We understand you may have questions if you’re considering hair replacement therapy. Explore our FAQ list to find answers to common inquiries about FUT and FUE Hair Transplant procedures.
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Q: What procedure should I have – FUT or FUE?
A: The final decision for the type of surgery depends upon an examination of the donor scalp, density of and quality of the donor follicles, and other factors. The in-office consultation, patient history, and examination with Zack Charkawi, M.D., and he will assist you in making the final decision. In general, Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) can be performed on most patients desiring a fuller head of hair. Often the FUT method is less expensive and produces excellent results.
A: Hair transplant surgery is typically priced at a cost per graft. A graft is a natural cluster or grouping of hairs (typically 1-4 hairs), also commonly referred to as the strip method or( Follicular Unit Transplant) FUT. FUE hair transplant surgery (Follicular Unit Extraction) involves removing these follicular units individually, one at a time directly from the scalp using a special instrument. FUT (strip surgery) involves removing a strip of tissue containing hair and then each follicular unit is removed individually from the tissue or donor strip thereafter. FUE hair transplant surgery is usually more expensive as the process of FUE surgery requires a greater amount of time to extract the grafts due to the tedious nature of the procedure. Each procedure has been proven to be highly successful in producing natural-looking results.
The actual cost can only be determined after you have your consultation At that time, you can fully discuss with Dr. Charkawi which method will best suit your desired outcome.
A: There are some minor, often temporary side effects which can be directly associated with a hair transplant: From a surgical standpoint, all hair restoration surgeries are safe when done under local anesthesia. It is considered a relatively minor ambulatory surgical procedure with minimal risks. It is common to experience some bleeding, itching and swelling but these side effects usually subside after a few weeks. Pain is minimal and may last for several days; most patients find that acetaminophen will relieve the moderate pain.
Q: When can I go back to work?
A: Most people who work in the public eye or just don’t want any visible traces of having had a hair restoration procedure take a week off work after their procedure. But again, this can vary from person to person. We generally recommend being off work around 7 to 10 days depending on your skin type.
Q: When will my newly transplanted hair start to grow?
A: There is no difference between the FUT and automated FUE techniques when the hair follicle begins to grow. Normally it takes between three to five months following surgery before the transplanted hair follicles begin to grow new hair. Results will vary from one patient to another, and it may take up to twelve months for the hair follicle to grow.
Q: Does the cost of an FUT vary from an FUE?
A: The automated FUE procedure is typically more expensive than the FUT method. Performing hair restoration surgery using the automated approach is time consuming and is more costly.
Q: Which is better: FUE or FUT?
A: Both FUE and FUT can deliver thick and natural-looking results. However, FUT may be more suitable for individuals with fine hair or those who prefer shorter hairstyles. At Springs Hair Restoration, we specialize in both techniques and can recommend the best option for you.
Q: In a nutshell, what is Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE)?
A: FUE involves removing individual hair follicles, resulting in no visible scarring and a fast recovery. It’s ideal for smaller procedures.
Q: In brief, what Is Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT)?
A: FUT may be preferred for individuals with fine hair and individuals with limited donor site. It also offers a fast recovery and is suitable for larger procedures.
Q: What is a graft?
A: A graft is a unit of hair containing one, two, three, or four hairs. In the context of hair transplantation, grafts are harvested from a donor area and transplanted into the recipient area to restore hair growth. Each graft typically contains hair follicles along with surrounding tissue.
Q: How many clinic visits are needed after surgery?
A: Most patients require one or two follow-up visits. However, unlike other practices, Springs Hair Restoration follows up with patients for up to 1 year, ensuring comprehensive care until hair growth is complete.
Q: Which transplantation method is preferred?
A: FUT and FUE are the preferred methods, with punch grafting and mini-micro-grafting being less common and inferior options.
Q: Who is the best candidate for Hair Transplants?
A: While men and women in their 20s with severe hair loss may be suitable candidates, hair transplants are typically reserved for men over 30 years old. The majority of patients undergoing hair transplants are in their 50s.
Q: Where else can hair be transplanted?
A: Hair can be transplanted to various areas of the body, including eyebrows, mustaches, beards, sideburns, and eyelashes.
Q: Can Hair Transplantation be done over scars?
A: Yes, hair transplant surgery can cover scars from burns, injuries, accidents, or previous surgeries on the scalp.
Q: Do women experience baldness?
A: Yes, albeit to a lesser extent. Female pattern hair loss is genetic and can be treated with medication, or hair transplant surgery.
Q: Are there any side effects?
A: Potential side effects include swelling, redness, pain, and shedding, which are manageable with proper care and technique.
Q: How to care for transplanted hair?
A: Avoid trauma to the surgical site during healing. Once healed, normal hair care activities are permitted.
Q: How long do transplanted hairs last?
A: Transplanted hairs are long-lasting and retain their original characteristics.
Q: Is hair transplant surgery painful?
A: There may be some discomfort when anesthesia is injected during the first 20 minutes, but the discomfort during the procedure is minimal to none, as it can be effectively managed by localized anesthesia.
Q: How long does the surgery take?
A: Surgery duration varies based on individual needs, with estimates provided during consultation.
Q: What is a good option to treat baldness?
A: Hair Transplant Surgery offers long-lasting results and effective hair restoration.
Q: Can baldness be prevented?
A: . Early detection allows for preventative treatments to preserve existing hair and prevent further loss.
Q: How many sessions will be required?
A: The total balding surface area to be covered with transplanted hair grafts will determine the number of procedures you need. The average scalp contains 100,000 follicles before any hair loss occurs. Hair loss is not perceived by patients until approximately 50% of the hair follicles are lost. At Men’s Health Atlanta, Dr. Charkawi can harvest 2000 grafts in a single surgical session/day.
Q: How many grafts will I need?
A: The number of grafts you will need ultimately depends on your degree of hair loss and desired density.
Q: Will my hair look natural?
A: Natural aesthetic outcomes are typical with FUT and FUE procedures. Dr. Charkawi’s artistry and attention to detail are a real asset when it comes to hair loss surgery and treatment.
Other Questions Arise
Naturally, patients have questions and concerns about any medical procedure. Many questions are personal in nature and specific to the individual’s situation. Dr. Charkawi understands this, and takes his time to answer questions and counsel his patients based on the latest research. Make an appointment for a consultation to talk with the Dr. about hair restoration.
Each patient is unique; therefore, results may vary.
FAQs Men’s Health Atlanta: Amazing Hair Restoration: Dr Charkawi at Men’s Health Atlanta is an expert who can help you look and feel better. Make an appointment to discuss hair transplantation. Dr. Charkawi has treated hundreds of patient in the Atlanta, GA, area including Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Marietta, Milton, Cumming, Athens, Greater Atlanta and Lawrenceville. Schedule an appointment to see if hair transplant surgery could be right for you.
We offer private and complimentary Hair Transplant consultations at both of our locations at Johns Creek Dermatology and Springs Hair Restoration.