Did you know that nearly 85% of men and 40% of women suffer from hair loss?
As a result, their quality of life also suffers. That’s because hair loss not only affects your hair — it affects your confidence and emotions!
Luckily, there is a scientifically backed procedure for curing hair loss. It’s called a FUT hair transplant.
But, what is a FUT hair transplant?
In this short post, you’ll learn the answer to that alongside details of the hair transplant procedure, common side effects, and average costs.
What Is a FUT Hair Transplant?
A Follicular Unit Transplantation, or FUT hair transplant, is a minor and non-invasive procedure for fixing hair loss. It works by removing a strip of skin from the backside of your scalp, taking out hair follicles, and inserting them over a bald spot.
Also known as strip harvesting, it’s particularly effective for those suffering from receeding hairlines.
Who Should Get a FUT Hair Transplant?
Good candidates for FUT hair transplants are people aged 25 or older who suffer from androgen alopecia, a common hair loss condition.
For example, in men, androgen alopecia — aka male pattern baldness —creates an M-shaped hairline called the Norwood pattern. On the other hand, in women, it creates thin hair at the top of the head called the Ludwig pattern.
Alongside this condition, ideal candidates have a high density of hair follicles, a similar hair color to their skin color, and a balding area near the front of the head.
What is the FUT Hair Transplant Surgery Like?
After determining if you’re the right candidate, the next step is the surgery itself.
Generally, FUT hair transplants have three main parts.
First, the surgeon chooses a donor area for the hair extraction. A good donor area is one that’s on the back of your head and has enough hair follicles. Once chosen, the surgeon numbs the donor area with a local anesthetic.
Second, the surgeon will trim down the donor area and cut out a strip of skin about 0.4 to 0.6 inches wide. Afterward, the surgeon will stitch up the area.
Third, the surgeon will remove individual hair follicles, prepare them for transplant, and reinsert them in the balding area. Once complete, the surgeon will clean up the area.
Altogether, the surgery itself takes around four to eight hours, and the final results take around six to nine months.
Side Effects of FUT Hair Transplants
Although over 99% of FUT hair transplants are infection free, there are some side effects to be aware of. In particular, scarring and hair loss.
Scarring results from the surgery, fades over time, and is easy to conceal with longer hair. Shock hair loss means your transplanted hair falls out within 60 days of the surgery — however, it often grows back within four months or so.
Furthermore, other (rarer) side effects include:
- numbness
- swelling
- bumps
- hair follicle inflammation
- bleeding
- cysts
Cost of a FUT Hair Transplant
There isn’t a set price for a FUT hair transplant. Rather, the cost involves the clinic’s location, the surgeon’s experience, and the amount of hair transplanted.
With that in mind, FUT hair transplants typically range from $4,000 to $10,000.
Since most insurance plans don’t cover FUT hair transplants, customers pay the surgery cost upfront or as part of a payment plan.
FUT Hair Transplants Will Grow Back Your Hair and Confidence
In brief, after learning about the surgery, costs, and side effects, you can truly answer what is a FUT hair transplant. Not only that, but you can also make an informed decision on whether a FUT hair transplant is right for you.
Lastly, if you’re interested in learning about more beauty secrets, make sure to check out Pambr’s posts on beauty concerns.