Overview of Procedure

Follicular Unit Transplantation involves the removing of thin strips of skin from the donor site (typically the back and sides of the head), and implanting or relocating them to a bald spot on the head, often the front and top of the head.

The size and shape of the grafts depend on the degree of baldness, color, texture and thickness of the hair. Coarse and light-colored hair, such as grey or blonde, often results in better coverage than fine, dark-colored hair.

After the donor and recipient areas have been anesthetized, your hair transplant surgeon will use a scalpel to carefully remove strips of the donor scalp, which will then be stapled or stitched. The FUT procedure will leave a thin scar on the back of the head where the strips The hairy strips will be examined under a microscope and then divided into smaller pieces and categorized according to the number of hair follicles per root.

In the top, frontal area of the head (assuming that this is the recipient area), tiny holes or slits will be made for where the grafts will be implanted. Your hair transplant surgeon will use a pen-like instrument to pack the graphs into the tiny holes in the recipient area.

After the graphs have been transplanted, your scalp will be cleansed and covered with gauze. Normally, your surgeon will require that you wear a pressure bandage for approximately one week following the surgery.

The Right Candidates

The first step to determining the right candidate for hair transplant surgery is by determining the available grafts that they are able to donate. Suitable candidates must have enough hair to supply the bald areas without causing a balding effect to the donor area. The hair in the donor area must be thick, so that it can provide a reasonable good appearance after the hair transplant.

The current age and level of baldness are also very important when considering a hair transplant candidate. The patient is recommended to be at an age where pattern baldness is apparent or eventually will be apparent. Your cosmetic surgeon will be able to give you a better details once he or she has viewed pictures or has seen the patient in person.

Because hair grows at a particular angle and in a specific direction, the hair growth patterns must be duplicated as close as possible. When the hair transplant is completed, the restored hair will look natural and no different from the original pattern of hair growth.

Of course, it is also very important that the patient understand all aspects of this cosmetic surgery and is motivated throughout the hair transplant process

Risks and Side Effects

Hair transplant surgery risks are very minimal. One may experience an allergic reaction to the anesthesia, like any other surgery. Infection is possible, but very rare. The only risk is that the results may not be exactly what the patient expected.

Surgery

The hair on the donor area will be trimmed short so that the grafts can easily be removed. Both the donor and the recipient areas will be treated with local anesthesia.

The patient will have a consultation with the hair transplant surgeon prior to the surgery to determine the size, shape and number of the grafts needed to be transferred. This will depend on the size of the bald spot and the color and coarseness of the hair.

•  Refrain from Aspirin and Vitamin E intake one week before your operation
•  Refrain from smoking or limit the amount
•  Do not get a haircut
•  You may dye your hair one week before your surgery but you cannot dye it for 6 weeks after
• If you use hair replacement, please remove it one week before the operation
• Stretch the skin in the donor site area at least five times a day
•  Refrain from alcohol consumption one day before the surgery
• Eat a light breakfast the morning of the operation, and after the operation eat a light lunch
•  Wear a button-down shirt the day of the operation

Recovery

• Avoid alcohol consumption for 5 days after operation
•  The affected areas may need to be bandaged overnight.  
•  Your doctor will give you a head band to wear around the donor site for at least one week, which will protect the affected area from infection and reduce swelling.  
• Avoid strenuous activity during the first few days after your hair transplant surgery.  
• Expect swelling, bruising, headache and mild discomfort. These symptoms can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers.  
• Scabs will form at the graft/recipient site. Let them fall off naturally, or wait until your visit back to the doctor to have your staples removed, so that the scabs may be removed hygienically and diligently. 
• Do not use an electric razor for 6 months after your hair transplant surgery.  
• Avoid saunas, artificial or natural sunbathing and wearing a motorcycle helmet for 2 weeks after surgery.  
• Avoid scratching or picking at your scalp for the first 3 months after your surgery, as it may cause an infection or pimples.  
• On the day of your hair transplant surgery, after surgery, make sure you ice your eye and temple area for 10 minutes every hour.   
•  Sleep with a raised pillow for the first few nights after your surgery.  
• 3 days after the operation, you may gently wash the affected area.  
• Your doctor may prescribe or recommend a medicated lotion to rub on the affected area until the scabs fall off.

Results

Because of the lack of oxygen transported to the transplanted roots, the transplanted hair will fall out within 1-2 months. The transplanted roots will strengthen in about 12-14 weeks, in which time new strands will be produced. New hair will start to grow in the grafted area within 3 months.

You should expect full results after 8 months – 1 year. The normal rate of hair growth per month is approximately 1 cm. The day after the surgery, you may brush or comb your hair without exerting any pressure on the affected area.