Hair autotransplantation is a generic term that includes Follicular Unit Transplantation, FUT, also known as Follicular Unit Strip Surgery, FUSS or STRIP, is considered the standart method of performing an autotransplant.
We can recognize FUT in hair autograft by the harvesting that takes place by extracting a strip of skin from the back of the neck.
For years, its efficiency has been demonstrated. As previously mentioned, it consists in taking a lozenge of skin from the back of the head by exploiting its laxity (its elasticity).
In FUT technique hair autograft, the donor area is then sutured (stitched) and, once healing has occurred, there is a linear scar.
The scar in FUT hair transplantation
In the case of FUT hair transplants, the main concern of anyone undergoing the procedure is the scar. This is the biggest disadvantage of the technique, but it is very often overemphasised.
The lozenge of skin is then dissected by a team of experts to obtain the individual follicular units.
Hair autografting using the FUT technique is a very sophisticated procedure. A great deal of expertise is required to remove the lozenge of skin without damaging the follicles and to suture the wound to cause as little scarring as possible. Years of practice are required to be able to separate individual follicular units.
Disadvantages of hair transplantation with FUT technique:
- Offers the most robust and permanent follicular units from the donor area.
- The rate of damaged follicles is very low if the operation is performed by experienced hands.
- Does not damage in any way the rest of the donor area, which can then be used for future sessions.
- The scar is located in the richest portion of the donor area and is therefore well camouflaged.
- It can be performed without shaving the donor area.
- There is no open wound, so the healing process is very fast.
Thanks to Dr. Emre Karadeniz for offering this exclusive article.
