FUT Hair Transplantation
For many individuals, hair loss is a significant concern that affects not only their appearance but also their self-esteem, even career growth. Recognizing this, hair transplantation has become a widely sought-after solution, offering a path to renewed confidence and hair growth. Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) stands as a cornerstone in the realm of hair restoration, renowned for its efficiency in treating extensive hair loss, yielding high-density results as well as natural gradient hairline, and being cost-effective.
So, what are your options when confronting hair loss? Which method aligns best with your needs? How can you leverage the latest advancements to reverse the signs of hair thinning? On this FUT page, you will discover detailed information about the FUT procedure, its advantages, and how to determine if it’s the right choice for you. We’ll tackle prevalent questions and highlight the cutting-edge developments that place FUT among the leading solutions for both men and women seeking hair restoration.
The landscape of hair transplantation has undergone remarkable transformations since its inception. It all started with Dr. Orentreich’s groundbreaking Punch Hair Transplant technique in the 1950s, which set the foundation for modern hair restoration. The field then progressed to Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) in the 1990s, a method that involves removing a strip of scalp with hair follicles and transplanting them to the balding areas.
Hair transplantation, a procedure familiar to many, involves relocating hair from densely haired regions of the scalp to areas experiencing thinning or baldness. When harvesting hairs from the donor area, there are 3 methods including FUT, FUE, and combination of FUT and FUE, each method has their own pros and cons.
What is FUT technique?
The FUT hair transplant also well known as strip surgery involves extraction of a strip of skin from the scalp, from which individual hair follicles are then meticulously removed and prepared for transplantation. The surgery typically takes between 4 to 8 hours and is usually quicker than the FUE method. Patients remain awake during the procedure, with local anesthesia applied to numb the scalp.
The FUT surgery involves several steps, starting with the preparation of the donor area and the extraction of the skin strip. After the follicles are harvested, the scalp is sutured, and the follicles are transplanted into balding areas in a pattern that mimics natural hair growth. This method is especially effective in covering receding hairlines and is best suited for men with male pattern baldness and women experiencing hair thinning at the top of their head.
Benefits of FUT Hair Transplant
FUT is a preferred choice for those who require a large number of follicles to be transplanted, as it allows for a significant number of grafts in one session. While it does leave a linear scar, this is typically concealed by existing hair and fades over time. However, for those who prefer to keep their hair short, FUE might be a more suitable alternative due to its less noticeable scarring. The cost of FUT varies depending on factors like the number of follicles transplanted, the surgeon’s experience, and the clinic’s location.
Despite the possibility of a scar and a longer recovery period compared to FUE, FUT remains a viable and effective option for many seeking to address hair loss with natural and long-lasting results.
- Cost-effective
- Better option for a larger number of hair follicles
- Shorter surgery time
- Ability to harvest variety thickness of hairs for a natural hairline
- Do not have to shave
Why Maxwell
2-Step Hairline Design
Our doctors will design the most ideal and natural hairline for each individual patients.
Two-stage designing process for the most ideal hairline. By using a special laser, we can find the most suitable hairline for each patient’s facial shape and size, designing symmetrical hairlines. On top of that, the second round of medical staff will manually complete the ideal design considering the characteristics and tastes of each patient.
High Density Transplant
We’ve integrated various medical technologies, traditionally used in bone fractures and wound treatments, to enable denser, more finely packed hair transplants than ever before. You can expect a natural hairline even from just 10cm away.
Crafting a natural-looking hairline for different hair loss patterns is important, and density is key to achieving a genuinely authentic result. A high-density hair transplant isn’t just about closely packing grafts—it’s a complex process that involves understanding different directions of hair, carefully designing the hairline, and transplanting, to ensure the hair grows according to plan. From the moment of extraction to the post-transplant care, the entire procedure must be carried out with precision and stability. At Maxwell Hair Clinic, we meticulously manage every step to guarantee the hair not only grows but flourishes in a manner that appears natural and seamless to your unique hair patterns, without anyone noticing even from 10cm away.
A Fuller Result with Fewer Hairs
It’s not just about the number of grafts but about achieving a fuller look with the same quantity. By arranging transplanted hairs in a grid pattern or interspersing thin hairs amongst thicker ones, we provide a lush and voluminous outcome.
Determining the correct number of grafts for a successful hair transplant requires considering factors beyond just the treatment area. Younger individuals generally need denser grafts due to naturally thicker surrounding hair. Different ages and densities necessitate tailored approaches, with meticulous planning for potential future hair loss and secondary surgeries. Maxwell Hair Clinic’s 20-year tradition of tracking patient outcomes has refined our expertise in not only planning but also precision in graft harvesting and transplantation, ensuring long-lasting satisfaction. Harvested hairs can usually be much more than transplanted hairs, this graft loss can be as high as 30% without skilled execution. Our careful process, supported by an in-house medical team, minimizes graft loss, making the difference of up to a thousand hairs in larger procedures.
As Natural As Your Own Hair
We perform a gradient transplant at Maxwell to achieve a hairline as natural as your own hairline
The natural hairline slowly thickens as it goes backward, so we go through the process called gradient transplantation. It is possible by selecting hair follicles of different sizes before transplanting them. This process requires experience and know-how because it is a sophisticated procedure.
Harvest Without Scars
Our doctors will harvest hairs from donor area with discreet incision, and invisible scars.
To harvest the donor follicles for transplantation, a discreet incision and closure are made at the back of the head. During this process, a fine, thin scar line can remain, which is less than ideal if it’s too noticeable. However, our doctors at Maxwell will perform the procedure using techniques refined through extensive experience and research, ensuring that scars are nearly imperceptible.
A Dense Front, A Lush Crown
The hairline and crown require different transplantation techniques. High density is crucial for the front, while for the crown, it’s important to cover the maximum area by focusing on the angle and direction of hair growth.
Maxwell Hair Clinic takes a meticulous approach to crown hair transplants, focusing not only on density but on the aesthetic flow and caliber of hair for a rich, natural look. We prioritize the implantation of thicker grafts in the crown area and finer ones as we move away, ensuring seamless integration with existing hair. Utilizing advanced techniques and high-magnification tools, we safeguard the delicate native hair while enhancing overall fulness. Our process is designed to amplify the crown’s volume and preserve the natural pattern of hair growth, leading to a superior and enduring transformation.
Preventive Prediction
Hair loss can continue even after transplantation. At Maxwell, we predict the progression of hair loss and transplant follicles preemptively. This ensures that if more hair loss occurs, it remains unnoticeable.
Different strategies are needed for different hair loss stages, this is particularly important for younger patients who are in their 20s to 40s, considering their active hair loss progression. Without predictive measures, you could face the need for additional surgeries within 2-3 years. We ensure that our transplants not only address current thinning areas but also anticipate and cover future balding spots, making maintenance easier and reducing the need for further procedures. Our strategy offers significant benefits, including cost savings, and highlights the importance of choosing experienced professionals for a personalized transplant plan that factors in long-term outcomes.
Target 100% Survival Rate
Transplanted hairs must thrive fully. The best result is the only thing we care. The delicate nature of hair transplantation surgery means that the success rate can vary by up to 30% depending on the surgeon’s experience and skill. We target 100% survival rate at Maxwell.
Maxwell emphasizes precision in hair follicle separation, matching the angle and flow of natural hair growth to save over 500 potential grafts that might otherwise be lost through damage. Due to the dense nature of the donor area, only experienced medical teams can skillfully navigate such intricacies. Efficiency is critical, as follicle viability decreases by 10% every four hours post-separation. Our skilled team completes separation and transplantation within 2-3 hours to maximize survival rates. Moreover, careful transplantation at the correct depth for each individual is crucial to prevent complications and ensure graft survival. We also understand that excessively high densities can be detrimental; therefore, we determine the optimal density unique to each patient for the best results. To further improve graft survival, we employ advanced techniques like magnetic fields to foster cell regeneration and phototherapy to expedite healing, thereby connecting grafts securely and quickly to the blood supply.
Change Your Life in 1 Day
Quick Recovery, Pain-Free
We ensure minimal disruption to your daily life, you can go back to all regular activities in the same day!
The most important thing is the surgery process—we minimize pain and simplify recovery. Through this process, you can return to your daily life for the same day without any problems. You can shampoo the next day and resume daily activities in just two days.
How it Works
Consultation
Share the pictures with your doctor, get a comprehensive online consultation including examination, a rough number of hairs, best treatment options, the final quote, as well as the deposit process and scheduling
Hairline Design
Visit the hospital, have an in-person consultation, and final hairline design based on your skin condition and facial structure, decide the most ideal hairline with your doctor
Preparation
On the surgery day, you will have a pre-operational preparation with seamless assistance our medical team and translation team
Surgery
The surgery involves harvesting and transplantation, duration depends on the number of hairs and techniques of the surgery with decades of experience. After the surgery, our medical team will assist you with a comprehensive education on what you can expect, and how you can take care of both donor and recipient area, as well as getting the medications in the pharmacy
Post-op Care
You will come back to the hospital, have a follow-up with your surgeon before leaving Seoul. At the same time, we will provide post-op treatments like shampoo service and laser therapy to strengthen hair follicles
Stitches Removal
Most of our patients fly back to their home countries the day after the surgery. In the FUT method, the stitches need to be removed on Day 10. However, for patients who must return to their home countries, we can either use dissolvable stitches or provide medical documents that enable you to have your stitches removed in your home country at any time.
FUT Hair Transplant Surgery Process
Step 1: Harvest
On the day of your surgery, the donor area where your hair is still thick will be prepared. This is usually at the back or side of your head. The surgeon will give you local anesthesia to numb the area. For FUT, instead of using a machine to take out individual hairs like in FUE, the surgeon cuts out a strip of skin. This strip has lots of hair follicles in it.
FUT surgeries do not require the donor area to be shaven, as the doctor does not need to remove the follicles one-by-one, but instead just removes the entire strip. Therefore, even though this leaves a linear scar, it’s usually hidden by your hair. The unshaved method is preferable as the scar remains completely invisible.
Step 2: Transplantation
After taking the strip of skin, the surgeon separates it into smaller hair grafts. These grafts are kept safe until they’re ready to be put into the balding areas of your head. The balding areas are often at the front, top, or sides of your head. The surgeon uses special tools to carefully place each graft. They make sure to follow the natural direction of your hair growth. This helps make your new hair look natural and blend in with the rest of your hair.
Under local anesthesia, doctor will remove a strip of your skin from the donor area based on pre-design you and your surgeon agreed
The professionals then carefully plucks out the hair graft with tweezers. These grafts are kept fresh in certain temparature until they are ready to be placed.
The assistant uses tools to divide the grafts, which ranges from one to several hairs, ensuring a variety of graft thicknesses necessary for a natural-gradient hair transplant
The experienced doctor will carefully perform the transplantation step. It is crucial to achieve a seamless and natural-looking hairline. Carefully sorting these grafts is a delicate and detailed phase before they are strategically implanted.
Take Away
- Takes around 4-6 hours
- Linear scar across the donor area
- Recovery may take longer due to scar size
- Sutures need to be removed
- More painful than FUE
- Survivability rate of grafts is over 95%
- Recommended for longer hairstyles
FUT Hair Transplant Recovery Timeline
Day 2~14
You may feel pain for the first week. The day after surgery, we will provide post-operative care, including removing the bandage from donor area, disinfection dressing, shampoo service and laser treatment for the maximum viability. We recommend using anti-biotic spray for 3 days.
If you decide to proceed with FUT hair transplant, there will be stitches on the back of your head in the donor area on day 10. Most of our patients still fly back to their home country the following day after the shampoo service.
In which case, our surgeons will use dissolvable stitches, or providing medical document so that you can remove the remaining stitches in your home country. In that case, you can fly the following day of the surgery.
How to wash hair
You can wash your hair by yourself at home starting on the third day. Please tilt your head back when using shampoo, in order to avoid pulling on the sutured area. Please do not rub the recipient area for 2 weeks. After applying the recommended bubble shampoo, rinse your hair after 2-3 minutes with body-temperature water, with very low water pressure. You can wash your hair normally after 2 weeks.
Day 15~30
70-80% of the transplanted hair will fall out during this period together with some original hairs, but please do not worry as this is normal during the recovery process. After 3 to 5 months, hairs will start to grow normally.
You can experience folliculitis in the surgical area during this period before hairs start to grow. In most cases, applying the antibiotic ointment (Fucidin, Madecassol cream, etc) will resolve the issue.
If you are living in Korea, you can also regularly visit our clinic for a regular check-up in this period.
This is the period patients worry the most because hairs will be going through shock loss, but also the period new hairs start to grow slowly, mostly growing like 1cm per month, so please do not worry, it takes a bit more time before it begins to resemble the result we are hoping for.
From about the 4th month, hairs will start to grow slowly. It is normal to look like you are losing the hairs up to 3-6 months, or even look worse than before, however, please do not worry, we just need to be patient a little bit longer.
After 6 months, hairs start to become comb-able.
Month 10
Hairs will actively grow on the recipient area, with hair loss treatment, number of hairs and thickness can even be better in this period.
Year 1
The hair will gain in thickness & length, and may also change in character. It generally takes one year to see the full results of a hair transplant. We recommend to have a 1-year follow up with your surgeon, as 1-year is usually the time that you can expect a full result.
Hair Transplant at Maxwell in Korea
At Maxwell Hair Clinic, we understand that undergoing a hair transplant is a significant decision, no matter where you are in the world. Our experts specialize in providing a seamless and convenient experience for international patients seeking high-quality, affordable hair restoration in the heart of Seoul (South Korea), Gangnam. With extensive experience across a diverse range of ethnicities and hair types, our doctors are committed to delivering personalized treatments tailored to meet your unique needs.
Undergoing surgery in another country may seem daunting. However, at Maxwell Hair Clinic, we developed every process as straightforward and effortless as possible for international patients. Maxwell Hair Clinic is a globally recognized center for excellence in hair transplant procedures. We have assisted patients from the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, France, Mexico, UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, and more.
Korea’s medical procedures are noted for their high quality and relative affordability. With hair transplant costs, including accommodation and flight, often cheaper than in North America and Europe, the decision to choose Maxwell clinic becomes even more appealing.
Here are some important information you may want to know:
How can I do online consultation?
Begin your journey with a simple online consultation. Please fill out our form below, then our medical team will guide you through doctor consultation, a tailored treatment plan, treatment timeline and quote, scheduling, and payment process
How much does it cost to travel to Korea?
Accommodation: Typical rates range between $50-$200 per day.
Meals: Average restaurant meals in Seoul are about $10~$20.
Flights: Prices vary depending which city are you flying from, and when, so we recommend checking a few months in advance to find the best deal.
How can I go to the clinic?
Upon your arrival, we can arrange an airport pick-up limousine based on your flight information, price for airport limousine from Incheon Airport to central Seoul (where Maxwell Hair Clinic is located) is about $80. If you prefer to travel independently, you can utilize the airport bus for approximately $15, or a taxi for roughly $80 to central Seoul.
What happens on the treatment day?
On the surgery day, our dedicated consultants and medical team will welcome you to our state-of-the-art facility for your final diagnosis and personalized hairline design.
At every follow-up appointment at Maxwell, you will have your personal translator. The duration of the FUT surgery can last between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the number of grafts and the surgical method chosen. Afterwards, our consultant will ensure you are comfortably settled back at your hotel.
After the procedure, you’ll have a follow-up check, free shampoo service, and laser therapy for soothing the skin. For FUT surgery patients, you will have to come back for stitches removal on Day 10.
In the meantime, take the opportunity to explore and relax in Seoul, a city rich in culture and modern conveniences. When it’s time to depart, we can also arrange an airport drop-off limousine based on your flight information, one-way airport limousine from central Seoul (where Maxwell Hair Clinic is located) to Incheon Airport is approximately $80.
Begin today
Request a Consultation
Ready to take the first step? Submit the consultation form below for a closer look at your options for the transformation!
Our doctors are highly skilled with many decades of experience working on all types of ethnicities and scalp types, you won’t regeret!