TLDR Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) can give great results and patient satisfaction when done carefully and by a skilled surgeon.
In 2008, Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) was presented as an advanced surgical technique for treating pattern alopecia, offering natural-looking results by transplanting groups of 1-4 hair follicles. The success of the procedure was noted to depend on the surgeon's skill and careful planning. FUT involved harvesting a scalp strip, dissecting it into follicular units, and implanting them into recipient sites. Postoperative care was important for healing, with hair growth starting around 3-4 months after surgery. For optimal density, patients typically needed 2-3 sessions, with examples given of patients receiving up to 3600 grafts. The document concluded that FUT could provide excellent outcomes with high satisfaction and low morbidity when performed with precision and appropriate patient selection.
1 citations,
October 2018 in “European Journal of Plastic Surgery” The study found that hair transplant complications are rare, with swelling being the most common issue.
4 citations,
August 2018 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Actual harvested hair follicles were fewer and differed in type from estimated, with older patients and those with multiple transplants needing more careful planning.
8 citations,
February 2016 in “The American Journal of Dermatopathology” Hair transplants can make hair follicles larger and hair shafts thicker.
6 citations,
January 2016 in “Journal of lasers in medical sciences” One session of Low Level Laser Therapy before hair transplantation doesn't significantly improve hair growth.
November 2013 in “Journal of clinical & experimental dermatology research” The follicular unit extraction method for hair transplants is a technique with benefits and drawbacks.
20 citations,
December 2010 in “Burns” PL-FUT is an effective hair restoration method for burn victims with minimal scarring and high patient satisfaction.
24 citations,
September 2002 in “Dermatologic Surgery” The place where hair is transplanted can affect its growth and survival rates.
83 citations,
April 1999 in “Dermatologic Surgery” The research found that for a typical hair density, about 11 square centimeters of donor scalp is needed to get 800 hair grafts for transplantation.