FUT Hair Transplant in Freehold, NJ
At New Jersey Hair Restoration Center in Freehold, NJ, we specialize in the cutting-edge Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) hair transplant technique. FUT is a transformative solution for those experiencing hair loss to extreme balding. With over five years of experience and physician-led expertise, our center is notable for its commitment to quality and patient-centered care in the field of hair restoration.
What Is a FUT Hair Transplant?
FUT is a highly advanced procedure designed to restore hair to areas affected by thinning or baldness. The FUT procedure, otherwise known as the “strip method,” involves four steps:
- Removing the Donor Hair: Before starting, local anesthesia will be applied to your scalp to ensure you have a comfortable, relaxed, and pain-free experience. Once your scalp has numbed, a tiny strip of skin from your scalp (the donor area) containing healthy hair follicles is removed. This strip is retrieved from the back of the head so your existing hair will cover this scar after removing it, and the skin is stitched back up. The scar may be visible if you have very short hair on the back of your head.
- Preparing the Donor Hair: This strip is divided into individual follicular units, which are small groups of one to four hair follicles.
- Placing the Follicular Units: The individual follicular units are then transplanted to the balding or thinning area of the scalp (the recipient area). Dr. Emil Shakov will accomplish this by making a tiny incision on your scalp for each follicular unit. Transplanting each unit individually ensures a natural-looking result by customizing the amount of density and coverage.
- After the Procedure: Once the procedure is done, we will provide you with easy-to-follow care instructions so you feel confident about the recovery process.
Immediately after the procedure, you will be able to see short hairs in the balding area. However, it is normal for the transplanted hairs to fall out initially. At one week after your surgery, expect swelling and redness to be gone. At about two to three months, new hair will start to regrow. You can expect to see noticeable hair growth after six months.
How Does FUT Compare to FUE for Advanced Balding or Hair Loss?
Both FUT and FUE (Follicular Unit Excision) are leading hair transplant techniques in the industry. While they both have the same end result of restoring hair in areas of thinning or baldness, they are different in the way follicles are extracted, recovery, and potential side effects.
FUT
- Extraction: The hair is removed all at once as a strip of healthy hair follicles. This can be done in as little as 15 to 30 minutes.
- Recovery: Recovery time is typically longer, as the skin removed needs more time to heal.
- Side Effects: May leave a linear scar from where the donor area was removed, but can be covered by surrounding hair that is a ½ inch or longer.
FUE
- Extraction: Each hair is extracted individually, which may take one to four hours to complete.
- Recovery: Recovery time is typically shorter as each individual follicle is extracted than a strip.
- Side Effects: Will produce minimal scarring, if at all.
Significant Benefits of FUT Hair Restoration
- Natural-Looking Results: The FUT transplant technique is renowned for delivering results that blend seamlessly with your existing hair. This method ensures that the transplanted hair grows in its natural direction, enhancing the overall appearance.
- Efficiency in Covering Larger Areas: One significant benefit of the FUT method is its ability to cover large balding areas in a single session. This efficiency makes it an ideal choice for individuals with significant hair loss.
- High Graft Viability: FUT hair transplantation boasts a high rate of graft survival. The careful handling and preparation of follicular units increase the likelihood of successful hair growth post-transplant.
- Minimized Downtime: Patients typically experience minimal downtime, allowing for a swift return to daily activities. The procedure is designed to facilitate a quick recovery process.
- Lasting Solution: Unlike temporary hair loss solutions, FUT transplants offer a permanent answer to hair loss. The transplanted hair is resistant to the hormonal changes that cause balding, ensuring lasting results.
- Precision and Control: The FUT technique allows for precise control over the placement and density of the transplants, ensuring a tailored approach to each client’s unique hair restoration needs.
- Reduced Scarring: While a linear scar is a known side effect of FUT, advancements in the FUT method have led to reduced scarring in the donor area. The linear scar is typically easily concealed by existing hair of at least ½ inch.
Risks of FUT Hair Transplantation
Complications after FUT are rare. The head receives a large blood supply, so surgical incisions heal relatively fast and without infection. Other complications may include:
- Unnatural looking hair
- Bumps at the incision sites
- Folliculitis – an inflammation of the hair follicles caused by an infection
- Cysts
- Shock loss – when transplanted hair falls out two months after surgery and grows back within four months
Candidates for FUT Hair Transplants
Ideal candidates for a FUT hair transplant are those with sufficient donor hair density and flexibility in the scalp. Other factors that contribute to ideal candidacy include:
- Hair Length: If you prefer to wear your hair longer and don’t want to shave your head for a transplant, you are a candidate for FUT. This is because longer hair can easily cover the linear scar at the back of the head.
- Age: While both male and female patients of different ages may be candidates for FUT, the ideal candidates are older men, as FUT scars heal better as you age.
- Hair Loss Stage: The more advanced your hair loss stage is, the more likely you would be a candidate for FUT over FUE. As FUT removes a strip of hair, this can remove much of the viable hair all together instead of trying to harvest individual grafts.
Wondering if FUT is right for you? A consultation with Dr. Shakov will determine your suitability for the procedure, considering your hair loss pattern, health condition, and hair restoration goals.
How Do I Prepare for FUT Hair Transplants?
Prior to your procedure, it is important to prep to ensure the best results possible. These include:
- Avoid blood-thinning medications or supplements for 10 days and ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs three days before the procedure.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for a week before your treatment.
- Do not expose your head to ultraviolet (UV) rays.
- Let your hair grow to half an inch long before the day of your procedure.
- Do not apply hair conditioner for three days.
Recovery From FUT Hair Restoration
FUT technique involves a minor surgical procedure, so you will need time to recover. During this time, it is expected to observe some swelling and bleeding. You will need to keep your head elevated while sleeping and avoid bending over. Consume only healthy foods and lots of water. We will provide you with further detailed aftercare instructions that will help you take proper care of your transplanted hair.
Frequently Asked Questions About FUT Hair Transplants
Does FUT Hair Restoration Have Side Effects?
After the procedure, you may experience facial bruising or swelling for a few days. It is also common to have a significant amount of discomfort associated with the surgical incision made at the back of your head and in the donor and recipient areas. Pain medications can help you to cope with such difficulties.
When Does My Hair Grow Back After a FUT Hair Transplant?
The transplanted hairs initially fall out about two months after surgery, which is called shock loss. After a few months, the follicles repair and start producing healthy hairs similar to your other hair and can be washed, conditioned, trimmed, or colored as usual. While the initial growth can be noticed within a few months, the full impact of the transplant usually becomes evident after 9 to 12 months. This timeline allows the transplanted hair to go through its natural growth cycle.
How Much Does FUT Cost?
The cost of any hair transplant surgery varies depending on the amount of hair being transplanted, the surgeon, the location of the clinic, and potential travel costs if you don’t live near the surgeon’s office. It is unlikely that insurance will cover FUT as it is considered a cosmetic procedure, but it may be covered if hair loss is from trauma, such as burns. Contact us at New Jersey Hair Restoration Center to receive a consultation for more information.
Can I Combine FUT With PRP Therapy?
Yes! PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, contains healing factors from your own blood which helps to accelerate healing. By combining PRP with FUT, your freshly transplanted follicles will be healthier and may enhance the overall success of the transplant.
Can I Combine FUT With PepFactor?
Absolutely. PepFactor is similar to PRP but in addition to using your own blood, it also uses peptides (amino acids) to stimulate hair growth. PepFactor can also reverse some hair loss and help your scalp grow healthier hair. Compared to PRP, PepFactor works faster and better. PepFactor is not a commonly provided addition in hair restoration clinics, but we are proud to offer it to our clients!
Can I Combine FUT With Exosome Therapy?
Yes, FUT can be combined with exosome therapy. Exosomes come from stem cells and contain growth factors and protein to help promote hair growth and hair density. Exosome therapy can also be combined with either PRP or PepFactor to boost results.
How Do I Maintain My Results?
The most crucial step in maintaining results is to follow any aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Shakov. This will allow for optimal recovery and the best long-term results. Examples of aftercare include:
- Avoid scratching or rubbing your scalp.
- Avoid tight hairstyles that can pull on the hair and scalp.
- Avoid hair dye and bleaching for at least 6 months post-surgery.
- Avoid heated styling tools and styling products for a few weeks after surgery.
- Limit consuming alcohol as it can inhibit the healing process.
Use gentle shampoo and conditioner. - Cover your head when out in the sun to reduce exposure to UV rays.
- If you smoke, try and quit after surgery. Smoking can negatively impact your healing and new hair growth.
Why Choose New Jersey Hair Restoration Center for FUT?
As far as hair transplantation is concerned, our team is committed to providing you with the best service and ensuring a natural look after the procedure. If you are looking for a solution to your hair thinning and balding through hair transplantation, make sure to give us a call and schedule an appointment with our experts.
Unlock Permanent, Natural, Lasting Hair Solutions With FUT Transplants in Freehold, NJ
At New Jersey Hair Restoration Center in Freehold, NJ, we’re committed to advanced hair restoration techniques, including FUT hair transplants. Our approach focuses on natural-looking results, efficiency in treating large areas, and a high graft survival rate. The FUT method provides a lasting solution to hair loss. When combined with innovative treatments such as PRP, PepFactor, and exosomes, you can take the first step for a healthier, fuller head of hair. For a detailed assessment of your hair restoration needs and to learn more about how FUT hair transplants can benefit you, schedule a consultation with us today. Reach out to us online or call (888) 897-8996 for a consultation.