FUT or Strip Method is the main, classic method of hair transplantation. In this case skin strip is cut from the back of head (donor area) and it is further divided into follicle units – grafts, which are transplanted into balding areas (recipient areas).
A graft is a transplant which includes from 1 to 3-4 follicles.
Hair transplantation with STRIP method consists of 4 stages:
- Skin strip cutting fro donor area
This is the main stage which distinguishes STRIP method from FUE (stitchless) method. In this case hair is not shaved. The only area which is shaved is the narrow line on the back of head, which is cut. After that a cosmetic stitch is made on the wound, which is covered with hair and is not visible even right after the surgery.
The surgeon’s experience and skills are very important on this stage. It is essential that he correctly defined the skin strip sizes (length and width), which is to be cut, that is the necessary prerequisite for further formation of invisible scar, as well as performing the plastic incision correctly. We use the plastic method of donor area, which forms a thin, linear scar, which is fully covered with hair after several month from the surgery and it is not noticeable even in case of short haircut. This method of putting stitches is provided by Mario Marzola and it is called Trichophytic Closure.
The scar on the donor area (back of head) after 4 month from hair transplantation surgery with Strip method.
It can only be noticed in case of shaved hair or a very short haircut.
2. Graft preparation is performed under a stereoscopic microscope, with 10-20 times magnification, which significantly improves quality of graft processing and lessens the possibility of follicle damaging. All of these factors are directly reflected in the results of the procedure.
3. Forming micro holes in recipient area
This is a highly important stage as the transplant hair density and direction is formed during it. The depth of the micro holes must exactly correspond the length of the grafts, in order the follicles to be transplanted in the layer of the skin where they can function naturally.
We use microsurgical tools and injections to form micro holes in our clinic, which form a tiny linear incision, 0,8- 1,0 mm in length. This enables us to achieve the maximum density of transplanted hair, which leads to the best cosmetic results.
4. Implanting grafts in balding areas
Special tweezers are used to implant grafts by assistant surgeons.
In case of using implanters, the 3rd and 4th stages are performed simultaneously. Micro holes aren’t formed at that time as the implanter pen stings the skin and places graft into it at the same time.
How to plan hair transplantation?
Well-planned surgery is the necessary prerequisite of high quality transplanted hair. That’s why it is important to make an appointment with a doctor and be consulted. Hair transplantation necessity is identified, donor hair is assessed and exacted number of grafts are calculated during the consultation. In addition to this, forehead line design is negotiated and the most effective and safest method for you is chosen; surgery stages are also defined. A patient should get full information about the possible achievable results in their case. Hair transplantation can only be considered as successfully performed if the results meet the patient’s expectations.
If you cannot visit our clinic, you can have an online consultation.
Hair transplantation surgery doesn’t require special preparation. Prior the surgery patient has to take the following analysis:
- General blood test
- The prothrombin time (PT) test
- Blood glucose test
- Infections test (hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV), AIDS, Syphilis).
Patient is not allowed to take alcohol two days prior the surgery.
How is the surgery performed?
Hair transplantation is an ambulatory procedure, its duration depends on the volume of the work to be done and last for 3-6 hours. The manipulation is done under the conditions of local anesthesia, it is absolutely painless, without any side effects, in free mode for the patient: he/she is comfortably placed in an armchair, able to watch desired TV program or a film, talk on the phone, listen to music, etc. Dinner is served to the patient during the break time.
What should we know after hair transplantation?
Patient starts washing hair and gets back to their occupation right the next day of hair transplantation.
In case of Strip method, a bandage can be put on the patient’s donor area (back of head) for one night and hard physical activity can be restricted for two weeks. In case of FUE method bandage is necessarily put on the donor area for one day and the patient can do any sport or physical activity right from the third day after the surgery.
Transplanted hair doesn’t require any special care or further treatment. Due to physiological stability of hair growth, healthy hair starts growing from the follicles in 2-3 month after the transplantation, and after 6 month significant effect is noticeable, maximum result is acjieved after 10-12 months.
It is impossible to distinguish transplanted hairs from the rest; they grow naturally and don’t fall. It can be cut, dyed, styled, etc.
