Achieve a fuller, natural-looking hairline with follicular unit transplantation (FUT), expertly performed by Sahar Nadimi, MD. This proven technique treats hair loss (alopecia) by transplanting follicular units from dense donor areas to thinning or balding spots. Ideal for men and women, FUT hair transplant in Chicago restores confidence through precise artistry and advanced surgical care, ensuring lasting, transformative results.
Restore dense hair using a thin strip of your hair
Follicular unit transplantation (FUT), commonly known as the strip method, is a highly effective surgical procedure to treat hair loss (alopecia). During FUT, a thin strip of hair-bearing skin is removed from the donor area, typically the back of the scalp, and meticulously dissected into individual follicular units under a microscope. These units are then transplanted to areas of thinning or balding. FUT is ideal for patients with longer hair or those who prefer minimal donor site shaving, providing natural, long-lasting results with a nearly invisible linear scar.
FUT (strip) hair transplant treats:
- Thinning or balding areas on the scalp
- Hairline recession and pattern baldness
- Scalp hair loss due to injury or trauma
- Alopecia in both men and women
- Hair loss in patients with longer hair who prefer minimal shaving
- Extensive hair loss requiring a high number of grafts
How does FUT (strip) hair transplant work?
During a FUT hair transplant in Chicago, Dr. Nadimi identifies the donor area, usually the mid-occipital region of the scalp, where hair is most resistant to thinning. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area. A thin strip of hair-bearing scalp, typically 1-2 cm in width and up to 20 cm long, is excised with surgical precision. The donor site is meticulously closed using the “trichophytic closure” technique, aligning edges to promote hair growth through the scar, resulting in a fine, nearly imperceptible line.
The harvested strip is immediately placed under high-powered stereoscopic microscopes for dissection. Technicians then separate the strip into thousands of follicular units, each containing one to four hairs. While this occurs, Dr. Nadimi designs the recipient sites, considering angle, direction, and density to mimic natural growth patterns. Each graft is delicately placed into pre-made incisions, ensuring optimal survival and natural-looking results.
What Are The Benefits For FUT Hair Restoration In Chicago?
- Harvests a high number of grafts in a single session
- Preserves donor hair density for future procedures
- Produces natural, long-lasting results
- Leaves a fine linear scar that is easily concealed with longer hair
- Achieves optimal graft survival rates
- Ideal for patients with extensive hair loss
- Avoids the need for extensive shaving of the donor area
- Provides a faster harvesting process compared to individual extraction techniques
- Suitable for both men and women with various hair types
FUT (strip) hair transplant FAQs
What Makes FUT Different From FUE?
The primary difference between FUT and FUE is how the hair grafts are harvested. In FUT, a thin strip of skin is removed from the donor area, which allows for a high volume of grafts to be harvested in one session. FUE, on the other hand, involves removing individual follicular units directly from the scalp using a motorized punch. While FUE avoids a linear scar, it requires shaving a larger donor area and is generally more time-intensive.
Will FUT Leave a Scar?
Yes, FUT results in a linear scar at the donor site, but Dr. Nadimi uses an advanced “trichophytic closure” technique to minimize its visibility. This method aligns the wound edges to encourage hair growth through the scar, making it nearly undetectable, especially for patients with longer hair. Patients with very short hairstyles may notice the scar, but it is typically fine and narrow.
How Many Grafts Can Be Transplanted in a Single FUT Session?
Depending on the size and density of the donor area, Dr. Nadimi can typically harvest up to 2500-3000 grafts but depends on the donor supply and restoration goals of the patient. This makes Chicago FUT hair transplant particularly advantageous for patients requiring a significant number of grafts to address extensive hair loss.
Is FUT More Painful Than FUE?
Both FUT and FUE are performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. However, the recovery process for FUT may involve slightly more discomfort due to the sutured incision in the donor area. Most patients describe the discomfort as mild and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medication.
What is the Recovery Time for FUT?
You can typically resume non-strenuous activities within 1-2 days, but you may need 7-10 days to recover fully and have the sutures removed. Swelling, mild soreness, and scabbing are common during the first week. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work within a week, although physical activities and heavy exercise should be avoided for about 2-3 weeks.
Who is a Good Candidate for FUT?
FUT is ideal for patients with moderate to extensive hair loss who require a large number of grafts. It’s also suitable for individuals with longer hair who want to avoid shaving the donor area, as well as those with good scalp laxity (flexibility). Women experiencing hair loss are often good candidates for FUT, as it doesn’t require extensive donor site trimming.
Can Women Undergo FUT?
Yes, women can undergo FUT, but candidacy depends on their hair loss pattern and the condition of their donor area. Determining candidacy starts with a detailed inspection of the donor area, which is especially important for women with hair loss, as they often have diffuse hair loss patterns that can impact donor suitability. For women with longer hair and a healthy donor area, FUT can be a great option since it trims only a narrow section of the donor site, leaving surrounding hair intact to conceal the scar.
How Soon Will I See the Results From FUT?
The transplanted hair follicles will begin to grow hair within 4-6 months with full results evident at 1 year. The transplanted hair is permanent and will continue to grow naturally, blending seamlessly with your existing hair.
Meet Dr. Nadimi
Sahar Nadimi, MD, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in advanced hair restoration techniques, including FUT hair transplant in Chicago. With her meticulous approach and expertise in natural hairline design, Dr. Nadimi creates transformative, life-enhancing results tailored to each patient. As clinical faculty at Loyola University Medical Center, she brings unparalleled precision and innovation to her practice. Schedule a consultation today to learn how FUT can restore your hair.
