What to Know About an FUE and FUT Hair Transplant

Hair transplant involves surgically removing hair follicles from an area with dense hair, called the donor area, and implanting them in the bald or thinning area on the scalp. Approximately 50% of women and 60% of men experience a form of hair loss.

The main cause of hair loss is ageing, but other factors like stress, trauma, genetics, and medications such as thyroid disorder or alopecia areata can cause hair loss.

Certain over-the-counter medications and topical treatments such as Minoxidil (Rogaine) can treat thinning hair and a balding area, but you can achieve a permanent result from hair transplant surgery.

Hair Transplant Treatments?

During hair transplant surgery, the hair transplant surgeon will remove hair follicles from the donor area, usually the rear side of the head, and transplant the follicles to the affected area. Before the hair transplant, the surgeon will numb and sterilise the area where they will harvest the hair follicles.

Your surgeon will proceed with a follicular hair extraction (FUE) or follicular unit transplantation (FUT).

• Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)

In FUE, the hair transplant surgeon will shave off the hair from the rear side of the head and then harvest the individual hair follicles from the donor site using a microneedle. This procedure doesn’t need stitches, and healing only leaves tiny marks on the scalp, which your existing hair can conceal.

The surgeon will make tiny incisions on the recipient area and insert the follicular units. The procedures ensure a faster recovery time.

• Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)

FUT, also known as follicular unit strip surgery (FUSS), involves removing a strip from the scalp on the donor area. The surgeon will separate the strip into small grafts, usually 500 – 2000 follicular units. Each graft holds one or more hair strands.

Using a blade or needle, the hair transplant surgeon will make tiny incisions into the recipient area to insert the graft, a procedure known as grafting. The number of hair grafts you can get will depend on the quality, type, and color of hair, including the size of the recipient site.

Recovery from Hair Transplant

FUT and FUE procedures may take hours or days, depending on the size of the area that needs hair. After the hair transplant surgery, you will have bandages on the donor site, which the surgeon will remove after 1 – 2 days. If you have stitches, the surgeon will remove them after 7 – 10. 

After the hair transplant, your scalp may be swollen and tender, but your surgeon will prescribe medications for the discomfort. You will also need anti-inflammatory medications for the swelling and antibiotics to prevent infection.

You can resume your routine activities 2 to 5 days after your procedure, but you need to follow the surgeon’s aftercare advice. The advice will include:

• Avoid washing your hair in the first few days after surgery
• Avoid combing over your new grafts for about three weeks
• Wash your hair with only mild shampoo in the first few weeks
• Visit the clinic for a follow-up appointment to ensure you are healing properly
• Avoid strenuous activities or exercise for the first three weeks post-surgery

Your transplanted hair will fall out between 2 and 6 weeks after your hair transplant surgery. You shouldn’t panic because this is normal, and new hair growth will start after a few months.

Side Effects of Hair Transplant Surgery

Generally, the hair transplant procedure is safe when carried out by an experienced surgeon. However, the following side effects may occur.

• Scalp pain
• Bleeding
• Scarring
• Scalp itching or swelling
• Scalp infections
• Raised bumps surrounding the hair follicles

Taking prescribed medications from your surgeon can relieve these side effects.

Is Hair Transplant Effective?

Hair transplant procedures have a higher success rate than other hair restorative procedures and products. In some cases, the hair will recede over time, and you may need to get follow-up treatment.

Hair transplant surgery is not an effective treatment option for people with hair loss due to chemotherapy or medication or widespread balding.

How Much Does an FUE Hair Transplant Cost?

FUE hair transplant cost depends on certain factors such as the surgeon’s qualification, the size of the area that needs the hair transplant, your location, and the technique used. On average, it costs £3000 – £11,000 for an FUE hair transplant.

You can get your sapphire FUE hair transplant in Turkey at Turkey Hair Transplants. Contact our clinic on 020 7371 9175 to schedule a consultation for your hair transplant.