doubt that is often caused due to hair thinning and balding of the scalp. A large number of Americans are going to be impacted by hair loss at one point or another in their lives. Thankfully, in today’s society we have procedures that can help restore hair after significant loss.

Patients may be nervous to try minimally invasive procedures out of fear of pain, discomfort, or not receiving the results they are hoping for. Finding an experienced FUT hair treatment doctor is key to getting the most successful outcome possible.

Here we have answered several questions about FUT hair treatments, so patients know what to expect prior to and after the procedure is complete:

Q: What are the benefits of FUT hair treatments?

A: Follicular unit transplant (or FUT strip hair transplant), is most ideal for those who have significant hair loss and prefer long-styled hair. When a strip of follicle and skin is harvested from healthy areas of the scalp, long native hair can easily hide post-procedure wounds and scarring. The benefits of FUT hair treatments are that the transplants should last throughout the rest of the patient’s lifetime. Additionally, with the FUT approach, a greater number of follicle units can be gathered and transplanted in a single session.

Q: Is a FUT hair treatment going to be painful?

A: Before a FUT hair treatment begins, a patient is given a mild sedative and local numbing injections so there is little to no pain during the procedure. Some patients may feel discomfort once the procedure is finished, but any pain should decrease in intensity in the days following. Since the hair follicles and scalp are being surgically removed, a sutured wound is left behind to heal over the course of about ten days. Many doctors prescribe their patients pain medication to alleviate aches as the scalp is healing.

Q: Is there anything a patient can do at home to prepare?

A: Yes, a doctor may recommend performing at-home scalp exercises about a month prior to the procedure. By doing these exercises, it can decrease the chances of a patient experiencing scalp tightness in the back of the head post procedure, as this is commonly where healthy follicles and skin are gathered for transplantation.

Q: How soon will new hair grow?

A: After the grafts are transplanted, the site may initially resemble more like hair stubble. These newly transplanted hairs will go through the natural hair shedding and growth cycle. Over the course of about two months, the new hair will grow, shed, and sprout again as they enter the last growth phase.

True results may start to be observed between 2-3 months post procedure. Within the year to come, the hair will become longer and thicker. Patients can anticipate coarse hair growth and the final outcome between 10-12 months.

Resources:

Wikipedia, Hair Treatment

Dr. Robin Unger, MD, Hair Loss Treatment NYC